Be Well Naturally

04/05/2026

Winter invites us to slow down, conserve our energy, and nurture ourselves, so as we move toward the season, I’ll be taking a pause from my regular newsletters and social media - a little seasonal hibernation!

MY CLINIC REMAINS OPEN, and I will continue to be available for consultations - in person or online; this hibernation is simply about communications.

As a little parting gift, I’m once again sharing one of my favourite winter kitchen companions - a delicious and nourishing Garlic Herb Ferment. It’s the perfect way to boost your immune system and combat a cold or flu, or to add flavour to your soups, stews and stir fry's
https://suestokes.co.nz/blog/recipe-garlic-herb-ferment/

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support.

Sue Stokes
Herbalist | Natural Health | Nutritional Advice | Massage
www.suestokes.co.nz
027 271 7070

22/04/2026

Following on from my post last week on Allergies, let's have a look at the difference between a balanced and imbalanced immune system - and the conditions that can develop when that balance is lost.

LINK:https://static-gcs.edit.site/users-files/jdj5jdewjdjol0nkweiywwzjblvgzznz/A-Balanced-Immune-System.pdf

15/04/2026

Allergies - many people have them but by understanding the body more clearly, can we avoid them?

BLOG: https://suestokes.co.nz/blog/allergies-1/

An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a substance that is normally harmless.
From a broader perspective, allergies are a sign that the immune system is out of balance - reacting too strongly to something that should be tolerated. This is why approaches that support overall immune health, including gut health, can play an important role in managing and reducing allergic responses over time.

07/04/2026

To all my wonderful clients - and everyone here - Happy World Health Day 2026 🌿
Today is a great day to check in with yourself and ask: what’s one small thing I can do to support my health?
True health is about balance - nourishing your body, supporting your mind, and working with your body, not against it.

05/04/2026

Daylight savings has ended… how are you feeling today?

If you’re a bit off, tired, or not quite yourself — you’re not imagining it.

From a holistic perspective, even a one-hour shift can disrupt your body more than we realise. Our circadian rhythm — the internal clock that regulates sleep, energy, digestion, and hormones — is largely controlled by light.

When the clocks change, your body doesn’t instantly adjust — it has to catch up.

This can affect sleep quality, energy levels, mood, and hormones — especially melatonin, which helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle.

A few simple ways to support your body over the next few days:
☀️ Get morning sunlight as early as you can
🥗 Eat regular, balanced meals
📴 Wind down earlier in the evening
😴 Allow a little extra rest if you need it

It’s not just the clock changing — it’s your body recalibrating.

Be kind to yourself while it adjusts 🌿

01/04/2026

I’ve had a few clients this week report experiencing sudden onset balance/vertigo symptoms, alongside nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhoea. While this is only a small sample, it may suggest something currently circulating in the community.

In these cases, symptoms were relatively short-lived, with people returning to normal within several hours.

If you experience similar symptoms, please ensure you are somewhere safe, prioritise rest, and stay well hydrated. If symptoms are severe, persistent, or you are concerned, seek medical advice.

25/03/2026

I've heard some positive feedback about this challenge and I'm super proud of those giving it a go!
If you haven't already, tell me how you're getting on? Are you finding it easy? What new tastes have you discovered?
Comment below or PM me - I love to hear your stories.

DID YOU KNOW: Our ancestors ate over 2,000 different plant varieties. Today, most of us rely on fewer than 100!!
-- More Colour -- More Variety -- Better Health --

The 30+ Fruit & Veg Variety Challenge is about eating 30 different types of fruits and vegetables each week. The focus isn’t how much you eat - it’s how wide a range you include.
Why does variety matter? What Counts? Why This Works. How to Make It Easy and How to Make It More Challenging.
Find out more: https://suestokes.co.nz/blog/30-fruit-veg-challenge

17/03/2026

I've expanded my offerings from stall to shed; loving it!
Pop along and see for yourself.
Some fruit is marked from hail, but it tastes amazing ... Good natural food is so good for us.

16/03/2026

DID YOU KNOW: Our ancestors ate over 2,000 different plant varieties. Today, most of us rely on fewer than 100!!
-- More Colour -- More Variety -- Better Health --

The 30+ Fruit & Veg Variety Challenge is about eating 30 different types of fruits and vegetables each week. The focus isn’t how much you eat - it’s how wide a range you include.
Why does variety matter? What Counts? Why This Works. How to Make It Easy and How to Make It More Challenging.
Find out more: https://suestokes.co.nz/blog/30-fruit-veg-challenge

11/03/2026

This product is particularly beneficial for individuals following a specialist diet that may lead to nutritional insufficiencies.
__________

Scientifically formulated multivitamin and mineral supplement
Metagenics High Strength BioEssentials is a scientifically formulated multivitamin and mineral supplement designed to support daily vitality and overall health.
It contains activated B vitamins and chromium, which help with energy production, glucose metabolism, and cognitive function.
Additionally, it is free from common allergens and artificial additives, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

Prescription only medicine - call Sue today, 027 271 7070