Earth Sourced Naturopath & Medical Herbalist

Earth Sourced Naturopath & Medical Herbalist Hello! I'm Naturopath & Herbalist who blends the science of natural medicine with the wisdom of the earth. Im a passionate womens wellness practitioner.

I believe that healing isn’t about fixing what’s broken — it’s about remembering your wholeness. I've been a practicing Naturopath and Medical Herbalist since 2006. Previously I worked for a decade as a program leader for a naturopathic college developing diplomas, writing material and leading workshops. My passion is working alongside my clients, seeing them making changes which bring happiness,

a sense of pride, hope and ongoing good health. Not to mention a good dose of self love! I specialise in fertility, allergies and gut health, and emotional balance, but I have the knowledge to help with all health issues.

NEW WEBSITE, ONLINE PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS!After years of work behind the scenes, my new website is now live 💜🙌 www.earths...
18/04/2026

NEW WEBSITE, ONLINE PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS!
After years of work behind the scenes, my new website is now live 💜🙌 www.earthsourced.co.nz

This has been a space I’ve wanted to create for a long time - somewhere that truly reflects the way I work and the level of support I offer.

Alongside the new site, I’ve refined my programs and my focus - now specialising in supporting women and their families through all stages of health.

I’m also offering both online and in-person consultations, making it easier to access support in a way that suits you. I’m taking new clients at the moment.

I’ve introduced a range of new in person workshops, everything from creating preserves to medicine making.

All Detox & Weight Loss programs are now fully online - so you can move through them at any time, from wherever you are.

Each program includes:
• Complete menu guides & recipes
• Shopping lists
• Daily videos or learning support
• A clear, structured approach so you’re never guessing what to do next. It’s PACKED with my knowledge!

This work is built on over 20 years of experience, supporting real, lasting change — not quick fixes.
If you’ve been thinking about starting, everything is now available to explore online 🥰

A big thank you to Dan Thurston Crow for starting this process with me & for my cousin Chloe Waretini coming out of web design retirement to rebuild me a new website. She is a healer now working with exhausted muma’s so we are in alignment. Here is her website https://embodied-mothering.com/ Also thank you to Emma Boyd of Creative Kinds photography who took the photos for the website. Im so incredibly grateful to each of you! 💜

Time to celebrate 🙌 my expression of this new specialised direction is out in the world! Yahoo!!!

Shine bright, Nicola 🌱

Earth Sourced Naturopathy is a clinic in New Plymouth supporting women and families with hormonal balance, stress, gut health and natural healing. Compassionate care, herbal medicine, and holistic wellness.

Fascinating! Is there no end to Harakeke’s benefits?!
04/04/2026

Fascinating! Is there no end to Harakeke’s benefits?!

It grows everywhere and now testing at Auckland university has found its fibres can pull forever chemicals from water.

HOW SPECIALISED HEALTH PRACTITIONERS BEAT ChatGPT HANDS DOWNDid you know that I’ve been in clinical practice for over 20...
04/04/2026

HOW SPECIALISED HEALTH PRACTITIONERS BEAT ChatGPT HANDS DOWN
Did you know that I’ve been in clinical practice for over 20 years?

From a child I’d additionally always had a knack for compassion & reading people, massaging & growing herbs. I was interested in spirituality & astrology & numerology too.

I see more people turning to AI like ChatGPT for answers to their health everyday. And after several months of playing with its capabilities (very carefully…consider who holds this data from you & what it might be used for) i can see there are definitely uses for it.

But I also see massive gaps in its capabilities. Which allows specialist healers like myself & my brethren a place to stand.
SOME KEYS TOOLS IT IS USEFUL FOR:
🤖Checking interactions with herbs, supplements & medications.
🤖Understanding disease processes biologically
🤖 Understanding scientifically proven causes of these diseases
🤖 Treatment options that are again extensively scientifically proven in studies or other forms of research. Whether medical or natural & their dosaging for conditions
🤖 Clients could input my plans for them on it & it could create weekly menus with recipes & shopping lists - love this function!

But I started to notice some SHORTFALLS in ChatGPT
🥗 When offered different cases commonly the same herbs or supplements would be offered
🥗 Plant forward diets were rarely recommended & no consideration for the cost of high meat intake / seafood on our planet (or budget or health) or mention of healthy sources of protein ie pasture raised animals & chicken or non farmed seafood
🥗 Bias on well proven issues such as the dangers of various heavy metals, chemicals & medications on our bodies (especially vaccines)
🥗 Limited understanding on the energetic underpinnings of emotions/trauma & disease
🥗 Often it would state I had the plan completely wrong (chasing the wrong angle, or using wrong diet or supplements) yet when the client came in for a follow up they were thriving their & symptoms has improved or gone
🥗 Limited integration of energy healing modalities
And so much more…

So while I can see it has a place, I wouldn’t rely on it.

OUR TRAINING
Remember naturopaths like myself are trained in nutrition & healing modalities for 3 years. We spend years learning to understand how the body works. We learn to use medical tools & testing as well as our own tools such as iridology & tongue diagnosis. We learn about energetic understanding of disease.

MY ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
I also spent a decade working in a naturopathic college, running workshops, building online diplomas, & mentoring students.

I’ve continued in post graduate mentorship because I’m so passionate about my industry & I know our communities need us.

Im the editor for the New Zealand Association of Medical Herbalists journal called the Avena because education & ongoing learning is vital for our industries success (I’m also a medical herbalist).

From all this experience over the last 20 years i have a great well of knowledge and intuition that guides my recommendations and the results i get.

SUPPORT YOUR HEALERS
So if you want to have access to your local naturopath or herbalists knowledge & skills then support them. Attend their workshops, have an appointment, complete a program or try their prepared remedies. We are a better investment than AI and what those profits are funding. More on this: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/mar/04/quit-chatgpt-subscription-boycott-silicon-valley

Here are a couple of my recent reviews from really chronic conditions. Thank you Adam & Niki 🥰

Im so grateful to do this work & witness people not only recover but find the learning & their new journey forward in life. Whether it’s listening to the messages from their body, or choosing to correctly nourish themselves, or how to listen to their instincts & feelings of dysregulation, or clearing trauma induced disease.

So in short support your healers & we will support & guide you too 💜🥰💜

If you would like to book a consultation (online or in person) or massage with me just pm me.
Shine bright! Nic

The Truth About Bagged Salad: What You’re Really EatingAs a naturopath, I’m often asked whether those convenient bags of...
30/03/2026

The Truth About Bagged Salad: What You’re Really Eating

As a naturopath, I’m often asked whether those convenient bags of mixed lettuce are actually healthy. The answer is… a bit more complicated than you might think.

Let’s break it down
💧How bagged lettuce is processed
Most pre-packaged salads are “triple washed” in sanitising solutions — often chlorine-based or similar disinfectants. These are used to reduce harmful bacteria and are considered safe at regulated levels. However read my earlier articles on the issues with chloride & sodium fluoride.

But here’s the catch: washing doesn’t sterilise the leaves. Bacteria can still remain hidden in tiny crevices, and once the leaves are cut, they become even more vulnerable.

🦠 The real concern: bacterial growth
Bagged greens are chopped, handled, and sealed in moist environments — ideal conditions for bacteria to grow over time.
As the leaves age:
They break down
Release nutrients and moisture
Become a breeding ground for microbes
This is why slimy or older leaves carry a higher risk — particularly for Listeria, which can grow even in the fridge.

🤰 Important note for pregnancy
Listeria infection, while rare, can have serious consequences during pregnancy. Pre-packaged, ready-to-eat salads are one of the known higher-risk foods because they are consumed raw and stored for extended periods.

🍃 Nutritional downsides
Freshness matters for nutrients — and bagged salads lose more than just crunch:
Vitamin C declines rapidly after cutting and storage
Folate (important for pregnancy) can degrade over time
Polyphenols and antioxidants reduce with exposure to air and light
So while it may look “green and healthy,” it’s often nutritionally diminished compared to freshly picked or freshly cut greens.

🥗 What about bagged spinach? (Goitrogen note)
Spinach naturally contains compounds called goitrogens, which can interfere with iodine uptake and thyroid function — especially when eaten in large amounts, raw, and frequently.

Bagged spinach can be a double issue:
Often consumed raw (higher goitrogen exposure vs cooked)
Frequently older → lower nutrient density
For most people this isn’t a major issue in moderation, but if you have thyroid concerns, it’s worth being mindful.

🌿 Better alternatives
If you’re aiming for optimal health, consider:
✔️ Whole heads of lettuce (cos, butter, iceberg)
✔️ Fresh herbs and leafy greens from local markets
✔️ Growing your own greens (even a small pot!)
✔️ Washing and preparing greens yourself just before eating
✔️ Lightly cooking greens when appropriate (reduces microbial and goitrogen load).

✨ Simple rule of thumb:
The closer your food is to its natural, whole state — and the sooner you eat it after harvest — the better it supports your health.

💚 Convenience has its place, but when it comes to leafy greens, fresh really is best.

Shine bright, Nic

🥒 Pickled Veggies for Digestion + Easy Flavour IdeasPickled vegetables are one of the simplest (and most underrated) way...
30/03/2026

🥒 Pickled Veggies for Digestion + Easy Flavour Ideas

Pickled vegetables are one of the simplest (and most underrated) ways to support digestion while adding a punch of flavour to your meals.

While they don’t contain the same probiotics as fermented foods, pickled vegetables can still be incredibly helpful for digestion thanks to their natural acidity, which can stimulate digestive enzymes and support stomach function.

They’re also:
✔️ Easy to make
✔️ Budget-friendly
✔️ A great way to increase vegetable intake
✔️ Perfect for adding flavour without relying on heavy sauces and calorie rich options.

🌿 Build Better Pickles (It’s all about the aromatics)
Pickled vegetables are highly versatile — you can completely change the flavour profile depending on what you add to the jar.
Essential base aromatics:
Garlic
Mustard seeds
Coriander seeds
Bay leaves

From there, you can get creative 👇
🥒 Flavour Ideas to Try
1. Classic “Dill” Pickles
Best for: Cucumbers, green beans, zucchini
Add: Dill, garlic, mustard seeds, peppercorns, bay leaf
Optional: Chili flakes for heat
2. Asian-Style (Bright & Sweet)
Best for: Carrots, daikon, red onion
Add: Ginger, garlic, chili flakes, sesame seeds
Use: Rice vinegar
3. Spicy & Warming
Best for: Cauliflower, carrots, okra
Add: Turmeric, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, chili, cinnamon
Optional: Lemon peel
4. Mediterranean Style
Best for: Mixed vegetables
Add: Oregano, garlic, fennel seeds, chili flakes
Use: White wine vinegar
5. Sweet & Aromatic
Best for: Beets, red onion
Add: Star anise, cloves, fennel seeds
Sweeten with: Maple syrup or brown sugar
6. Herbal & Fresh
Best for: Zucchini, fennel, squash
Add: Thyme, rosemary, parsley

Quick Pickle Recipe (1–2 jars)
1 cup water
1 cup vinegar (apple cider, white, or rice)
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
1–2 tsp aromatics
Method:
Heat liquid to dissolve salt/sugar → pour over chopped veg + aromatics → cool → refrigerate.
Ready in 24 hours (even better after a few days).

💡 Top Tips
Use whole spices for better flavour and clarity
Toast seeds lightly to enhance aroma
Smash garlic to release more flavour
Layer hardy ingredients at the bottom, herbs at the top.

UPCOMING WORKSHOP
If you’re wanting to learn how to preserve food properly (including both pickling and chutneys & jams), keep an eye out 👀
👉 Preserves Workshop coming soon
👉 New website launching soon

Let me know if you are interested in joining the preserving workshop (in New Plymouth)👇

DID YOU KNOW I OFFER REFLEXOLOGY? I seem to be getting a lot of these appointments due to referrals from people loving t...
28/03/2026

DID YOU KNOW I OFFER REFLEXOLOGY?
I seem to be getting a lot of these appointments due to referrals from people loving the information & results.

More Than Just a Foot Massage
Reflexology is far more than simply working on the feet. Each area corresponds to different organs, systems, and structures within the body. As I work through these reflex points, I am often able to feel areas of congestion, sensitivity, or imbalance.

These areas can reflect:
👣Issues in various parts of the body
👣Stress held in the nervous system
👣Digestive or hormonal imbalances
👣Areas of inflammation or stagnation
👣General patterns of tension within the body

By applying targeted pressure and techniques, reflexology encourages improved circulation, supports the body’s natural detoxification processes, and promotes a deep state of relaxation — allowing the body to shift out of “fight or flight” and into healing.

Intuitive Guidance During Your Session
Alongside the physical work, I also tune into intuitive messages that may come through during your session. These insights often provide another layer of understanding — gently highlighting what your body may be trying to communicate.

This might relate to:
Emotional patterns or stressors
Areas where you may need more support or rest
Underlying contributors to physical symptoms
These messages are always shared in a grounded, supportive way, offering clarity rather than overwhelm.

Practical Support for Ongoing Healing
Your session doesn’t end when you walk out the door. I believe in giving you tools you can actually use in your day-to-day life.

Based on what comes up during your reflexology session, I may offer simple, personalised suggestions such as:
🥗Dietary adjustments to support your body
💜Lifestyle shifts to reduce stress or improve energy
🌱Herbal support tailored to your needs
🧘Gentle self-care practices to continue the work at home

These recommendations are practical, achievable, and designed to support your body’s natural healing processes.

A Space to Reset and Reconnect
Many clients leave their session feeling:
Deeply relaxed and grounded
More connected to their body
Clearer in their mind
Supported in their healing journey

Whether you are dealing with specific health concerns or simply feeling out of balance, reflexology offers a gentle yet powerful way to reconnect and restore.

Appointments: $95 per hour

If you’re ready to support your body in a deeper, more intuitive way, I would love to work with you. Simply pm me for an appointment at my clinic in New Plymouth 💜

Shine bright, Nic

The Beauty Mushroom Your Skin Has Been Waiting For - A PLANT ALTERNATIVE FOR COLLAGENIf you’ve been chasing hydration, g...
26/03/2026

The Beauty Mushroom Your Skin Has Been Waiting For - A PLANT ALTERNATIVE FOR COLLAGEN

If you’ve been chasing hydration, glow, and that “lit-from-within” skin…there’s a reason I keep coming back to one powerful tonic herb:
Tremella (Snow Mushroom)

Used for centuries in traditional medicine and beauty rituals, tremella is often called
“nature’s hyaluronic acid” — but it actually goes deeper than that.

Hydration at a cellular level
Tremella is rich in unique polysaccharides that can hold up to 500x their weight in water.

But here’s the real magic…
Research suggests tremella doesn’t just add moisture —
it may actually support the body’s own hydration systems, including:
✨ Supporting skin barrier function
✨ Enhancing natural moisturising factors
✨ Potentially influencing hyaluronic acid activity within the skin
Some studies even show tremella can improve hydration as much as — or more than — hyaluronic acid over time.

And because its molecules are smaller, it may pe*****te more deeply into the skin layers.

🌸 Why this matters for ageing skin
As we age, we naturally lose:
• Hyaluronic acid
• Collagen
• Skin elasticity
This is what leads to dryness, fine lines, and that “flattened” skin appearance.
Tremella works in multiple ways:
✨ Helps maintain collagen + elasticity
✨ Reduces oxidative stress (a major driver of ageing)
✨ Deeply hydrates and plumps from within
✨ May support skin cell pathways linked to HA + collagen production ()
Think: hydration + structure + protection.

Beyond skin — why I love tremella for women
This is where tremella becomes more than just a beauty tool…
💚 Hormonal & stress support
As an adaptogenic-style mushroom, tremella helps buffer the effects of stress — which directly impacts skin, ageing, and hormone balance.
💚 Gut + microbiome support
Its polysaccharides act as prebiotics, feeding beneficial gut bacteria — and we know glowing skin often starts in the gut.
💚 Immune modulation
Supports immune resilience through beta-glucans — key for long-term vitality.
💚 Brain + nervous system nourishment
Emerging research shows tremella may support cognitive function and nerve health.

The deeper perspective
This is where modern science meets traditional wisdom…
Hydration isn’t just about how much water you drink — it’s about how your body holds and uses that water. And tremella seems to enhance that internal “fluid intelligence” in the body.

Quality matters (a lot)
Not all tremella is created equal.
The way it’s grown, harvested, and extracted determines whether you’re actually receiving those beneficial polysaccharides.
That’s why I choose a particular brand of Tremella
→ wildcrafted / carefully cultivated
→ dual-extracted for bioavailability
→ no fillers, no shortcuts
When you’re working with something this subtle and powerful… quality is everything.

How I like to use it
• Add to morning tonic, coffee, or cacao
• Blend into smoothies
• Mix into any fluid like water or juice
• Pair with collagen-supporting foods or herbs

Consistency is key — this is nourishment, not a quick fix.

A gentle reminder
True anti-ageing isn’t about chasing youth…
It’s about supporting your body’s ability to hydrate, repair, and regenerate — from within.
And tremella is one of the most beautiful allies for that.

If you’d like to order some I offer 250 gm at $133. Plus courier. You only need a tsp daily (5 gm) so this is a 50 day serving. Pm me for orders 💜

Shine bright, literally…Nic

THE POWER OF INTENTIONAL THOUGHTHave you ever stopped to consider that your thoughts… your intentions… might be influenc...
22/03/2026

THE POWER OF INTENTIONAL THOUGHT
Have you ever stopped to consider that your thoughts… your intentions… might be influencing your body at a deeper level than we’ve been taught?

There’s a fascinating (and often debated) piece of research published on PubMed exploring exactly this.

In a double-blind experiment, around 2,000 people focused positive intention toward samples of water. The water was kept in a controlled, shielded environment, and compared to untreated samples.

When frozen into ice crystals and assessed blindly, the “intention-treated” water formed more aesthetically pleasing crystal structures than the control.

Let that sink in for a moment…
✨ Human intention → measurable physical change in water.

Now here’s where it gets really interesting from a health perspective:
The human body is made up of ~60–70% water.
So the question becomes —
If intention can influence water outside the body… what might it be doing inside you?

🌿 Bridging science and holistic wisdom
While this study doesn’t prove that thoughts directly heal the body, it opens the door to something we’ve long understood in naturopathic and holistic traditions:
👉 The mind and body are not separate
👉 Your internal environment responds to your internal state
👉 Healing is not just physical — it’s energetic, emotional, and intentional.

Modern research is starting to echo this in different ways. For example, studies on behaviour change show that intentions can influence health habits like sleep, screen time, and substance use — at least in the short term.

And practices like mindfulness have been shown to reduce stress and improve mental wellbeing, reinforcing that what we focus on matters.

🌊 So what does this mean for your daily health?
It’s not about “thinking yourself better” or ignoring physical care.
It’s about adding another layer to your healing:
✨ Speaking kindly to yourself
✨ Setting clear, positive intentions for your body
✨ Being mindful of the emotional “environment” you live in
✨ Practising gratitude, presence, and calm
These aren’t just nice ideas — they may be quietly influencing your physiology every single day.

🌱 A grounded perspective
This type of research is still exploratory, and it’s important to stay discerning. The mechanism isn’t fully understood, and not all scientists agree on the interpretation.
But here’s what is clear:
Your thoughts affect your nervous system
Your nervous system affects your hormones
Your hormones affect your overall health
And that alone makes intention a powerful tool.

This past weekend we went through the autumn equinox here in New Zealand, so it’s a great time to set intentions mindfully!

💚 A gentle invitation
Today, take a moment.
Place your hand on your body…
Take a breath…
And set a simple intention:
“I support my body to heal.”
You might be surprised at what begins to shift.

Shine bright! Nic

Reference:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16979104/

PEACH CHUTNEY SEASON There’s something special about preserving the sweetness of late summer 🍑I’ve been making this beau...
19/03/2026

PEACH CHUTNEY SEASON
There’s something special about preserving the sweetness of late summer 🍑
I’ve been making this beautiful Peach Chutney (Digby Law recipe) — rich, spiced, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy. It’s one of those pantry staples that elevates everything from cheese boards to roasted meats to Indian dishes like Dahl.
Recipe highlights:
🍑 1kg ripe peaches
🌿 Fresh ginger, garlic & cayenne for warmth
🍇 Dates & raisins for natural sweetness
🥄 Simmered slowly into a luscious chutney
The result? About 3 litres of pure goodness in jars.
Not only are peaches delicious, they’re packed with goodness too — vitamins A, C & E, fibre, and antioxidants that support glowing skin, heart health, digestion, and immunity. Nourishing and beautiful food, just as it should be 💛
I’ll be diving deeper into recipes like this in my Preserves Workshop this April — where we’ll make, taste, and learn the art of seasonal preserving together.
And… my website is launching very soon 👀 which will have my workshop offerings & dates for the year.
(So many good things coming your way!)
If you’ve ever wanted to fill your shelves with homemade goodness, this is your sign ✨
Shine bright, Nic
preserves

Making hay while the sun shines 🌿Right now is the time. The garden is abundant, the wild edges are thriving, and nature ...
19/03/2026

Making hay while the sun shines 🌿

Right now is the time. The garden is abundant, the wild edges are thriving, and nature is offering up her medicine freely. This is when we preserve — when we gather, blend, and store away nourishment for the cooler months ahead.

A simple jar of green goodness in the freezer can become so many things later…
Pinwheel scones, pizza bases, lasagne layers, gluten-free pasta tosses, or a fresh vibrant dip when the body is craving something alive in winter.
This is more than food — it’s seasonal wisdom.

🌱 Add in your wild greens where you can.
Kawakawa for its digestive and circulatory support.
Chickweed for its cooling, mineral-rich properties. Watercress for spicier, mineral rich blend.

⚠️ A note of care
Avoid watercress gathered from streams or roadside areas where there may be cow effluent runoff — this can carry liver flukes. Always harvest consciously and cleanly.

🌿 Why wild greens matter
These blends are rich in chlorophyll, minerals, healthy fats, and plant compounds that support immunity, gut health, and inflammation balance. Freezing locks in much of this goodness, giving your body access to green vitality even in the depths of winter.

✨ Earth Sourced Pesto Blend ✨
Ingredients:
2 cups packed green herbs – basil / parsley / kawakawa / coriander etc
1/3 cup brazil nuts
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
4 cloves garlic
2/3 cup cold pressed olive oil or flaxseed oil
4 Tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp sea salt
2 tsp kelp

Method:
Lightly pan fry the nuts and seeds — just until warmed, not browned. Remove from heat.
Place your green herbs and oil into a blender.
Add garlic, nuts, seeds, salt, kelp, and lemon juice.
Blend until smooth or to your preferred texture.
Freeze portions in jars. Remember to leave an inch at the top spare to prevent the glass cracking as it expands with freezing.

Simple. Nourishing. Seasonal.

Your future winter self will thank you!
Shine bright, Nic

Did You Know Your Muscles Can Act Like Natural Antidepressants?Most people think of muscles as something we use only for...
19/12/2025

Did You Know Your Muscles Can Act Like Natural Antidepressants?

Most people think of muscles as something we use only for movement and strength. But science has uncovered something remarkable: when you contract your muscles, they release mood-boosting chemicals and proteins directly into your bloodstream — influencing your brain and emotional wellbeing.

Your muscles are chemical messengers delivering joy, emotional balance, motivation & pleasure!

During muscle contraction (exercise, stretching, holding a pose, even gentle movement), muscles behave like an endocrine organ, releasing substances called myokines. These travel through the blood to the brain and nervous system, where they support mental health.

Some of the key mood-supporting substances released include:

• BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) – supports brain resilience, nerve growth, and emotional regulation
• Irisin – helps protect the brain from stress and boosts BDNF
• Endorphins – your body’s natural “feel-good” pain relievers
• Endocannabinoids – calming compounds responsible for the “exercise high”
• Anti-inflammatory signals – exercise-induced inflammation actually reduces depressive inflammation in the body
• Improved serotonin and dopamine activity – supporting motivation, pleasure, and emotional balance.

Low levels of many of these chemicals are commonly found in people experiencing depression and anxiety.

You don’t need intense exercise for this to flow.

Here’s the empowering part: you don’t need to run marathons or hit the gym hard to get these benefits.

Even gentle forms of muscle contraction can help, such as:
✔️ Walking
✔️ Stretching
✔️ Yoga or t’ai chi
✔️ Resistance bands
✔️ Holding muscles tight for a few seconds (isometric contractions)
✔️ Functional daily movement
✔️ My favourite: dance!

This is why movement therapies are increasingly used to support depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, neurodivergent regulation, PMDD, and chronic illness.

Movement as medicine

Research consistently shows that regular muscle activation can:
• Lift mood
• Reduce anxiety
• Improve stress resilience
• Lower inflammatory markers linked to depression
• Enhance cognitive function

In some studies, exercise has been shown to be as effective as antidepressant medication for mild to moderate depression — and supportive alongside medication for more severe cases.

The takeaway

💡 Every time you contract a muscle, you’re sending chemical messages of resilience and balance to your brain.
Movement isn’t just physical — it’s deeply neurological and emotional.

So next time you stretch, walk, or simply move your body, remember: your muscles are helping your mind heal. Which means you can rise your vibration & the quality of the collective energy contributions you offer to the world around us. As well as the actions you take! 💜🥰

✨ Feel free to share — someone might really need this today?

Shine bright, Nic

Key References
1. Schuch, F. B., et al. (2023). Effects of exercise training on inflammatory, neurotrophic and immunological markers and neurotransmitters in people with depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 149, 105160.
2. Li, D., et al. (2024). The role of exercise-related FNDC5/irisin in depression. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 15, 1342781.

18/12/2025

Aloe Vera, Acemannan & Cancer

Most of us think of aloe vera as something you grab for sunburns or digestion. But beneath that familiar green skin is a compound called acemannan that can assist in cancer or inproving HIV immune markers.

Back in the 1980s and ’90s, researchers began studying acemannan, a complex polysaccharide found in the inner gel of aloe vera. What they discovered was intriguing: acemannan doesn’t act like a drug that attacks disease directly. Instead, it appears to communicate with the immune system, particularly macrophages — the immune cells responsible for surveillance, cleanup, and signalling other immune responses.

What does this have to do with cancer?

Cancer research has long recognised that immune dysfunction plays a central role in tumour development and progression.

In laboratory and early clinical research:

• Acemannan has shown the ability to stimulate macrophage activity

• It can increase signalling molecules involved in immune coordination

• Some animal studies observed enhanced tumour surveillance, not tumour destruction.

Importantly, this does not mean aloe or acemannan treats or cures cancer. What it suggests is something more subtle — that certain plant compounds may help support immune responsiveness when the body is under stress. Which means that the immune system starts to work correctly, because it’s identifying cancerous cells for destruction, by encouraging immune system surveillance for these cells.

From this knowledge I’m also now considering this as a treatment for other diseases where there is immune dysfunction. For instance reoccurring chronic infections (colds & flus, chest infections, UTI’s, thrush, bacterial vaginitis, even small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) & other gut issues.

Why not grow some aloe vera & add at least 1 Tbsp of the inner gel within the succulent leaf (also known as a blade) to your smoothies occasionally.

However I recommend following a process to remove the toxic latex. To see these instructions take a look at my full article:

Main Text. Feel free to style these blocks to your taste and move them around within the container. Also feel free to remove whichever you don't want to show up on the blog.

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New Plymouth
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