Balanced Health for Life

10/10/2025

First up in my "Nourishing Your Nervous System - herbal allies series" : PASSIONFLOWER - > Natures calm, think of it as the herb that helps you exhale.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a gentle nervine that helps quiet the busy mind and ease tension in the body. Traditionally used for anxiety, restlessness, and sleeplessness, it supports the nervous system to unwind — without sedation or dependency.

Always check with your naturopath or herbalist to find out if this is the herb for you and the best form and dose for you.
www.balancedhealthforlife.co.nz

09/10/2025

“Nourishing your Nervous System”

Stress is everywhere in modern life — and chronic stress drives so many health issues. The first step in many of my holistic wellness plans is to nourish the nervous system. When your stress response is balanced, your whole body can heal and thrive.

Herbal medicine offers gentle, evidence-based ways to calm and restore resilience — herbs like kava, passionflower, lemon balm, motherwort, oats, and chamomile.

“Over the next few posts, I’ll be spotlighting these beautiful nervine herbs — sharing how they work, the research behind them, and how they can support your vitality.”

29/09/2025

Many women struggle with chronic or recurrent vaginal thrush (RVVC), bacterial vaginosis (BV), or perimenopause + menopause transitions. It can feel frustrating, isolating, and relentless. Vaginal health is more than just being “infection-free”, there are safe, evidence-informed natural options that can help soothe, restore and protect the mucosa, and support balance in the vaginal microbiome (as well as immune balance, gut health, hormonal and metabolic drivers).

I’ve been working on custom pessaries and oils in my clinic — blending research, clinical wisdom, and traditional herbal medicine. Thought I’d share a peek behind the scenes -> check it out! Wish there was "smell cam" or something :-)

25/09/2025

Thrush (no, no, not the birdie :-) – Understanding Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (RVVC)

Did you know that recurrent thrush (3+ times a year) affects millions of women worldwide? It’s not just about “Candida” – the whole vaginal ecosystem, your hormones, immune system, stress levels, and even diet play a role.

Swipe through to learn what RVVC is, why a healthy vaginal microbiome is important, why it keeps coming back, and holistic steps (from herbs, probiotics, diet and lifestyle) that may support balance and your stage of life: from trying to conceive to menopause.

If you want personalised support with your hormonal and reproductive health I would love to work with you. www.balancedhealthforlife.co.nz to book your appointment now.

25/08/2025

What is a Naturopath you may ask?
A health practitioner who will listen and explore your symptoms, (which are often outward signs of complex issues), and delve deep to understand what might be causing them. Naturopathy acknowledges the complexity of human beings while addressing the root cause(s) of a condition and developing the body’s innate capacity for health.

I am committed and passionate to working with you to get your mojo back, in a unique and empowering approach that restores balance and vitality, to help you live your best life! I utilise diverse tools such as targeted nutrition, holistic lifestyle education, coaching & personalised treatment strategies (including herbal medicine and supplements) which are individualised to each client. I start where you are at and work with your goals, together.

Check out www.balancedhealthforlife.co.nz for more and reach out if you would like support on your health journey, it would be my privilege. ❣

24/08/2025

Perfect for a cold and wet day like it is here today, to add some warmth and nourishment to your food. Turmeric is more than a spice – it’s nature’s anti-inflammatory powerhouse. Rich in curcumin and essential oils, turmeric supports healthy digestion, joint comfort, balanced mood, and liver detoxification. Research shows it helps calm inflammation, protect the brain, and even support metabolic and cardiovascular health.
Best taken daily in food with black pepper and healthy fats, turmeric is a simple, safe and low-cost way to add powerful protection to your wellbeing.

❤️

24/06/2025

My recently planted garlic bulbs are sprouting already!!

Garlic isn’t just a kitchen staple—it’s a powerful natural medicine with a long tradition of supporting overall health, gut balance, and immune strength. Herbalists and modern research agree that garlic offers a wide range of benefits thanks to its unique bioactive compounds.

Key Benefits:
* Immune Support: Garlic enhances immune function, helps fight infections, and is traditionally used to ward off colds and flu
* Gut Health: Acts as a natural prebiotic, supporting beneficial gut flora while its antimicrobial properties help keep harmful microbes in check
* Heart Health: Garlic may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, supporting cardiovascular well-being.
* Anti-inflammatory: Garlic’s sulphur compounds modulate inflammation, which is a key factor in chronic disease prevention.

Key Herbal Actions:
* Antimicrobial
* Antiviral
* Immune-enhancing
* Carminative (supports digestion and reduces bloating)
* Hypotensive (supports healthy blood pressure)

Active Constituents:
* Alliin produces allicin & ajoene when crushed or chewed: The most well-known compound, responsible for garlic’s potent antimicrobial and immune-stimulating effects.
Sulphur compounds: Including alliin, allyl cysteine & allicin, support detoxification and cardiovascular health.
* Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS): Prebiotic fibres that feed healthy gut bacteria.

How much is useful:
1–2 cloves per day (up to 2-5g/day). Ensure it is bruised, crushed or chewed
Dried powder: 0.4-1.2g/day
Fluid extract (1:1) 0.5-2 ml three times daily

How to Include Garlic Daily:
* Add raw garlic to dressings or dips
* Roast with veggies or a protein (e.g lamb), stirfrys, soups
* Try garlic-infused olive oil or fermented black garlic
* Crushing garlic and letting it sit for 10 minutes before cooking activates allicin for maximum benefits.

Do you use garlic in your cooking? What's your fav?

For more Food As Medicine tips or wanting support with your health goals please reach out www.balancedhealthforlife.co.nz. And don't be shy...like and share the garlic love 😋

05/06/2025

Foods is Medicine series: Flaxseeds

Small but mighty for hormones & gut health. Flaxseeds are rich in lignans — natural phytoestrogens that gently modulate estrogen activity. They help increase SHBG (which regulates circulating hormones), improve estrogen detoxification, and feed beneficial gut bacteria that support hormonal harmony.

Did you know that just 1–2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds a day can help balance hormones, ease PMS or menopausal symptoms, and support your gut?

They also can:
✔️ Relieve constipation
✔️ Lower inflammation
✔️ Support mood, skin, and heart health
✔️ Are easy to add to your meals

✨ A true food addition for every stage of womanhood — from post-pill and perimenopause to your second spring aka menopause.

💡 Pro tip: Use freshly ground (Nutribullet or coffee grinder work well here) organic flaxseeds. Start slow and store in the fridge. Your gut and hormones will thank you!

03/06/2025

Welcome to my Food as Medicine series — a practical look at how what we eat can truly support our hormones, mood, energy, and vitality.

Whether you're experiencing PMS, hormonal migraines, hot flushes, mood swings, or fatigue, the foods you choose every day can play a powerful role in helping you feel more balanced, resilient, and in control.

First up: Phytoestrogens:
Phytoestrogens are natural compounds found in certain plant foods (e.g. soy, flaxseeds, sesame)
* Structurally similar to estradiol (the body’s main estrogen)
* Bind to estrogen receptors to help regulate hormonal activity
* Act as natural SERMs (selective estrogen receptor modulators)

✨ Think of food not just as fuel — but as information for your hormones.

Reconnect to the healing power of food — and learn how simple, delicious choices can help restore hormone harmony from the inside out. Reach out if you would like support with this: www.balancedhealthforlife.co.nz 💚

26/05/2025

Ever experienced this?

26/05/2025

Struggling with acne after coming off the pill? If you’ve recently stopped hormonal contraception (like Yasmin, Diane, or Brenda) and your skin has flared up, you’re not alone.

Many women experience post-pill acne, typically peaking 3–6 months after stopping the pill. This isn’t a new hormonal condition — it’s a withdrawal reaction as your body recalibrates.

Why does it happen?
The pill suppresses your skin's oil (sebum) production. When you stop, your body often rebounds with more oil and a temporary surge in androgens (male hormones). — causing deep, cystic and often painful breakouts and sometimes hair changes or irregular cycles. Acne can peak around 6 months post-pill.

While it is often temporary it's part of your body recalibrating, it can be disturbing and really knock your confidence. Naturopathic care can help guide the recovery process.
✔️ Start before you stop the pill! Preparing your body can ease the transition and reduce symptoms.
✔️ Support natural detox pathways
– Prioritise liver health and optimal elimination
– Stay hydrated and include fibre-rich foods to help eliminate excess hormones
✔️ Avoid A1 cow dairy
– Triggers IGF-1, a hormone that worsens acne and inflammation
✔️ Cut back sugar & refined carbs
– Concentrated sugars spike insulin and IGF-1 → more breakouts
✔️ Prioritise gut health
– Support digestion with gentian or betaine HCL
– Probiotics and prebiotic fibre help regulate hormones via the gut-skin axis
✔️ Zinc (30–50 mg/day)
– Reduces testosterone, bacteria, and keratin production
✔️ DIM (diindolylmethane)
– From cruciferous veg; naturally blocks androgens
✔️ Berberine
– Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and lowers insulin resistance & androgens
✔️ Inositol
– Improves insulin sensitivity and promotes natural ovulation
✔️ Cyclic progesterone therapy
– Supports hormone regulation and reduces DHT (a potent acne trigger)
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🌸 Support your hormones holistically
Encourage natural ovulation — progesterone is a natural anti-androgen. If cycles stay irregular, check thyroid, prolactin & nutrient levels
Practice gentle movement, manage stress, and protect your sleep
💡 Consider switching to non-hormonal contraception (FAM, condoms, or copper IUD) to allow your cycle to restore naturally.

⏳ And remember — lasting skin improvement takes time. 💚 You don’t need to go back on the pill to fix your skin. It’s a process of hormone withdrawal and rebalancing — not a new forever condition. Most women see results within 6–12 months with the right support.
📩 If you're struggling with acne after stopping the pill, book a consult today. Let’s get to the root cause, naturally - I’d love to support you.
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24/05/2025

Super interesting... health of BOTH parties super important for healthy bubba

We all know it takes two to tango, but even though males contribute half the genetics of a pregnancy, they are too often left out of the picture. This is especially true when it comes to studies on miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).