Sharing the health benefits of plants 

Christmas is often synonymous with socialising, celebration and, of course, eating! We may occasionally overindulge in some of the delicious festive dishes. This can lead to a feeling of discomfort and tightness from the build-up of pressure in the stomach. Generally, this is short-lived, however, if bloating is a regular occurrence, you should consult your doctor. Fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare) In the case of temporary bloating, easing up on the intake of rich food, reduc

Following an illness or period of stress, a time of convalescence is crucial to allow the body and mind to recover. Once the symptoms of the illness have cleared up, we enter a period of post-convalescence which is transition from recovery to complete rehabilitation. Sleep , good quality nutrition, gentle exercise and emotional support continue to be important. This is also the time to focus on replenishing minerals, trace elements and vitamins which have been depleted durin

France has a number of well-known aperitif drinks including Pastis, Suze and Lillet. But, did you know that these three drinks are all...

It is estimated that there are over 7,500 varieties of apple worldwide. The apple tree ( Malus sp.) is a decidious tree producing fruit...

What links Loddon Pink, Munstead, Nana Alba, Hidcote and Twickle Purple ? No, they’re not areas on the shipping forecast or horses at the Grand National, they’re are all species of lavender. More than 35 different species of lavender exist [1] . In the UK, the most common species appear to be « English lavender » ( Lavandula angustifolia), also known as « true » and « common » lavender, which is a perennial, meaning that it will live for more than two years, and « French lave

An essential element of French stews and soups, the bouquet garni is a tied bundle of herbs used to flavour dishes. One of its advantages...