Alcohol is more often the culprit of over-indulgence with the Summer celebrations, but, by having water in between drinks – I know boring, but your Liver will thank you for it, along with your head!  If you do find yourself overindulging, St Mary’s Thistle or Dandelion Root are good Liver detoxifiers.  Homeopathic remedies can also help with hangovers and digestion, which you can buy from most health food stores, they help with discomfort and detoxification. A few of them are: Nux Vomica; headache, nausea, bloating and sensitive stomach, irritable, noises and light are intolerable. Coffea; brain feels torn or like there’s a nail in it, sensitivity to pain, worse noise and smells.  Pulsatilla; heavy stomach after rich foods, heartburn, moody or emotional.

In our house, Summer means Smoothie season…. because I make a smoothie almost every day, whether for breakfast or an afternoon snack.  I use any of the wonderful summer berries, sweet fruits such as mangoes and always of course a banana or two. Along with some yoghurt, and a dab of honey.  Often I add extras like spirulina, chlorophyll powder, or others (lecithin, LSA, acidophilus powder, flaxseed oil), which normally would receive protests from the children, but will be happily drunk in a smoothie.  We have also created some interesting colours! 

The emotions of the Heart and Small Intestine are Joy, Love, Hate, and Laughing.  It is said that speech is issued from our heart, therefore being mindful of our speech, the words we choose is an important part of strengthening the heart.  Focusing the mind through prayer, meditation, singing, mantras, affirmations and contemplation will help to create, not only, calmness, but a clear head and a strong heart.  15 minutes daily is enough to begin with. 

Finally, remember to focus on the lovely things you have, around you and within you during this time, aim to include some play, laughter, and the freedom of travel over the Summer break.   

Have a Safe & Happy Summer,

Tania Parker.