As this is our first newsletter for 2022, and the 1st of February marks the Chinese New Year we would like to wish you all a Happy New Year. We hope your year has started off well!

In our December newsletter we let you know about our Christmas promotion and reasons for wanting to support TeamSeas. Thanks to your support we made a donation of $606(NZ)! And happy to say they reached their goal of raising enough money to remove 30 million pounds of trash from the ocean over the next few years. To find out more visit teamseas.org 

With the changes to the traffic light colours in January we are still open to everyone, though our clinic room remains closed. If you need to isolate at home, you can shop online, and choose click and collect if you have a friend to pick up your order and drop it too you. Or you can chose the courier option to have it sent out. Most practitioner only products are not able to be advertised on our website but we have a great supply of the most in demand products right now. If you cannot get in to chat with our practitioners we can consult with you over the phone and arrange the best way to get these to you.

We are also seeing an increase in the need for support with anxiety at the moment. We have many things we can recommend including Bach flower remedies. You can choose your own instore or online. Or we can do quick 5-10 minute consultations over the phone. Longer consultations are also available should you require this, so call us today to find out more. Look forward to chatting with you soon.

     Our Vision

At Bethlehem Health Shop, we support ethical suppliers and sell quality, researched products. We offer sincere advice from our team of caring, trained staff.

Thank you so much for supporting your locally owned Community Health Store.

• Poten-C  Superdose Liposomal Vitamin C (with 2000mg per serve) - 30% off -  300ml now $22.75 and 750ml now $41.90
• Immunity Fuel Probiotic Superfood 90g powder (original only) - was $59.90 now $49.90
• WellLab Test Kits - Coeliac Test Kits, Vaginal PH and Drug Test - 30% off 
• Franjos Kitchen Lactation Biscuits all flavours including gluten free  - 30% off
• Gutsi Spore Probiotic - 20% off now $47.90
• Absolute Essentials - Purify Blend, Purify Hand Sanitiser, and Lavender Sweet -all 15% off
• Radiance Adults Sugar Free Multivitamin Gummies 60's - now $17.50 
• Solgar Prenatal Nutrients 120's was $47.90 now $38.30
• Solgar Gentle Iron - was $19.90 now $16.90
• Solgar Menoprime 30's - was $46.90 now $39.90
• Solgar Ultimate Calm 30's - was $79.90 now $66.90
• Solgar Ultimate Calm Daily 30's - was $74.90 now $62.90
• Nuzest Clean Lean Protein - 10% off 
• Living Nature - Spend $39 on Living Nature products and get a FREE kabuki brush 
• Buy any 2 full size Antipodes products and get a FREE Baptise H2O Ultra Hydrating Water Gel 
• Buy any 2 full size Holistic Hair products and get a FREE detangling brush

All of the above specials and offers are only valid while stocks last.

• Magic Tea Range - Assorted flavours including Date Seed Coffee (see below)
• Earth Essence Crystal Point glass drink bottles  - Amethyst, Rose Quartz, Clear Quartz
• Wooden Offering Trays - Mandala and Om pattern
• Kiwi Herb Calm Down 30 caps
• Scout Nail Polishes - 3 new summer colours
• Now Easy Cleanse 15 day cleanse pack
• Now Liquid Chlorophyll 475ml 
• Now Gastro Comfort with PepZin 60 caps
• Coyne Liposomal Green Tea extract 30 capsules
• Eve Chill Pill and Morning Person mini trial size packs

Some of you may remember last year's article on planting by the moon. This year I'd love to share with you some of an article written by Allan Munro, the editor of Growing today from the issue dated July 1994 entitled 'Shine on Harvest Moon.' This will give you a bit more of a scientific perspective on the subject.  

"Phased plantings are not a way to overcome shortcomings in either your soil or gardening techniques. Plant a seedling which enjoys free draining soil and full sunlight into soggy, wet clay on a shady bank and it won't much matter when you plant it. It ain't going to grow. You can carefully time your planting to coincide with precisely the correct phase of the Moon, even dance naked at midnight around the garden – it won't make any difference to the chances of that seedling.     

The technique itself is simple. All you need is a calendar which accurately shows the Moon's phases, a little understanding of what the phases indicate in terms of gravitational effects and some knowledge of which plants need to be dealt with during each phase.  

That part is easy. All seeds with either a short or an extra-long germinating time are planted two days before the New Moon and for up to seven days afterward. Seeds falling in this category would include most vegetables and herbs. Seeds with a long germination time – which would take in the majority of flower seeds – and seedlings for transplanting are planted to coincide with the Full Moon and for up to seven days afterward. 

You can see that this is hardly an exact science. When you plant is not nearly as important as the fact that by roughly staying in tune with the orbital cycles you are taking full advantage of some of the forces of nature that affect plant growth: light, magnetism and gravity. This is all you really need to know to become a moon planter.  However, it probably helps to understand a little of what is believed to be happening during these phases. 

First, light. We know that light, by which we always assume sunlight, is vital for plant growth. The Moon of course produces no light of its own. The silvery glow we see is reflected sunlight. If sunlight is good for plants, then even the reflected sunlight bounced off the Moon is logically going to have some beneficial effect. The second important factor is gravitational pull. Apart from influencing tides in our oceans, the lunar gravitational pull also produces a "high tide” on water locked into soil. 

The greatest sum of increasing natural forces occurs at the time of a new Moon. By planting seeds with a short germinating period a couple of days before the New Moon you are putting them into place at just the right time to take advantage of the peak lunar tidal forces and of the increasing reflected sunlight that follows the New Moon. By being in the ground two days prior to a new moon, the seed has time to absorb water.  As the lunar "tidal” forces increase over the next few days, the force exerted on the water in the seed helps to burst the seed coat and encourage new shoots to break the surface. 

At the same time the Moon is getting progressively lighter and lunar gravitational pull is decreasing. During this period there is also a corresponding increase in the Earth's gravity. Over the first seven days of a new Moon plants are therefore enjoying a period of balanced growth. Roots are stimulated by the decreasing lunar gravity, and young leaves by the increasing moonlight. 

During the second seven days, lunar gravitational forces "go into reverse," and begin to increase, the Earth's gravitational pull is correspondingly lessened but moonlight is increasing towards its cyclical peak. During this period, root growth slows down but the increasing moonlight continues to stimulate leaf growth. Provided root growth has been adequate during the preceding two periods, nutrients and water will have reached the above ground portion of the plant in the correct amounts and balanced, uninterrupted growth will continue. 

By this stage we have reached the point at which the Moon is full and moonlight, gravitational and magnetic forces are at their peak. Seeds which failed to germinate during the New Moon should do so now - it's at this time of the month that mushrooms suddenly pop up all over the paddocks. 

As the Full Moon begins to wane, in the third seven-day period of the lunar cycle, moonlight is lessening and so is the Moon's gravitational pull. As moonlight weakens, leaf growth slows but root growth is again stimulated by increased gravitational force. 

This is the best period for transplanting seedlings. Root growth is active, which helps the plant overcome transplant shock and develop a good root structure while leaf growth is slow.  Three weeks later, when the phases are repeated and leaf growth is at its maximum, the leaves will be able to take advantage of a developed root system able to provide the leaves with adequate water and nutrients. 

The last seven days of the cycle (it's actually 29.5 days in total) are essentially a 'rest’ period for the plant. Both lunar gravitational forces and moonlight are decreasing, slowing down root and leaf growth and allowing the plant to 'prepare’ for the next cycle of growth. 

So, the cycle for a seed starts with the bursting of the seed coat around the twenty-eighth day of the lunar month. It moves into a period roughly one of slow, balanced growth both above and below ground, passes into a time of stimulated leaf growth, and then a similar period of high root growth, then 'rest,’ before the cycle repeats itself. 

Most gardeners will have had the experience of planting seeds and seeing them come up almost immediately and of planting the same species another time and waiting perhaps two weeks before seeing any action. There are many factors that can cause these apparent anomalies – temperature and soil conditions, pH levels, moisture – but next time it happens to you have a look at a calendar.  You might find that the seeds which germinated quickly were planted at the 'right’ phase of the Moon"

If you've been in store lately you may have noticed a new tea range we now have in stock... Magic T! Magic T is a family-owned business that believes every single moment of life is magic.

"We believe drinking a cup of tea with friends, family or even alone can turn to be a great memory. We are here to make that Magic wish come true."

We are currently stocking a large range of Magic T, including the increasingly popular date seed coffee. Date seed coffee is a unique natural caffeine-free energiser drink made of only one ingredient... date seeds. Date seeds contain significant amounts of beneficial food ingredients such as oleic acid, dietary fibres, and polyphenols. These compounds have been associated with reduced incidence of cardiovascular diseases and improved overall well-being.  Perfect for use in the plunger, espresso or filtered coffee machines. Grab yourself some to try today!

So what's included...?

Kolorex Vaginal Care Wash is a pH balanced herbal wash, designed to calm, cleanse and refresh skin, so that it looks and feels healthy again.  This contains Horopito, Aloe Vera and Tea Tree Oil

Kolorex Vaginal Care Cream is a pH balanced herbal cream, designed to calm and restore your skin. With the combined powers of herbal Horopito, Aloe Vera, Tea Tree Oil and Vit E – you’ll find peace from life’s little irritations.

Kolorex Vaginal Care Her Balance - Caring for the vagina and gut is important and we know how irritating things become when it’s out of balance. Kolorex Vaginal Care Her Balance utilises the power of herbal Horopito to support vaginal health, restoring peace to your intimate care routine. This product contains a liquid extract of New Zealand Kolorex® Horopito and is independently tested for activity and sustainably grown and harvested.

If you want to learn more about any of these products or to see what other awesome products are in the range, head to our website.

To enter to win this awesome prize, reply to this email or email us on admin@bethlehemhealth.co.nz

What is the hero ingredient within the Kolorex range?

Congratulations to Margaret Nicol who is the winner of last months Harker Herbals Sleep and Stress prize pack. 

Prep Time: 15 min         Cooking time:  5 min         Makes 1 x 800g jar (or 2 x 400g)

Method:

• Have your tall jar (jars) and lid thoroughly clean, rinsed with hot water, air dried and steralized ready to go. 
• Add beans to a pan of boiling water, blanch for 2 minutes, drain and refresh in cold water. 
• Place the salt into a jug and add 100ml of boiling water, stir to dissolve, then add cold water.   
• Set the jar on its side and pack snugly with the whole beans (cut to fit if needed). Layer in the garlic and dill as you pack the beans.  Pour over the salt brine to completely cover the beans, coming to within 1 cm from the top of the jar.  You don't want the beans to float to the surface, so make sure they are firmly packed.  Secure the lid.  If there is extra brine, set aside for topping up the jar later if needed. 
• Sit the jar on a small plate and leave at room temperature for 2-3 days.  Open the lid once a day to release any pressure.  The brine may bubble over a little during fermentation; if so, top up with the reserved brine to 1 cm from the top of the jar keeping the beans submerged. 
• Once the beans have changed colour to a muted green and the brine is opaque, transfer to the fridge.  Wait a week before eating for the sour flavour to develop.  Store the lacto-beans in the fridge and consume within two months.  Can be used any way you would use a pickled vegetable, like a gherkin or added to salads .

* To obtain whey, strain natural unsweetened yoghurt (cow, goat or coconut) through a cheesecloth-lined sieve set over a bowl.  Over several hours the liquid whey will drip out as the yoghurt thickens.  Keep whey in a jar in the fridge and use within two weeks. 

Recipe Credit:  Nicola Galloway's article, NZ Gardener, January 2022.