An Update from Jo

As it's been 6 years now of coming up with content for our monthy newsletters, it is sometimes hard to know what to write about to keep things interesting! One of the main things we hear from those who choose not to sign up to our newsletter is that everyone gets too many emails and doesn't have enough time to read them! I can definitely relate to that, especially at this time of the year, so this month I am going to keep my update short and sweet. We have contacted everyone who asked to be put on the waiting list for Astrovision Calenders, as these have now arrived, and we are expecting the She Universe Christmas chocolate selection to be here later this week. In case you aren't counting yet, it's only 8 more Wednesdays until Santa comes, so we hope to see you instore before then. Wishing you all a great November.

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.

• Tints of Nature Hair Colour Range 15% off
• Giovanni Mens Range 20% off - includes 2 in 1 Body Wash & Facial Cleanser, 2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner, Strong Hold Styling Gel and Styling Clay
• Weleda Body Care range - 20% off selected products (excludes Skin Food)
• Weleda First Aid range - 15% off selected products
• Boody Organic Bamboo Loungewear, Sleepwear and Underwear - 20% off (excludes limited edition colours and only applies to current stock, more arriving next week)
• All Salt Lamps 10% off 
• Nuzest Kids Good Stuff Chocolate 250g - 25% off now $39.75
• Herb Farm Meno Support Night Cream and Meno Support Cooling Mist - 20% off
• Purchase 2 or more Speick Mens products and get a FREE Body Lotion
• Purchase 2 tubes of Wotnot SPF30 Suncreen for Babies and get a FREE refillable sunscreen roll-on applicator
• Buy any 2 Holistic Hair products and get a FREE trial size Herbal Finishing Rinse Concentrate or Salt of the Earth Volumising and Texturing Spray
• Buy a 500g or 1kg Nuzest Clean Lean Protein Powder and get a FREE Nuzest Shaker, and at a great price of $99 
• Spend $69 or more on Living Nature and get a FREE Hand & Body Cream (valued at $45)

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

• Ethos & Co - Live probiotic coconut oil sensitive skin range (see below for more information and giveaway!)
• Karen Murrell Nicely Nude Lipstick
• Mr Mozzie 75ml Spray - for children from 6 months
• Naked Harvest Protein and Collagen Double Chocolage Fudge Bar 60g
• Naked Harvest Moon Mylk 200g - to help you sleep - In Chocolate, Rocky Road and White Chocolate Caramel Swirl
• Nutra Organics Protein Water 450g - Lemonade and Berry Bliss
• Herb Farm Reviving Eye Serum 10ml
• Weleda Mum Lighter Legs Gel 200ml
• Absolute Essentials Portable Essential Oil Diffuser 
• Phytoceutics Bettergut - pre and post biotic - 30 veg caps
• BFix Propolis Gel 30ml
• Gutsi Gut Feelings 30 capsules (previously called Moodbiotic)
• Gutsi Ionic Body Brush
• Tui Balms Native Balm with Lime 100g
• New additions to our Oracle Card Selection including Sacred Oracle of Feathers, Magical Messages from the Universe and the Rider Waite Tarot Card Deck

New products will be added to our website as soon as we can. If you want to purchase these online before we get a chance to do this, please call us to order over the phone instead on 07 576 9442

Ethos & Co – sensitive skin range

This month we have an Ethos & Co sensitive skin duo (Live Probiotic Coconut Oil & Hydrating Cream for eczema-prone skin/sensitive skin) valued at $74.90 to give away! 

To enter the lucky draw put your answer to the following question in the subject line of a return email.     

"Where is Ethos Probiotic Coconut Oil made?"

Congratulations to Carol Spooner who is the winner of last months Artemis Tea Giveaway

Exploring the deeper side of Hayfever

The coming of spring also heralds the start of hayfever season for us here at the health
shop. Helping our customers to overcome the runny nose, itching eyes, stuffiness and
fatigue that comes with seasonal allergies means we not only find natural ways to quell
symptoms, but we can also provide additional support for underlying factors affecting
hayfever.

Allergies occur when we have an exaggerated immune response to common antigens such as pollen, dust mites or mould spores. In sensitised people, the antigens will trigger immune cells to release histamine and other inflammatory mediators that result in the symptoms of seasonal allergies. But what is underlying these symptoms to cause such an exaggerated response?

An excess of histamine can be attributed to hayfever symptoms (hence the actions of ANTI-histamines). We may already have more histamine circulating due to reduced breakdown caused by genetic variations, stress, inflammation or poor integrity of the gut, or deficiencies in vitamins B6, C, or copper. Furthermore, our histamine ‘cup’ can be filled by high histamine foods, meaning that further influence of seasonal allergens can simply tip the balance of histamine. High histamine foods include processed meats, bananas, avocado, alcohol, chocolate and more. On the other hand, foods that are high in quercetin, such as onions and apples can help stabilise histamine release. While the anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 rich foods such as walnuts and fatty fish can also support a healthy immune response. As nettle is a natural antihistamine, our nettle tea is a good addition to daily habits to help manage allergies.

Traditional antihistamines act by stopping the release of fluids as a response to histamine,
by blocking the histamine receptor. First generation anti-histamines have effects in the brain and can lead to drowsiness, but have also been linked to increased risk of developing dementia from long-term use. To avoid resorting to traditional antihistamines, we have a few homeopathic combination formulas in-store that are popular for quick symptomatic relief.

For long-term reduction in allergen sensitivity, as always, we go back to the gut first and
foremost. This is a hub for our immune system responsiveness, and by maintaining integrity we lessen inflammation and aggravation by foods, pathogens and toxins moving from the gut to cause systemic issues. The balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut can also improve immune function. Implementing stress management techniques can also assist the health of the gut, while supporting a healthy immune response and histamine breakdown.

Oestrogens play an important role in the picture of histamine balance, as histamine
stimulates oestrogen production, which then triggers more histamine release and reduced
histamine breakdown. While this is relevant to women, especially those with oestrogen
dominance or fluctuating oestrogen levels, external sources of oestrogens should also be
considered for both men and women. Phytoestrogen sources can create this same
feedback loop if eaten in excess - these include soy products, beer, linseed and legumes.
Exposure to xenoestrogens found in plastics, cosmetics, cleaning products, pesticides and herbicides can also create a feedback loop to raise histamine levels in the body. As the liver is responsible for metabolising and clearing histamine and oestrogens, support for the liver through herbal tonics or nutrients needed for detoxification are also valuable.

If you would like further assistance getting to the bottom of your seasonal allergies, and
looking beyond the pollen, you can make an appointment with one of our naturopaths or
homeopaths.

Article supplied by Claire George one of our Naturopaths www.headfirsthealth.co.nz 

3 Ingredients Strawberry Mousse 

Creamy, light and an absolutely divine mousse made using strawberries and coconut.

Instructions

1. Place the strawberries in a blender and pulse to form a smooth mixture.
2. Whip the coconut milk in a large bowl.
3. Add the strawberry mix and whip again to mix evenly.
4. Taste test the mixture and if need be, add sweetener of choice and mix well.
5. Transfer to serving glasses.
6. Place the glasses in fridge for 10 minutes (for the mousse to set).
7. Remove the mousse from the fridge, top with a dollop of coconut cream and place a strawberry slice on top.
8. Dust with chocolate powder and serve immediately.
9. This can stay in fridge for 3 days.

Comment:If you like a firmer texture try adding a little gelatin

Credit: www.easycookingwithmolly.com/2017/02 - by Molly Kumar