An Update from Jo

This month it will be 5 years since I took over the shop from Jude! The time has flown by and though the world has been through a lot in the last 5 years, I am so grateful I can say I still love coming to work everyday. You, our loyal customers, and our wonderful staff play a big part in that. I am very blessed to still be working alongside the same lovely ladies who were here when Jude was the owner. So thank you to you all for your support over my first 5 years here at Bethlehem Health.

If you are ever in on a Wednesday afternoon you may have meet Claire who is in her 4th year of the Advanced Diploma in Health Sciences (Naturopathy and Nutrition) and enjoys being with us for a few hours a week to learn more about the products that are available in a retail environment. 

If you are interested in learning more about the gem, colour and sound homeopathic remedies we have in store, I am now holiding monthly full moon circles with Melissa Allen (The Astrology Artist) and you can find more information on my clinic Facebook Page.

We look forward to another 5 years of supporting you in all things health and wellbeing related! See you again 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.

• Buy any two Harker Herbals Products and get a FREE Childrens Immune Build 150ml
• Buy any two Eve Superfood Lattes and received a FREE battery operated whisk
• Spend $50 or more on Living Nature and get a FREE Ultra Rich Body Cream
• Spend $59 on Herb Farm products and receive a FREE Smoothing Kiwifruit Exfoliator valued at $34.90 
• Purchase any two products in the Giovanni Hair Care range and get a FREE 3 piece travel pack containing 50ml tea tree conditioner, shampoo and leave in conditioner
• Buy any Karen Murrell Lipstick and get a FREE Lip Pencil or jute bag
• Buy any two Holistic Hair products and get a FREE travel size Essential Scalp Spray or a Salt of the Earth Volumising and Texturising spray
• Buy Life Cykel Chaga liquid and get a FREE Chaga Mouth Mist 60ml
• Buy 2 or more Lifestream Products and get a FREE Glass Smoothie Tumbler
• Buy any Nutra Organics Kids Gutsy Gummies Powder and get a FREE gummie mould
• Weleda Skin Food - 20% off across the range
• Solgar Ashwagandha Root 60 capsules - was $48.90 now $35.90
• Solgar Quercetin Complex with Ester C 50 capsules - was $46.90 now $34.90
• Solgar Vitamin D3 1000iu 250 soft gels - was $57.90 now $42.90
• Solgar Wild Oregano 60 capsules - was $23.90 now $17.90
• X-Clear Nasal Spray and Sinus Rinse Range - 15% off
• Speick Mens Deodorants - 15% off range
• Nuzest Good Green Vitality - 15% off now $94.30
• Therapure My Immune Support 120 caps Intro offer was $45.80 now 30% off at $32
• Therapure Cold & Flu Support 60 caps - Intro offer was $36.60 now 30% off at $25.60
• Garden of Life Organic Creamy Oatmilk Powder in Chocolate Brownie or Vanilla Cookies flavour 860g - 20% off, was $77.90 now $62.30

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

• Seleno Uturunku Ceremonial Cacao Drops Refil bags 250g
• Weleda Superhero Gift Set - contains 30ml skinfood and 30ml skinfood light
• SUKU Kids Super Immunity + Elderberry 60 gummies
• Organic Loose Teas from Claridges - Raspberrry Leaf 70g, Liquorice Root 50g, Red Bush 250g, Chamomile 250g, Oat Straw 30g
• Qenda Everyday Fibre Wildberry 450g
• Nutra Organics Chicken Bone Broth in 250g concentrate - Lemon and Paprika, Natural and Native Herb
• Natroceutics Milk Thistle 60 capsules
• Swanson MSM cream 59ml
• Magic Tea Date Seed Coffee in Classic Roast 
• Eve Workout With Me 242g  - berrypop flavoured pre work out powder
• Wild Kiwihearts Natural Soothing Cream 50ml and Magnesium, Kawakawa & Lavender 150ml
• The Patch Remedy - Menopause, Relax, Sleep and Sleep with Lavender
• X -Zone Sports Spray 100ml and roll on 50ml

Note: 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

Their goal is for customers to feel immediate relief upon rubbing or spraying on their products, creating a positive impact on their well-being. They also understand that pain not only affects the body but also our emotional state and spirit, limiting energy and hindering the exploration of solutions.  X-ZONE products are natural, vegan, sustainable, and ethical, contributing to a better world.  

Years of testing led to a unique combination of anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving ingredients that really worked. Then came the development of three different formats – rubs, roll on and spray – to make application easier. Their team are truly passionate about creating natural products that work to provide effective pain relief for the everyday New Zealander. 

X-Zone joints 

Popular among those with arthritis and chronic pain, X-ZONE JOINTS is jam-packed with active anti-inflammatory ingredients to aid joint mobility and stiffness.  X-ZONE JOINTS has 11 active ingredients targeting joints and bones, and the 4 NZ natives are traditionally used in māori rongoā as follows:  Pukatea for nervous system support and a strong analgesic (pain relief), Tūpākihi to knit together broken bones and relieve deep bone and muscular pain, arthritis, nerve pain, sprains and strains. Kareao for joint mobility and normal muscle function, and Kūmarahou for rheumatism and arthritis.   X-Zone Joints has an easy-to-open, flip-top lid, for those who have pain in their hands. 

X-Zone Sports 

 X-Zone Sports Rub is high-potency formulation to assist active Kiwis for pre-exercise muscle warm up, as it may ease muscle stiffness and tight ligaments/tendons and post-exercise muscle recovery when muscles, ligaments and tendons come under stress.        X-ZONE Sports Rub contains a proprietary blend of natural ingredients, including New Zealand botanicals (Harakeke, Kūmarahou, Kōwhai, Pukatea and Pūriri ) as well as menthol, witch hazel, clove, spearmint, arnica, cayenne and camphor, known for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic and circulatory properties.  X-Zone Sports rub is made with natural ingredients, so is a desirable option for sports people who prefer to avoid synthetic ingredients or chemicals. We also have this available in a roll on and a spray

Note: while X-ZONE products are generally safe to use, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using X-ZONE with other medications or if you have any existing medical conditions. Safe for the entire family, including children (7+), adults and seniors. As with any new product, pregnant or nursing women should consult their healthcare provider before using.  

What is the cause of your Cough 

Coughing is an important reflex that helps protect your airway and lungs against irritants.  It can propel air and particles out of your lungs and throat at speeds close to 80 kms per hour.  Occasional coughing is normal as it helps clear your throat and airway of germs, mucus and dust but a cough that doesn’t go away or comes with other symptoms like shortness of breath, mucus production or bloody phlegm could be the sign of a more serious medical problem.  The most common cause of a cough is a respiratory tract infection, such as a cold or the flu. 

Types of Coughs 

There are many different types of coughs with distinct characteristics that can help your healthcare practitioner identify what underlying issue may be causing it. If a cough brings up phlegm or mucus it is called a productive or wet cough and could suggest a common cold, the flu, asthma. pneumonia, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema. In situations where babies, toddlers, and children have wet coughs, the coughs are nearly always caused by either a cold or the flu.  Wet coughs are often accompanied by other symptoms such as a runny nose, postnasal drip, or the excess mucus that drips from your nose into your throat and fatigue.  Wet coughs sound wet because of the moisture present when mucus comes up from your respiratory system. 

The colour of the mucus can signal a more serious problem. You should see a doctor if your cough brings up yellowish-green phlegm or blood. A cough that doesn’t produce mucus is called a dry or nonproductive cough.  

Coughs that make certain sounds, like whooping, wheezing or barking, may also signal certain types of cough.  A cough caused by smoking is almost always a chronic cough with a distinctive sound. 

Croup is most commonly caused by a viral infection and occurs most often in children ages 5 and younger.  It causes a distinctive “barking” cough that sounds similar to a seal.  Croup usually passes on its own without treatment. Home remedies can include placing a cool mist humidifier in the child’s bedroom, bringing the child into a steam-filled bathroom for up to 10 minutes, taking the child outside so they can breathe in cool air or taking the child out for a car ride with the windows down to let in the cooler air.  Making sure that the child gets plenty of rest and fluids.  Homeopathic croup remedies are available in-store. 

If you’re having a severe cough attack and you aren’t able to stop, it might be a paroxysmal cough. This is commonly caused by pertussis or whooping cough but can be caused by other diseases like tuberculosis. On the other hand, it can also be a sign of a severe asthma attack.  A common cause of coughing in young children is asthma. Asthmatic coughing typically involves wheezing, making it easy to identify. 

Other coughs may be caused by choking, a dry throat, damaged vocal cords or nervous tension. Chronic coughs last longer than eight weeks and can be the sign of a more serious or chronic lung disease.  

An Acute cough is the least serious type of cough. It only lasts for three weeks or less and will most likely clear up on its own. This type of cough will not need medical attention. However, if the cough is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, headache, drowsiness or shortness of breath it should be brought to a doctor’s attention. 

The following are common causes of an Acute cough – lasting less than two months: 

Upper respiratory tract infections: Infections of the nose and throat are the most common cause of coughing related to illness. They are usually associated with fevers, sore throat and runny nose. They are almost always caused by viruses, and include the common cold, viral laryngitis and influenza. 

Hay fever (or allergic rhinitis): A common allergic condition that mimics the symptoms of a common cold. It is usually associated with dry cough, sneezing and runny nose. Allergens may include things like trees/pollen/dust mites/animal fur/mold. 

Post-nasal drip: This condition shows up as a dry cough caused by the chronic dripping of mucus from the back of the nose to the throat. Usually this occurs after a recent infection or continuous exposure to an allergy trigger. 

Inhalation of irritants: Acute exposure to some fumes and vapors can cause inflammation of the throat and airway and cause cough. 

Lower respiratory tract infections: These are more serious viral and bacterial infections that usually cause a deep, lingering cough and fever. They can affect the airways (bronchitis) or go further into the lungs (pneumonia). 

Pulmonary embolism: This is a potentially life-threatening condition where a blood clot travels, usually from the legs, to the lungs causing sudden shortness of breath and sometimes a dry cough. 

Lung collapse (or pneumothorax): This is caused by the deflation of the lung. It can be spontaneous or due to chest trauma. Signs of a collapsed lung include sudden chest pain, dry cough and shortness of breath. 

Heart failure: A weak or diseased heart can cause buildup of fluid in the lung, causing cough and worsening shortness of breath. 

Gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD): This digestive disorder occurs when stomach acid frequently backs up into the esophagus, causing heartburn. When the acid rises into the throat it can also cause a dry cough. 

Some medications will cause coughing, although it’s generally a rare side effect. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors can cause coughing. They are often used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions. Your coughing will stop when you quit using the medication. 

Natural Home Remedies 

Honey taken off a teaspoon (not for under 2 year olds) and saltwater gargles are popular home remedies for coughing.  Mixing 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water can help to relieve irritation.   

Drinking fluids can help relieve dryness in your throat, which is a common cause of coughing. It also helps to thin out mucus, which can ease coughing and congestion Sipping hot liquids like broth or tea may help ease coughing. e.g. herbal teas made of peppermint, ginger (may soothe coughing by breaking up phlegm), slippery elm, thyme, turmeric or marshmallow root. If you prefer a cold drink, opt for a noncarbonated beverage like water or diluted pineapple juice (not if on blood thinners or antibiotics like amoxicillin). Sucking on ice cubes may also help.  

According to a 2018 case study, a diet high in fibre-rich fruits may help relieve chronic respiratory symptoms, such as a cough with phlegm. 

A humidifier helps provide moisture in the air you breathe in while also helping to open up your sinuses. For best results, try an indoor humidity level between 40% and 50%. Any more than this could cause dust mites, molds, and other allergens to flourish. 

If you think GERD is causing your symptoms, avoiding common trigger foods can help. - see links below for more information 

Slippery elm is an ancient remedy for coughing and sore throat. People claim it may reduce inflammation and soothe the lining of your throat. 

In store we have a large range of herbal and homeopathic remedies, lozenges and essential oils that may help with your cough. If your cough persists, be sure to see your healthcare professional. They can help determine what’s causing your symptoms and help find the best treatment for your cough. 

(References lung.org and healthline)

Gluten Free Naan Bread

Instructions:

• To a large mixing bowl add 150g flour, 140g yoghurt, 1 teaspoon olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. Mix with a fork, until it starts to clump together

• Now dust your hands, worktop and rolling pin with flour

• With your hands press your dough into a large ball and then divide in half and shape into 2 balls

• Gently roll out each dough ball, or press with your hands, until roughly 5mm thick. Then press round any edges that have split, to give a smooth edge

• Place a frying pan onto a high heat (no oil needed), wait until it's very hot before adding your naan bread

• Cook on both sides, for a couple of minutes, until the bread is just starting to blacken (this adds a lovely flavour)

• Finally drizzle with a little extra olive oil, sprinkle over the chopped herbs, if using, and some sea salt

Recipe credit to www.healthylivingjames.co.uk/best-gluten-free-naan-bread