Food is Medicine

A new year often feels like a blank page – a chance to begin again, refresh our thinking, and maybe set a few gentle goals for the months ahead.

January has that wonderful sense of possibility about it. But rather than diving into resolutions that are difficult to keep, why not take a simpler approach?

Small steps can make the biggest difference!

One lovely place to start is with the food we eat. After all, food really is the foundation of life.

Nature already offers us everything we need for good health – we just have to listen.

Think about animals for a moment; when they’re unwell, they instinctively know which plants to seek out to help heal themselves.

That same natural intelligence exists all around us, waiting to be rediscovered.

So maybe your first goal of the year could be something as straightforward as cooking more from scratch.

Choosing fresh, natural ingredients over ready-made meals not only nourishes your body but is also a simple, satisfying act of care – for yourself and those around you.

Turmeric

In this month’s Herbs with Barbara, Barbara shines the spotlight on turmeric – an incredible golden spice with a glowing reputation.

Packed with natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, turmeric supports your heart and brain, helps soothe joint pain – and even protects your cells from day‑to‑day stress. While you might not want to make a herbal tea with it, this vibrant spice fits easily into your everyday cooking – and is, of course, one of the hero ingredients in many curry dishes.

Even more interestingly, research now suggests turmeric may be effective (and potentially safer) than common indigestion medicines such as omeprazole for easing digestive discomfort.

It’s another reminder of how powerful nature can be when we use it wisely.

And speaking of wisdom – while many of nature’s plants have powerful benefits, not all of them are safe for humans or pets. So, before experimenting, always seek professional advice.

If Barbara’s inspired you to learn more about herbs and their many uses, you might enjoy joining The Herb Society – an organisation with over a century of shared knowledge, bringing together people who share a love of nature’s healing power.

Here’s to fresh beginnings, gentle goals, and finding health and happiness the natural way!