Category: Homeopathy

Posted by Christine Pope on in Health Care, Homeopathy, stress

Processing Shock and Grief After the Bondi Tragedy
A French press with brewed tea sits on a tray beside an empty glass cup and a piece of sugar, with flowers and a rustic wooden table in the background.

Like so many people, I have felt deeply shaken by the events at Bondi. Even if you were nowhere near the scene, shocking events like this can cut through our sense of safety and leave us feeling unsettled, emotional, or simply not safe.

Personally I wanted to do something to help but it was difficult to know what to do. Was there a useful charity for donations ? Should I be advocating on the issue but what could I do when so many have tried to find solutions for the religious terrorism that was displayed this week.

It’s important to acknowledge that what many of us are feeling right now is a very normal response to an abnormal and distressing event. Shock, grief, fear, sadness, anxiety, tearfulness, anger or even numbness can all show up in the days and weeks following something like this.

There is no “right” way to respond. What matters is finding supportive ways to help your nervous system settle and to allow emotions to move through rather than becoming stuck.

Gentle Strategies to Support Yourself

Limit exposure to distressing media
While staying informed is understandable, repeated exposure to graphic or emotional coverage can keep your nervous system in a heightened state of alert. Consider checking the news once or twice a day rather than scrolling continuously.

Ground your body
Simple grounding practices such as walking barefoot on grass or sand, slow deep breathing, stretching, or holding something warm like a cup of tea can help bring your body out of fight-or-flight mode.

Reduce stimulants
At times of stress, caffeine can amplify anxiety and jitteriness. Swapping coffee for something more calming such as chamomile or peppermint tea can be surprisingly helpful in settling frayed nerves.

Connect with others
Talking about how you’re feeling with a trusted friend can be incredibly healing. This week I’ve had several conversations with people about how they felt after what happened, and many were surprised by how moved they were by the compassion and solidarity shown across social media and the wider community.

If talking feels difficult, writing can be a powerful alternative. Putting your thoughts and feelings on paper often helps release emotions that feel stuck or overwhelming.

A wooden table displaying an assortment of glass bottles filled with various essential oils, next to jars with natural ingredients, surrounded by fresh flowers and herbs.

Homeopathic Support for Shock and Emotional Distress

Homeopathic remedies can be a gentle option for supporting emotional wellbeing during times of shock and grief. As always, individual responses vary, and remedies are chosen based on how you are experiencing things.

Aconite
One of the first remedies to consider after a shock. A helpful way to think about Aconite is the “shock of the shock” — like replaying the impact of a car accident over and over in your mind.

Aconite may be helpful when symptoms are sudden and intense following a traumatic event such as an accident or disaster. You may feel:

  • Agitated or restless
  • Fearful or panicky
  • A pounding heart
  • Dry skin and mouth, with thirst

Aconite can also support ongoing anxiety linked to a recent or past traumatic experience, especially when the fear feels immediate and overwhelming.

Arsenicum album
This remedy is often helpful when anxiety centres around safety, security and what might happen in the future. There may be excessive worrying about health, finances, or loved ones.

People who resonate with Arsenicum often:

  • Feel better with company but may become controlling
  • Are very neat, tidy or perfectionistic
  • Feel chilly and prefer warmth

Ignatia
Ignatia can be supportive when grief feels raw and emotional expression is strong. It is commonly considered when:

  • You feel very teary or can’t stop crying
  • You lose your appetite when upset
  • There’s a sensation of a lump in the throat

Bach Rescue Remedy
A beautifully gentle option for acute stress and emotional overwhelm. One of the advantages of Rescue Remedy is that it can be taken frequently. While the standard dose is four drops, four times a day, during periods of significant stress it can be used more often if needed.

Be Kind to Yourself

Events like this can shake our sense of safety and remind us of how vulnerable we all are. If you’re feeling “off”, emotional, or unsettled, it doesn’t mean you’re not coping — it means you’re human.

Give yourself permission to slow down, reach out, and seek support if you need it. If feelings of anxiety, distress or grief persist or begin to interfere with daily life, professional support can be incredibly valuable.

We heal not by pushing emotions away, but by allowing them to be seen, felt, and gently supported.

If you need personalised support or just want to catchup for a cup of tea, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Posted by Christine Pope on in Cancer support, Diarrhea, Health Care, Homeopathy, probiotics

Supporting your gut through cancer treatment: practical ways to feel better and recover.
A woman sitting on a couch, appearing distressed, with her hand on her forehead and another hand on her chest, indicating discomfort or anxiety.

One of the most common questions I hear in clinic is, “What can I do to help my digestion during treatment?”
It’s no surprise — cancer treatment can be incredibly tough on the gut. You might notice changes in appetite, reflux, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, or just a general sense that your digestion isn’t working the way it usually does.

The good news is that there are gentle, practical things you can do to feel more comfortable and support your recovery. You don’t need a perfect diet or a long list of supplements — just small steps that nourish your gut and help it do its job.

Let’s walk through a few that make a real difference.

1. Start With a Gut-Friendly Way of Eating

During treatment, your gut responds best to foods that are nourishing but easy to digest. One of the most supportive eating patterns is the Mediterranean diet — and it’s less complicated than it sounds.

Think of it as building your meals around:

  • Plenty of colourful vegetables and fruit
  • Whole grains like oats, barley or brown rice
  • Legumes such as lentils, chickpeas and beans
  • Extra virgin olive oil (your daily healthy-fat hero)
  • Nuts, seeds and herbs for added flavour and fibre
  • Fish and seafood a few times a week
  • Smaller amounts of poultry, dairy and eggs
  • Very little red meat, processed food or excess sugar

This way of eating feeds your good gut bacteria, supports regular bowel habits, and helps manage inflammation — all incredibly important during treatment.

If your appetite is low or your gut feels sensitive, try softer textures: blended soups, slow-cooked vegetables or warm porridge. Even one or two Mediterranean-style choices a day add up.

2. Feed Your Healthy Gut Bacteria

Your microbiome — the community of bacteria living in your digestive tract — is heavily influenced by treatment. Giving it a little love can help with regularity, energy and even immune support.

Easy food-based prebiotics

Prebiotics are fibres that “feed” your good gut bugs. Some of the most helpful include:

  • Inulin – found in onions, leeks, garlic, artichokes
  • PHGG (Partially Hydrolysed Guar Gum) – one of the gentlest fibres for bloating or constipation
  • GOS – great for boosting bifidobacteria and calming inflammation
  • FOS – naturally found in fruit, veg and honey

These can come from food and there is more information in this blog What are the best vegetables for feeding your gut ?. The key is: start low, go slow.

Everyday foods that help

  • Cooked and cooled potatoes or rice (a great source of resistant starch)
  • Yoghurt or kefir (if tolerated)
  • Bananas, berries, citrus
  • Almonds, pistachios and ground flaxseed

Even adding one prebiotic food per day can gradually improve gut comfort.

A bowl of purple flowers alongside two brown bottles with droppers and small white granules scattered on a wooden surface.

3. Gentle Homeopathics for Common Symptoms

Many clients find homeopathics helpful alongside their treatment plan — especially when symptoms fluctuate.

Here are a few commonly used options:

  • Nux vomica – feeling like you have over-indulged (headache and mild nausea), constipated or never feeling like you are completely empty.
  • Arsenicum album – nausea or vomiting with diarrhoea.
  • Ipecac – persistent nausea that doesn’t improve after vomiting
  • Colocynthis – bowel pain better for bending over or putting pressure on the affected area.
  • Bryonia – constipation with dryness or pain on movement

As always, check in if you’re unsure what’s right for you. You will often need to dose more frequently than you would expect during treatment.

4. Gentle Lifestyle Habits That Support Digestion

None of these require big changes — just small actions done consistently:

  • Eat smaller meals more often
  • Sip water throughout the day
  • Keep meals at similar times to support natural rhythms
  • Try a short walk or gentle stretching after meals
  • Avoid highly processed foods and artificial sweeteners when possible

These little habits can make a noticeable difference in comfort and regularity.

5. Supporting Your Gut During Recovery

Once active treatment finishes, your gut may need time to settle. This is where rebuilding becomes important. Continue with:

  • Mediterranean-style foods
  • Prebiotics (food first, then supplements if needed)
  • Good hydration
  • Gentle movement
  • A slow reintroduction of foods if your digestion is still sensitive

Your gut has an incredible ability to repair — and these steps help guide it back to balance.

A Final Thought

Caring for your gut during cancer treatment isn’t about getting everything right — it’s about choosing small, supportive habits that help you feel a little better each day. With nourishing foods, gentle prebiotics, targeted homeopathics and a Mediterranean-style approach, you can give your digestive system the support it needs to cope with treatment and recover well.

In clinic I usually recommend a comprehensive digestive stool analysis as a good way to get information on how well your gut is functioning and to direct treatment to improve your health. Currently I refer people to Microba for that testing. The testing is simple and can be delivered directly to you at home.

If you need more support book in for an online or in person consultation at Elemental Health .Christine in in clinic on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Posted by Christine Pope on in Detoxification, Herbs, Homeopathy, Minerals, Online Courses

What are the healthy options available in the Black Friday sales ?

Black Friday refers to the Friday following Thanksgiving in the United States, marking the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. The event is infamous for retailers offering substantial discounts, often at deeply reduced prices.This year I started looking for bargains on healthy options to see what was available and would help me save money on things I would usually buy.

First up one of my favourite protein powders nuut emailed offering a 25% discount across the product range of their keto, paleo and daily balance with the code bff25. My usual recommendation is to try the taster bundle so you can check out different flavours. The protein powder is a blend of protein powder, cacao, supergreens and prebiotics and probiotics. Just click here for the nuut site.

My daughter messaged and let me know Zazen replacement water filters were on sale. Jumping on the site I couldn’t find the deal but it showed up in my email shortly afterwards. The site is giving a 35% discount on the replacement kit and 20% on the water filters themselves. The Zazen water filter is a great unit which sits on the bench and removes 99.98% of heavy metals and microplastics, reduces toxins and remineralises the water. Use the code ZAZENFAMILY at checkout.

One of my favourite flavoured salt and spice providers, Gewerzhaus , is offering a 20% discount across the site plus free shipping over $70. The spice mixes provide a wide range of flavour profiles that really enhance cooking. Better still adding herbs and spices to a meal provides a great source of plant phytochemicals as well as flavour.

The Roast Vegetable Salt is a flavourful twist on traditional salt. It’s a blend of finely ground sea salt with a variety of herbs and spices like garlic, coriander, garlic, onion, caraway, oregano, pepper, thyme, ginger, lemon myrtle, marjoram, mustard seed, nutmeg, paprika, parsley, rosemary. This seasoning adds a wonderful depth of flavor to soups, stews, roasted veggies, and even salads. It’s an all-purpose seasoning that brings out the natural sweetness in ingredients, making it a great alternative to plain salt, and it’s perfect for when you want to enhance flavors without overpowering them.

For those who love a garlicky kick in their meals, Gewürzhaus’ Garlic Spice Lover’s is a must-have. This classic seasoning combines the rich, aromatic flavor of garlic with the subtle earthiness of sea salt as well as a little parsley and onion. It’s also the quickest way to make a garlic pizza with just a little oil.

If you’re craving something with a bit of heat and smokiness, the Tex Mex Spices blend is just the ticket. It combines chili, cumin, paprika, garlic, and onion to create the perfect seasoning for tacos, burritos, fajitas, or grilled veggies. It’s the kind of seasoning that brings all the right flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine to your table, with just the right balance of spice and savory notes.

Looking for some education options? My Homeopathy 101 program is on sale at a 50% discount and with the four weeks of content gives you a great training in how to use homeopathy to treat a range of common illnesses. Plus you get to save $$$ every time you avoid having to head to the GP, unless you are fortunate enough to have one who bulk bills!

The on demand program covers all the basics for training yourself in using homeopathic medicines including dosing and selecting a useful potency. Plus it provides you with information about which conditions you can treat and when you need to seek more advice.

Another brand that I use for cleaning is Norwex and they have a lot of specials on products at this time of year. Their microfiber cloths and cleaning systems use advanced technology to trap and remove dirt, bacteria, and allergens with just water, meaning you can clean most surfaces without the need for harsh chemicals. There are also a range of useful cleaning products such as a concentrated laundry powder and enzymatically based stain removal and dishwashing products.

Benefiting from the Black Friday sales is largely a question of identifying what you need to buy and then seeing if the deals offered are worthwhile. My other tip is to make sure you do stay on newsletter databases this time of year because it often adds a little extra value! Let me know if you find any other healthy specials!

Posted by Christine Pope on in Health Care, Healthy Ageing, Homeopathy, Innovation

Group programs an innovative way to reduce healthcare costs

Have you ever participated in a group program or workshop ? Working with a group of people on a common issue or health problem is often far more successful than working individually with a practitioner. The group itself contributes so many benefits, whether its a sense of support, accountability or motivation as well as specific knowledge or expertise.

Recently I finished a book called “The Community Cure” by James Gaskell. It was recommended by a colleague who was running training in Oncology and she suggested it as a strategy for providing supportive care for oncology patients in an affordable way. In a healthcare setting the original groups were set up to support Hispanic patients with diabetes and have expanded to a range of healthcare challenges.

My own introduction to group programs was through some group coaching with a colleague called Tammy Guest. The group was working on developing their businesses with a range of offerings and I found the process very helpful and supportive. It’s always easier when you understand that others had the same challenges clarifying their offer, dealing with technology or realising that once you have built the course or program you know need to get your head around facebook ads or other marketing.

In the two years since I finished that group I have run a number of small groups myself and my first one was a small group who did a “Reset” through COVID lockdown. That was a highpoint of my week during that last interminable lockdown. Two others really stand out for me were the first “Ageing Outrageously” when I added a weekly call and check-in to the online program and my “Using Homeopathy Made Easy” group where the group helped decide what we covered in the last couple of weeks. That was both inspirational but also meant I knew I was building a course they could really use.

Some of the benefits of group programs include;

  1. Support System: The sense of belonging and understanding that comes from knowing you’re not alone in your struggles can provide immense comfort and strength. It can also provide you with a supportive group who understand your challenges and can provide advice.
  2. Shared Knowledge and Resources: Within a group there are often such a wealth of knowledge and resources that can be tapped into. It can be as simple as having a facebook group where the focus goes from the practitioner answering all questions to the group contributing their strategies and suggestions. Whether it’s learning a new skill, or accessing healthcare services, the power of shared knowledge is invaluable.
  3. Sense of Belonging: Humans are social beings wired for connection, and a strong sense of belonging is essential for our mental and emotional well-being. Being part of a community provides a sense of identity and purpose, fostering feelings of acceptance and inclusion. Whether it’s a neighborhood group, a sports team, or an online forum, finding your tribe can enrich your life.
  4. Accountability and Motivation: When you’re part of a group, you’re not just accountable to yourself but to the group as a whole. Whether it’s sticking to your fitness goals, pursuing personal growth, or contributing to a shared cause, the support and encouragement of your peers can fuel your motivation and keep you on track. Knowing that others are counting on you can be a powerful motivator to strive for excellence.
  5. Opportunities for Collaboration: Collaboration breeds innovation, and groups are fertile grounds for collaboration to flourish. Whether it’s brainstorming ideas, pooling resources, or working together on projects, the diverse perspectives and talents within a community can lead to creative breakthroughs and impactful outcomes. By leveraging the strengths of its members, a group can achieve far more than any individual could on their own.
  6. Emotional Resilience: Life is full of ups and downs, and having a strong support network can bolster your resilience. Whether it’s celebrating successes together or offering a shoulder to lean on during tough times, the emotional bonds forged within a group can provide solace and strength.

Group programs offer a range of benefits that can enhance our lives on both personal and collective levels. From providing support and belonging to fostering collaboration and resilience, communities play a vital role in shaping our health, happiness, and overall quality of life.

If you are interested in experiencing a group program yourself sign up to my list and be notified when the next live group is scheduled. If you are ready to learn more about natural medicine enrol in the on-demand course, Homeopathy 101 or join my signature program, Ageing Outrageously.

Posted by Christine Pope on in Health Care, Herbs, Homeopathy, Online Courses

Natural Medicine First Aid 2022

Did you miss my latest webinar for Natural Medicine Week ? If you want an overview of how to treat coughs, colds and stomach upsets as well as common injuries please review the powerpoint links below or click through to the youtube recording further down.

Natural Medicine First Aid 2022Download

The recordings are linked to my youtube site and can be accessed by clicking on the link below, but please feel free to subscribe to the channel for updates.

Thanks to all those who attended the workshop and please consider following my blog for future updates on all things natural medicine. If you are interested in treating common illnesses and injuries have a look at these recent blogs;

  1. Treating Colds and Flu at home
  2. Natural medicine first aid – bruises, sprains and strains
  3. Stomach Aches and Pains
  4. Post Viral Fatigue (and other symptoms)

Christine is a naturopath and nutritionist based at Elemental Health St Ives. Appointment can be made on 02 8084 0081 or online at the website.

Posted by Christine Pope on in Health Care, Homeopathy, Minerals, Tea

Treating Colds and Flu at home

There is a lot of discussion about circulating viruses at the moment and quite a bit of uncertainty about whether people know how to treat these symptoms at home. To make it easier I presented and recorded a webinar on Treating Cold and Flu symptoms and have recorded it. The presentation and the recording can be downloaded here. In addition I have summarised my suggested homeoapthic treatment for these symptoms below so that all the information is handy.

Treating Colds and Flu symptoms webinar

Treating colds and fluDownload

Homeopathically there are some excellent options for managing cold and flu and fevers and I have summarised the type of symptoms you would see in a patient who needs this remedy for a few of my favourites below.

Aconite

First remedy to consider where the onset is very sudden and in particular after exposure to cold dry weather.  Person who needs Aconite is usually extremely anxious, fearful and/or restless.

Violent onset of bursting headache in forehead with burning, tingling and numbness in the nose.  Worse for warm room, cold, dry weather. Better for lying down or open air.

Belladonna

Sudden onset of intense, bursting head pain with hot, red flushed face. Restless, delirious, desire to escape, may strike or bite. Throbbing in the temples worse for  motion of eyes, light, noise, touch, jarring. Better for lying, pressure, bending head back, wrapping up head warmly.

Good remedy for middle ear infection with bright red face and sudden onset of ear pain.

Also good for right sided sore throats which are quite red.

Bryonia

Dry cough which is worse for movement and causes pain in the chest.Constipation with large dry stool.

Pressing or bursting in temples and forehead like a crushing weight worse for motion, stooping, moving eyes. Better for pressure, rest, closing eyes and warmth.

Irritable, thirsty, wants to get back to work.

Ferrum Phos

Often used for fever where there are few other symptoms, typically slow progression.

Gelsemium

Tired exhausting flu. Generally dizzy, drowsy, droopy or dull. Thinking is an effort. Chills or dull pain up and down the spine. Wants to sleep or lie down. Little thirst.

May be accompanied by diarrhea.

Hepar Sulph

Sensitive and irritable. Sore throats with a feeling like something is stuck in it, like a splinter. Swollen tonsils and glands often with pus.  Sharp pain on swallowing. Discharges smell sour. Worse for drafts and touch. Good to use if you don’t get to the Aconite early enough and it comes on after being out in the cold.

Pulsatilla

Well developed colds with yellow or green mucus. Symptoms change constantly and person is easily upset and wants people around them Cough can be dry at night but loose in the morning. Worse for heat. Desires rich and creamy foods.

For stomach symptoms the following remedies may be helpful.

Arsenicum

First remedy to think of for food poisoning or stomach flu. May not be able to bear the sight, smell or thought of food. Worse at midnight to 2am. Generally chilly and desiring frequent cold drinks. Patient may be very anxious and better for warm applications.

Lycopodium

Patient is full of gas with flatulence and belching. Weak digestion and may be satiated after a little food.  Can’t stand anything around  the waist. Usually worse between 4-8pm.

img_0047Mag Phos

Colic in children. Abdominal cramping better for warmth and pressure, often quite gassy and better for bending over.

Nux Vomica

Hangover remedy. Over indulgence in food and alcohol. Constipated or with heartburn made worse by spicy food. Grumpy irritable and workaholic people.

Better for rest or discharges.

Podophyllum

Good remedy for Bali Belly with explosive diarrhea. Also for constipation alternating with diarrhea. Worse for acid fruits or milk. Sour smelling vomit.

Thirst for large quantities of water.

Christine Pope is based at Elemental Health, St Ives and runs regular workshops to teach people how to use natural medicine for treating common health complaints.If you are ready to learn more about natural medicine enrol in the on-demand course, Homeopathy 101 or join my signature program, Ageing Outrageously.

If you need more information you can make an appointment on (02) 80840081 or online at http://elementalhealth.net.au .