Get back to basics to stay healthy

Part of our International Women's Day feature

The many ways in which common-or-garden products can help solve health problems were outlined by Cathy Browne – the Herbal Hippy from Killucan – at the event in the Parish Community Centre in Mullingar last Tuesday.

Cathy grows her own herbs and makes remedies and tonics from them. She explained how she suffered from post-partum depression after the birth of her son by Caesarean section almost 10 years ago. She was prescribed anti-depressants, but instead opted for herbal remedies, which had her back to normal in three months.

Since then Cathy has managed to shed seven stone in weight, naturally, with herbal help. She had been on medication from the age of 12 for polycystic ovaries and again, herbal remedies solved the problem. She offers help for all sorts of ailments, and fertility issues and symptoms of the menopause.

Cathy has great faith in dandelions, sage and nettles and says they provide many benefits to the body. They are seen as weeds, but they have wonderful nutritional and medicinal properties, she says.

She said that hair oil made from nettles and/or rosemary and organic olive oil produces amazing results. Dry the herbs in a hot-press or on a radiator, in a brown paper bag. Half fill a jar with the herbs and top it up with olive oil. Leave it for three weeks, then strain and apply to the hair twice a week. For a hot oil treatment, heat the mixture gently. She also strongly recommends nettle tea and putting herbs in your stews or potatoes.

Plants that grow in the garden and along the canal are free medicine, but they are not a quick fix solution, she pointed out, explaining that you should see results after three months of taking them.

Cathy warned of the chemicals contained in hygiene and cleaning products and in candles, all of which affect our bodies. She recommended getting back to basics and said clean water, good food and exercise are what are needed to stay healthy.

In conclusion, Cathy suggested that those interested in knowing more consult any of the many books written by Rosemary Gladstar on herbal medicines. Find Cathy at theherbalhippie.com.