TRANSITION TOWNS

Climate change and peak oil - the world is changing and we have to change with it. I have joined up with the Transition Towns movement (started in the UK by Rob Hopkins). This is a ground-up community initiated change towards sustainable lives.

My first steps are walking the boys to and from school or catch the local bus. We need to stop relying so much on the car. We will be planting a big vege garden soon. Watch this space!

http://transitiontowns.org/Main/HomePage

"for all those aspects of life that this community needs in order to sustain itself and thrive, how do we significantly increase resilience (to mitigate the effects of Peak Oil) and drastically reduce carbon emissions (to mitigate the effects of Climate Change)?"

PUHA Sonchus oleraceus Sow Thistle

Did you know? Maori chewed gum from the milky sap of the Puha root. Pre-European Maori had very low levels of cancer.

Puha is something of a voyaging plant. The Puha plant (Sonchus oleraceus) that is eaten today as a strong, nutrient-rich green, and utilized as a healing medicinal herb is not actually a native of New Zealand. This Puha is common in Europe and possibly arrived in New Zealand more than 1,000 years ago with Maori in the great migration of waka (canoes) and important chiefs and whanau (family). Native New Zealand Puha is actually Sonchus Kirkii.

Traditionally Puha is a prized food for Maori and it was a surprise to discover it in Europe. This discovery occurred during World War II when a Major from the 28^th Maori Battalion, stationed in Greece, noticed local farmers collecting Puha from their fields. The farmers explained that the plant was an important vegetable for them. Soon Maori 5^th Brigade transport drivers, on their way to Olympus, were purchasing their precious supplies of Puha from the Greek farmers.

Puha (sow thistle) like so many of New Zealand’s medicinal plants has a multitude of therapeutic uses:

· An infusion of the plant can encourage menstruation, and treat diarrhea

· A tonic produced from infusing the leaves and roots can reduce fever

· The stem juice may be taken for constipation

· Puha tonic is also useful as a blood purifier and to treat haemorrhages

· Puha cream treats boils and abscesses on the skin

This is one plant that can be bought at shops and markets and is often growing in our gardens. A few years ago researchers from both Auckland and Otago Universities found that Puha has three times the antioxidant level of blueberries. High-antioxidant foods fight cancer - so that’s a very good reason to plant a few puha in the garden.

HOROPITO - NATURALLY ANTI-FUNGAL

The New Zealand native plant Horopito (Pseudowintera colorata) Pepper Tree possesses anti-fungal properties that are today well-documented by scientific research. The main biologically active chemical constituent of Horopito is the sesquiterpene dialdehyde polygodial 1. This Polygodial has been shown to exhibit fungicidal activity against yeasts and filamentous fungi by damaging the membrane of the fungal cell walls. Horopito is most well known for its action against Candida albicans.

With their great knowledge of New Zealand's native flora Maori traditionally utilised the leaves of Horopito to treat skin problems, skin diseases and oral thrush. The leaves were bruised and steeped in water and this lotion was used on ringworm, wounds, chaffed skin, and even venereal disease. A Horopito decoction was created for sick babies. The leaves were steeped in water and this juice was given to babies to treat Candida alibicans (oral thrush) which was a major cause of infant mortality at that time.

Early European settlers named Horopito the Bushman's Pain Killer and chewed the leaves and seeped them for tea to treat diarrhoea and stomach illnesses. In the 19th Century the French Nun, Mother Suzanne Aubert lived with Maori by the Wanganui River and studied Maori herbal knowledge. She cared for orphans and unwed mothers and supported them with the sale of her natural remedies based on Maori herbal lore. She believed that Horopito was a stronger remedy than Quinine (Quinquina) for chronic stomach illnesses although Quinine was the treatment of the day. Her remedy, Karana, contained Horopito and was successfully used throughout New Zealand in the 19th Century.

Today the Herbal Bush Company, Self Heal, reproduce Karana as a natural remedy for stomach upsets and for those with allergies who are susceptible to sprays and environmental toxins.

This is the link to Karana: http://www.purecurenz.com/
catalog/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=51

1. McCallion RF, Cole AL, Walker JR, Blunt JW, Munro MH. Antibiotic substances from New Zealand plants, II: Polygodial, an anti-Candida agent from Pseudowintera colorata. Planta Medica 1982;44:134-38.

EXERCISE AWAY THAT DEPRESSION

SELF HEAL BUSH BITTERS has so many healing qualities. It is particularly useful for depression. We recommend you see a doctor for depression first but there is something else you can do too – exercise.

Depression is more common nowadays than ever – the stresses and anxieties of modern life take their toll on our emotional health. We work long hours, we have huge mortgages, we multi-task, and society pressures us to earn more and spend more. It all encourages feelings of helplessness and depression.

Depression can suck all of your energy, make you feel tired and with a feeling of being stuck in a deep, dark hole.

Exercise is wonderful antidote for depression. It can distract your worried thoughts and lift your spirits. Exercise improves emotional and physical health, and so increases feelings of self-esteem. Any form of exercising could help you eliminate stress and frustrations, and you are more likely to have a good nights sleep.

Set easily achievable goals to start with, for example, get out of bed, get dressed, go outside and walk around the block. Add a bit more each day. If you can build this up to exercising three times a day then you are getting outside and getting air and sunshine throughout the day. Do the type of exercise you enjoy – weights, jogging, yoga, biking, etc. And exercise with others to increase your social interactions and shared experiences.

www.purecurenz.com

HARAKEKE PHORIUM TENAX

New Zealand’s answer to Aloe Vera!

New Zealand Flax is a lowland swamp dweller but is also found throughout New Zealand bush and gardens. For Maori Tohunga (healers) Harakeke has many physical and spiritual healing uses. The leaves of the plant are so strong that they were used traditionally for binding broken bones.

Each part of the plant has a specific purpose – the leaves and roots can be beaten into a poultice, roasted and applied to abscesses in order to draw the toxins to the surface. The gum is a powerful agent and was used to treat burns, scalds, sunburn, and wounds. It was also pushed into holes in molars to treat toothache and applied to the skin to treat ringworm.

Harakeke has an important spiritual role in Maori healing. TheTohunga used the leaves to determine the health of the patient in a very unique way - if the leaf made a screeching sound as it was pulled from the flax clump this signified that the patient would recover.

To check out our popular Self Heal Harakeke Cream for wounds/bites/cuts/rashes that are hard to heal -

http://www.purecurenz.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=34&products_id=60

AID TO BURMA / MYANMAR

The devastating cyclone, Nargis, has destroyed towns, villages, lives in the Irawaddy Delta area of Burma. If you would like to donate money to the Burmese people visit the Red Cross websites:

www.redcross.org.nz
www.redcross.org.uk
www.redcross.org

The dictator generals aren't doing anything to help the people. They have a huge army but it has only been trained to kill.

The Burmese need our help.

GIVE NOW.

QUICK SUSTAINABLE IDEAS

1. Collect your shower water in a fabric collapsible bucket and use the water for the garden. Don't let bathwater go down the plughole. Use a bucket and water the garden - good weight-training exercise too!

2. Don't line the bin with a plastic bag - use newspaper.

3. Don't use plastic bags at the supermarkets - cloth reusable bags only

4. Have long curtains at every window (thermal) - on curtain rail attach a long board so there is no gap above the rail.

5. When you need to travel - run, cycle, walk, bus, train, donkey. Avoid the car.

Rongoa Weekend in Taranaki

I have just spent an amazing 2 days at Te Aroha Marae by the foot of Mount Taranaki. I met Tohunga Olive who is an inspiring and highly respected Kuia. She taught us many aspects of Maori healing like meditation and Romiromi (massage). We were a group of all ages, young and old. I met Maori health practitioners and teachers from all over New Zealand and we talked, ate delicious food, relaxed and massaged.

It was a spiritually enriching weekend and I look forward to visiting Kuia Olive at her home, school and clinic for Traditional maori Rongoa in Nukumaru, South Taranaki.

Out in the sun? The big difference between Sunscreen and Sunblock?

We all know it is important to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging and aging rays, but it is essential we choose the products carefully. People with contact allergies, eczema or other sensitive skin conditions need to read the ingredients on the bottle carefully.

First of all choose a broad-spectrum one that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 15+ is good, but a SPF 30+ is preferable because it repels around 97% of UVB rays.

Secondly, it is important to realize the big difference between sunscreens and sunblocks.

Sunscreens are chemical absorbers, they offer protection through a chemical reaction. The chemicals in the product absorb the sun’s radiation.

Sunblocks are physical blockers, they physically block or reflect the UV radiation from reaching the skin.

For those with sensitive skin, sunblocks are the ones to choose. They are made from non-chemical ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, rather than from active chemicals which can irritate the skin.

Watch out for these ingredients in sunscreens which can cause allergic reactions or irritate the skin:

Oxybenzone – filter’s ultraviolet light, but can be absorbed through the skin

Parabens – these are preservatives, but can cause allergic reactions.

PABA – absorbs UV rays. Can sensitize the skin.

Octyimethoxcinnamate – shields UVB rays. Watch out for this in cosmetics.

Cinoxate – shields UVB rays. Watch out for this in cosmetics.

Natural sunscreens are popular and a good choice but some herbal chemicals can cause allergic reactions or eczema for some people, like tea tree oil, bee extracts and nuts.

Always use sun protection because the dangers of skin cancer are far greater than risking an allergic reaction. Just make sure you always check the ingredients, do a patch test first if you are concerned, and have fun in the sun!

www.purecurenz.com - Potent herbal healing and organic body-care created for you from New Zealand's unique plant life - pure ingredients, naturally.

Hi tO rEgEnErAtE

I'm listing all of Regenerate products now. They are a bio-certified Organic farm in North New Zealand (Tauranga). The range includes skin care, teas, medicinal creams. Although they grow introduced species (avocado, feijoa, echinacea etc) they are also starting to focus on native NZ planting.

I believe organics is the path to the future - sustainability, permaculture, a balance with nature. Let's think positively about the years ahead, working hard to reuse, recycle, plant natives, zero waste, walk, cycle, public transport, composting...

We spent a night at a wonderful oasis along the Wanganui River - Flying Fox Organic Eco-retreat (www.theflyingfox.co.nz). From the other side of the river the view to the retreat was like looking a a Lord of the Rings set, quirky arty buildings set in native bush. We caught a cable car over the river which was a bit scary cause it was windy. The kids found it very exciting. Billy the dog met us at the landing and we were welcomed by John (who runs the retreat with his partner Annette). John showed us around the lush gardens and bush, we walked along the river in search of deer, and soaked up the atmosphere (as you do). Our cottage - the James K - named after a famous NZ poet, was like home. Records to play and CDs, art everywhere, warm beds, a fireplace from an old whaling station and naturally a composting toilet (they don't smell).

For breakfast - organic goodies. The kids didn't want to leave...

www.purecurenz.com - try our Regenerate range - Organic Replenish for dry/sensitive skin 40ml

SUPPORT FREEDOM IN BURMA

About 10 years ago I met many Burmese people and Karen Tribe refugees. They were either hiding in the jungle or stuck in refugee camps over the border in Thailand. They told me their horrific stories - of forced labour - slavery, of rape, torture, villages burnt, villagers stolen never to return. I learnt about this amazing woman - Daw Aung San Suu Kyi - her party NLD (National League for Democracy) won the 1990 election fair and square with 82% of the votes. She has been under house arrest ever since. Imprisoned by SLORC, the military dictators. They have a new name now but their inhumane actions remain the same.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has never given up. And finally the world has noticed the Burmese people's call for human rights, freedom and democracy.

March, protest, tell friends, family, e-mail: inquiries@un.org and tell Ban Ki-Moon you support Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her right to govern Burma with her party.

THANK YOU

Another Biogrow Organic Product

Have just listed the Kiwiherb De-Stuff remedies for sinuses. All Certified Organic.

ITCHY SCRATCHY

Itch itch scratch scratch. Mosquito bites? Hives? need a bath?? NO. .....Eczema. Don't scratch it, but it is so itchy.

Four common eczemas:

1. Atopic Eczema - hereditary
2. Seborrhoeic dermatitis - cradle cap, affects scalp and eyebrows
3. Contact dermatitis - allergic reaction, and irritant (eg affected by a chemical that you come into contact with)
4. Xerotic Eczema - dry skin that becomes so bad it turns into eczema

What do you do? See a health practitioner to find out which one you have.

Moisturising is VERY important. Don't use soap. Get out in the sun (but not too much), watch what you eat (for Atopic) coffee, dairy products, wheat, eggs could bring on eczema. Swimming in the ocean may help.


I recommend our Self Heal Tanekaha Cream with golden seal to keep the skin moisturized.

www.purecurenz.com - natural New Zealand plant remedies

Welcome to Kiwiherb...

I've now included Kiwiherb products on the Pure CureNZ website (www.purecurenz.com). They specialize in NZ plant remedies. They also use other plants too, for example echinacea and ginko.

Kiwiherb products that are Biogrow certified organic:

Echinature - Echinacea with active Manuka honey
Herbal Throat Formula
Gerbal Throat Spray
Herbal Chest Syrup
WinterGuard
Children's Echinature
Kid's Calm
Ginger & Kawakawa Tonic
Liver Cleanse
Valerian Root Extract
Calendula Ointment
Comfrey Ointment

Over the next few weeks I'll be adding their full range to PureCureNZ.

I'm also selling the Self Heal range on Trade Me (New Zealand auction site). The popular products there are Self Heal Bush Relaxant and Self Heal Bush Bitters. They each comprise around 8 different NZ healing plants. Bush Relaxant has been homeopathically prepared (calms, relaxes, energises), while Bush Bitters is a herbal formula (Helps with PMT, depression, coughs, asthma).

Actually I was asked quite a few questions on one of my Trade Me listings and realised that I had a bit more research to do. Questions are great because it helps me to see the gaps in my (every-growing) knowledge of NZ plant healing remedies and natural remedies in general.

Self Heal is a homeobotanical company. This is a meld of homeopathy and herbal therapies. So each of their remedies is created in a unique way depending on the plant used and outcome required. One of their popular products is Marupa - soothes mucus membranes - recommended for asthmatics.

come and visit the website: www.purecurenz.com

Alisa

Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum Contagiosum sounds like a Harry Potter spell when you say it out loud. And it is a nasty rash that seems to appear out of nowhere. At first I thought my son had eczema but the Doctor had no doubts when he saw the rash - Mossuscum Contagiosum. "What?" was my first question. I had never heard of it before.

It is a common viral skin infection usually found in children. Usually found in moist places on the body - the armpit, behind the knees, neck and groin. It appears as clusters of small round papules (bumps) that are pink and waxy.

Molluscum Contagiosum is caught by direct body contact and usually in wet conditions. For example, when swimming. I realised that this was where my son had caught it since he had completed a course of swimming lessons.

Search the web and you can find some horrific photos of really nasty infections. I was lucky that my son just had small amounts behind his knees and after much scratching it had spread to his neck. There isn't a cure for the infection (lancing is an option) so I attempted to manage the condition. I regularly bathed him in anti-pruritic oil and smothered the rash with Self Heal Bush Bitters cream. This all helped with the itching so no more spread. And after a few months it disappeared - thankfully.

www.purecurenz.com - for Self Heal Bush Bitters cream, and other natural New Zealand remedies - with native plant ingredients.

Eating RAW FOOD

I'm not sure when the modern raw food interest began - I'm guessing the 70's or 80's - but I've just finally attended a raw food dinner with enthusiasts. It really made me think a lot about food and my relationship with it! It's definitely more than just nourishment. It's comfortable, sociable, distracting, filling, fulfilling, constructive and destructive, fattening, defining and much more.

But when it's raw it really isn't any of those things. It is balancing. After the raw food meal I felt not full, not empty - but balanced. So now I'm going to eat more raw food. The enthusiasts say 100% raw food is much much better than 99% but I shall attempt 25%.

Now for a spot of research: when did humans discover fire...

www.purecurenz.com

HINU MAHUE (Abandon Fat) Weight Loss Formula

I've decided to offer a weight loss formula on the website (www.purecurenz.com). So now you can watch what you eat, exercise daily and take 7 drops of Hinu Mahue tonic 3 times a day. For a healthier you.

The Hinu Mahue formula is packed full of New Zealand herbs like Ongaonga, a nettle which clears toxins, lowers blood pressure and blood sugar levels. There's also Kowhai, related to the plant Senna, which is a purgative. And Kumarahou is said to increase speed and stamina. There's 7 plant ingredients in all.

So with this three-pronged approach: diet, exercise and diet formula you're definitely working it.

I'm off to do a spot of trampolining now before the sun sets.

RONGOA

Amazing Healing Powers of Traditional Maori Medicine

There isn’t too much nowadays that’s undiscovered. But science is only now waking up to the unique and powerful medicinal qualities of New Zealand’s native plant life.

So, why is the flora so unique? The explanation lies in the geographical isolation of New Zealand’s islands in the far South Pacific. Secluded for millions of years the temperate, evergreen forests thrived, evolved and developed unusual traits, including remarkable healing qualities.

New Zealand was one of the last places on earth to be inhabited by humans when Maori arrived from Eastern Polynesia only around 1,000 years ago. They utilized the healing power of nature. Their knowledge of Rongoa, which means Maori medicine, was considered tapu (sacred) and a combination of the spiritual and the physical.

Traditionally, these Tangata whenua (people of the land) believed that illness was caused by the supernatural. There was no clear distinction between the mind and the body so the Tohunga (expert healer) was knowledgeable in anatomy and spirituality. He or she would utilize chants, prayer, massage, dream analysis and the use of plants in their therapeutic practice.

Many parts of a plant were used, for example, the Tohunga bound broken bones with the leaves of the Harakeke (flax) plant, while its gum-like sap was used as an anaesthetic and antiseptic for scolds, burns, aching teeth, wounds, and boils.

Rongoa herbal remedies were also used internally. The leaves of the shrub, Kumarahou, were seeped in water and the liquid taken for bronchitis and chest complaints.

The practices of the Tohunga were nearly wiped out in the 20^th Century by colonization, Christianity and the Tohunga Suppression Act of 1907-62. But fortunately, during this time, some Tohunga continued to practice in remote rural areas.

Modern Maori healthcare is based upon the traditional ways of Rongoa; including elements of the spiritual, physical, emotional and the family (whanau). There is a real interest and awareness now too by scientists and natural healthcare practitioners in this traditional knowledge and the healing power of New Zealand’s remarkable plant-life.

www.purecurenz.com - Potent herbal healing and organic body-care created for you from New Zealand's unique plant life - pure ingredients, naturally.

Up and Running

I've added all the weights and prices now - so - yeehah - we're all GO.

I've started the new website: www.purecurenz.com

I've sourced natural healing products from around New Zealand - mostly made from NZ plants. And now I've included Regenerate products from the Bay of Plenty - all organic. They use a mix of New Zealand plants and non-indigenous plants (e.g. avocado) grown on their organic farm.

I'm working on the shipping part of the website now. Entering prices, zones, countries. All quite time-consuming. Although everything isn't ready I'll start my e-marketing cause that could take ages. It's not easy nowadays to find a website by chance - it's all about Search Enginge Optimization, getting the word out anyway I can.