Introduction:

According to many sources, including the World Health Organization, those over 50 years will constitute a 1/3 of the population. Their prediction is that the number of cases of cancer and bowel diseases will dramatically increase, alongside everyday problems associated with being over 50 e.g. poor memory etc.

As life expectancy extends, it is perhaps time to really grasp a good understanding of home self healing methods. Anything that can ordinarily harm the body will simply continue to do so for longer.

So, whether it is the bowel congesting or the liver stagnating, the answer lies in learning about and implementing natural healing routines designed to cleanse and rejuvenate the body's organs. This may be inappropriate for some. The bodies constitutional energy may be too frail to undertake some of the more robust programmes designed to rejuvenate, so for those over 60 you may want to go and see a natural healing or herbal practitioner.

For those on any kind of medication we strongly recommend that you seek help and advice in a clinic setting so that self help programmes can be safely implemented alongside (or instead of) prescribed medication.

Nutrition will have a different focus, we require less food as we get older but dually digestion becomes less efficient and for some, particularly those confined by illness or older age, the issue of shopping for food and cooking becomes more tiring.

Requiring fewer calories and protein to fuel daily activities means that liquid foods balanced with fibre, good quality fruit and vegetables, juices can be an option. Superfood and some good quality and well-placed supplements would be ideal.

Generally make sure that what food is eaten is of excellent quality and taste. Ensure that, every day, a salad of carrots, beets, cucumber, ginger and so on are grated and added to garden additions like dandelion leaves, lettuce and sorrel. Vary the range each day if you are able to. Now is the time to grow a few herbs like thyme, oregano, coriander and garlic and to use them to flavour each meal.

Memory and brain agility is a problem but herbs can help; Gingko and rosemary herb tea from your kitchen garden can help.

Brittle bones are an increasing problem as we grow older, some 200,000 hip fractures are reported each year in Britain and, likewise, cases of osteoporosis are increasing.

The immune system must be lovingly cared for; so that colds, 'flu and other respiratory disorders and diseases do not have a chance to become established. Include kitchen herbs like garlic, thyme and turmeric daily in order to maintain your immune system.

Take care of the liver and avoid accelerating tissue and cell degeneration through free-radical damage. Use olive oil wherever possible and consume lots of fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure that your body receives plenty of antioxidants. The herbs for the liver are numerous e.g. milk thistle, dandelion and artichoke.

Support the heart and circulatory system with hedgerow herbs like hawthorn which help support the heart muscle, improve general circulation and increase oxygen supply around the whole body.

Gentle but regular exercise is vital; if possible increase the amount that you do, especially if you have the time available. If you are infirm, hydrotherapy and massage will be essential alternatives and ginger tea daily will significantly help maintain balance and its delicious. Exercise will help general balance and agility. Pilate's and yoga would be disciplines to consider.

Generalised Help for Over 50's

• For increased energy, better quality sleep, recovery from illness and better assimilation of food and alcohol refer to the liver.

• For women who are menopausal and post-menopausal support your hormones and work better and help address skin texture, energy levels, sleep and more refer to the Hormones.

• For men and prostate support refer to the urinary system .

• For digestion, lung and circulation support try the Onion & Horseradish Elixir and Chamomile tea

• For memory maintainence try China Light herbal tea