Dorae Smith-Blecher - Naturopathy & Homeopathy

Aromatherapy refers to the use of essential oils, extracted from herbs, flowers, leaves, barks, roots and berries. Each oil has its own unique fragrance and therapeutic properties.

Several oils can be combined to not only produce a wonderful aroma, but also to stimulate healing on different levels - physical, mental and emotional.

There are many pleasant ways of benefiting from essential oils, such as massage, bathing, using a compress and inhalation. Minute quantities of the oil are absorbed through the skin, and also through inhalation of the aroma.

It is important to remember that some oils are contraindicated in pregnancy and other specific conditions. In addition, strong oils such as tea tree, camphor, eucalyptus and peppermint can antidote homeopathic remedies and should therefore be avoided during homeopathic treatment.

Dr Bach, a former Harley Street physician, discovered 38 remedies which coincide with a specific mental and emotional state. 37 of these are based on single wild flowers and tree blossoms found in the English countryside. The final essence is made from the water of a natural spring with healing properties.

The most well-known of the Bach Flower Essences is Rescue Remedy which is widely used. It is in fact a blend of 5 of the Bach Flower Essences.

The flower remedies treat the individual, not the disease or the symptoms of the disease, by working specifically on their emotional state. Negative attitudes are transformed into optimism. In this way the body's innate ability for self-healing is encouraged.

These essences are based on the same principles as Bach Flower Essences but are prepared in Australia from the local wild plants. 60 essences are available, each having its own unique healing properties. As the essences gently work on the state of mind and emotions, inner balance and harmony are restored.

Flower essences are perfectly safe to use alongside other treatments, have no unwanted side-effects and are non-addictive. They are so gentle that they can be safely used by people of all ages, from new-borns to the elderly.

Herbalism is one of the oldest forms of healing known to man. The presenting symptoms are used to identify the herbs required which are then prescribed with the purpose of restoring the body's self-healing abilities. Emphasis is placed on treating the individual as a whole.

A multitude of complex active ingredients are found in herbs. These work together in synergy. As such, they are highly potent and must be used with respect. Many herbs are contraindicated not only in pregnancy but also in other specific conditions.

Herbs are available in many different forms, including dried herbs, herbal teabags, tinctures, capsules and ointments.

Dr Wilhelm Schussler researched the most common mineral tissue salts found in the body. Based on these findings he identified 12 minerals that he believed to be vital to human health.

Biochemic Tissue Salts are these 12 minerals, prepared in such a way that they are halfway between a nutritional supplement and a homeopathic remedy. As a result they still contain minute quantities of the original substances.

Tissue Salts work by gradually correcting imbalances or deficiencis of minerals in the body.

They are perfectly safe to use alongside other medication and gentle enough to be used by all ages.