News Archive


^ TOP Culpeper and Napiers Join Forces - 18.09.2005

We are proud to announce that Napiers Herbal Health Care has joined forces with well-respected brand Culpeper.

Established in 1860 in Edinburgh, Napiers Herbalists still make by hand a wide range of herbal remedies for many health problems. Plants and herbs are used to treat a wide range of health conditions from arthritis and eczema to IBS, colds and flu. Napiers also runs the UK's largest natural medicine clinic, including specialist women's health, mother and baby, and low income clinics.

In 1927 Napiers Herbalist Jack Napier helped his friend Mrs Leyel set up her first Culpeper herb store. Mrs Leyel who was also a founding member of the Herb Society, which still continues today. Together they had a deep understanding of the uses of plants for medicine and healthcare. They used to correspond regularly and had a mutual interest in traditional remedies.

Napiers and Culpeper have now joined forces, bringing together their collective experience in the world of plants. Medical Herbalist and Director Dee Atkinson has devoted the past 15 years to building the Napiers brand, and is committed to providing the best in plant-based natural health products.

Napiers will continue to create quality medicinal herbal remedies including organic tinctures, creams, oils and ointments under the guidance and supervision of Dee and her team of natural health practitioners.

Culpeper will continue to produce the wonderful plant-based products it is famous for, and over the next few months some old favourites will make a welcome return.

Napiers and Culpeper natural products are now available in 14 Napiers and Culpeper stores throughout the UK together with other quality natural health and beauty brands including Dr Hauschka Skincare, Burt's Bees and Nelsons Homeopathy.

^ TOP Focus on Shiatsu - 08.09.2005

What is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a traditional hands-on Japanese healing therapy. Literally translated, it means finger-pressure or thumb-pressure. Shiatsu works with the vital energy (or "Ki" in Japanese) that flows throughout the body in a series of channels called meridians. For many different reasons, Ki can stop flowing freely, creating symptoms or dis-ease. Shiatsu promotes balance, and can help a wide range of conditions, from back pain and muscular stiffness, headaches, Chronic Fatigue and stress related problems, to digestive or hormonal disorders.

What happens in the treatment?
A practitioner will consider your state of health, constitution, and general energy levels, and use a variety of techniques to promote a smooth flow of energy. A session may include dynamic stretches and limb rotations to loosen and disperse tension, using fingers, thumbs, elbows, and knee pressure on the meridians and pressure points to induce a sense of well being. It may also be gentle and nurturing, depending on what is needed, and may include suggestions for dietary or lifestyle changes. Treatments are usually experienced as deeply relaxing yet invigorating.

The client stays fully clothed, preferably in loose clothing made of natural fibres; e.g. trousers rather than a skirt, with socks and a long-sleeved shirt. It is important to leave at least one hour after eating, before receiving Shiatsu. It is best to avoid alcohol on the same day, as well as too many stimulants like coffee or sugar.

Qualified practitioners usually hold a diploma from their school of training, and may practice professionally as a graduate of their school. Normally the training takes 3 years. Some graduates go on to take an MRSS (Member of the Register of the Shiatsu Society) qualification, which is the highest level of professional attainment. There is more than one governing body at the moment in the UK, but the main and largest one is The Shiatsu Society UK, whose members are bound by a strict Code of Ethics, and must hold up to date insurance. The Society recognizes both Graduates and MRSS as qualified and professional practitioners.

To find out more about how Shiatsu can help you, or to book an appointment, please contact your nearest Napiers Branch

^ TOP Focus on Acupuncture - 03.08.2005

What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a system of healing which has been practised in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years. Although often described as a means of pain relief, it is in fact used to treat people with a wide range of illnesses. Its focus is on improving the overall well being of the patient, rather than the isolated treatment of specific symptoms. The principal aim of acupuncture in treating the whole person is to recover the equilibrium between the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual.

Acupuncture

Who Has Acupuncture?
Many people come for Acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions. These might include anxiety states, arthritis, asthma, back pain, circulatory problems, depression, facial paralysis, fibrosis, high blood pressure, indeterminate aches and pains, infertility, menstrual problems, migraines, rheumatism, sciatica, skin conditions or ulcers. Acupuncture is a safe treatment for all. It has proved to be effective in pregnancy management and in helping women undergoing IVF treatment. Acupuncture is also helpful for people trying to overcome addictions such as those related to smoking, alcohol, food or drugs.

Some people may have acupuncture as a preventative measure to strengthen their constitution, or because they feel unwell in themselves without being 'ill' in the Western sense. It can also be used alongside conventional medicine in the treatment of both acute and chronic disease.

To find out more about how Acupuncture can help, or to book an appointment, please contact your nearest Napiers Branch

^ TOP Celebrating 145 Years Of Natural Health - 01.07.2005

To celebrate our 145th Anniversary this year we have selected a range of 'Herbal Heroes', nine of our oldest and best-selling remedies containing all the essentials for good health. By focussing on supporting each individual area or system of the body, Herbal Heroes offer a gentle and natural way to approach common ailments. Try Skullcap, Oat and Passionflower Compound for city- frazzled nerves, Nettle Blend for lasting allergy relief and Starflower Cream to itchy dry skin.

How it all began
Duncan Napier was a respected Victorian Botanist and Herbalist, and a founder member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, the oldest professional body for Medical Herbalists in the world. He opened the first Napiers shop on Bristo Place in Edinburgh in May 1860, where it remains to this day as Scotland's oldest herbal house.

Over the last 20 years, herbal medicine has grown massively in popularity as a 'complementary therapy', but in the 1800's it was the only form of accessible health care that most people could afford. Such became Duncan Napier's popularity that locals would queue for hours to seek his help for their health problems, and today people still visit Napiers to relate stories their great-grandparents told them of Mr Napiers great deeds and amazing remedies.

When Duncan died at the grand old age of 91, the shop was taken over by his son and the business remained in the family for many years passing down through the generations. The last family member to carry on the practice was John Napier, a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, when John died in the late 1970's the business virtually came to a stand still.

A new beginning
When Medical Herbalist Dee Atkinson took over the Napiers business in 1990 she found a wealth of history that had remained untouched for many years. Dee started to develop traditional herbal remedies from Duncan Napier's original recipes . She rebuilt the business to include four stores, herbal and complementary therapy clinics, a mail order service and an in-house manufacturing facility producing Napiers' unique traditional herbal products.

Present Day
145 years later, Napiers Herbal Health Care has expanded to eight branches across the UK. Each houses a retail store and clinic, offering Napiers own traditional herbal remedies and natural skin care plus carefully selected brands of well-known natural medicine and beauty products including Nelsons Homeopathy and Dr Hauschka. Napiers clinics offer at least 20 complementary therapies including Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, Shiatsu, Homeopathy, Osteopathy, Dr Hauschka Skin Treatments, and Massage, to name but a few. Napiers products are also available via mailorder (0131 343 6683) and through the Napiers website www.napiers.net.


^ TOP Focus on Reflexology - 01.07.2005

This month, Edinburgh-based Reflexologist and Aromatherapist Gail Brewster tells us more about the many therapeutic properties of reflexology...

What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a system of treatment based on the principle that there are reflexes found in the hands and feet which correspond to areas of the entire body. By applying pressure through their thumbs and fingers, a therapist can help promote balance, increase circulation and encourage a deep sense of well-being.

What Can Reflexology Help?
People like to try reflexology for all sorts of reasons. For chronic conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, psoriasis and hayfever, monthly or even bi-monthly treatment is most effective. Others may prefer to come for a short course of treatment when they're feeling stressed or a bit run down. Reflexology is a truly relaxing therapy and is ideal for people with a busy lifestyle.

Reflexology is incredibly beneficial both during and following pregnancy, and can be used safely from 12 weeks onwards. As well as promoting relaxation, regular treatment helps mums-to-be cope with the physical pressures of pregnancy during this emotional time.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Treatment begins with a short consultation with your therapist, where they can get to know you and your healthcare needs. It's important to remember that each person is different, with different needs and expectations. Generally, more chronic conditions require more frequent treatments. However, most people will notice some kind of change after around 6 treatments, and it's a good time to review your progress with your therapist.

As a therapist who's qualified in both reflexology and aromatherapy I often encourage people to book in for a longer treatment where they can experience 'hands-on' muscular relaxation followed by some reflexology to help treat the wider picture. Even once symptoms have improved many people continue with regular reflexology treatment to help reduce stress and prevent symptoms re-occurring. With reflexology it's all about balance!

Gail Brewster MBRA, MIFPA practices at the Bristo Place (0131 225 5542) and Hamilton Place (0131 315 2130) branches of Napiers in Edinburgh.

Reflexology is available at all Napiers Clinics - for further details please contact your Local Branch


^ TOP Focus on Thai Yoga Massage - 05.06.2005

Practitioner Shelley Treacher explains the practice and benefits of Thai Yoga Massage.

Thai Massage involves pressing on points along energy (sun) lines, stretching all the main muscles of the body, and gentle rocking. This ancient healing art is often described as a type of assisted yoga. It is generally firm, deep work, but I can combine it with other approaches to be gentler.

Thai Massage is a deep tissue massage that works well for athletes and sports people. By relying on a large and varied selection of stretching and range-of-motion exercises, Thai Massage decreases the athlete's recovery time and increases the level of recuperation, leaving the body loose and rested, and the mind alert.

Abdomen work will improve digestive ailments, such as IBS and constipation, relaxes you from the inside and in the lower back area, and encourages detoxification of the internal organs. It relieves stress related ailments such as digestive problems, headaches, insomnia and fatigue and evokes the stillness of mind experienced in meditation by promoting deep physical relaxation. I use TYM to release blockages in the body's energy system, which are caused by physical or emotional stresses, thus restoring balance.

I work to provide a safe and healing environment for this release.

Shelley Treacher works at the Bristol Napiers Clinic, Thursdays 2pm to 8pm.

Thai Yoga Massage is available in several Napiers Clinics - please contact your local branch for details


^ TOP The Dr Hauschka treatment - more than just a facial! - 05.05.2005

The Dr. Hauschka Treatment is more than a facial - the whole person is rejuvenated.

This two-hour treatment starts with a full skin care consultation and a Sage Footbath. From there you receive a foot and leg massage before we start to cleanse with aromatic water and cleanser to prepare the skin for the Facial Steam.

After the Facial Steam the skin is now ready for the deeper cleanse of a personalised Clay Mask. Once the Clay Mask is removed the lymphatic system is stimulated using the hands and special brushes. After lymph stimulation the skin is now ready for the nourishing side of the treatment. Rhythmic Conditioner is applied together with a personalised Treatment Mask.

Whilst the mask is at work the upper chest area is massaged with one of the Dr. Hauschka blended healing oils. The mask is then removed with aromatic water and your day care is applied. The result is a renewed sense of well-being and a healthy, glowing complexion. Because this treatment falls under preventative healthcare, the most effective results are achieved by creating a treatment rhythm. The appropriate Treatment Plan and Homecare Prescription are therefore suggested.

Dr Hauschka treatments are suitable for all ages, skin types and for both men and women. The treatment is tailored to your specific skin care needs, and is safe for pregnant women to enjoy (please inform your practitioner if you are or think you may be pregnant).

Treatments are available at most Napiers clinics - for further details please contact your Local Branch

Jane Povey, Dr Hauschka aesthetician, Edinburgh


^ TOP Napiers Herbal Teas - 02.04.2005

The benefits derived from using dried herbs as teas depends largely on the quality of herbs used. The difference between whole / loose dried herbs and herb tea-bags can be compared to the difference between real and granulated coffee. Taking herbs in the form of teas has added benefits other than the medicinal action sought - you are increasing your liquid intake, they can be made pleasant to the individual taste, and the ritual of making the tea is in itself therapeutic.

Herbal teas can be used for all medical conditions, and can be used interchangeably with tinctures and tablets. Herbs generally work best when a few are combined together so why not get yourself a stock of dried herbs and experiment with mixing your own. Remember that herbal teas, although generally very safe, should still be regarded as medicinal. So, if you have any serious health complaints or are taking prescribed medicines, check with your Medical Herbalist or G.P.

Here are some examples of tea blends:

Digestive Blend 1 - This blend would suit someone suffering with acid reflux and abdominal wind.

  • Meadowsweet - 60g
  • Marshmallow Root - 20g
  • Fennel - 20g

Directions: Blend the herbs thoroughly. Use 1-2 tsp per mug, infuse in a tea-pot for 10-20 min, strain and drink up to 5 mugs per day.

Digestive Blend 2 - This blend would suit someone suffering from indigestion due to overindulgence of rich and fatty foods, and those suffering from a general feeling of heaviness and fullness in the digestive system.

  • Chamomile (German) - 50g
  • Dandelion Root - 15g
  • Milk Thistle - 15g
  • Spearmint - 20g

Directions: As above. However, because this blend contains more root material, you may want to gently simmer the brew for about 15 min, before straining and drinking.

Skin Blend - This blend would suit someone suffering from a 'hot & irritated' skin condition, which is exacerbated by nervous tension eg Eczema, Urticaria & Rosacea.

  • Cleavers - 30g
  • Horsetail - 20g
  • Lime Flowers - 50g

Directions: As above for Digestive Blend 1

As well as drinking your herbal tea, why not take the advice of the famous French Herbalist, Maurice Messegue, who advocated using infusions / teas as hand and foot baths. The skin is a good vehicle for absorbing medications and can be well worth the effort. Make an infusion as directed above, add this to a bowl of warm water and soak for 20-30min.

Remember that all conditions are unique to the person experiencing them, and an individual approach may be required. For example, If someone with Acne only experiences symptoms around the time of their menstrual cycle, they would need some hormone regulating herbs adding to their tea blend. They may well benefit to some degree using the general formula above, but the problem would probably not resolve completely without addressing the underlying causes.

A huge range of dried herbs are available to buy online at www.napiers.net as well as at Napiers shops throughout the UK and by Mail Order on 0131 343 6683.


^ TOP Lighten Up! Boost your mood and banish SAD - 05.03.2005

Many people can feel really low in mood and energy at this time of year, and these can be symptoms of seasonal affective disorder or S.A.D., which is due to the short days and long dark nights. Things generally improve later in the spring as the hours of natural light increase again. If you're feeling a bit less chirpy than usual there are some simple things you can do to help yourself. Try Napiers Scullcap, Oat and Passionflower Compound. It was developed by founder of Napiers, Duncan Napier, and is designed to lift the mood and raise energy levels. It contains Oats as a nerve restorer, Passionflower to ease stress, Scullcap to improve mental health, as well as Jamaica Dogwood and Lime flowers as nerve tonics. And as we've been using it since the 1800's, we know that it works!

Our sense of smell is very closely linked to our emotional state so why not make the most of this and use some aromatherapy to pamper yourself and perk you up. Put a few drops of cheery oils such as Mandarin, Bergamot or Orange in an oil burner in your home or office, or use some essential oils in the bath. The oils will be absorbed through the skin as you soak in the bath and inhaling the vapours can have a profound effect on your mood. Try Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood and Frankincense or make your own blend up using favourite oils. Why not also indulge by burning some candles in your bathroom or around the house. Our Botanical candles are fragranced with pure essential oils such as Lavender and Rose and give off a wonderful aroma that fills the room and uplifts the spirits.

We all suffer from the lack of sunshine and daylight to some extent during winter; so do make a point of getting out into the daylight as much as possible, regardless of the weather!


^ TOP New Glasgow Clinic Opens - 11.02.2005

The fantastic new Napiers clinic in central Glasgow opened to the public early in the new year.

Situated in the new Napiers store on Bothwell Street, which opened in December, the clinic has four beautiful therapy rooms providing a tranquil environment for our healing therapies. On offer at the clinic are a range of therapies including Aromatherapy Massage, Herbal Medicine consultations, Reiki, Dr Hauschka skin treatments, Acupuncture, Osteopathy, Counselling, and Reflexology to name a few.

The Bothwell Street clinic is open Monday to Saturday - contact the clinic reception on 0141 248 5407 for further information or to book an appointment with any of our team of qualified therapists. Or, pop into the shop, have a browse and cup of herbal tea, and ask our trained staff about the services on offer.

^ TOP Start the New Year with a Detox! - 10.12.2004

Feeling frumpy or run-down? What better way to rid yourself of those unwanted festive pounds than to detox in January.

For a successful detox, you need to plan. How strict you are going to be? How long you are going to detox for? How healthy are you, and how much willpower do you have? Once you have decided these factors, write a list of foods you are allowed and get shopping! It's vital to stock up on your chosen foods, to prevent you reaching for that biscuit due to hunger pangs.

Diet
Most people can benefit greatly from a detox. If you are not suited to raw foods, steam or lightly cook your meals instead. You can adjust the following plan to your individual needs, and do a 3-day mini detox or follow it for a whole month.

  • Day 1 - unlimited amounts of raw fruit and vegetables.
  • Day 2 - steam or soup your vegetables, if you wish.
  • Day 3 - introduce organic nuts, beans or fish for protein.

Depending on how strict you are, and how different your detox diet is compared to your normal diet, you may experience detox symptoms. These are temporary and include, headaches, muscles/joint pain, and mucous production. Drink at least 2 litres of water each day. One litre will contain your detox herbs (see below), and the other litre should be still mineral water or herbal tea. For an extra cleansing boost, use Napiers Dandelion Herbal Compound (£6.35 for 100g).

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, refined sugars and processed foods. Once you have finished your detox, it is advisable to gradually re-introduce other foods. By doing this, you will be more aware of any sensitivity reactions produced by your body, so enabling you to make better food choices.

Herbs
Herbs aid a detox mainly by stimulating the organs of excretion; the liver, bowel, kidneys, lungs and skin. Take 10mls of Napiers Detox Formula, (£7.45 for 100ml) in one litre of Natural Mineral water for ten days. If, like many of us, you have indulged in excessive amounts of alcohol during the festive season, take Napiers Organic Milk Thistle Tincture (£6.45 for 100ml). Take 50 drops 3 x daily for 2 weeks.

Beauty Regime
Body brush your skin every morning for 10 days. Use light strokes on dry skin in movements towards the heart. Following bathing or showering, apply Napiers Cellulite Gel (£7.75 for 60ml ) to problem areas. On day two, take an Epson salt bath. Use 500g of Epson salts per bath. Have the water as hot as you can cope with & relax for 20 minutes. Quickly dry yourself and wrap yourself up in a large towel or dressing gown and put yourself into bed. Stay there for 20 minutes and sweat it all out. You may need to shower following this procedure.

We stock a wide range of Detox products in our shops that are also available on our website at www.napiers.net. If you have any serious medical conditions, check with your Doctor or Herbalist before embarking on any kind of detox, because in some cases, to detox could actually put your health at risk. Find your nearest Napiers Herbalist.

^ TOP Napiers Launch New Website and Online Shop - 16.11.2004

We're excited to announce the launch of our brand new website. You'll find that we've completely updated the look and feel of the site and have a brand new up-to-the-minute online shop with all Napiers products now available on-line including single dried herbs and tinctures!

There are lots of other exciting new features including our health advice leaflets available to download and a great search facility so you can find what you need to know quickly and easily.

Thanks go to the team - Helen Gestwicki, Richard Cross and Kevin Miller for a job well done.
Herbal Advice Line - 0906 802 0117