The Princess of Wales brings Awareness to Holistic Healthcare Upon Completion of Three Peaks Challenge

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The Princess of Wales completed the Three Peaks challenge over the weekend.  The challenge involves a blend of driving and trekking through three of the highest mountain peaks in England, Scotland and Wales--Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Yr Wyddfa. The challenge areas cover 23 miles of walking distance along with a 462 mile drive between each peak.   The challenge is open to the public and many aim to walk to the summit of the peaks within 24 hours.  However, the trek is so grueling and extensive that only 40% of the individuals attempting the challenge are able to complete it within this timeframe.  It is recommended that individuals desiring to complete the Three Peaks Challenge engage in strength training over a period of eight to twelve weeks. Whether Catherine engaged in strength training is unknown but she has always been quite athletic.  Not only did Catherine complete the challenge--she is part of the smaller percentage of people who were able to comp...
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Improve Memory with this Ancient Herb

Rosemary offers a wide range of benefits for health and longevity.  It is an ancient herb that has been used since the beginning of time for medicinal purposes. It was held sacred by Egyptians and revered by Greeks.  Rosemary shrubs grow prominently in areas along the Mediterranean sea, the Himalayas and other parts of the world. The word rosemary derives from the latin rosmarinus officinalis which means “sea dew.”  Symbolically, Greeks have used rosemary at weddings to represent love and remembrance.  In Greek mythology, Aphrodite would arise from the sea with rosemary draped from her neck and this is where the name affiliation stemmed from.  

This herb can help stimulate circulation and aid in hair growth when applied to the scalp.  Rosemary is also a natural pain reliever that can be useful in individuals living with arthritic conditions.   The herb possesses powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.  The antioxidants in rosemary neutralizes free roaming radicals that interfere with dNA and cell membranes.  The actual component in rosemary that protects against free radicals is called carnosic acid.  Historically, some Greek scholars have worn rosemary garlands during exams to help them remember.  These students would recite the following poem during exam time:

Rosemary is for remembrance

Between us day and night,

Wishing that I may always have

You present in my sight



Even literary greats such as Shakespeare have written about rosemary as a symbol for remembrance.  The quote, “There’s rosemary-- that’s for remembrance. Pray, you love, remember,” is a verse in Hamlet. Rosemary has been scientifically proven to strengthen and improve memory and concentration.

This ancient herb continues to show great promise as a healing agent for individuals experiencing cognitive and memory issues.  Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that currently affects 7 million Americans.  The numbers of individuals living with the disease continue to grow astronomically each year.  A study published in the International Japanese journal, Psychogeriatrics sought to understand non-pharmacological therapies for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. 


Utilizing aromatherapy, 28 elderly individuals were given a mixture of rosemary and lemon essential oils in the morning and lavender and orange essential oils in the evening.  The effects of aromatherapy were evaluated through scales such as Touch panel-type Dementia Assessment Scale (TDAS) and Functional Assessment Staging of Alzheimer’s disease (FAST).  Participants' cognitive function showed significant improvement after aromatherapy procedures.

Rosemary can also lower cortisol levels leading to less stress and anxiety in individuals.  A study completed in 2009 determined the efficacy of rosemary in graduate nursing students taking tests.  The students were given lavender and rosemary sachets prior to completing their exams.  Results from the study found that students had lowered levels of test anxiety after aromatherapy with rosemary.  

Rosemary has potent neuroprotective properties that can relieve stress and improve cognitive and brain function.  The herb is beneficial when there is a desire to boost brain power and potential.  Rosemary contains a unique scent and when it is used in conjunction with other essential herbal aromas (lemon, orange, lavender) it can provide tremendous benefits to the person experiencing concentration and memory issues.  

Rosemary can be taken orally by tincture, tea or capsule.  It can also be eaten as a spice when cooking food. If consuming the herb in dry form, do not surpass 6 grams. For brain boosting and concentration benefits, it's best to use rosemary with aromatherapy.  This can be accomplished with an oil diffuser.  Combine 5 drops of rosemary essential oil, with 3 drops of orange or lavender essential oils.  Let the diffuser run as you experience its wondrous aromatherapeutic benefits. 


Supporting Research

Jimbo, D., Kimura, Y., Taniguchi, M., Inoue, M., & Urakami, K. (2010). Effect of aromatherapy on patients with alzheimer’s disease. Psychogeriatrics, 9(4), 173–179. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1479-8301.2009.00299.x

McCaffrey, R., Thomas, D. J., & Kinzelman, A. (2009). The effects of lavender and Rosemary Essential Oils on test-taking anxiety among graduate nursing students. Holistic Nursing Practice, 23(2), 88–93. https://doi.org/10.1097/hnp.0b013e3181a110aa 



Dr. Mechelle Eleene

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