Deals of the Week

The new Phyto Soya range has been specially formulated for women during and after menopause.

Browse Deals of the Week at Natural Woman now

Phyto Soya Age Minimising Cream

Phyto Soya Age Minimising Cream is a new hydrating and renewal formula containing isoflavones for use morning and evening - as featured on This Morning TV and the Daily Mail.

Now £14.99, was £18 

 

Phyto Soya Vaginal Gel

Soya is a plant rich in isoflavones - natural phytoestrogens.Phyto Soya Vaginal Gel contains 10% isoflavones to permit hydration and protection of the vaginal mucous membrane. The box of 8 x 5ml single doses represents a one month supply.

Now £10, was £13.30

Phase 2 Starch Neutraliser 

We all know that eating less carbohydrates is an effective way of losing weight, so get that extra boost with these Phase2 tablets.  By taking 1 or 2 tablets before a meal which is starch (carbohydrate) based, your body will be stopped from absorbing so much starch thus reducing the carbohydrate intake and aiding your dieting routine. 

Phase 2 will also highten the emotional control you have over foods by obliterating food cravings and helping to stabilise mood chemistry, and  increase the body's ability to burn fat through physical activity.  

Now £8, now £10.25

Browse Deals of the Week at Natural Woman now

Curiosa Henna

The number 1 Henna based cosmetic company, Curiosa specialises in the research and development of their own products.  Hailing from the South of Sweden, and taking pride in their research and product development, Curiosa's Henna range is made with 100% Natural ingredients, and bringing to us their delightful beauty products that last without all the harmful products:


Henna Lips

is a semi-permanent*, two-tipped lip liner and lip stick based on 100% natural ingredients that enhances and highlights the shape of your lips. It is the perfect solution for long lasting colour and gives you smudge and kiss proof lips.  Henna Lips is water based, leaving your lips smooth and moisturised with every application.

• Available in fourteen fun colours
• Double function - lip liner and lipstick
• Cooling sensation - with its fresh peppermint fragrance
• Kiss proof - does not smudge
• Not tested on animals

 

Browse Henna Lips now at Natural Woman

Henna Eyes

give the contour of your eyes a truly long lasting colour thanks to pure
henna extract.  This semi-permanent* eyeliner is based on 100% natural ingredients and doubles as both an eye liner and brow liner.

• Available in twelve different colours - See what colour(s) you fancy now! 
• Double function - eye liner and brow liner 
• Long lasting and natural thanks to pure henna extract
• Free preservatives and artificial colours
• Not tested on animals 
• Two (end) tipped pen for higher application accuracy

Browse Henna Eyes at Natural Woman now

 
Henna Penna -   "for beautiful skin decorations!"

Try Henna Penna, a natural method for instantaneous (long lasting but temporary) tattoos.  A unique combination of the best that nature and modern technology can offer.  Henna Penna enhances your beauty and allows you to create your own decorative designs within minutes.

• Easy and safe application - freehand or with stencils (not included)
• Two (end) tipped pen - 1 thick and 1 thin end for better designs
• Long lasting
• No preservatives, synthetic, colorants, PPD or perfumes
• Not tested on animals

Browse for Henna Penna now

* What Curiosa Henna mean by stating their products as 'semi-permanent' is that their products are absorbed by the skin and so dye the surface of the skin to the colour of the product.  This is in comparison to other beauty products which just 'coat' (sit on top of) the surface of the skin.  As Curisoa Henna products are absorbed it therefore makes Curiosa Henna products much longer lasting, and touch proof compared to other beauty products.

Paracetamol warning: 'Slightly too much can cause overdose'

Taking slightly too much paracetamol day after day can be fatal, experts have warned.

A dangerous dose might just be a few pills too many taken regularly over days, weeks or months, they said.
Researchers at Edinburgh University saw 161 cases of "staggered overdose" at its hospital over a 16-year period.

People taking tablets for chronic pain might not realise they were taking too many or recognise symptoms of overdose and liver injury, they said.

The researchers told the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology that this life-threatening condition could be easily missed by doctors and patients.

Doctors may not initially spot the problem because blood tests will not show the staggeringly high levels of paracetamol seen with a conventional overdose, where someone may have swallowed several packets of the drug.

Patients who have taken a staggered overdose tend to fare worse than those who have taken a large overdose, the study suggests.

Taking slightly more than is recommended can cause significant damage over time

Dr Kenneth Simpson and colleagues looked at the medical records of 663 patients who had been referred with paracetamol-induced liver injury to the Scottish Liver Transplantation Unit at the university hospital.

The 161 who had taken a staggered overdose were more likely to develop liver and brain problems and need kidney dialysis or help with their breathing. They were also more likely to die of their complications.

Dr Simpson said: "They haven't taken the sort of single-moment, one-off massive overdoses taken by people who try to commit suicide, but over time the damage builds up, and the effect can be fatal."

Professor Roger Knaggs of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society said patients should heed the warning.

"If people experience pain and paracetamol doesn't help, rather than thinking a 'top up' dose may work, they should consult their pharmacist for alternative pain control or referral to someone who can help with the cause of the pain. 

"The message is clear: if you take more paracetamol than is recommended, you won't improve your pain control but you may seriously damage your health.

"At this time of year people should also take care with combination cold and flu products which may have paracetamol as one of the ingredients. It's easy to take more than intended, so if in doubt consult your pharmacist."

Meanwhile, researchers at King's College London and Lund University in Sweden say they have discovered precisely how paracetamol works in the body. It is via a protein on nerve cells called TRPA1, says Nature Communications.

Now that they understand this principal mechanism, scientists can start to look for molecules that work in the same way to effectively relieve pain, but are less toxic and will not lead to serious complications following overdose.

Recommended dose

• Take paracetamol as directed on the packet or patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine

• Each tablet usually contains 500mg

• Adults can take 1-2 tablets of paracetamol 4-6 hourly, up to four times a day 

• This means you should not take more than 8 tablets (4g) in a 24-hour period

• If you accidentally take an extra dose of paracetamol, you should miss out the next dose so that you do not take more than the recommended maximum dose for a 24-hour period. 

• If you are concerned or you feel unwell, contact your GP or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647

By Michelle Roberts Health reporter, BBC News
Photo: SPL 

Ibuprofen 'cuts Parkinson's disease risk

People who take ibuprofen on a regular basis have a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease, research suggests.

The drug is commonly used to ease aches and pains but US research, in Neurology journal, found it had an added benefit.

Experts say it is too soon to recommend the drugs to protect against Parkinson's

In studies of more than 135,000 men and women regular users of ibuprofen were 40% less likely to develop Parkinson's.

However, experts say it is too early to say whether the benefits of taking the drug outweigh the risk of side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding.

Heart attack
 
Scientists have suspected for some time that anti-inflammatory drugs might help buffer against the disease but it was unclear which ones in the family of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs conferred a benefit.

This most recent study suggests it is ibuprofen alone that has an effect.

But like all NSAIDs, ibuprofen can cause worrying side effects, like an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

A recent study also linked ibuprofen taken daily for some years to a small increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

The findings relate to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen prescribed long-term to treat painful conditions such as arthritis.

For this reason experts say more work is needed to determine whether the benefits of taking the drug more often would outweigh any risks.

If it did, it could offer a new way of managing this incurable neurological condition.

Nerve cells
 
Lead researcher Professor Alberto Ascherio, of the Harvard School of Public Health, said: "There is no cure for Parkinson's disease, so the possibility that ibuprofen, an existing and relatively non-toxic drug, could help protect against the disease is captivating."

In his study, funded by the Michael J Fox Foundation, men and women who used ibuprofen two or more times a week reduced their risk of Parkinson's disease by more than a third compared with those who regularly used aspirin, acetaminophen, or other NSAIDs.

Dr Kieran Breen, director of Research and Development at Parkinson's UK, said it was difficult to know exactly what effect ibuprofen might be having on the death of nerve cells in the brain, and how it might affect whether somebody will get Parkinson's. But based on the findings of this latest study, he said there would seem to be an interesting link. 

He said: "We know that inflammatory changes in the brain may be involved in the death of nerve cells which cause Parkinson's, particularly in the early stages of the condition.

"We are currently funding research into this area ourselves at the University of Oxford."

As to why ibuprofen alone might have the desired effect, the US researchers say it could be down to the fact that this drug has a specific role in blocking a biological pathway of cell damage and death.

Parkinson's

• One person in every 500 has Parkinson's

• People with Parkinson's do not have enough of a chemical called dopamine because some nerve cells in their brain have died

• This causes the typical symptoms of tremor, rigidity and slowness of movements

• This latest research was funded by the Michael J Fox Foundation - a charity set up by the US actor in a bid to find a cure for the condition after being diagnosed himself with young-onset Parkinson's

 
By Michelle Roberts Health reporter, BBC News 
Photo: SPL

Toxic Shock Syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare, life-threatening bacterial infection. It occurs when the bacteria responsible - Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, which normally live harmlessly on the skin - invade the body's bloodstream and release poisonous toxins.

These toxins cause a massive drop in blood pressure (shock), resulting in dizziness and confusion. They also damage tissue, including skin and organs, and can disturb many vital organ functions. If TSS is left untreated, the combination of shock and organ damage can result in death.

Who is at risk?

Anyone can get TSS – men, women and children. For reasons that are still not understood, a significant proportion of cases occur in women who are on their period and using a tampon, particularly tampons that are designed to be 'super absorbent’.

TSS can also occur as a result of an infected boil, insect bite or wound, for example. Some cases are associated with skin damage from a burn or scald, which allows the bacteria to enter the body and release toxins.

The risk of TSS is greater in young people. It is thought that this is because many older people have developed immunity (resistance) to the toxins produced by the bacteria.

How common is TSS?

TSS is an extremely rare condition: around 40 people in the UK are affected every year. Two to three of them will die from TSS.

If TSS is diagnosed and treated early with antibiotics, there is a good chance of recovery.


Article by NHS - Toxic Shock Syndrome


We at Natural Woman recommend Natracare. 

Women with the ever increasing concern for both personal health and the environment can be comforted to know that Natracare Feminine products are made from certified organic and natural ingredients; use materials that are chemical and additive free; is biodegradable and certified free from animal testing. 

By choosing only fully certified organic cotton Natracare removes the risk of direct exposure to residuals from chemical pesticides, fertilisers, defoliants and fungicides commonly found in conventionally grown cotton. 



Making Natracare ideal for decreasing your exposure to harmful chemicals, and so protecting you further against TSS affection.

Browse Natracare products at Natural Woman now

Deals of the Week

Deals of the Week - Pelvic Toners

No excuses, keep those internal organs i.e. your pelvic floor muscles healthy even through winter with a pelvic toner.  To give you just that extra encouragement, we at Natural Woman have discounted the Pelvic Toner.  Coming in pearl, red or white you can even personalise and accessorise (with the Pelvic Toner luxury bag).

The Pelvic Toner should be used at least 3 times a week, a minimum of 15 minutes per time for the first 3-4 weeks.  After this period the exercises should become easier to do, and you will feel the strengthening of your pelvic floor muscles.

As a result this will increase sensitivity in this area thus increasing your sexual health, aiding incontingency and other bladder weaknesses.


Now £27.99, was £29.99  

Browse now at our Natural Woman Store

Although not part of our deals of the week, as part of our sale items, Natural Woman have reduced the price of our Pelvic Toner Exclusive Pack.  Containing a Pelvic Toner, strong springs, lubricant, intimate organic wipes and a 'Hold It Sister' book to give you all the information you need to know about the importance of keeping your pelvic floor muscles healthy, this pack is all you need to get started. 


Now £49.99, was £64.17
Browse now at our Natural Woman store

England 'healthier than the US'

People living in England enjoy better health than Americans, despite less investment in healthcare, research published in the US has revealed.

Across all ages, US residents tend to fare worse in terms of diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease markers, data on over 100,000 people show.

Expanding waistlines in the UK have not closed the transatlantic health gap

The reason remains a mystery, says the US team, and challenges the idea that resources necessarily improve health.

It may be due to the UK's bigger drive on disease prevention, they say.


Transatlantic health gap
 
Despite the greater use of health care technology in the US, Americans receive less preventive health care than their English counterparts.

They have fewer physician consultations per year.

Acute hospital visits are also shorter in the US, potentially resulting in missed opportunities for follow-up, say the report authors in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

It is also possible that differences in social or environmental conditions or lifestyle play a role.


But despite looking, the researchers did not find any real evidence that differences in obesity, alcohol consumption or physical activity were to blame.

Smoking may be a factor, but Dr Melissa Martinson and colleagues doubt it because even younger Americans who have not yet been exposed to decades of tobacco smoke appear to be in worse health than English counterparts.

And although a larger share of Americans are uninsured or under insured compared to populations in England or other European countries, even groups with good access to health insurance experienced worse health than people in England.

The researchers say: "Why health status differs so dramatically in these two countries, which share much in terms of history and culture, is an unresolved puzzle.

"Given our finding of health differences between the US and England at young ages, a promising focus of future research - one that could help to elucidate the causes of poor health across the life course - is on health differences between countries at the earliest ages."

Public health experts suggested more generous holiday entitlements and more favourable working conditions in the UK might also play a part.

A spokesperson from the Department of Health said: "The NHS offers care free to all at the point of use and based on need.

"Whilst in some areas our outcomes may be favourable compared with those in the US, we are still clear that we have a long way to go before we achieve outcomes comparable with the best performing health systems.


"That is exactly why we are modernising the NHS."




Article written by Michelle Roberts Health reporter, BBC News
Photo: SPL

Patch-It, for a good night's sleep

Been up on your feet all day?  Perhaps had a hard session at the gym?  Whatever the reason, if you have tired legs that stop you from having a good night's rest, then Patch-It up!

Patch-It is a large sticky plaster which you would apply onto the sole of each foot just before going to bed, so as you rest, those large sticky plasters will work away to detox and refresh those tired and overused legs overnight.  As you wake up in the morning your legs and muscles should feel rejuvenated.   

Patch-It can also be used to recover other tired muscles, and because it is a stretchable sticky plaster you can easily apply the Patch-It plaster to all those awkward joints and areas as well - like the back, elbow, knee, neck and shoulder.

Browse Patch-It at our Natural Woman store now

 Other product of interest - 

Nightbalm compliments nicely with Patch-It; to ensure that good night's sleep.
 

Browse our Nightbalm at the Natural Woman store now