health

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Posted on by Holistichealthcarewx

The Golden Flower That Has Comforted Generations
Part of the Holistic Healthcare Wexford Herbal Medicine Library

By Dr Catherine W. Dunne MSc.D., RGN (GPN), M.H.I.T.

Few medicinal plants brighten both the garden and the apothecary quite like Calendula (Calendula officinalis).

With its brilliant golden-yellow and deep orange flowers, Calendula has delighted gardeners, herbalists and physicians for centuries. More than simply an ornamental plant, it has earned a respected place in traditional herbal medicine, where it has been valued for supporting the skin, soothing minor irritations and promoting the body’s natural healing processes.

Unlike some medicinal herbs that hide quietly amongst hedgerows and woodland paths, Calendula seems to celebrate being noticed.

Its cheerful flowers open with the morning sun and often close again towards evening, almost as though the plant itself follows the rhythm of the day.

Perhaps that is one reason generations have associated Calendula with warmth, comfort and restoration.

Today it remains one of the most widely cultivated medicinal flowers in the world, equally at home in cottage gardens, monastery gardens and modern herbal practices.

Its beauty captures the eye.
Its history captures the imagination.

A Flower Through History

The story of Calendula stretches back many centuries.

Native to southern Europe but now cultivated throughout much of the world, the plant became highly valued by ancient civilisations for both its beauty and its practical usefulness. The Romans admired its vibrant flowers, while medieval herbalists included Calendula amongst the essential plants grown in monastery physic gardens.

Its common name is believed to derive from the Latin word calendae, meaning “the first day of the month.”

Unlike many flowers that bloom for only a short season, Calendula often flowers repeatedly throughout the warmer months, giving the impression that it blooms with every passing month of the year.

This remarkable willingness to keep flowering made it a symbol of constancy, hope and renewal.

For herbalists, however, its greatest value lay not in symbolism but in its versatility.

The bright petals found their way into oils, ointments, creams, washes, teas and tinctures, becoming one of the most frequently used medicinal flowers in traditional European herbal medicine.

Meeting Calendula

Calendula is a member of the Asteraceae, or daisy family, although its flowers possess a richness and fullness that often distinguish it from its wild relatives.

Depending on the variety, the blooms range from soft buttery yellow to vibrant orange and even deep apricot shades. Some varieties produce simple daisy-like flowers, while others develop densely layered double blooms that resemble miniature chrysanthemums.

Its bright green leaves are soft to the touch and slightly aromatic when gently crushed.

Throughout the growing season, Calendula rewards even modest care with an abundance of flowers, often continuing to bloom from late spring until the first frosts of autumn.

There is only one small secret.
The more flowers you harvest…

…the more flowers the plant seems determined to produce.
For generations, gardeners have smiled at this simple truth.
Calendula is never happier than when it is being picked.

Harvesting Sunshine

If there is one herb that teaches patience and generosity, it is Calendula.

Unlike many medicinal plants that offer only a brief harvesting season, Calendula seems almost eager to keep giving. The more flowers that are carefully picked, the more new blossoms appear, rewarding the gardener with an almost continuous display throughout the summer.

There is a quiet rhythm to harvesting Calendula.

Early in the morning, once the dew has lifted and the flowers have fully opened to the sun, each bloom is gently picked by hand. Some herbalists prefer to dry the entire flower head, while others carefully separate the petals before drying.

Both methods have their place.

The important thing is to preserve the flowers gently, allowing the warmth of summer to remain within them.

Spread thinly in a warm, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight, the flowers slowly lose their moisture while retaining much of their remarkable colour.

Months later, opening a jar of dried Calendula petals is rather like opening a little piece of summer.

The brilliant oranges and golden yellows remain almost unchanged, carrying with them memories of warm gardens, buzzing bees and long sunny afternoons.

For many herbalists, that simple moment is one of the great pleasures of working with medicinal plants.

A Flower for the Skin

Perhaps no medicinal flower has earned a stronger reputation for supporting healthy skin than Calendula.

For generations it has been infused into oils, incorporated into creams, ointments, salves and balms, and applied wherever gentle support for the skin has traditionally been desired.

Its popularity is easy to understand.

Calendula is one of those rare herbs that seems equally at home in the family medicine cupboard as it is in the professional herbal dispensary.

Traditional herbalists have long appreciated its role in caring for dry, delicate or irritated skin. Infused oils prepared from the flower heads remain one of the most widely used preparations, often forming the foundation of many herbal skin products.

Today, Calendula continues to feature in countless natural skincare formulations throughout the world.

Its enduring popularity speaks for itself.

More Than a Skin Herb

Although Calendula is often thought of as a herb for the skin, its traditional uses extend far beyond external applications.

Historically, Calendula was also prepared as herbal infusions and tinctures, where it was valued for supporting the body’s natural healing processes and overall wellbeing.

Modern research has identified a rich collection of naturally occurring constituents within the flowers, including flavonoids, triterpenoids, carotenoids and essential oils. These compounds continue to attract scientific interest as researchers seek to understand the plant’s remarkable biological activity.

As with many medicinal herbs, however, centuries of traditional experience still exceed the amount of modern clinical research currently available.

This should not be viewed as a weakness.

Rather, it reflects the fact that many traditional medicinal plants are only now beginning to receive the scientific attention they deserve.

Growing Calendula

Few medicinal plants are as rewarding to grow.
Calendula asks for very little in return.

A sunny position, reasonably fertile soil and occasional watering during prolonged dry spells are usually all that is required.

Once established, the plants flower generously over many months, attracting bees, hoverflies and numerous other beneficial insects into the garden.

For many gardeners, Calendula serves a dual purpose.
It is both beautiful and useful.

The flowers brighten vegetable beds, cottage gardens and herb borders while quietly providing a continuous supply of fresh medicinal blooms throughout the growing season.
Perhaps that is one of the reasons Calendula has remained such a favourite for generations.
It asks for little.
Yet gives abundantly.

A Flower That Continues to Give

Some medicinal plants impress us with their complexity.
Others earn our admiration through their quiet dependability.
Calendula belongs firmly in the second group.

It asks for little more than sunshine, a little space to grow and the occasional watering during dry weather. In return, it offers months of vibrant flowers, attracts pollinating insects, brightens the garden and provides one of herbal medicine’s most versatile medicinal flowers.

Perhaps that is why Calendula has remained so deeply loved throughout history.

Not because it is rare.
Not because it is difficult to cultivate.
But because it is generous.
Every flower picked encourages another to bloom.
Every harvest reminds us that nature often responds to care with abundance.

There is something wonderfully reassuring about that.

From Garden to Medicine

One of the greatest pleasures of growing medicinal herbs is witnessing their complete journey.

Calendula begins as a cheerful garden flower, is harvested by hand, carefully dried and then transformed into oils, tinctures, teas and topical preparations. Every stage has its own purpose, and every stage connects us a little more closely with the remarkable plants growing around us.

Catherine’s Herbal Notes

Harvest: June–September

Parts used: Flowers (fresh or dried)

Favourite preparations: Infused oil and tincture

Grown in: My medicinal herb garden, County Wexford, Ireland

Calendula never seems to tire of giving. The more flowers I harvest, the more generously it blooms. Opening a jar of dried petals in winter is rather like opening a little piece of summer.

Final Thoughts

Every herb has its own personality.
Some command attention through their strength.
Others through their mystery.
Calendula does neither.
Instead, it quietly earns our trust.

Its bright flowers have accompanied herbalists, gardeners and families for centuries, bringing colour to the garden and comfort to the home. Long before modern skincare products lined pharmacy shelves, Calendula had already found its place in oils, creams, salves and herbal preparations made with patience and care.

Today, science continues to explore the remarkable chemistry contained within these golden flowers, while gardeners continue to sow the same familiar seeds each spring, knowing they will once again be rewarded with months of cheerful blooms.

Perhaps that is Calendula’s greatest lesson.
Sometimes the simplest plants become the most faithful companions.
They ask us to slow down.
To notice the changing seasons.
To appreciate beauty alongside usefulness.

And to remember that some of nature’s finest medicines have been growing quietly in our gardens all along.

I hope you feel inspired to step outside, notice the remarkable plants growing around you and continue exploring the wonderful world of herbal medicine.

Look after your body, and it will help look after you.

Catherine

CWD | 17 July 2026 | Ireland

Holistic Healthcare Wexford
Integrative · Mindful · Patient-Centred

About the Author

Dr Catherine W. Dunne MSc.D., RGN (GPN), M.H.I.T. is a Registered General Nurse with over 37 years of clinical experience in primary care in Ireland. Alongside her work in General Practice Nursing, she is the founder of Holistic Healthcare Wexford and co-founder of Aumvedas Academy.

With a background that bridges conventional nursing, herbal medicine and holistic practice, Catherine has a particular interest in helping people understand the relationship between traditional botanical knowledge, modern scientific evidence and whole-person wellbeing.

Through a combination of clinical expertise and holistic support, she is passionate about empowering people to make informed choices about their health while respecting both evidence-based medicine and the long tradition of herbal practice.

Based in Wexford, Ireland.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek appropriate medical guidance regarding your individual health needs before making changes to your treatment, medication or healthcare plan.

Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia annua)

Posted on by Holistichealthcarewx

Sweet Annie – The Fragrant Herb That Changed Medical History

Part of the Holistic Healthcare Wexford Herbal Medicine Library
By Dr Catherine W. Dunne MSc.D., RGN (GPN), M.H.I.T.

Some medicinal plants quietly remain within the pages of old herbal books, treasured by herbalists yet largely unknown to the wider world.

Others change the course of medical history.

Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia annua), affectionately known to many gardeners as Sweet Annie, belongs firmly in the second category.

At first glance, there is little to suggest this graceful annual herb is anything extraordinary. Its delicate, fern-like foliage sways gently in the summer breeze, releasing a fresh aromatic fragrance whenever the leaves are brushed by a passing hand. Growing to almost two metres in height, with thousands of tiny yellow flowers appearing towards late summer, it is as beautiful as it is distinctive.

Many people grow Sweet Annie simply because they enjoy its appearance and fragrance.

Herbalists, however, have admired it for centuries for very different reasons.

Native to temperate regions of Asia, particularly China, Sweet Wormwood has been valued in traditional herbal medicine for more than two thousand years. Known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as Qinghao (青蒿), it was carefully recorded in ancient medical texts long before anyone understood parasites, pharmacology or the remarkable chemistry hidden within its delicate leaves.

Centuries later, scientists studying those ancient writings isolated a naturally occurring compound that would revolutionise the treatment of malaria and ultimately save millions of lives throughout the world. That discovery earned Professor Tu Youyou the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine and remains one of the greatest examples of traditional herbal knowledge inspiring modern scientific discovery.

Yet Sweet Annie is far more than the story of one remarkable discovery.

It is the story of curiosity.

It reminds us that the observations made by generations of herbalists can, when explored carefully and objectively, open entirely new doors for scientific understanding. Traditional knowledge and modern medicine do not always stand on opposite sides of the fence. Sometimes they simply begin their journeys from different directions before meeting in the middle.

Today, Sweet Wormwood continues to attract worldwide interest. Researchers are investigating its chemistry, pharmacology and potential applications across a wide range of medical fields, while gardeners continue to grow it for its beauty, herbalists continue to value its long history, and nature lovers simply appreciate it for the elegant plant that it is.

Perhaps that is what makes Sweet Annie so fascinating.

It invites us to look more closely.

A Plant of Many Names

Depending on where you live, this remarkable herb may be known by several different names.

  • Sweet Annie
  • Sweet Wormwood
  • Annual Wormwood
  • Qinghao (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
  • Artemisia annua (Botanical name)

Although these names all refer to the same plant, confusion often arises because Sweet Annie belongs to one of the largest and most fascinating genera in the plant kingdom.

The Artemisia genus contains well over five hundred recognised species growing throughout Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. While many share their characteristic aromatic fragrance and bitter principles, each possesses its own unique chemistry, traditional uses and personality.

Among the best known are:

  • Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia annua)
  • Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
  • Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
  • Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)

Although closely related botanically, these herbs are by no means interchangeable. Each has earned its own place within traditional herbal medicine and modern research, and understanding those differences is one of the foundations of safe herbal practice.

Meeting Sweet Annie

One of the pleasures of growing Sweet Annie is that it engages almost every one of the senses.

Long before harvest time, the plant catches the eye with its soft, feathery foliage, giving it an almost cloud-like appearance in the herb garden. On warm summer days, simply brushing past the leaves releases an unmistakable aromatic scent—fresh, clean and pleasantly herbaceous without the intense bitterness associated with its close relative, Wormwood.

As summer progresses, the plant continues its rapid growth, often reaching between one and two metres in height before producing masses of tiny yellow flower heads. Although individually insignificant, together they create a delicate haze above the foliage that adds to the plant’s natural elegance.

It is perhaps this combination of beauty and usefulness that has allowed Sweet Annie to remain a favourite among gardeners and herbalists alike. Some grow it purely as an ornamental. Others value its fragrance in dried arrangements. Herbalists, meanwhile, recognise it as one of the most historically significant medicinal plants in the world.

Few plants manage to combine all three so effortlessly.

An Ancient Herb with a Remarkable History

Long before microscopes, modern laboratories or clinical trials existed, physicians relied upon one of their greatest diagnostic tools: careful observation.

Over countless generations, they watched which plants appeared to help particular illnesses, how they should be prepared and, equally importantly, when they failed to produce the desired effect. Their observations were carefully recorded, refined and passed from one generation to the next.

Sweet Wormwood was one such plant.

Its earliest recorded use dates back over two thousand years within Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it became known as Qinghao (青蒿). Ancient Chinese physicians recognised the herb as particularly valuable for conditions associated with recurrent fevers and heat-related illnesses. Although they could not explain why it worked, they understood that careful preparation influenced its effectiveness.

One of the earliest written descriptions appears in the work of the fourth-century physician Ge Hong (284–364 AD), whose medical text Emergency Prescriptions Kept Up One’s Sleeve described extracting the fresh herb rather than subjecting it to prolonged boiling. It was a seemingly simple instruction that would prove remarkably important many centuries later.

Like many traditional healers throughout history, Ge Hong was recording practical experience rather than scientific theory. His writings remind us that careful observation has always been one of medicine’s greatest strengths.

Today, we often think of scientific discovery as beginning in the laboratory. Yet many of the medicines we now take for granted first began as observations made by people who simply paid close attention to the natural world around them.

Sweet Annie is one of the finest examples of that journey.

From Ancient Wisdom to Modern Medicine

For centuries, Sweet Wormwood remained largely confined to traditional Chinese medicine, appreciated by herbal practitioners but relatively unknown elsewhere in the world.

That changed dramatically during the twentieth century.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, scientists in China began searching for new treatments for malaria, a disease responsible for countless deaths across many parts of the world. Existing medicines were becoming less effective as resistance developed, creating an urgent need for new approaches.

Rather than looking only towards synthetic chemistry, researchers turned their attention to traditional medical texts.

Among the many plants described, Qinghao attracted particular interest.

Inspired by the writings of Ge Hong, researchers reconsidered how the herb should be prepared. Earlier extraction methods had produced disappointing results, but by using lower temperatures, they were able to isolate a compound that retained its biological activity.

That compound became known as artemisinin.

The discovery transformed malaria treatment and has since saved millions of lives worldwide. In recognition of this extraordinary achievement, Professor Tu Youyou was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015.

It remains one of the most celebrated examples of traditional herbal knowledge contributing directly to modern medicine.

Perhaps the greatest lesson from this story is not simply that one plant contained a remarkable compound.

It is that curiosity, open-mindedness and respect for historical knowledge can sometimes lead to discoveries that change the world.

More Than Artemisinin

Although Sweet Wormwood is now almost synonymous with artemisinin, the plant itself is far more complex than a single chemical constituent.

Like many medicinal herbs, Artemisia annua contains hundreds of naturally occurring compounds that work together to create its unique chemical profile. These include flavonoids, essential oils, phenolic compounds, coumarins and numerous other phytochemicals, many of which continue to be investigated by researchers around the world.

This is an important distinction.

When herbalists speak of Sweet Annie, they are usually referring to the whole plant, with its naturally balanced mixture of constituents.

When physicians prescribe artemisinin-based medicines, they are prescribing carefully purified pharmaceutical preparations that have undergone rigorous testing for specific medical conditions.

Both have their place.

Understanding the difference allows us to appreciate the remarkable complexity of medicinal plants while recognising the importance of evidence-based medicine and safe clinical practice.


A Herb of Extraordinary Complexity

One of the greatest mistakes we can make when studying medicinal plants is to imagine that they owe their reputation to a single active ingredient.

Nature rarely works that way.

Sweet Wormwood is a perfect example.

Although artemisinin became the compound that brought worldwide recognition to Artemisia annua, it represents only one part of an extraordinarily complex plant. Within its leaves, stems and flowers are hundreds of naturally occurring phytochemicals that together create the plant’s unique character.

Among these are flavonoids, essential oils, coumarins, phenolic compounds and sesquiterpene lactones, each contributing in different ways to the plant’s chemistry. Some possess antioxidant properties, others contribute to the plant’s aroma, while many continue to be investigated for their biological activity.

This complexity is one of the reasons herbal medicine remains such a fascinating field of study.

Rather than viewing a medicinal herb as a single chemical, herbalists have traditionally regarded the whole plant as a living partnership of naturally occurring constituents, each complementing the others in ways we are only beginning to understand.

Modern science continues to unravel these relationships, yet many questions remain unanswered.

Perhaps that is part of Sweet Annie’s enduring appeal.

Even after centuries of use and decades of intensive scientific investigation, this graceful herb continues to reveal new secrets.

Traditional Herbal Uses

For generations, Sweet Wormwood has occupied an important place in traditional herbal medicine, particularly throughout China and neighbouring regions of Asia.

Historically, it was primarily valued as a cooling herb. Traditional practitioners associated it with conditions characterised by heat, particularly recurrent fevers and summer illnesses. Over time its use expanded into a variety of traditional preparations, each reflecting the medical understanding of the period.

Beyond its historical association with fevers, Sweet Annie has also been used traditionally to support digestion, encourage healthy liver function and promote general wellbeing during periods of convalescence.

As with many traditional herbal medicines, these uses developed through centuries of observation rather than controlled scientific studies. Some have since attracted modern research interest, while others remain part of traditional practice with limited clinical evidence available.

This distinction is important.

Traditional use provides valuable historical knowledge, but it does not automatically confirm effectiveness for every condition. Likewise, the absence of modern research does not necessarily mean that traditional observations hold no value. Both perspectives contribute to our understanding, provided they are approached with curiosity, balance and scientific honesty.

Sweet Annie in Today’s Herb Garden

Despite its remarkable medical history, Sweet Annie remains an exceptionally rewarding plant to grow.

It is an annual that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, often reaching impressive heights during a single growing season. Once established, its finely divided foliage creates an airy backdrop within the herb garden, while the delicate yellow flower heads provide interest well into late summer.

Many gardeners value the plant simply for its ornamental beauty.

Others appreciate its wonderfully aromatic foliage, which releases its distinctive fragrance whenever the leaves are gently touched. Even after drying, the stems retain much of their pleasant scent, making Sweet Annie a favourite for wreaths, dried flower arrangements and herbal displays.

For herbalists, however, there is something especially satisfying about growing a plant whose story spans more than two thousand years. Caring for Sweet Annie offers a quiet reminder that many of today’s scientific discoveries first began with someone cultivating, observing and respecting the natural world.

Respecting the Plant

Sweet Annie has undoubtedly earned its place among history’s most important medicinal herbs.

Its journey from ancient Chinese medicine to one of the world’s most significant pharmaceutical discoveries is remarkable, yet that should not tempt us to exaggerate its role or overlook the need for careful scientific evaluation.

Like every medicinal plant, Sweet Annie deserves both respect and perspective.

It reminds us that nature still has much to teach us, but it also reminds us that good healthcare is built upon careful observation, thoughtful research and the willingness to distinguish established evidence from emerging possibilities.

Perhaps that is the greatest lesson this elegant herb has to offer.

Not that it holds all the answers.

But that curiosity, patience and open-minded enquiry remain among the most valuable tools in both herbal medicine and modern healthcare.

Final Thoughts

Some plants become famous because of folklore.

Others because of scientific discovery.

Sweet Annie has earned its reputation through both.

For more than two thousand years, it has quietly accompanied humanity’s search for better health. From the pages of ancient Chinese medical texts to modern laboratories, it has demonstrated that traditional knowledge and scientific enquiry need not be opposing forces. Instead, they can complement one another, each adding another piece to the larger picture.

Whether you grow it for its beauty, admire it for its history, or simply enjoy learning about the remarkable plants that surround us, Sweet Wormwood reminds us that even the most unassuming herb may have an extraordinary story waiting to be told.



I hope you feel inspired. Look after your body, and it will keep you healthy.

Catherine

CWD | 12 July 2026 | Ireland

Holistic Healthcare Wexford
Integrative · Mindful · Patient-Centred

About the Author

Dr Catherine W. Dunne MSc.D. is a Registered General Nurse with over 37 years of clinical experience in primary care in Ireland. Alongside her work in General Practice Nursing, she is the founder of Holistic Healthcare Wexford and co-founder of Aumvedas Academy.

With a background that bridges conventional medicine, herbal medicine and holistic practice, Catherine has a particular interest in patients who are often told, “everything is normal,” yet still feel unwell. Her work focuses on helping people better understand what their body is communicating, particularly in relation to nutrition, herbal medicine, stress, metabolic function, recovery and long-term wellbeing.

Through a combination of clinical knowledge and holistic support, she is passionate about empowering people to make informed choices about their health while respecting both evidence-based medicine and the long tradition of herbal practice.

Based in Wexford, Ireland.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek appropriate medical guidance regarding your individual health needs before making changes to your treatment, medication or healthcare plan.

Self Heal (Prunella vulgaris): The Humble Lawn Herb with Extraordinary Potential

Posted on by Holistichealthcarewx

Part of the Holistic Healthcare Wexford Herbal Medicine Library

By Dr Catherine W. Dunne, MSc.D., RGN (GPN), M.H.I.T.

Walk through almost any wildflower meadow or unmown lawn in Ireland during summer and you may find a small purple flower quietly growing beneath your feet. Known as Self Heal, Heal-All, or Carpenter’s Herb, Prunella vulgaris has earned a reputation over centuries as one of nature’s most versatile healing plants.

Despite its modest appearance, Self Heal has been valued in traditional European, Chinese, and Native American herbal medicine for generations.

A Plant with a Long History

The common name “Self Heal” reflects the herb’s traditional reputation for supporting the body’s natural restorative processes. Historically, it was used both internally and externally for wounds, sore throats, digestive complaints, and periods of convalescence following illness.

Traditional herbalists often regarded Self Heal as a herb that helped restore balance when the body was under stress or recovering from physical challenges.

Modern Interest in Prunella

Modern research has identified a range of naturally occurring compounds within Prunella, including:

  • Rosmarinic acid
  • Flavonoids
  • Tannins
  • Triterpenes
  • Polysaccharides

These compounds are being studied for their antioxidant, soothing, and immune-supportive properties.

While research continues, traditional use remains one of the strongest guides to understanding this remarkable plant.

How to Recognise Self Heal

Self Heal belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae), a large family of plants that includes familiar herbs such as Mint, Thyme, Sage, Lemon Balm, Rosemary, Betony, Ground Ivy and Dead Nettle. While many mint-family plants are aromatic, others such as Self Heal and Dead Nettle have little noticeable scent but still display the family’s characteristic square stems and opposite leaves.

Like many members of the mint family, Self Heal displays several distinctive characteristics:

  • A square stem rather than a round stem
  • Opposite pairs of leaves growing directly across from each other
  • Fine hairs on the stems and leaves
  • Purple or reddish tinges on stems and flower bracts
  • Dense flower heads formed from stacked bracts

The flowers are typically blue-violet to purple and emerge from a compact, cone-like flowering head. As the flowers open, they appear in rings around the flower spike, creating the distinctive appearance that makes Self Heal easy to recognise once in bloom.

The leaves are oval to lance-shaped with gently toothed margins and are usually slightly hairy. Young plants can look quite different from mature flowering specimens, often appearing as low-growing clusters of leaves before sending up flowering stems.

Self Heal commonly grows in lawns, meadows, field margins, pathways, and other grassy areas throughout Ireland. It often thrives where mowing is infrequent, creating beautiful patches of purple flowers during summer.

Once you learn to recognise the square stems, opposite leaves, and distinctive flower heads, you may be surprised to discover how often Self Heal has been growing unnoticed beneath your feet.

Self Heal as a Tea

One of the simplest ways to use Self Heal is as an herbal tea.

Traditionally enjoyed for:

  • Sore throats and hoarseness
  • Mouth and gum comfort
  • Digestive upset
  • Seasonal wellness
  • General convalescence and recovery

The dried flowering tops and leaves make a mild, pleasant tea that combines well with:

  • Plantain
  • Betony
  • Lemon Balm
  • Meadowsweet
  • Thyme

For many herbalists, Self Heal tea is a valuable addition to the winter medicine cupboard.

Self Heal as a Tincture

Fresh or dried flowering tops can be extracted in alcohol to create a tincture.

Traditional uses include:

  • Supporting normal immune function
  • Swollen glands and throat discomfort
  • Seasonal challenges
  • General constitutional support

A tincture offers a concentrated preparation and provides a convenient way to use the herb throughout the year.

Self Heal in Vinegars and Oxymels

Self Heal No photo description available.combines beautifully with apple cider vinegar and honey.

An oxymel containing Self Heal, Thyme, Plantain, and seasonal herbs has traditionally been used to support:

  • Winter wellness
  • Throat comfort
  • Respiratory health
  • Family immune support

The addition of honey makes this preparation especially suitable for children and those who dislike herbal teas.

External Uses

Traditionally, Self Heal was used externally as:

  • A wash for minor skin irritations
  • A compress for cuts and abrasions
  • A soothing rinse for the mouth and throat

These uses contributed greatly to the herb’s reputation as a “heal-all” plant.

Harvesting Self Heal

The best time to harvest Self Heal is when the flower heads are fully developed and actively flowering.

Harvest on a dry day after the morning dew has evaporated.

The flowering tops can be:

  • Dried for tea
  • Tinctured fresh
  • Added to vinegars
  • Used in oxymels
  • Infused into oils

Self Heal for Hoarseness, Reflux and Recovery

One of the most interesting modern uses of Self Heal may be in supporting irritated tissues of the mouth, throat, and upper digestive tract.

Many people experience symptoms such as:

  • Persistent throat clearing
  • Hoarseness
  • A burning sensation behind the breastbone
  • A feeling of throat irritation despite normal investigations
  • Lingering throat sensitivity following viral illnesses

Traditionally, herbalists often turned to soothing and restorative herbs when tissues appeared irritated or inflamed.

Self Heal combines particularly well with:

  • Plantain (Plantago spp.)
  • Betony (Stachys officinalis)
  • Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Together these herbs create a gentle tea traditionally used to support throat comfort and general respiratory wellbeing.

While Self Heal is not a replacement for medical assessment or prescribed treatment, many people find herbal teas containing these plants offer a soothing and supportive addition to their overall care plan.

Traditionally, Self Heal has also been valued as a restorative herb during periods of convalescence, particularly when the throat, mouth, or upper digestive tract remain sensitive following illness.

Why Self Heal Has Earned a Place in My Herbal Garden

Over recent years, Self Heal has become one of the herbs I reach for most often. Although frequently overlooked as a common lawn flower, I have found it combines beautifully with Plantain, Betony and Thyme in teas intended to support throat comfort, hoarseness and seasonal wellness.

Each summer I harvest and dry the flowering tops for use throughout the winter months. It is one of the simplest, most accessible, and most versatile herbs growing naturally in the Irish landscape.

Sometimes the most valuable remedies are not found in distant rainforests or exotic mountain ranges. Sometimes they are growing quietly beneath our feet.

A Final Thought

In an age where many people search for exotic herbs from distant countries, Self Heal reminds us that some of the most valuable plants may already be growing beneath our feet.

Small, resilient, and quietly powerful, Prunella vulgaris continues to live up to its ancient reputation as one of nature’s most trusted herbal allies.

I hope you feel inspired. Look after your body, and it will keep you healthy.

Catherine

CWD | 21 June 2026 | Ireland

Holistic Healthcare Wexford
Integrative · Mindful · Patient-Centred

About the Author

Dr Catherine W. Dunne MSc.D. is a Registered General Nurse with over 37 years of clinical experience in primary care in Ireland. Alongside her work in General Practice Nursing, she is the founder of Holistic Healthcare Wexford and co-founder of Aumvedas Academy.

With a background that bridges conventional medicine and holistic practice, Catherine has a particular interest in the area where patients are often told “everything is normal,” yet still feel unwell. Her work focuses on helping people understand what their body is communicating, especially in relation to energy, stress, metabolic function, and recovery.

Through a combination of clinical knowledge and holistic support, she works with individuals to restore balance, improve resilience, and support long-term wellbeing.

Based in Wexford, Ireland.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Patients should always seek appropriate medical guidance regarding their individual health needs and before making changes to treatment or care.

Why Are We So Tired?

Posted on by Holistichealthcarewx

A Nurse’s Reflection on Exhaustion in Modern Life

The Quiet Epidemic Nobody Seems to Talk About Properly

By Dr Catherine W Dunne MSc.D | M.H.I.T. | Registered Nurse

Abstract

Modern fatigue is increasingly presenting as more than simple tiredness. Across healthcare settings, many individuals describe feeling persistently exhausted despite “normal” investigations, adequate sleep, or attempts at lifestyle change. Terms such as burnout, stress, and fatigue have become commonplace, yet the deeper physiological, emotional, and environmental contributors are often overlooked or fragmented within modern healthcare discussions.

This reflective article explores exhaustion through the lens of contemporary life, nursing experience, and integrative awareness. Factors such as chronic stress activation, nervous system overload, poor restorative sleep, nutritional depletion, emotional burden, overstimulation, social disconnection, and the loss of natural recovery rhythms are considered within the wider context of modern living.

Rather than presenting fatigue as a single diagnosis, this article examines how persistent exhaustion may represent a cumulative response of the body and mind attempting to adapt to prolonged physical, psychological, and environmental strain. It also reflects on the growing number of individuals who report feeling “wired but tired” — functioning outwardly while internally depleted.

Drawing upon observations from clinical nursing practice and holistic care settings, the article encourages a more compassionate, whole-person approach to understanding fatigue. It highlights the importance of listening to patient experiences, recognising the multifactorial nature of exhaustion, and restoring space for recovery, rest, human connection, and nervous system regulation within both healthcare and daily life.

Ultimately, the article asks a question many people are quietly carrying:
Why are we so tired — and what might the body be trying to tell us?

Introduction

People are tired in a way that sleep alone no longer seems to fix.

Not simply “a bit run down,” but deeply depleted — mentally overloaded, emotionally stretched, physically exhausted, yet somehow still expected to continue functioning normally.

As a nurse, I increasingly hear the same quiet phrases repeated in different ways:
“I’m exhausted all the time.”
“My blood tests are normal.”
“I just don’t feel like myself anymore.”
“I’m sleeping, but I still wake up tired.”

Many people describe living in a constant state of being “wired but exhausted” — unable to fully switch off, yet struggling to restore energy no matter how much they rest. Modern life has normalised chronic stress, overstimulation, poor recovery, emotional strain, irregular sleep, constant digital exposure, and the pressure to remain productive even when the body is clearly asking for pause.

Fatigue itself is not a diagnosis. It is often a signal.

Sometimes it reflects physical imbalance. Sometimes emotional overload. Sometimes nutritional depletion, stress physiology, poor sleep quality, burnout, hormonal shifts, chronic inflammation, or the cumulative weight of simply carrying too much for too long.

Perhaps one of the most important questions we should be asking is not simply:
“How do we push through exhaustion?”
…but rather:
“Why are so many people becoming exhausted in the first place?”

This article is not about fear or quick fixes. It is a reflection on modern exhaustion through the lens of nursing, human experience, and integrative awareness — and a reminder that recovery is not weakness, but an essential part of health itself.

The Modern Nervous System: Always “On”

Human beings were not designed to live in a constant state of alertness.

Yet for many people, this has quietly become normal.

The modern nervous system is under relentless pressure. Notifications, noise, financial strain, emotional demands, poor sleep, overstimulation, shift work, caregiving responsibilities, uncertainty, and the expectation to remain constantly available all place the body into a prolonged state of low-grade stress activation. Over time, this continuous “background stress” can begin affecting both physical and emotional wellbeing.

Many individuals describe feeling unable to fully relax, even during rest. They may sit down in the evening physically exhausted, yet mentally unable to switch off. Others wake during the night with racing thoughts, feel tense without obvious reason, or rely heavily on caffeine, sugar, or adrenaline simply to get through the day.

This state is often described as being:
“wired but tired.”

From a physiological perspective, prolonged stress activation affects far more than mood alone. Chronic activation of stress pathways may influence sleep quality, digestion, blood sugar regulation, immune function, inflammation, muscle tension, concentration, hormonal balance, and overall energy production. The body can continue functioning for long periods under stress — but often at the expense of proper restoration and recovery.

Importantly, exhaustion is not always visible.

Many people who are struggling still continue to work, care for families, attend appointments, smile socially, and meet responsibilities. Outward functioning does not always reflect internal wellbeing. Some individuals become so accustomed to operating under stress that exhaustion begins to feel “normal.”

In healthcare settings, this can sometimes create frustration for both patients and practitioners. Investigations may appear broadly reassuring, yet the individual sitting in front of the clinician still feels profoundly unwell, depleted, or disconnected from their usual self. This does not mean symptoms are imaginary. It may instead reflect the complex and multifactorial nature of fatigue itself.

The body has remarkable ways of adapting and compensating. However, adaptation is not the same as restoration.

At some point, the nervous system eventually asks to be listened to.

Rest Is No Longer Truly Rest

One of the quieter changes in modern life is that many people rarely experience genuine rest anymore.

Even during moments that appear restful externally, the mind often remains continuously engaged. Phones, television, social media, news cycles, emails, background noise, and constant streams of information keep the brain stimulated long after the body has physically stopped moving. Silence has become unfamiliar for many people.

There was once greater recognition of recovery as a necessary part of health. Rest was not always viewed as laziness or lack of productivity. Time outdoors, slower evenings, conversation, community, shared meals, and periods of stillness were naturally woven into daily life. Today, many people move from one demand directly into another without any meaningful pause between them.

The body, however, still requires recovery rhythms.

Sleep quantity alone does not necessarily equal restoration. A person may spend eight hours in bed and still wake feeling exhausted if the nervous system has remained in a heightened stress state throughout the night. Emotional strain, unresolved stress, poor sleep quality, hormonal changes, overstimulation, chronic worry, alcohol, excessive screen exposure, irregular schedules, and metabolic imbalance may all affect the body’s ability to properly restore itself during sleep.

Many individuals now describe feeling tired from the moment they wake. Others experience a temporary surge of energy late in the evening, only to struggle sleeping when finally given the opportunity to rest. This pattern of exhaustion combined with internal overstimulation has become increasingly common.

Modern culture often rewards endurance rather than recovery. People are praised for pushing through fatigue, multitasking constantly, remaining available at all hours, and continuing despite obvious exhaustion. Yet the body does not function indefinitely without consequence.

There is also an emotional dimension to exhaustion that is frequently overlooked. Many people are carrying invisible burdens — grief, caregiving responsibilities, financial strain, loneliness, uncertainty, emotional stress, or the simple weight of prolonged overwhelm. Emotional fatigue can manifest physically in profound ways, affecting sleep, appetite, immunity, energy levels, pain perception, and concentration.

Sometimes the body is not failing.

Sometimes it is responding exactly as a chronically overwhelmed human body would be expected to respond.

Rest, therefore, should not be viewed as a luxury. It is a biological requirement. Recovery is not weakness, but part of how the human system repairs, regulates, and continues functioning over time.

When “Normal” Does Not Feel Normal

One of the most difficult experiences for many individuals is being told that everything appears “normal” while continuing to feel profoundly unwell.

In clinical practice, this situation is increasingly common. Blood tests may fall within laboratory reference ranges, scans may show no major abnormality, and outwardly the individual may appear to be coping reasonably well. Yet underneath this, the person may still be experiencing persistent fatigue, brain fog, poor concentration, low motivation, disrupted sleep, muscle tension, emotional exhaustion, or a general sense that “something is not right.”

This can become deeply frustrating and isolating.

It is important to recognise that laboratory investigations are valuable tools, but they do not always fully capture the lived human experience of stress, depletion, overload, or early physiological imbalance. Health exists on a spectrum, and people do not suddenly move from “well” to “unwell” overnight. Often there is a long period in between where the body is compensating, adapting, and quietly struggling before more obvious dysfunction develops.

Fatigue itself is also rarely caused by one single factor alone.

Poor sleep quality, chronic stress activation, nutritional deficiencies, emotional strain, low sunlight exposure, irregular eating patterns, blood sugar instability, hormonal fluctuations, sedentary lifestyles, inflammatory processes, social isolation, and persistent overstimulation may all interact together over time. Modern exhaustion is often cumulative.

In some cases, people become so accustomed to functioning in survival mode that they no longer recognise what genuine wellbeing feels like. Constant tension, mental busyness, shallow breathing, poor concentration, and low-level exhaustion become accepted as “normal adult life.”

But functioning is not necessarily the same as thriving.

There is also growing recognition within healthcare that stress physiology itself has significant effects throughout the body. Prolonged nervous system activation may influence digestion, immune responses, cardiovascular health, sleep regulation, hormonal balance, pain sensitivity, and energy production. The mind and body are not separate systems operating independently of one another; they are deeply interconnected.

This does not mean every symptom has a simple explanation, nor should persistent fatigue ever be dismissed without appropriate medical assessment. Ongoing exhaustion deserves proper evaluation, particularly when accompanied by symptoms such as weight loss, pain, breathlessness, persistent low mood, fever, neurological symptoms, or significant functional decline.

However, alongside appropriate investigation, there may also be value in asking broader questions:
How is this person sleeping?
How stressed are they?
What are they carrying emotionally?
Are they resting properly?
How nourished is the nervous system itself?

Sometimes healing begins not with finding a dramatic diagnosis, but with recognising that the human body has been attempting to cope with prolonged overload for far too long.

The Loss of Natural Recovery Rhythms

Human beings once lived far more closely alongside the rhythms of nature, light, movement, community, and rest. While modern life has brought extraordinary advances in medicine, technology, and communication, it has also quietly altered many of the basic patterns that once supported physical and emotional wellbeing.

Today, many people spend the majority of their time indoors, under artificial lighting, sitting for prolonged periods, disconnected from natural daylight, fresh air, and restorative environments. Meals are often rushed, sleep schedules irregular, and silence increasingly rare. Even moments of pause are frequently filled with screens, scrolling, or mental stimulation.

The body, however, still responds to ancient biological rhythms.

Natural light exposure influences circadian regulation, sleep quality, hormonal balance, and mood. Gentle movement supports circulation, lymphatic flow, joint health, and nervous system regulation. Time spent outdoors has repeatedly been associated with reduced stress levels, improved mental wellbeing, and improved recovery from cognitive fatigue. Human connection, meaningful conversation, and social belonging also play important roles in emotional resilience and overall health.

Many older traditions understood this instinctively.

  • Rest after illness was expected.
  • Recovery periods were respected.
  • People sat together more.
  • Meals were slower.
  • Children played outdoors.
  • Communities gathered.
  • Silence existed naturally within daily life.

Modern society often moves at a pace that leaves little room for these restorative experiences. Productivity has become heavily prioritised, while recovery is frequently postponed until the body forces it through exhaustion, illness, burnout, anxiety, or emotional collapse.

There is also increasing recognition that constant stimulation itself may contribute to fatigue. The human brain is continually processing information — notifications, advertising, headlines, noise, social comparison, emotional content, and endless digital input. Even during periods that appear physically inactive, the nervous system may remain highly engaged.

This continuous demand for attention can gradually erode the body’s capacity for restoration.

For some individuals, healing may not begin with doing more, but with reducing overload. Creating space for recovery does not necessarily require dramatic lifestyle changes. Sometimes the most meaningful interventions are also the simplest:

  • better sleep habits,
  • regular meals,
  • time outdoors,
  • gentle movement,
  • quiet moments,
  • human connection,
  • laughter,
  • breathing space,
  • and permission to rest without guilt.

These are not insignificant things.

They are part of how the human system regulates, repairs, and remembers balance.

Listening to What Exhaustion May Be Saying

Fatigue is often treated as something to fight against, suppress, or simply “push through.” Modern culture frequently encourages people to override the body’s signals in order to remain productive, available, and functioning at all costs. Yet exhaustion itself may sometimes be one of the body’s clearest forms of communication.

The body has remarkable resilience and can compensate for long periods of strain. People often continue caring for others, attending work, meeting responsibilities, and maintaining daily routines long after their internal reserves have become depleted. Eventually, however, the body begins asking for attention in quieter ways:

  • persistent tiredness
  • poor concentration
  • irritability
  • sleep disturbance
  • muscle tension
  • frequent illness
  • low motivation
  • emotional overwhelm
  • or a sense of feeling disconnected from oneself.

These experiences should not automatically be dismissed as weakness, laziness, or personal failure.

In many cases, exhaustion represents the cumulative effect of prolonged stress, insufficient recovery, emotional burden, nutritional imbalance, disrupted sleep, chronic overstimulation, or simply living too long in a constant state of survival mode. The body is not separate from life experience. What a person carries mentally and emotionally often manifests physically over time.

Healthcare itself is increasingly recognising the importance of whole-person approaches to wellbeing. While medical investigation remains essential when symptoms persist, there is also growing awareness that health cannot always be reduced solely to laboratory values or isolated symptoms. Human beings are complex, adaptive systems influenced by physiology, environment, emotion, lifestyle, relationships, and stress.

Sometimes what people need most initially is not another demand placed upon them, but permission to pause long enough to recognise how exhausted they have actually become.

This does not mean abandoning responsibility or avoiding appropriate medical care. Rather, it means acknowledging that restoration is a legitimate and necessary part of health. Rest, nutrition, movement, sleep, emotional support, boundaries, meaningful connection, and nervous system regulation are not luxuries; they are foundational aspects of human wellbeing.

Perhaps one of the most important shifts we can make is moving away from asking:
“How much more can I force myself to endure?”
…and beginning instead to ask:
“What is my body trying to tell me?”

Exhaustion may not always be the enemy.

Sometimes it is the body asking, as gently as it can, to finally be heard.

Conclusion

Perhaps one of the defining characteristics of modern life is that exhaustion has become so common that many people now consider it normal.

People continue functioning while depleted.
They work while exhausted.
Care for others while emotionally overwhelmed.
Push through stress while disconnected from recovery, rest, and restoration.

Yet the human body was never designed to exist in a constant state of pressure without consequence.

Fatigue is rarely caused by one single issue alone. More often, it reflects the combined effects of prolonged stress, poor recovery, emotional burden, nutritional imbalance, disrupted sleep, overstimulation, environmental pressures, and the gradual loss of the natural rhythms that once supported human wellbeing.

Importantly, exhaustion should not simply be ignored, normalised, or dismissed. Persistent fatigue deserves appropriate medical assessment and careful clinical evaluation, particularly where symptoms are ongoing, worsening, or accompanied by other physical or psychological concerns. At the same time, there is also value in recognising that many individuals today are living under levels of sustained stress and overload that the body is quietly struggling to adapt to.

Modern healthcare faces an important challenge: not only treating disease, but understanding the growing gap between outward functioning and genuine wellbeing.

  • Listening matters
  • Rest matters.
  • Recovery matters.
  • Human connection matters

Sometimes the most important step is not pushing harder, but creating enough stillness to recognise that the body has been asking for help for quite some time.

As both healthcare professionals and individuals, perhaps we need to begin viewing exhaustion not simply as an inconvenience to overcome, but as a signal worthy of attention, compassion, and deeper understanding.

Because perhaps the real question is not only:
“Why are we so tired?”
…but also:
“What kind of life have we created that so many people no longer remember what true rest feels like?”

I hope you feel inspired. Look after your body, and it will keep you healthy.

Catherine

CWD | 22.May. 2026 | Ireland

Holistic Healthcare Wexford
Integrative · Mindful · Patient-Centred

About the Author

Dr Catherine W. Dunne MSc.D. is a Registered General Nurse with over 37 years of clinical experience in primary care in Ireland. Alongside her work in General Practice Nursing, she is the founder of Holistic Healthcare Wexford and co-founder of Aumvedas Academy.

With a background that bridges conventional medicine and holistic practice, Catherine has a particular interest in the area where patients are often told “everything is normal,” yet still feel unwell. Her work focuses on helping people understand what their body is communicating, especially in relation to energy, stress, metabolic function, and recovery.

Through a combination of clinical knowledge and holistic support, she works with individuals to restore balance, improve resilience, and support long-term wellbeing.

Based in Wexford, Ireland.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Patients should always seek appropriate medical guidance regarding their individual health needs and before making changes to treatment or care.

Cancer, Sugar, Carbohydrates and Iron – Why Metabolism is Receiving Greater Attention Today

Posted on by Holistichealthcarewx

Many people today are asking whether nutrition, metabolism, chronic inflammation and certain plant compounds may play a role in the development or growth of cancer. Topics such as high sugar intake, heavily processed carbohydrates, iron metabolism and medicinal plants are increasingly being discussed, both within modern research and integrative health approaches.

Science is showing more and more clearly that cancer is not solely a genetic disease, but may also be closely connected to metabolic processes, inflammation, hormonal changes and the overall health of the body.

At the same time, interest is growing in traditional medicinal plants such as Artemisinin (Artemisia annua), Prunella vulgaris and Sutherlandia frutescens, whose compounds have shown possible supportive properties in laboratory studies.

However, one important point remains:

This article is not intended as a cure claim or a replacement for medical treatment. Rather, it aims to bring together current scientific understanding, traditional plant knowledge and holistic health perspectives in a clear and understandable way.

Because sometimes health begins not only with the question:

“How do we fight disease?”

but also with:

“How do we strengthen the person?”

By Dr Catherine W. Dunne, MSc.D., RGN (GPN)
Holistic Healthcare Wexford | Co-founder, Aumvedas Academy

In recent years, researchers have become increasingly interested in why certain metabolic states may influence the growth of cancer cells.

Particular attention has been given to:

  • elevated blood glucose levels
  • diets high in processed carbohydrates
  • chronically raised insulin levels
  • changes in iron metabolism

It is important to understand that the human body requires both glucose and iron for survival. The brain, muscles, immune system and virtually every cell in the body depend upon them. Nevertheless, many studies suggest that cancer cells often “exploit” these systems more aggressively in order to grow rapidly.

The Relationship Between Cancer and Sugar

Many cancer cells consume significantly more glucose than normal cells. This phenomenon has been recognised in oncology for many years and is even the basis of modern PET scans, where radioactive glucose is used to identify metabolically active tumours.

One well-known concept related to this is the so-called Warburg effect, in which cancer cells often favour rapid sugar metabolism (glycolysis) even when oxygen is available.

This does not mean:

“Sugar automatically causes cancer”
or
“Cancer can simply be starved.”

Human metabolism is far more complex than that.

Even during very low-carbohydrate diets, the body continues to produce glucose because it is essential for vital functions.

What may matter more is the overall metabolic environment:

  • chronically elevated insulin levels
  • insulin resistance
  • obesity
  • visceral abdominal fat
  • inflammatory processes
  • lack of movement
  • chronic stress
  • highly processed foods

Particularly problematic are often:

  • refined sugars
  • heavily processed carbohydrates
  • constant snacking
  • sugary drinks
  • ultra-processed foods

Over time, these factors may contribute to chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalance.

Interestingly, chronic stress itself can raise blood glucose levels because cortisol stimulates glucose release from the liver. In other words, the body may remain in a prolonged “high-glucose state” even without excessive sugar intake.

Cancer and Iron – An Often Overlooked Connection

Iron also plays an important role in relation to cancer.

Iron is essential for:

  • cell division
  • oxygen transport
  • energy production
  • DNA synthesis
  • mitochondrial function

Because cancer cells divide rapidly, they often require large amounts of it.

Some tumour types even increase iron uptake into their cells. Researchers have therefore observed altered iron metabolism in several cancers, including breast, bowel and liver cancers.

However, too much free iron may also become problematic.

It can promote oxidative stress and generate free radicals capable of damaging cellular structures and DNA.

Particularly interesting is the fact that after menopause, iron levels naturally rise in many women because monthly blood loss stops. At the same time, inflammation, metabolic dysfunction and hormonal changes often increase.

This does not automatically indicate danger.

However, it helps explain why researchers are paying closer attention to:

  • ferritin levels
  • chronic inflammation
  • metabolic health
  • liver health
  • insulin resistance

Ferritin Is Not Just “Iron”

An important point:

Ferritin is often viewed simply as an iron marker. In reality, ferritin is also an inflammatory marker.

Elevated ferritin levels may occur in:

  • chronic inflammation
  • fatty liver disease
  • infections
  • alcohol burden
  • metabolic syndrome
  • autoimmune disease
  • cancer processes

This is why ferritin should always be interpreted within the wider clinical picture.

The Modern Perspective

Modern research increasingly views cancer as a metabolic disease as well as a genetic one.

This does not mean that sugar or iron alone “cause” cancer.

Rather, a chronically inflamed and metabolically stressed environment may support the growth of already-damaged cells.

For this reason, many integrative approaches today focus on:

  • stable blood sugar regulation
  • reducing heavily processed foods
  • regular movement
  • maintaining healthy muscle mass
  • good sleep
  • stress reduction
  • anti-inflammatory nutrition
  • supporting mitochondrial health

The goal is not fear —
but a better understanding of how deeply nutrition, metabolism, hormones and long-term health are interconnected.

Or more simply:

The body needs sugar and iron to survive.

But when metabolic systems become dysregulated, those same systems may also be exploited by cancer cells.

Possible Supportive Plant Compounds: Artemisinin and Prunella vulgaris

Alongside nutrition, metabolism and inflammation, researchers are increasingly interested in certain plant compounds that may potentially influence the growth or spread of cancer cells.

However, it is important to state clearly:

Many of these approaches remain within the realm of laboratory research, animal models or early experimental studies. They are not currently scientifically confirmed cancer cures.

Nevertheless, there are some interesting observations.

Artemisinin – Originally Known from Malaria Treatment

Artemisinin is derived from the plant Artemisia annua and first became known through malaria treatment.

What made Artemisinin particularly interesting in cancer research was its relationship with iron.

Cancer cells often contain elevated iron levels and increased iron metabolism. Artemisinin reacts with iron and may generate free radicals capable of damaging cancer cells more strongly than healthy cells.

This mechanism attracted significant scientific attention.

Laboratory studies have shown indications of:

  • slowed tumour growth
  • inhibition of cell division
  • promotion of apoptosis (programmed cell death)
  • possible reduction of metastatic activity

Research has included:

  • breast cancer
  • bowel cancer
  • leukaemias
  • prostate cancer
  • lung cancer

Artemisinin is particularly discussed today in relation to:

  • oxidative stress within cancer cells
  • mitochondrial changes
  • iron-dependent metabolic processes

Nevertheless:

Large-scale human clinical trials confirming Artemisinin as a cancer treatment are still lacking.

Therefore, it should never be viewed as a replacement for oncology care, but rather as a possible supportive research avenue within integrative approaches.

Prunella vulgaris – Self-Heal

Prunella vulgaris, also known as Self-Heal, has been traditionally used for centuries for inflammatory swellings, lymphatic congestion and “lumps.”

Modern studies suggest that certain plant compounds may possess possible anti-cancer properties.

These include:

  • rosmarinic acid
  • ursolic acid
  • flavonoids
  • triterpenes
  • polysaccharides

Laboratory findings have suggested:

  • inhibition of breast cancer cell growth
  • possible reduction in cell migration and metastasis
  • anti-inflammatory effects
  • immune-supportive actions
  • promotion of programmed tumour cell death

Interestingly, Prunella vulgaris was historically used long before modern medicine for “breast lumps” and glandular swellings.

Again, however, the evidence currently comes mainly from:

  • cell culture studies
  • animal models
  • early experimental research

There is currently no scientifically confirmed evidence that it cures cancer in humans.

Integrative Support Rather Than False Cure Claims

Modern integrative research is increasingly exploring how:

  • metabolism
  • inflammation
  • immune function
  • mitochondrial health
  • iron metabolism
  • nutrition
    and plant compounds

may interact together.

The focus is less on “miracle cures” and more on the question:

How can the body be supported in a way that is less inflammatory and less metabolically burdensome?

For this reason, many people now also seek support through:

  • anti-inflammatory nutrition
  • stable blood sugar balance
  • stress reduction
  • sleep optimisation
  • movement
  • holistic support
  • plant-based compounds

while conventional medical treatment continues to play a central role.

Because modern research continues to show one thing above all:

The human body is far more complex than simple headlines suggest.

Sutherlandia frutescens – The South African “Cancer Bush”

Another plant attracting increasing interest in integrative research is Sutherlandia frutescens.

Native to South Africa, it is traditionally known as:

  • Cancer Bush
  • Balloon Pea
  • Kankerbos

For centuries it has been used within traditional African herbal medicine to support:

  • chronic illness
  • exhaustion and weakness
  • inflammation
  • stress burden
  • weight loss and wasting
  • weakened immunity

Researchers became interested after laboratory studies suggested possible:

  • antiproliferative effects
  • antioxidant properties
  • immune-modulating actions
  • anti-inflammatory mechanisms

Investigated compounds include:

  • L-canavanine
  • pinitol
  • GABA
  • flavonoids
  • triterpenoids

Some experimental studies suggest that Sutherlandia frutescens may potentially influence the growth of certain cancer cells.

At the same time, the plant was traditionally viewed less as a “tumour destroyer” and more as a strengthening support herb during severe illness.

Many traditional healing systems followed this same philosophy:

Not only treating disease itself —
but supporting the whole person:

  • strength
  • appetite
  • sleep
  • stress regulation
  • immune function
  • overall resilience

Again, it is important to state clearly:

There is currently no scientifically confirmed evidence that Sutherlandia frutescens cures cancer in humans.

It should therefore never replace medical diagnosis or oncology treatment.

Nevertheless, modern research continues exploring how traditional medicinal plants may potentially:

  • modulate inflammation
  • influence oxidative stress
  • support immune function
  • alter metabolic processes within cancer cells

This connection between traditional plant wisdom and modern metabolic research is opening increasingly interesting questions within integrative medicine.

I hope you feel inspired. Look after your body, and it will keep you healthy.

Catherine

CWD | 08.May. 2026 | Ireland

Holistic Healthcare Wexford
Integrative · Mindful · Patient-Centred

About the Author

Dr Catherine W. Dunne MSc.D. is a Registered General Nurse with over 37 years of clinical experience in primary care in Ireland. Alongside her work in General Practice Nursing, she is the founder of Holistic Healthcare Wexford and co-founder of Aumvedas Academy.

With a background that bridges conventional medicine and holistic practice, Catherine has a particular interest in the area where patients are often told “everything is normal,” yet still feel unwell. Her work focuses on helping people understand what their body is communicating, especially in relation to energy, stress, metabolic function, and recovery.

Through a combination of clinical knowledge and holistic support, she works with individuals to restore balance, improve resilience, and support long-term wellbeing.

Based in Wexford, Ireland.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Patients should always seek appropriate medical guidance regarding their individual health needs and before making changes to treatment or care.

Krebs, Zucker, Kohlenhydrate und Eisen – warum der Stoffwechsel heute stärker beachtet wird

Posted on by Holistichealthcarewx

Viele Menschen stellen sich heute die Frage, ob Ernährung, Stoffwechsel, chronische Entzündungen und bestimmte Pflanzenstoffe eine Rolle bei der Entstehung oder dem Wachstum von Krebs spielen könnten. Besonders Themen wie hoher Zuckerkonsum, stark verarbeitete Kohlenhydrate, Eisenstoffwechsel und natürliche Heilpflanzen werden zunehmend diskutiert — sowohl in der modernen Forschung als auch innerhalb integrativer Gesundheitsansätze.

Tatsächlich zeigt die Wissenschaft immer deutlicher, dass Krebs nicht nur eine genetische Erkrankung ist, sondern auch eng mit Stoffwechselprozessen, Entzündungen, hormonellen Veränderungen und der allgemeinen Gesundheit des Körpers verbunden sein kann.

Gleichzeitig wächst das Interesse an traditionellen Heilpflanzen wie Artemisinin (Artemisia annua), Prunella vulgaris und Sutherlandia frutescens, deren Inhaltsstoffe in Laborstudien mögliche unterstützende Eigenschaften gezeigt haben.

Wichtig bleibt jedoch:
Dieser Artikel versteht sich nicht als Heilversprechen oder Ersatz für medizinische Behandlung. Vielmehr geht es darum, aktuelle wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse, traditionelles Pflanzenwissen und ganzheitliche Gesundheitsansätze verständlich zusammenzuführen.

Denn manchmal beginnt Gesundheit nicht nur mit der Frage:
„Wie bekämpfen wir Krankheit?“
sondern auch mit:
„Wie stärken wir den Menschen?“

By Dr Catherine W. Dunne, MSc.D., RGN (GPN)
Holistic Healthcare Wexford | Co-founder, Aumvedas Academy

In den letzten Jahren interessieren sich Forschende zunehmend für die Frage, warum bestimmte Stoffwechselzustände das Wachstum von Krebszellen beeinflussen können. Besonders häufig diskutiert werden dabei hohe Blutzuckerwerte, stark kohlenhydratreiche Ernährung, chronisch erhöhte Insulinspiegel und Veränderungen im Eisenstoffwechsel.

Dabei ist wichtig zu verstehen:
Der menschliche Körper benötigt sowohl Glukose als auch Eisen zum Überleben. Gehirn, Muskeln, Immunsystem und nahezu jede Körperzelle sind darauf angewiesen. Dennoch zeigen viele Studien, dass Krebszellen diese Systeme oft besonders stark „ausnutzen“, um schneller zu wachsen.

Die Beziehung zwischen Krebs und Zucker

Viele Krebszellen verbrauchen deutlich mehr Glukose als normale Körperzellen. Dieses Phänomen wird in der Onkologie seit Langem beobachtet und ist sogar die Grundlage moderner PET-Scans, bei denen radioaktiv markierte Glukose verwendet wird, um stoffwechselaktive Tumore sichtbar zu machen.

Ein bekanntes Konzept hierzu ist der sogenannte „Warburg-Effekt“. Dabei bevorzugen Krebszellen häufig eine schnelle Zuckerverbrennung (Glykolyse), selbst wenn ausreichend Sauerstoff vorhanden wäre.

Das bedeutet jedoch nicht:
„Zucker verursacht automatisch Krebs“ oder „man kann Krebs einfach aushungern“.

So einfach ist der menschliche Stoffwechsel nicht.

Selbst bei sehr kohlenhydratarmer Ernährung produziert der Körper weiterhin Glukose, da sie für lebenswichtige Funktionen benötigt wird.

Wichtiger scheint vielmehr das gesamte Stoffwechselmilieu zu sein:

  • chronisch erhöhte Insulinwerte
  • Insulinresistenz
  • Übergewicht
  • viszerales Bauchfett
  • Entzündungsprozesse
  • Bewegungsmangel
  • dauerhafter Stress
  • hochverarbeitete Lebensmittel

Besonders problematisch sind häufig:

  • raffinierter Zucker
  • stark verarbeitete Kohlenhydrate
  • ständiges Snacking
  • zuckerreiche Getränke
  • ultra-verarbeitete Nahrung

Diese Faktoren können über Jahre hinweg Entzündungen und hormonelle Dysbalancen fördern.

Interessanterweise kann sogar chronischer Stress den Blutzucker erhöhen, da Cortisol die Glukosefreisetzung aus der Leber steigert. Der Körper kann also auch ohne großen Zuckerkonsum dauerhaft in einem „hohen Glukosezustand“ bleiben.

Krebs und Eisen – ein oft übersehener Zusammenhang

Auch Eisen spielt eine wichtige Rolle im Zusammenhang mit Krebs.

Eisen wird benötigt für:

  • Zellteilung
  • Sauerstofftransport
  • Energiegewinnung
  • DNA-Synthese
  • mitochondriale Funktionen

Da Krebszellen sich schnell teilen, benötigen sie oft große Mengen davon.

Einige Tumorarten erhöhen sogar gezielt die Aufnahme von Eisen in die Zellen. Forschende beobachten daher seit Jahren Veränderungen des Eisenstoffwechsels bei verschiedenen Krebsarten, darunter Brustkrebs, Darmkrebs und Leberkrebs.

Zu viel freies Eisen kann allerdings problematisch sein.
Es kann oxidativen Stress fördern und sogenannte freie Radikale bilden, welche Zellstrukturen und DNA schädigen können.

Besonders interessant ist:
Nach den Wechseljahren steigt der Eisenspiegel bei vielen Frauen natürlicherweise an, da die monatliche Blutung wegfällt. Gleichzeitig nehmen Entzündungen, Stoffwechselprobleme und hormonelle Veränderungen häufig zu.

Das bedeutet nicht automatisch Gefahr.
Es zeigt jedoch, warum Forschende heute genauer auf:

  • Ferritinwerte
  • chronische Entzündungen
  • Stoffwechselgesundheit
  • Lebergesundheit
  • Insulinresistenz

achten.

Ferritin ist nicht nur „Eisen“

Ein wichtiger Punkt:
Ferritin wird oft als reiner Eisenwert angesehen. Tatsächlich ist Ferritin aber auch ein Entzündungsmarker.

Erhöhte Ferritinwerte können unter anderem auftreten bei:

  • chronischen Entzündungen
  • Fettleber
  • Infektionen
  • Alkoholbelastung
  • Stoffwechselsyndrom
  • Autoimmunerkrankungen
  • Krebsprozessen

Deshalb muss Ferritin immer im Gesamtzusammenhang betrachtet werden.

Die moderne Sichtweise

Die heutige Forschung betrachtet Krebs zunehmend auch als Stoffwechselerkrankung — nicht nur als rein genetisches Problem.

Das bedeutet nicht, dass Zucker oder Eisen allein Krebs „verursachen“.
Vielmehr scheint ein chronisch entzündliches, stoffwechselbelastetes Umfeld das Wachstum bereits geschädigter Zellen begünstigen zu können.

Daher konzentrieren sich viele integrative Ansätze heute auf:

  • stabile Blutzuckerwerte
  • weniger stark verarbeitete Nahrung
  • ausreichend Bewegung
  • gesunde Muskelmasse
  • guten Schlaf
  • Stressreduktion
  • entzündungsarme Ernährung
  • Unterstützung der mitochondrialen Gesundheit

Nicht Angst ist das Ziel —
sondern ein besseres Verständnis dafür, wie eng Ernährung, Stoffwechsel, Hormone und langfristige Gesundheit miteinander verbunden sind.

Oder einfacher gesagt:

Der Körper braucht Zucker und Eisen zum Leben.
Doch wenn Stoffwechselprozesse aus dem Gleichgewicht geraten, können genau dieselben Systeme auch von Krebszellen genutzt werden.

Mögliche unterstützende Pflanzenstoffe: Artemisinin und Prunella vulgaris

Neben Ernährung, Stoffwechsel und Entzündungsprozessen interessieren sich Forschende zunehmend auch für bestimmte Pflanzenstoffe, die möglicherweise das Wachstum oder die Ausbreitung von Krebszellen beeinflussen könnten.

Wichtig ist hierbei jedoch:
Viele dieser Ansätze befinden sich noch im Bereich der Laborforschung, Tiermodelle oder frühen experimentellen Untersuchungen. Sie gelten derzeit nicht als wissenschaftlich bestätigte Heilmittel gegen Krebs.

Dennoch gibt es einige interessante Beobachtungen.

Artemisinin – ursprünglich aus der Malariamedizin bekannt

Artemisinin stammt aus der Pflanze Artemisia annua und wurde ursprünglich für die Behandlung von Malaria bekannt.

Besonders interessant für die Krebsforschung wurde Artemisinin durch seine Beziehung zu Eisen.

Krebszellen enthalten oft erhöhte Eisenmengen und besitzen einen gesteigerten Eisenstoffwechsel. Artemisinin reagiert auf Eisen und kann dabei sogenannte freie Radikale erzeugen, welche Krebszellen möglicherweise stärker schädigen als gesunde Zellen.

Genau dieser Mechanismus weckte das Interesse der Forschung.

Laborstudien zeigten bei verschiedenen Krebszelllinien Hinweise auf:

  • verlangsamtes Tumorwachstum
  • Hemmung der Zellteilung
  • Förderung der Apoptose (programmierter Zelltod)
  • mögliche Verringerung von Metastasierungsprozessen

Untersucht wurden unter anderem:

  • Brustkrebs
  • Darmkrebs
  • Leukämien
  • Prostatakrebs
  • Lungenkrebs

Besonders diskutiert wird Artemisinin heute im Zusammenhang mit:

  • oxidativem Stress in Krebszellen
  • mitochondrialen Veränderungen
  • eisenabhängigen Stoffwechselprozessen

Dennoch gilt:
Bis heute fehlen große klinische Humanstudien, welche Artemisinin eindeutig als Krebsbehandlung bestätigen würden.

Daher sollte es niemals als Ersatz für eine onkologische Therapie betrachtet werden, sondern höchstens als möglicher unterstützender Forschungsansatz innerhalb integrativer Konzepte.

Prunella vulgaris – die Kleine Braunelle

Auch Prunella vulgaris, im Deutschen als Kleine Braunelle oder Selbstheilungskraut bekannt, wird seit Jahrhunderten traditionell bei entzündlichen Schwellungen, Lymphstauungen und „Knoten“ verwendet.

Moderne Untersuchungen zeigen inzwischen, dass bestimmte Inhaltsstoffe der Pflanze möglicherweise krebshemmende Eigenschaften besitzen könnten.

Dazu gehören:

  • Rosmarinsäure
  • Ursolsäure
  • Flavonoide
  • Triterpene
  • Polysaccharide

In Laboruntersuchungen wurden unter anderem Hinweise gefunden auf:

  • Hemmung des Wachstums von Brustkrebszellen
  • mögliche Verringerung der Zellwanderung und Metastasierung
  • entzündungshemmende Wirkungen
  • Unterstützung immunologischer Prozesse
  • Förderung des programmierten Zelltods von Tumorzellen

Besonders interessant ist, dass Prunella vulgaris historisch bereits lange vor der modernen Medizin bei „Brustknoten“ und Drüsenschwellungen eingesetzt wurde.

Auch hier gilt jedoch klar:
Die bisherigen Erkenntnisse stammen überwiegend aus:

  • Zellkulturstudien
  • Tiermodellen
  • frühen experimentellen Untersuchungen

Eine wissenschaftlich gesicherte Krebsheilung beim Menschen ist daraus bisher nicht ableitbar.

Integrative Unterstützung statt falscher Heilversprechen

Die moderne integrative Forschung versucht zunehmend zu verstehen, wie:

  • Stoffwechsel,
  • Entzündungen,
  • Immunfunktion,
  • mitochondriale Gesundheit,
  • Eisenstoffwechsel,
  • Ernährung
    und pflanzliche Wirkstoffe

zusammenwirken könnten.

Dabei geht es weniger um „Wunderheilungen“, sondern vielmehr um die Frage:
Wie kann man den Körper möglichst wenig entzündungsfördernd und stoffwechselbelastend unterstützen?

Viele Menschen suchen heute deshalb ergänzend nach:

  • entzündungsarmer Ernährung
  • stabilen Blutzuckerwerten
  • Stressreduktion
  • Schlafoptimierung
  • Bewegung
  • naturheilkundlicher Unterstützung
  • pflanzlichen Begleitstoffen

während die schulmedizinische Behandlung weiterhin eine zentrale Rolle behält.

Denn selbst die modernste Forschung zeigt bisher vor allem eines:
Der menschliche Körper ist weit komplexer, als einfache Schlagzeilen vermuten lassen.

Sutherlandia frutescens – die südafrikanische „Cancer Bush“

Eine weitere Pflanze, die zunehmend Aufmerksamkeit in der integrativen Forschung erhält, ist Sutherlandia frutescens.

Sie stammt aus Südafrika und ist dort traditionell bekannt unter Namen wie:

  • Cancer Bush
  • Ballonerbse
  • Kankerbos

Seit Jahrhunderten wird sie in der traditionellen afrikanischen Pflanzenheilkunde verwendet zur Unterstützung bei:

  • chronischen Erkrankungen
  • Erschöpfung und Schwäche
  • Entzündungen
  • Stressbelastung
  • Gewichtsverlust und Auszehrung
  • geschwächtem Immunsystem

Besonders im Zusammenhang mit Krebs interessierte sich die Forschung für die Pflanze, nachdem Laboruntersuchungen Hinweise auf mögliche:

  • antiproliferative Wirkungen
  • antioxidative Eigenschaften
  • immunmodulierende Effekte
  • entzündungshemmende Mechanismen

zeigten.

Zu den untersuchten Inhaltsstoffen gehören:

  • L-Canavanin
  • Pinitol
  • GABA
  • Flavonoide
  • Triterpenoide

Einige experimentelle Studien deuten darauf hin, dass Sutherlandia frutescens möglicherweise das Wachstum bestimmter Krebszellen beeinflussen könnte. Gleichzeitig scheint die Pflanze traditionell weniger als „Tumorzerstörer“ verstanden worden zu sein, sondern vielmehr als stärkendes Begleitkraut während schwerer Erkrankungen.

Viele traditionelle Heilsysteme verfolgten genau diesen Ansatz:
Nicht nur die Krankheit selbst zu betrachten, sondern den gesamten Menschen zu unterstützen;
Kraft, Appetit, Schlaf, Stressregulation, Immunsystem und allgemeine Widerstandsfähigkeit.

Wichtig bleibt jedoch:
Bis heute existiert keine wissenschaftlich gesicherte Bestätigung, dass Sutherlandia frutescens Krebs beim Menschen heilen kann.

Deshalb sollte die Pflanze niemals als Ersatz für medizinische Diagnostik oder onkologische Behandlung angesehen werden.

Dennoch zeigt die moderne Forschung zunehmend Interesse daran, wie bestimmte traditionelle Heilpflanzen möglicherweise:

  • Entzündungsprozesse modulieren,
  • oxidativen Stress beeinflussen,
  • Immunfunktionen unterstützen
    und
  • Stoffwechselprozesse in Krebszellen verändern könnten.

Gerade diese Verbindung zwischen traditionellem Heilwissen und moderner Stoffwechselforschung eröffnet heute neue interessante Fragestellungen innerhalb der integrativen Medizin.

Ich hoffe, Sie fühlen sich inspiriert. Achten Sie auf Ihren Körper, und er wird sich um Ihre Gesundheit kümmern.
Catherine

CWD | 08. Mai. 2026 | Irland
Holistic Healthcare Wexford
Integrativ · Achtsam · Patientenzentriert

Über die Autorin

Dr. Catherine W. Dunne MSc.D. ist examinierte Krankenschwester (Registered General Nurse) mit über 37 Jahren klinischer Erfahrung in der primären Gesundheitsversorgung in Irland. Neben ihrer Tätigkeit in der Allgemeinmedizin ist sie Gründerin von Holistic Healthcare Wexford sowie Mitbegründerin der Aumvedas Academy.

Durch ihren Hintergrund, der konventionelle Medizin mit ganzheitlicher Praxis verbindet, interessiert sich Catherine besonders für jene Bereiche, in denen Patientinnen und Patienten oft hören:
„Alles ist normal“ … sich jedoch trotzdem nicht gesund fühlen.

Ihre Arbeit konzentriert sich darauf, Menschen dabei zu helfen zu verstehen, was ihr Körper mitteilen möchte; insbesondere im Zusammenhang mit Energie, Stress, Stoffwechsel, hormonellem Gleichgewicht und Regeneration.

Durch die Verbindung von klinischem Wissen und ganzheitlicher Unterstützung begleitet sie Menschen dabei, Balance wiederzufinden, ihre Widerstandskraft zu stärken und langfristiges Wohlbefinden zu fördern.

Ansässig in Wexford, Irland.

Haftungsausschluss

Dieser Artikel dient ausschließlich Informations- und Bildungszwecken und stellt keine medizinische Beratung dar. Er ersetzt nicht die Konsultation eines qualifizierten medizinischen Fachpersonals. Patientinnen und Patienten sollten stets angemessenen medizinischen Rat hinsichtlich ihrer individuellen gesundheitlichen Bedürfnisse einholen, bevor Änderungen an Behandlung oder Therapie vorgenommen werden.

Why Did Anxiety Return in Menopause? The Signs May Have Been There Years Ago

Posted on by Holistichealthcarewx

Many women are surprised when anxiety appears, or reappears, during menopause. Some have never struggled with it before. Others may remember difficult patches earlier in life, only to feel those sensations return years later.

Racing thoughts. Panic feelings. A sense of dread for no clear reason. Poor sleep. Palpitations. Feeling suddenly overwhelmed by things once easily managed.

It can feel confusing, especially when life on the outside may appear stable. Children grown. Career established. More wisdom than ever before. Yet the body seems to be sounding an alarm.

What if menopause is not always the beginning of the story?

What if, for some women, it is a later chapter in a pattern that may have shown itself years earlier?

By Dr Catherine W. Dunne, MSc.D., RGN (GPN)
Holistic Healthcare Wexford | Co-founder, Aumvedas Academy

Hormonal change can affect the nervous system

Many women tolerate hormonal shifts with little difficulty. Others seem more sensitive during times of transition.

These life stages may include:

  • puberty
  • monthly cycle changes
  • pregnancy
  • after childbirth
  • perimenopause
  • menopause and post-menopause

For some, it is not simply hormone levels that matter. It may be the changing levels, fluctuating signals, and how the nervous system responds to them.

Oestrogen and progesterone influence serotonin, GABA, sleep regulation, body temperature control, and stress response systems. When those rhythms change, anxiety can become louder.

Looking back: were there earlier signs?

Some women only connect the dots later in life.

They may remember:

  • panic attacks during pregnancy
  • feeling highly anxious after giving birth
  • intense PMS or mood swings in younger years
  • anxiety worsening before periods
  • feeling more reactive during stressful hormonal phases
  • needing longer to recover after major life stress

At the time, these episodes may have seemed unrelated. Years later, menopause can bring similar sensations back into view.

This does not mean something is “wrong” with you.

It may simply mean your body has certain windows of sensitivity during times of change.

Why menopause can feel so intense

Menopause is not only about periods stopping. It is a wider neurological, metabolic, and emotional transition.

Many factors may combine:

  • changing oestrogen levels
  • disrupted sleep
  • hot flushes and night waking
  • increased cortisol sensitivity
  • thyroid imbalance
  • low magnesium
  • low iron or B12
  • blood sugar swings
  • years of accumulated stress load
  • caring responsibilities
  • grief, identity change, or empty nest feelings

Sometimes anxiety is the final messenger carrying all of the above.

The good news

When women understand that menopause anxiety may have biological roots, shame often lifts.

They stop saying:

“I am losing the plot.”

And start saying:

“My body is asking for support.”

That shift matters.

What can help

Support should always be individual, but helpful areas to explore include:

  • speaking with your GP or healthcare provider
  • checking thyroid, iron, B12, vitamin D, glucose and general health markers
  • reducing caffeine and alcohol if sensitive
  • regular meals to stabilise blood sugar
  • magnesium-rich foods or supplements where appropriate
  • walking, daylight exposure and gentle movement
  • nervous system calming practices such as breathwork, meditation, Reiki or mindfulness
  • talking therapies if stress or trauma is part of the picture
  • discussing HRT or other medical options if suitable

A final word

If anxiety has returned in menopause, it does not mean you are failing or losing control.

For some women, the signs may have been there years ago.

Sometimes later life is when we finally notice the patterns that were there all along.

I hope you feel inspired. Look after your body, and it will keep you healthy.

Catherine

CWD | 02 May 2026 | Ireland

Holistic Healthcare Wexford
Integrative · Mindful · Patient-Centred

About the Author

Dr Catherine W. Dunne MSc.D. is a Registered General Nurse with over 37 years of clinical experience in primary care in Ireland. Alongside her work in General Practice Nursing, she is the founder of Holistic Healthcare Wexford and co-founder of Aumvedas Academy.

With a background that bridges conventional medicine and holistic practice, Catherine has a particular interest in the area where patients are often told “everything is normal,” yet still feel unwell. Her work focuses on helping people understand what their body is communicating, especially in relation to energy, stress, metabolic function, and recovery.

Through a combination of clinical knowledge and holistic support, she works with individuals to restore balance, improve resilience, and support long-term wellbeing.

Based in Wexford, Ireland.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Patients should always seek appropriate medical guidance regarding their individual health needs and before making changes to treatment or care.

What Your Nervous System Is Trying to Tell You

Posted on by Holistichealthcarewx

You can feel it… but you can’t always explain it

Many people describe it in similar ways:

“I’m tired, but I can’t switch off.”
“My mind keeps going.”
“I feel on edge for no real reason.”

You might not call it your nervous system.
But that is often exactly where this begins.

The body is not designed to stay “on” all the time

The nervous system has one very important job: to respond to what is happening around you, and then help the body return to a state of rest once the moment has passed.

In today’s world, that second part is often missing.

Instead, the body remains in a low level of alertness for much of the day. Not dramatic.

“Not obvious. Just constant.”

That constant background tension can slowly wear people down without them fully realising it.

By Dr Catherine W. Dunne, MSc.D., RGN (GPN), M.H.I.T.
Holistic Healthcare Wexford

What that can feel like

It does not always show up as “stress” in the way people expect. More often, it can feel like:

  • difficulty switching off
  • light or broken sleep
  • waking tired
  • tension in the shoulders, jaw, or chest
  • digestive discomfort
  • feeling overwhelmed by small things
  • irritability or low patience
  • feeling unlike yourself

Many people simply say:

“I don’t feel like myself.”

Why this matters more than people realise

When the body stays in this state for too long, it begins to affect how everything else functions.

Energy begins to dip.
Sleep becomes lighter and less restorative.
Digestion may slow or become unsettled.
Hormonal balance can begin to shift.
Focus and resilience may drop.

Over time, the body is no longer recovering properly. That is often when people begin to feel persistently off.

This is where things get missed

Standard tests can still come back as “normal”.

Because this is not always about disease. It is often about how the system is functioning.

The nervous system plays a central role in sleep, digestion, stress tolerance, hormones, mood, and overall resilience. When it is under strain, the whole body can feel the effects.

What the body may be asking for

Often, it is not asking for more pressure, pushing, or stimulation.

It may be asking for:

  • regular quiet moments
  • proper rest without guilt
  • less constant input
  • steadier routines
  • movement that calms rather than exhausts
  • deeper breathing
  • support and reassurance
  • time to recover

This is not weakness. It is physiology.

How this is supported in practice

In clinic at Holistic Healthcare Wexford, this is a pattern I see often. People arrive believing they need to “try harder”, when in truth many need the opposite.

The focus is often on helping the body feel safe enough to settle again. When that begins to happen, people commonly notice:

  • deeper sleep
  • clearer thinking
  • improved energy
  • less internal tension
  • better coping capacity
  • a sense of calm returning

Sometimes later life is when we finally notice the patterns that were there all along.

What you can start doing now

Keep it simple. The nervous system responds well to consistency, not perfection.

  • Step away from stimulation for short periods during the day
  • Get morning daylight where possible
  • Reduce doom-scrolling and late-night screen time
  • Eat regularly and stay hydrated
  • Walk outdoors, especially in nature
  • Notice jaw and shoulder tension and consciously release it
  • Protect sleep as a priority, not a luxury
  • Build small moments of peace into ordinary days

You do not need to overhaul your life overnight. Small steady changes often bring the greatest shift.

Final thought

Your body is not working against you.

It is responding to the load it is under.

When the nervous system is supported, everything else often begins to follow.

I hope you feel inspired. Look after your body, and it will keep you healthy.

Catherine

CWD | 01 May 2026 | Ireland

Holistic Healthcare Wexford
Integrative · Mindful · Patient-Centred

About the Author

Dr Catherine W. Dunne MSc.D. is a Registered General Nurse with over 37 years of clinical experience in primary care in Ireland. Alongside her work in General Practice Nursing, she is the founder of Holistic Healthcare Wexford and co-founder of Aumvedas Academy.

With a background that bridges conventional medicine and holistic practice, Catherine has a particular interest in the area where patients are often told “everything is normal,” yet still feel unwell. Her work focuses on helping people understand what their body is communicating, especially in relation to energy, stress, metabolic function, and recovery.

Through a combination of clinical knowledge and holistic support, she works with individuals to restore balance, improve resilience, and support long-term wellbeing.

Based in Wexford, Ireland.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Patients should always seek appropriate medical guidance regarding their individual health needs and before making changes to treatment or care.

Why Women Feel Hormonal After 40 | Perimenopause, Oestrogen Dominance & Gut Health

Posted on by Holistichealthcarewx

You are tired, irritable, bloated, anxious, forgetful, not sleeping properly, gaining weight around the middle, and feeling unlike yourself.

Yet blood tests may come back “normal”.

For many women over 35, especially through peri-menopause, this is where frustration begins. They know something has changed, but often feel unheard or dismissed.

One common pattern behind these symptoms is what is often called Oestrogen Dominance.

This does not always mean high oestrogen on a blood test. More often, it means oestrogen is relatively stronger than progesterone, or the body is struggling to process and clear hormones efficiently.

By Dr Catherine W. Dunne, MSc.D., RGN (GPN)
Holistic Healthcare Wexford | Co-founder, Aumvedas Academy

What Does Oestrogen Dominance Mean?

Hormones work in balance, not isolation.

Oestrogen has many important roles. It supports bones, skin, mood, brain function, the cardiovascular system and reproductive health. But when it outweighs progesterone, symptoms can begin to appear.

This often happens during peri-menopause, when progesterone may fall sooner and faster than oestrogen.

The result can be a body that feels hormonally unsettled.

Common Signs Women Notice

  • heavier or irregular periods
  • breast tenderness
  • bloating and fluid retention
  • mood swings or irritability
  • anxiety or inner tension
  • poor sleep
  • headaches
  • brain fog
  • reduced stress tolerance
  • stubborn weight gain, especially midsection
  • feeling unlike yourself

And yes, many women simply know something is changing long before any test confirms it.

Walking into doorframes may also feature. We shall call that advanced hormonal navigation.

Many women enter their forties expecting a few hot flushes, some skipped periods, and perhaps the occasional mood swing. What they often get instead is a confusing collection of symptoms that seem to arrive all at once: bloating, weight gain around the middle, poor sleep, anxiety, breast tenderness, headaches, heavy or erratic periods, low mood, brain fog, irritability, and the unsettling feeling that they are somehow no longer themselves.

They go for blood tests. They are told everything is normal. They are advised to “manage stress” or accept that it is simply age.

Yet many women know in their bones that something has shifted.

One of the most common phrases used online to describe this experience is oestrogen dominance. It is not a formal medical diagnosis in the same way diabetes or hypothyroidism is, but it is often used to describe a very real pattern: when oestrogenic influence outweighs the balancing effects of progesterone, or when the body is carrying a broader hormonal burden that affects how a woman feels.

This does not always mean oestrogen is high on a blood test. More often, it means oestrogen is relatively stronger than progesterone, or the body is struggling to process, clear and regulate hormones efficiently. In other words, the issue may not be one hormone acting alone. It may be the whole terrain.

The Midlife Hormone Shift Begins Before Menopause

Many women assume menopause begins when periods stop. In reality, the turbulence often starts years earlier.

During perimenopause, ovulation becomes less predictable. Progesterone often declines first, while oestrogen may surge, dip or fluctuate wildly. This can create the classic picture associated with relative oestrogen excess: heavier periods, PMS-like symptoms, fluid retention, mood swings, poor sleep, breast tenderness, migraines and irritability.

When menopause arrives, periods cease, but symptoms do not necessarily vanish. Many women then face a new landscape of sleep disturbance, hot flushes, weight redistribution, vaginal dryness, anxiety, lowered resilience and fatigue.

Even post-menopause, hormones still matter. Fat tissue can continue to produce oestrogen through aromatase activity, lifestyle factors influence hormone metabolism, and environmental chemicals may continue to affect signalling pathways.

So no, the hormone story does not end at menopause. It simply changes chapter.

We Are the Plastic Container Generation

One part of the modern story that deserves far more attention is environmental exposure.

We became the convenience generation. We store food in plastic tubs, heat leftovers in plastic containers, drink water from bottles left in warm cars, wrap food in cling film, and begin our mornings with scalding tea or coffee in takeaway cups lined with plastic polymers and topped with plastic lids.

Many plastics contain compounds such as bisphenols, including BPA, BPS and BPF, as well as phthalates. These chemicals have been studied for their endocrine-disrupting potential, meaning they may interfere with natural hormone signalling.

The issue is not one takeaway coffee, one plastic lunchbox or one bottle of water. It is the small, repeated exposure over years.

Heat increases concern. Microwaving food in plastic, dishwashing worn containers repeatedly, pouring hot liquids into plastic-lined cups, or leaving bottles in sunlight may increase chemical migration. Even thermal till receipts have historically used bisphenol compounds, which can be absorbed through the skin.

This does not mean panic or perfectionism. It means awareness. Simple changes can reduce unnecessary load: use glass containers where possible, choose ceramic mugs, use stainless steel bottles, avoid heating food in plastic, and take a reusable cup for takeaway drinks.

Sometimes the body is not failing women. Sometimes the environment is working against them.

Food Quality Still Matters

Another overlooked area is the quality of the modern food supply.

One of the most significant concerns in discussions around oestrogen dominance is high-oestrogenic or hormonally disruptive food exposure. Commercially raised animals may be exposed to growth-promoting systems designed to increase size, speed of growth or milk production, depending on the country and farming system. Consumers are increasingly aware that what happens in the food chain does not magically stop at the plate.

Conventional produce may also carry residues from pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. Some of these compounds have been studied for endocrine-disrupting effects and may interfere with natural hormone activity, blood sugar regulation and metabolism. While residues may be present only in small amounts on individual fruits or vegetables, the concern is cumulative exposure over time.

This is why many people choose organic, local, pasture-raised or lower-intervention foods where feasible. Not out of fear, but because reducing the overall body burden makes sense.

Processed foods create a separate problem. Ultra-processed diets are often low in fibre, magnesium and protective plant compounds, while being high in refined sugars, additives, poor-quality fats and calorie density. This combination can worsen insulin resistance, inflammation and weight gain, all of which can influence hormone balance.

The real issue is rarely one “bad food”. It is the sum total of modern eating patterns.

Your Gut Helps Regulate Oestrogen

One of the most fascinating and under-discussed areas of women’s health is the gut-hormone connection.

The gut microbiome helps regulate circulating oestrogen through a group of bacterial genes often referred to as the estrobolome. These gut bacteria influence enzymes such as beta-glucuronidase, which are involved in whether oestrogens are eliminated from the body or reactivated and recirculated.

When gut flora is diverse and healthy, hormones are more likely to be processed and cleared efficiently. When gut balance is disturbed through repeated antibiotics, poor diet, chronic stress, constipation, alcohol excess, IBS-type patterns, dysbiosis or conditions such as SIBO, oestrogen recirculation may increase.

Many women with hormonal symptoms also report bloating, sluggish bowels, food sensitivities, recurrent thrush, IBS-type symptoms, and worsening PMS or peri-menopausal symptoms.

That is not coincidence.

Supporting gut health may include increasing fibre, vegetables, resistant starches, fermented foods where tolerated, adequate hydration and regular movement. In some cases, live bacteria cultures, often called probiotics, may help support gut flora and restore microbial balance, especially after antibiotics or periods of digestive disruption.

A healthy bowel habit is one of the least glamorous but most practical hormone tools available. Not glamorous, no. Useful? Absolutely.

Liver, Elimination and the Hormone Clearance Pathway

The liver plays a major role in processing hormones, including oestrogen. Once hormones have been metabolised by the liver, they still need to leave the body through bile and bowel elimination.

If a woman is constipated, inflamed, sleep deprived, nutrient depleted, drinking too much alcohol, under chronic stress or living on processed foods, the system can become less efficient. This does not mean the liver is “broken”. It means the workload is too high and the support is too low.

Good hormone clearance depends on the basics: enough protein, fibre, minerals, hydration, bowel regularity, sleep and reduced toxic load.

Simple, yes. Easy in modern life? Not always.

Where Sage Fits In

Sage is one of the old traditional women’s herbs that deserves renewed respect.

It has long been used for hot flushes, night sweats, excessive perspiration, digestive sluggishness, brain fog, and that overheated, unsettled feeling many women recognise during perimenopause and menopause.

Sage is not a magic hormone cure, and it should not be presented as something that “fixes” oestrogen dominance. Its value is more practical than that. It may support women through the symptoms of hormonal transition, especially where sweating, flushes and digestive heaviness are part of the picture.

The simplest form is sage tea. Use one teaspoon of dried sage leaf, or three to five fresh leaves, in a cup of hot water. Cover and steep for around ten minutes. One cup daily may offer gentle support, while up to two cups daily may be used during hot flush phases.

Sage tincture is another option, commonly taken as twenty to thirty drops in water once or twice daily, depending on product strength.

Regular culinary use also has value. Sage works beautifully in soups, roasted vegetables, stuffing, poultry dishes and savoury cooking. Small regular use often beats heroic one-off efforts.

Sage should be used cautiously in pregnancy, breastfeeding, seizure disorders, or where medications and health conditions require professional advice.

The Wild Yam Myth

For years, wild yam supplements were marketed as natural progesterone support.

Wild yam contains diosgenin, a plant compound used in laboratories as a starting material to manufacture steroid hormones. However, the human body does not naturally convert wild yam into progesterone. That conversion requires industrial processing.

So while some women may feel better using wild yam products, it should not be presented as equivalent to progesterone replacement.

Meanwhile, many women do not realise that in Ireland and Europe, regulated body-identical hormone therapies such as oestradiol and micronised progesterone are already available through licensed medical care and are generally preferred by professional menopause bodies over unregulated compounded alternatives.

That does not mean every woman needs HRT. It means women deserve accurate information rather than marketing fog.

Nutrients That Matter More Than Many Realise

Hormones do not work in isolation. They depend on healthy cells, nervous system balance, mineral sufficiency, mitochondrial energy and sleep.

This is why some women feel dramatically better when foundations are corrected.

Vitamin D3 is particularly relevant in Ireland, where low sunlight exposure is common. It functions more like a hormone messenger than a simple vitamin and influences mood, immunity and bone health.

Vitamin K2 is often paired with D3 to support healthy calcium handling.

Magnesium is one of the most important minerals for midlife women. It supports sleep, nervous system calm, muscle relaxation, blood sugar balance, vitamin D metabolism and stress resilience.

CoQ10 supports mitochondrial energy production and may be especially relevant in fatigue states, ageing and for women using statins.

NAC, or N-acetyl cysteine, supports glutathione pathways and antioxidant defence and is often discussed in relation to inflammation, metabolic health and resilience.

These are not magic pills. They are part of restoring the terrain in which hormones must function.

What Women Need Most

Many women do not need another lecture telling them to “just relax”.

They need a proper conversation that recognises the complexity of modern midlife health.

They may be dealing with changing hormones, sleep debt, stress overload, mineral depletion, low vitamin D, insulin resistance, environmental chemical burden, gut imbalance, caring responsibilities and years of putting everyone else first.

That is not a minor issue. That is a full-body systems load.

And yes, walking into doorframes, forgetting why you entered a room and losing your words mid-sentence may also feature. We shall call that advanced hormonal navigation.

What Can Help Practically?

The answer is rarely one tablet, one test or one buzzword. It is usually a return to fundamentals.

Eat enough protein. Build meals around real food. Increase fibre gradually. Support bowel regularity. Reduce plastic exposure where possible. Stop heating food in plastic. Choose better-quality food where feasible. Move daily. Strength train if able. Prioritise sleep. Correct nutrient deficiencies. Support gut flora. Reduce alcohol. Use herbs wisely. Seek medical support when symptoms are significant.

And most importantly, listen to the body before it has to shout.

One Size Does Not Fit All

It is also important to say this clearly: no two women experience perimenopause, menopause or post-menopause in exactly the same way.

One woman may struggle mainly with sleep and anxiety. Another may have heavy bleeding and migraines. Another may have hot flushes, joint aches, weight gain, vaginal dryness, low mood, or no major symptoms at all.

This is why the suggestions in this article should not be treated as a “one-for-all” prescription. They are general educational supports, not a personalised treatment plan. What helps one woman may not suit another, especially where medications, medical history, hormone-sensitive conditions, thyroid issues, diabetes, mental health concerns or other factors are involved.

Women deserve individualised care, not a conveyor-belt approach. Midlife health is not a template. It is a conversation.

Important Reality Check

Not every symptom in midlife is “just hormones”.

Persistent heavy bleeding, severe pain, sudden changes, unexplained weight loss, profound fatigue, depression, palpitations, post-menopausal bleeding or concerning symptoms deserve proper medical review.

Women should not be dismissed, but neither should everything be blamed on hormones without careful assessment.

Final Thought

Perimenopause and menopause do not create weakness. They reveal where the body has been carrying strain for years.

When women understand that, everything changes.

The body is not being dramatic. It is communicating.

Sometimes healing begins not with being told that everything is normal, but with finally being understood.

I hope you feel inspired. Look after your body, and it will keep you healthy.

Catherine

CWD | 25 April 2026 | Ireland

Holistic Healthcare Wexford
Integrative · Mindful · Patient-Centred

About the Author

Dr Catherine W. Dunne MSc.D. is a Registered General Nurse with over 37 years of clinical experience in primary care in Ireland. Alongside her work in General Practice Nursing, she is the founder of Holistic Healthcare Wexford and co-founder of Aumvedas Academy.

With a background that bridges conventional medicine and holistic practice, Catherine has a particular interest in the area where patients are often told “everything is normal,” yet still feel unwell. Her work focuses on helping people understand what their body is communicating, especially in relation to energy, stress, metabolic function, and recovery.

Through a combination of clinical knowledge and holistic support, she works with individuals to restore balance, improve resilience, and support long-term wellbeing.

Based in Wexford, Ireland.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Patients should always seek appropriate medical guidance regarding their individual health needs and before making changes to treatment or care.

Who Heals the Healer in 2026?

Posted on by Holistichealthcarewx

INTRO:

Back in 2022 I wrote the original post “Who Heals the Healer?”
Doctors, Nurses, Therapists, Clergy, and other Healing Providers

CWD 25/10/2022 Ireland

Who heals the Healers?

We are all in danger of burnouts, but Doctors and us Nurses really do “feel” that pulling at the very essence of our being.

These are very stressful times and many are sick. Physically and emotionally. Usually you would attend your Family Doctor – GP for physical or organic help, or you may attend a Clergy or Therapist for emotional help … or, God forbid you end up on the hospital trolley in A&E (ER). And as you are now in their presence, looking for help, have you given the Healthcare Provider – Doctors, Nurses, Therapists, Clergy – a Thought of Your Time? Who Heals the Healer?

We are by no means immune to cases coming in and some touch us profoundly and we “bring it home”; something we were all taught, never to do. And to quote Rag’n’Bone Man: “I’m only human after all” – at the end of the day, that is exactly who we all are: Human.

Healing for Healers is a unique approach to address compassion fatigue, to listen to your body, and to connect to your inheritance. This includes both your inherited burdens and the true gifts of your lineage. You learn how to release what does not serve you, repair deep wounds, restore balance to the body, and replenish your energy and life force. As healers and care providers it is imperative to have a safe and containing place to receive this kind of support. It is possible to give and care for others while still honouring and providing for your own needs and health. …

Now, 4 years on, nothing really has changed, yet something shifted.

By Dr Catherine W. Dunne, MSc.D., RGN (GPN)
Holistic Healthcare Wexford | Co-founder, Aumvedas Academy

Caring for Those Who Carry Everyone Else

There is a quiet group of people in society who are often praised, relied upon, and leaned upon… yet rarely asked a simple question:

How are you, really?

They are the nurses finishing a shift while carrying the weight of three others.
The carers supporting ageing parents while raising children.
The therapists holding space for grief, trauma, and fear.
The doctors making decisions under pressure.
The clergy listening to pain few others ever hear.
The mothers, fathers, partners, neighbours, and friends who are always “the strong one.”

They are the helpers.

And too often, the helpers are exhausted.

The Cost of Always Being the One Who Copes

Many caring people become experts at functioning while depleted.

They keep going through tiredness.
They smile through stress.
They minimise their own needs.
They tell themselves others have it worse.
They postpone rest until “things calm down.”

But the body keeps score.

Stress may begin to show itself through:

  • poor sleep
  • anxiety
  • irritability
  • fatigue
  • headaches
  • muscle tension
  • lowered resilience
  • emotional numbness
  • feeling detached from work once loved

Sometimes it is not weakness. Sometimes it is overload.

“Healers are uniquely vulnerable to burnout because they constantly hold space for others’ pain, regulate heavy emotions, and witness trauma without always receiving the same support in return.”

Burnout Is Not a Personal Failure

We live in a culture that often rewards self-sacrifice and calls it strength.

Yet there comes a point where constant output without replenishment becomes unsustainable. Burnout is not laziness. It is often the natural consequence of prolonged stress, responsibility, and emotional labour without enough recovery.

Even the strongest nervous system has limits.

Who Holds the Holder?

This is the real question.

Who listens to the one who is always listening?
Who comforts the one who comforts others?
Who notices when the capable one is quietly sinking?

Many healers, carers, and professionals do not need grand solutions.

Often they need:

  • permission to pause
  • somewhere safe to speak honestly
  • rest without guilt
  • support without judgement
  • practical help
  • human kindness
  • time in nature
  • space to breathe again

Healing the Healer

Healing does not always mean leaving everything behind and moving to a mountain hut with goats. Though tempting.

Sometimes healing begins with small acts:

A proper meal.
An early night.
A walk by the sea.
Turning the phone off for an hour.
Massage. Prayer. Silence. Laughter. Boundaries. Saying no. Asking for help.

Small repairs done consistently can save a structure.

A Message to Every Helper Reading This

You are allowed to matter too.

You do not need to collapse before you deserve care.
You do not need to prove your exhaustion.
You do not need to earn rest through breaking point.

The world needs good healers, carers, nurses, therapists, parents, and kind-hearted people.

But it also needs them well.

Final Thought:

Restoration for healers relies on four key pillars: grounding the body through gentle movement, restoring mental and emotional balance through breathwork, nature walks, reflective practice, or quiet recovery time, nourishing the system with rest and wholesome food, and ensuring they are supported by others through therapy, supervision, or peer circles. Ignoring these needs can lead to depletion, where healers operate from a state of exhaustion rather than resilience, ultimately compromising their ability to care for others effectively.

So perhaps the question is no longer only Who heals the healer?

Perhaps it is:

When will the healer allow healing in?

I hope you feel inspired. Look after your body, and it will keep you healthy.

Catherine

CWD 16 April 2026/Ireland

Holistic Healthcare Wexford
Integrative · Mindful · Patient-Centred

About the Author

Dr Catherine W. Dunne is a Registered General Nurse with over 37 years of clinical experience in primary care in Ireland. Alongside her work in General Practice Nursing, she is the founder of Holistic Healthcare Wexford and co-founder of Aumvedas Academy.

With a background that bridges conventional medicine and holistic practice, Catherine has a particular interest in the area where patients are often told “everything is normal,” yet still feel unwell. Her work focuses on helping people understand what their body is communicating, especially in relation to energy, stress, metabolic function, and recovery.

Through a combination of clinical knowledge and holistic support, she works with individuals to restore balance, improve resilience, and support long-term wellbeing.

Based in Wexford, Ireland.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Patients should always seek appropriate medical guidance regarding their individual health needs and before making changes to treatment or care.