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April 9th 2025
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WellBeing Magazine
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Hippocrates and Dioscorides first documented the use of hypericum in the fifth century BC. Believing it would release evil spirits from the body that caused symptoms of depression, neurosis and anxiety, the herb was used prolifically in ancient Greek medicine. Later it was named St John’s wort (“wort” means plant of worth) in old English, reputedly after St John the Baptist. The flowers are said to bloom on the anniversary of his birth – with the red oil being his blood.
The Hypericum perforatum plant is a tall, upright plant with bright-yellow flowers. Native to Europe, Asia and Africa, it was introduced into Australia in the 1880s. Today, farmers are harvesting the noxious weed with Australia expecting to provide up to 20 per cent of the global supply.
In the last few decades, St John’s wort (SJW) has created significant research interest. Preparations of hypericum account for 25 per cent of antidepressant prescriptions in Germany and Europe, and it is the fifth best-selling preparation in the USA for treating mild to moderate depression.
Active ingredients
SJW contains catechin tannins, flavonoids, quercetin, hyperforin, hypericin, hyperoside, naphthodianthrones, caffeic acid derivatives, porphyrins and chlorogenic acid. It contains essential oils and sterols and is rich in vitamins A, C and bioflavonoids, choline and melatonin. However, these constituents can vary greatly depending on where and how the plant is grown.
Therapeutic actions
The traditional indications for hypericum were neurological, including nerve pain, migraines and sciatica. The World Health Organization cites traditional uses in cases of bronchial and urogenital inflammation. Hypericum offers a range of health benefits, with many interesting studies highlighting its potential.
Neurological: Research has shown that St John’s wort has significant pharmacological activity through several neurochemical pathways that are implicated in mild to moderate depression. These mechanisms include inhibiting synaptic reuptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin (while upregulating serotonin receptors), noradrenalin and dopamine, binding to GABA receptors and inhibiting monoamine oxidase (MAO), possibly due to the synergistic activity of quercetin and hyperforin.
A meta-analysis by the Cochrane collaboration concluded that hypericum was significantly more effective than a placebo in patients with major depression. Hypericum was as effective as standard antidepressants (SSRI inhibitors such as Zoloft and Prozac) and had fewer side effects than the pharmaceuticals.
St John’s wort is also neuroprotective, giving it a potential role in preventing dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Its activity in increasing melatonin in the body make this plant useful to regulate sleep patterns, including menopausal insomnia and seasonal affective disorder.
Digestive system: Traditionally used to support digestion, hypericum was tested in a trial involving women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In the trial, 30 women with IBS were compared with 20 healthy women. After eight weeks of treatment with hypericum, the results showed a significant decrease in abnormal stress responses and a significant improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms.
Anti-inflammatory: Hypericum has been shown to have significant anti-inflammatory activity through multiple critical pathways (inhibiting COX-2, NF-кB, and TNF-α) and with some components being more strongly anti-inflammatory than indomethacin.
Antiviral: Hypericum has been shown to have effective antiviral activity and used to treat herpes infections and possibly HIV.
Glucose tolerance: In a study on 20 healthy males, adding hypericum created a significant increase in insulin responses (improved glucose tolerance), independent of the diabetes medication given to induce insulin resistance.
Stopping smoking: A 14-week study on 20 long-term smokers found hypericum more effective for smoking cessation than nicotine replacement therapy, with only 25 per cent still smoking compared to 37.5 per cent in nicotine trials.
Skin healing: A randomised placebo clinical trial was conducted on 21 patients with atopic dermatitis. Symptom reduction after four weeks applying the hypericum cream was far superior to a placebo in lessening the severity.
Cautions and contraindications
Overall, adverse reactions to St John’s wort are quite rare. Some individuals can become highly photosensitive (producing an unpleasant red rash when exposed to the sun) when consuming SJW, particularly in high doses or with prolonged use.
The primary concern with SJW is its potential for adverse interactions with a range of critical pharmaceuticals as it can significantly lower prescription doses. Never use St John’s wort with other pharmaceuticals unless monitored closely by a knowledgeable practitioner. Taking SJW with SSRIs may cause serotonergic syndrome and decrease blood levels of medical tricyclic antidepressants.
Article featured in WellBeing 215
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St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)
by | | Curated Content
April 9th 2025
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WellBeing Magazine
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Flirting is terrifying. Flirting is exhilarating. If it’s neither of those things for you, then you aren’t doing it right. The scientific definition of “covert signals sent between individuals to indicate sexual interest and begin courtship” does not even scratch the surface of the alarming social high-wire performance that is flirtation. Flirting involves you stretching your metaphorical scrotal self (using scrotal in the non-gendered sensitive-private- bits sense) across the razor-sharp blade that is the opinion of another, usually a stranger. It is inherently scary, but it’s also fundamentally exciting because the rewards are equally as elevating as the downsides are desiccating. It is no wonder then, that for thousands of years, humans have studied the art and science of flirtation. Some of what has been found has been enlightening, the rest is just confusing.
Ovid and fans
Such is the terrifying ubiquity of flirtation in our social interactions that almost as soon as humans could scratch marks on parchment, efforts have been made to codify how to flirt well. One of the earliest outlines of the art of flirting came from the Roman poet Ovid, in a series of poems published between 20 BCE and 16 BCE, titled Amores, or The Loves. Writing to his married girlfriend Ovid wrote:
“Watch me and my nods and my expressive features: Catch my furtive signs and you yourself return them. Words that are spoken without voice, I shall speak with my eyebrows; You will understand the words traced by my fingers, words written in wine. When the wantonness of our love comes into your mind, With tender thumb touch your blushing cheeks.”
It appears that Ovid may have been capable of a level of eyebrow semaphore that requires years of training. Admittedly, Ovid was also suggesting a private code to his mistress, but he nailed the essence of flirtation with the phrase “catch my furtive signs and you yourself return them” and he paved the way for more generalised flirting advice over the millennia to come.
A good place to dip into the stream of flirtation advice that has flowed down the centuries is the Victorian era because the Victorians not only took social customs very seriously, they were fastidious in how they recorded them. In 1890, Henry J Wheman published his book The Mystery of Love, Courtship and Marriage Explained. In it, he outlined many of the flirtation tactics of the time. For instance, carrying your fan in your right hand in front of your face meant “follow me”. Letting your fan rest on your right cheek meant “yes” but a fan on the left cheek meant “no”. Even worse than a left cheek rest, a fan drawn through the hand indicated “I hate you”. If you did not have a fan to hand, the Victorians had plenty of other flirtation tools to work with.
Wearing a glove on the right hand with the thumb exposed indicated “kiss me”, while a glove on the left hand with the thumb exposed asked “do you love me?”. Twirling your parasol meant “be careful, we are being watched” but tapping that parasol on your chin messaged “I am in love with another”. A hat being carried by the crown indicated “follow me” but a handkerchief twirled in the right hand meant “I wish to be rid of you”. It all seems clear cut and simple until your partner in flirtation draws their fan through their gloved right hand, which has a thumb exposed.
Even when a rigid code for flirtation is laid down, it can be difficult to be sure of what is going on. That is the nature, and the joy, of flirtation. Part of the uncertainty arises because people have different flirting styles.
Five flirtation styles
Modern research has established that there are five broad categories of flirtation style.
Physical: The physical flirtation is not necessarily what it sounds like. There is no mandatory hand caressing the shoulder or playful punching in this style. Instead, what you have are people at ease indicating their sexual interest, often through suggestive banter. These physical flirters believe they are good at gauging the interest of others and they usually progress things faster than do the other styles.
Sincere: Sincere flirters want to establish a romantic connection with a potential partner. The stakes are higher here than for the physical flirter, partly because the sincere flirter will offer self-disclosure as a way of establishing meaningful connection. Emotions are a primacy for the sincere flirter, and they are more likely to believe that others are flirting with them.
Playful: As the name suggests, these people view flirting as fun and without long-term implications. The act of flirting itself is the reward for these people and it is an exercise in self-esteem building. Playful flirters may well have expertly flexible eyebrows.
Polite: The polite flirter is extremely cautious and enjoys the protection of rules. These people would be totally at home in the world of fans and gloves. They do not show the elaborately sexually suggestive behaviours of the physical flirter and the awkward thing for the polite flirter is that the object of their flirtation may not know the polite flirter is interested.
Traditional: It is challenging to believe that this style still exists, but the research shows that there are flirters who operate on the belief that the man must initiate interaction, while it is up to the woman to respond. This is a style of flirtation that suits the patient disposition because it takes longer, but that is OK, because traditional flirters tend to be more introverted. The downside is that traditional flirters, especially women, can tend to feel a little invisible.
Effective flirting
A study published in the journal Communication Quarterly showed that those being flirted with only accurately perceive that they are being flirted with 28 per cent of the time. Peacocks must just laugh at us. Humans are bad at flirting. It is amazing really that we have managed to populate at all. Perhaps what has saved us is that within all the diversity and intricacy of flirting fair, there appears to be some attributes of effective flirtation that are universal.
For a start, being overly subtle leads to less success in the flirtation game. It is natural to not be too overt because ambiguity protects your self- esteem, but it also confuses things for the object of your flirting. If you can muster the courage and give some clarity of intention, your flirtation is more likely to have a fruitful outcome.
As far as positive flirtation tactics, there is one that shines beyond all others. One large study that included US and Norwegian populations showed that the single best thing a woman or a man can do when flirting is to laugh at the other person’s jokes. Beyond that commonality, women do better flirtatiously when they used physical contact (but not hugs) and men do better when they give compliments and have good conversations.
There are also some physical aspects that reliably lead to flirtation success. Both sexes do better and seem more desirable when they have a wide stance and take up more physical space. There is also a very specific posture which men interpret as being “flirty” and that is when the woman has her head tilted to side and slightly downward, with the eyes looking forward and the mouth giving a partial smile.
The other thing that marks successful flirtation is indicating that you are a good listener. The way to do this is to listen, but you can give signs that you are a good listener by facing the other person, maintaining eye contact, nodding and adjusting facial expressions. Exhibiting genuine interest in someone is a big winner in the flirtation game.
The gentle art
The research tells us that “courage and determination” and “strong interest” are highly valued by women in flirtation. There is another factor, however, that is an important element of the flirting mix as far as women are concerned and that is the “gentle approach”. This gentleness is identified as being comprised of maturity, seriousness, discreteness, good character and kindness.
All the historical and scientific input over flirting comes to one thing, which is that flirting is a multifaceted and high-stakes game. Therein lies the excitement, therein lies the terror. Wherever you find yourself sitting on the flirtation spectrum, it is a universal mate-signalling strategy. For you then, the choice is clear, either play the flirtation game or find yourself another game to play.
Article featured in WellBeing 215
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The flirtation minefield
by | | Curated Content
April 9th 2025
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WellBeing Magazine
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Discover what April and May have in store for your sign. From fated shifts to fresh starts, your horoscope guide is here.
Virgo
Life has a fateful feel since your mid-March total lunar eclipse in Virgo. Late March through April, your partner sign Pisces, greatly influences your choices, as heart-opening moments continue. It is fine to abandon plans, to go with the flow, because Mercury has been retrograde in Pisces, finally moving you ahead on April 7. Fated meetings are suggested when Mercury joins the Eclipse Axis on April 11. This year, old soul business will reintroduce you to old forgotten wisdoms. When your speedy ruler then joins Neptune from April 17-21, inspired action is yours to claim. Finances and many decisions benefit. Earmark May 2-13 as best action time.
Libra
The final Aries/Libra eclipse occurs on March 29’s New Moon and a cycle completes. This 18-month period has opened doors to the past, stirring old-soul business partnership longings. Now you are ready to move out of your head and into action. Venus, however, wants you to take your time, since she is retro in your partner sign through March, slipping back into Pisces. It is her new direct cycle on April 13’s Full Moon in Libra that really waves a starting flag. April 20-21 primes you, then May 1-7 brings Venus’s happy connections powerfully to the fore. Helpful transformation beckons.
Scorpio
Scorpio’s ruler is warrior planet Mars but Mars has been retro and mostly in Cancer since last September. In Cancer until April 18, Mars can disrupt family harmony. Restraining criticism and reactions keeps the peace, and April 20 and 21 can restore deep connections. On April 27, Mars opposes underworld Pluto… for the last time. Since Pluto is also your ruling planet, this has been testing you since last November. Rise above any conflicts, and April 28’s New Moon in your partner sign will be a genuine new beginning. Your heart opens to the mysteries of love and relationships from May 2-13 as a fateful Scorpio Full Moon approaches.
Sagittarius
With Jupiter in Gemini until June, the Archer benefits from studying all details, considering suggestions made by significant others. If your independence was tested in late December by family or friends, recall this now. From March 20 to April 20, you are on fire with desires, as the Sun illuminates your sign of creativity and love. Through this time, an emotional Pisces flow accelerates your concerns for home and family. You may feel conflicted between adventures and personal loyalties, on April 21, 24 or 27. Yet, solutions will appear. April 28’s New Moon begins the process, Neptune in Aries keeps dreams alive, May 1-7 opens doors of rich communication.
Capricorn
Between March 29 and April 19, planets Mars, Venus, Saturn and Uranus form a Water/Earth dance. This takes you way beyond personal concerns and deeply receptive to relationships. Venus meets your ruler Saturn three times due to retro motion. Their final meeting in Pisces on April 25 brings to full cycle the negotiations or ideas developing since January 19. An April 28 New Moon ignites your creative vision, your sense of romance. These feed into a new direction calling you. May 2-13 accelerates the process, Neptune whispers of a new vocational role. That Capricorn caution no longer turns to doubts. Make the most of this magical month!
Aquarius
Pluto in Aquarius is leading us into transformational times, so life has been intense, demanding. When Neptune makes its shift into Aries on March 30, your momentum benefits, help comes readily, communication flows. New opportunities, both personal and professional, show themselves. Yet, if financial decisions seem stalled, it is best to wait for the easy progress of April 12 to 13’s Full Moon. The big blessing for the Water Bearer is that your two rulers, Saturn and Uranus, are holding a rare opportune link from March 23 to April 20. Avoid conflict on April 27, then new directions take shape from April 28’s New Moon through May 13’s Full Moon.
Pisces
When Venus in Pisces meets Neptune on March 28, a mermaid’s song whispers your hidden needs, reinvigorates your creative forces. Since March 29’s New Moon has more Water sign energy than Aries’ Fire, your inward quest will find treasures. Saturn and the fateful Moon’s Node bring the tight Pisces huddle up to four, and you are strong in your element. This annual New Moon is a financial reboot, with extra magic of a Pisces gang. Clarify intentions now, and April 1-12 flows as easy follow-through. April 25 to May 2 then harnesses an earthy New Moon, to showcase just how much you have achieved. Celebrate on May 16.
Aries
Your new solar year has interesting cross-messages. Lovely Venus and communicator Mercury are in Aries, but both are in retrograde motion. Venus hooks up with the Sun on March 23, then they join Neptune on March 28- 30. Add in your March 29 New Moon, a fateful eclipse, then Neptune entering Aries, for a romantic, visionary edge! Yet relationships will be a mystery. Instead of Aries’ urge to push, listen to your intuition, gather dreams. April 7, then 13, shift conversations and connections into move-ahead mode. April 17-21 inspires a grand plan. With Mars in fiery Leo from April 18 to mid-June, you become a dynamo. Breathe deeply…
Taurus
March 23 to April 20 is special for Taurus, a time when effort and focus enable major changes to unfold easily. Wild-child Uranus has thrown many curve balls since 2018 but now comes the gift. While April 21, 24 or 27 may bring conflict, cautious handling works. Then your Taurus New Moon of April 28 is blessed by a strong Venus in Pisces. This highlights cooperation, flow, ease, as you shift into May and its fateful reconnections. From May 6 to 13, the bright Moon brings pleasure this week. Caring communication is boosted from May 10, and this will help you avoid an emotional tug-of-war on May 13’s Full Moon.
Gemini
A big year for the Twins offers its first gifts from March 22-30. Pluto, set to deepen your questing spirit for years, now makes sweet harmonies with Venus, the Sun, then Mercury. Your mercurial ruling planet is in retro mode, until April 7. You are enriched by revisiting old friendships, old ideas. On March 30, Neptune widens your social gaze, kindles romantic vision – a taste of a 12-year cycle. April 6-13 is particularly energising, with April 13’s Full Moon showing you how to balance success in love and business. April 20, 21 and May 1-7 help you get the best of lucky Jupiter in Gemini.
Cancer
As Moon’s own sign, your emotional antenna is everworking. You will find that the Saturn/Uranus dance between March 23 and April 20, upgrades Cancer’s receptive gifts. A new vocational role, good investment ideas, expanded networks are all likely to benefit from intuitive flashes. Just remember that many retro planets make April 12 to 13’s Full Moon your best action time. When the Sun enters earthy Taurus on April 21, 25, then April 28’s New Moon, this is the perfect time for grounding. Now extend your new direction. Since May 1-3 hosts a waxing Moon in Cancer, you are in your element, supported by fateful timing. This shows its potential by May 16.
Leo
Fiery harmonies make March 20-23 and 29-30 quite special for Leo, with loving vibes and adventurous plans. Yet, the two connector planets, Venus and Mercury, are both in retro motion, so rush nothing. Things will move fast from April 16, when Mars transits Leo from April 18 through May, this can evoke your energetic best. Yet, it comes with warnings: April 27- 28 features a helpful New Moon, but competitive urges can lead you into danger. Let the past rest, lay claim to big dreams. May 1-16 brings friends, support and inspiration that dreams up new adventures.
Article featured in Wellbeing 215
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Fated Paths & Fresh Starts
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April 8th 2025
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Wellness Mama Blog | Simple Answers for Healthier Families
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I never thought I liked curry powder. I’m not sure where my negative opinion came from, but I once accidentally added it to a soup and discovered I absolutely love it. The unique and complex flavor makes curry powder an incredible addition to meals. I now add this curry powder recipe to breakfast dishes, like […]
Continue reading Homemade Curry Powder Recipe (Mild & Not Too Spicy)…
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https://wellnessmama.com/recipes/curry-powder-recipe/
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April 7th 2025
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Dr. Will Cole
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Reversing Type 1 Diabetes, Junk Infant Formula, Celery Juice, HRT Controversy + Measles Panic! (Ask Me Anything!) Click An Icon Below To Subscribe In this Ask Me Anything episode, I sit down with two members of my functional medicine team to answer your most requested questions. We dig into the hype and controversy around celery…
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Reversing Type 1 Diabetes, Junk Infant Formula, Celery Juice, HRT Controversy + Measles Panic! (Ask Me Anything!)
