Jess Blair

The celebrated naturopath, nutritionist and book author shares some health wisdom over a cuppa.

Can you explain the principles of naturopathy?

Naturopathy uses natural, non-toxic therapies to treat illness and to promote overall wellness and vitality.

Principles include:

· The healing power of nature Trust in the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself.

· Identify and treat the cause Finding the reason, looking beyond the symptoms.

· First do no harm Using the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies.

· Doctor as teacher Educate your patients into steps to achieve and maintaining health. · Treat the whole person View the body as an integrated whole in all its physical and spiritual dimensions. What I love about this philosophy is it incorporates the patient’s spiritual needs as well.

· Prevention Focus on overall health wellness and disease prevention.

Your book is titled Wellness: Small Changes for Big Results. What is one small change people can make to improve their health?

The purpose for me to write the book was to get the information to people without overloading them. Something as small as prioritising our sleep can have a healthy impact on other factors in our lives. So, looking at those little things in our lives we can control quite easily rather than trying to tackle everything at once.

You recommend drinking chamomile, peppermint and green tea. Why?

During winter I love adding herbal teas to my winter regime because they are hydrating and a tasty option when you don’t feel like drinking water. They can also alleviate symptoms of some health ailments. Peppermint tea is good for digestion; chamomile is great before bed to help us calm down; and green tea is full of goodness including antioxidants!

You write about how indoor plants can help improve air quality in the home. What are your favourite houseplants, and why?

Nature can help with our moods, concentration and help calm nerves. So, adding greenery to your home, even your bathroom, is a great way to make your living environment ‘healthier’. “Green reduces blues,” is a great motto. My favourite plant, both for looking great in your home and its benefits, is the snake plant. A low-maintenance plant, it filters toxins from the air such as benzene and formaldehyde. Succulents are also easy to look after and love. They come in all shapes and colours, and have many benefits including humidifying the air.

As a working woman and mum, what are your personal rituals for recharging?

It’s quite hard being a working, studying mother (or any mother!) so I take solace in the time that I do get. I think it’s really important to have time to yourself, even if it’s just 20 minutes, to re-gather or recharge. I love to read a good book with a cup of tea, have a bath, go for a walk, or enjoy a glass of wine with girlfriends.

What forms of exercise do you love the most, and why?

I love training. It boosts the mood, strengthens the cardiovascular system, provides relief from stress and anxiety; and it can be social. I love Pilates and high-intensity type workouts. My exercise regime has changed over the years. I now train for my body and not the aesthetic reasons that I used to.