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Bitters: How Bitter Flavours Support Digestion, Liver Health, and Hormone Balance
When you think of taste, your mind might go straight to sweet or salty — the flavours most of us naturally gravitate towards. But there’s a whole spectrum of tastes, and each one interacts with the body in its own unique way. Understanding these flavours and their physiological effects is an ancient concept rooted in herbal medicine, Ayurveda, and Traditional Chinese Medicine — and science now confirms much of what those traditions have known for centuries. Let’s take a quick look at the primary taste categories before diving deeper into the role of bitters. The Six Core Tastes and Their Roles in the Body Now, let’s focus on bitters —…
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Lions Gate Portal 8th of the 8th
The Lion’s Gate Portal is most widely recognised in the Northern Hemisphere, where it coincides with the heliacal rising of the star Sirius—when Sirius becomes visible just before dawn, rising alongside the Sun in the sign of Leo. This alignment was deeply significant in ancient Egypt, marking the New Year and the fertile flooding of the Nile. Energetically, this portal is believed to open a gateway for higher consciousness, inner strength, and accelerated manifestation. The number eight symbolises infinity, balance, and personal power, and the repeating date of 8/8 adds to the spiritual potency of this time. Here in the Southern Hemisphere, we don’t experience the rising of Sirius in…
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12 Early Signs of Perimenopause Every Woman Over 35 Should Know!
Early signs of perimenopause can start as early as your mid to late 30s or early 40s, though for some women, they may appear later. Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause when hormone levels—especially oestrogen and progesterone—start to fluctuate. Here are common early signs to look out for: 1. Irregular Periods 2. Sleep Disturbances 3. Mood Changes 4. Hot Flushes 5. Increased PMS Symptoms 6. Low Libido 7. Fatigue 8. Brain Fog 9. Changes in Hair and Skin 10. Vaginal Dryness or Discomfort 11. Weight Gain, Especially Around the Middle 12. Breast Tenderness Additional Signs:
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Stay Cool Naturally with Hibiscus Tea: A Menopause-Friendly Ritual
When the temperature rises—whether from the sun or a sudden hot flush—nature has a way of helping us cool down. Hibiscus tea, with its deep ruby colour and tart, refreshing flavour, has long been used in hot climates around the world for exactly this reason. From the traditional medicines of Africa to the principles of Ayurveda, hibiscus has earned its place as a “refrigerant herb”—one that cools the body, soothes the liver, and supports overall wellbeing. How Does Hibiscus Tea Help You Cool Down? 1. Natural Cooling Through Vasodilation Hibiscus is rich in anthocyanins and flavonoids, compounds that help dilate blood vessels (vasodilation). This gentle widening of the vessels allows…
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Why Magnesium Glycinate Is Ideal for Menopause
? Why Magnesium Glycinate Is Ideal for Menopause Highly AbsorbableMagnesium glycinate is bound to glycine, an amino acid that enhances absorption and makes it gentle on the digestive system, unlike some other forms that can cause loose stools (like magnesium oxide). ? When to Take It Typical Dosage Recommended Brand: BePure Magnesium Restore For menopause support, I highly recommend BePure Magnesium Restore, which contains magnesium bisglycinate—a highly absorbable and gentle form that’s ideal for calming the nervous system, supporting sleep, and reducing muscle tension and anxiety. How to Take It: Note:If you live in New Zealand, it’s important to know that our soils are naturally low in magnesium. This means…
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The Story Behind the Stars – Matariki
The Story Behind the Stars According to Māori pūrākau (traditional storytelling), the world was once cloaked in darkness. Ranginui (Sky Father) and Papatūānuku (Earth Mother) were bound in a tight, loving embrace. Their children — the gods of the natural world — were trapped between them, cramped and unable to move or grow. One by one, the children discussed how they could bring light into the world. Most agreed that their parents needed to be separated. Only Tāwhirimātea, the god of wind and weather, disagreed — he was devastated by the idea of his parents being forced apart. Despite his protest, his brother Tāne Mahuta (god of the forest) pushed…
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Cool the Body Naturally: Simple Ways to Reduce Hot Flushes & Night Sweats
ggHot flushes and night sweats can feel like your body has forgotten how to regulate its own temperature. Whether you’re in the middle of menopause or simply feeling the heat more than usual, the good news is there are practical and natural ways to help your body cool down and feel more in balance. In this post, I’m sharing simple changes you can make to your environment, nutrition, and lifestyle to support your body’s ability to regulate temperature—especially during the night. 1. Create a Cooling Bedroom Environment Your sleep space has a huge impact on how well your body copes with heat. Synthetic bedding can trap heat and moisture, making…
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Matariki: A Time to Reflect, Remember & Reconnect
Matariki: A Time to Reflect, Remember & Reconnect As the crisp air settles in and the nights stretch a little longer, there’s a quiet magic in the atmosphere here in Aotearoa. It’s the kind of magic that asks us to pause, exhale, and look up at the stars — because Matariki is rising. If you’re new to Matariki or just feeling called to go deeper this year, let me take you through what makes this time so sacred and how you can embrace it in a meaningful, soul-nourishing way. ✨ What is Matariki? Matariki marks the Māori New Year, and it begins with the rising of the Matariki star cluster…
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Intuitive Nutrition Homemade Chicken Soup Using a Pre-Cooked Chicken
Prep time: 20 mins | Cook time: 2.5 hours | Serves: 6–8 ? Ingredients For the stock: For the soup: ? Step-by-Step Method 1. Make the Stock (1.5–2 hours): 2. Prepare the Soup Base (30–40 mins): 3. Add Chicken and Season (Final 5–10 mins): ? Serving Suggestions:
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Intuitive Nutrition Newsletter Late April 2025
Welcome to the Intuitive Nutrition Newsletterwith Clare Seagrave – Clinical Nutritionist & Hypnotherapist At Intuitive Nutrition, I have the privilege of working with a wide variety of clients—each with a unique and personal relationship with food. Some seek healthy, sustainable weight loss. Others are navigating complex disordered eating patterns, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia. Many are managing gastrointestinal conditions like SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), which makes it difficult to tolerate even the most basic foods. And others live with multiple food intolerances that impact their energy, mood, and overall wellbeing. What all of these individuals have in common is the deep emotional, physical, and often spiritual connection they…
