• camexpo 2012 Show Review Out Now!
• CHC gets ready to click!
• Riverford founder is top of the crops in BBC food awards
• Belgian guidelines hint at flexibility on claims wording
• Specialists warn of “epidemic” of vitamin D deficiency
• Natural beauty hotlist announced

camexpo 2012 Show Review Out Now!

The camexpo 2012 show review is now availbe to view online – click here to view the review.

camexpo will return to Earls Court, London, in 5-6 October 2013.  For further information and to stay up-to-date with all the latest news and 2013 exhibitor information, please visit www.camexpo.co.uk.

CHC gets ready to click!

Posted on05 December 2012. Tags: Consumers For Health Choice, Save Our Supplements, Sue Croft – Published by: NaturalProductsOnline.co.uk
A re-energised Save Our Supplements campaign will harness the full power of the internet and social media and represents a coming of age for Consumers For Health Choice.
In a special interview in the December issue of Natural Products, CHC director Sue Croft explains the thinking behind the new SOS campaign to Natural Products editor Jim Manson.

Read it the interview in full here.

Riverford founder is top of the crops in BBC food awards

Posted on04 December 2012. Tags: BBC Food and Farming Awards, Guy Watson, Riverford Organic – Published by: NaturalProductsOnline.co.uk
Riverford Organic founder Guy Watson has been named Farmer of the Year in the 2012 BBC Food and Farming Awards. He picked up his award in a ceremony described by the chef and children’s food campaigner Jamie as the “Oscars of the food world”.
Guy Watson started growing organic veg in 1986 on his family farm in Devon and set up the Riverford vegbox scheme in 1993, delivering to 20 local friends and families. A recognised pioneer in box schemes and organic farming champion he was described in one nomination as “consistently delivering on his commitment and principles to do the right thing”.
Mike Duckett, former head of catering at the Royal Brompton hospital, meanwhile received the Derek Cooper Award. Every meal at the hospital is cooked on the premises using fresh, local ingredients, and thirty per cent of the food is organic or locally sourced, with organic meats appearing on the menu at least once a week.
Picture: Guy Watson (right) picks up his award.

Belgian guidelines hint at flexibility on claims wording

Posted on30 November 2012. Tags: EAS, EFSA, EU, Nutrition & Health Claims Regulation – Published by: NaturalProductsOnline.co.uk
New guidelines issued by Belgium hint at the extent to which health claims wording may vary across the EU, says international regulatory consultancy EAS.
The wording of article 13.1 claims under the Nutrition & Health Claims Regulation is seen by many in industry as both commercially restrictive and overly technical. Hopes have therefore been pinned on individual EU member states allowing for a more flexible ‘reformulation’ of wording at a national market level.

EAS regulatory affairs manager Stefanie Geiser said that member state flexibility will be a key determining factor for acceptable practices that deviate from the regulation.

The Belgian guidelines are the first final guidelines officially published in the EU, and it is expected that these will be followed by further national  guidelines in 2013. They cover a number of aspects, in particular permitted and prohibited principles with concrete examples related to reformulations of the terms ‘contributes to’ and ‘normal’. They also cover how the claims wording related to a health function may be reformulated and/or enriched with certain additional information (mainly from European Food Safety Authority opinions).

“The guidelines issued by Belgium provide an idea of the expected variations of permitted claims wording practices in national markets,” said Geiser. “They also illustrate that there may be space for negotiations with national authorities on specific product cases based on acceptable market practice in other EU countries. An overall positive trend is that the Belgian authorities show some flexibility on the permission to enrich/amend authorised Article 13.1 claims wordings in line with related functions expressed by EFSA in its opinions. It is hoped that this concept will also be taken on in the future guidelines of other EU Member States.”

• To help companies navigate national interpretation differences and plan for marketing and regulatory compliance after the

Article 13.1 list becomes applicable, Geiser and fellow EAS expert Patrick Coppens will host a workshop on 11 December in Brussels, titled ‘The Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation: Dealing with the present – Planning for the future’. For more information about the workshop or to register, visit http://www.eas.eu/Event/32

Specialists warn of “epidemic” of vitamin D deficiency

Posted on27 November 2012. Tags: cv, Rickets, vitamin D deficiency – Published by: NaturalProductsOnline.co.uk

A prominent academic has warned that this year’s dull summer could lead to record levels of vitamin D deficiency.

Professor Norman Ratcliffe from Swansea University says that a combination a 21st Century childhood of not playing outside and constantly wearing high factor sunscreen has been compounded by a poor summer. The result is that vitamin D levels have not been replenished sufficiently for the long winter months.

Professor Ratcliffe told the Daily Telgraph that parts of northern England recorded sunshine hours in summer similar to late winter.

He told the newspaper: “Unfortunately, the dull summer of 2012 will probably result in a record number of people with vitamin D deficiency. The situation in 2012 is probably much more serious than normal with the dull summer leading to even more people with vitamin D deficiency.”

He added: “The effects of low vitamin D levels in the body are very serious as adequate levels may be necessary to prevent common cancers, heart and autoimmune diseases, rickets, osteomalacia (bone pain and muscle weakness), diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and depression.”

Separately, children’s health specialist professor Nicolas Clarke from Southampton General Hospital has warned that more children are at risk of developing rickets. He says an education drive on the risks is needed as “primary care doctors are not up to speed”. Professor Clarke told the Daiuly Mail that “widespread fortification of foods with vitamin D and use of supplements is the only way to combat the problem”.

Natural beauty hotlist announced

Posted on14 November 2012. Tags: Jayney Lee Grace, Natural Beauty Yearbook, Whole Foods Market – - Published by: NaturalProductsOnline.co.uk

Natural beauty advocate Janey Lee Grace was named number one in the Natural Beauty Yearbook’s prestigious 6th annual industry hotlist last night (Tuesday 13 November).

Hosted by leading French beauty brand Melvita at Whole Foods Market, Kensington High Street, in London, the launch party saw the natural beauty trade converge to hear the announcement of the Natural Beauty Yearbook’s exclusive countdown, which provides an essential snapshot of the leading personalities driving the hottest trends and products in the natural and organic beauty market.

“I’m thrilled to be voted number one – thrilled to bits. I’m so passionate about natural and organic beauty, so thanks to everyone in the industry for voting for me,” Jayney told the assembled crowd of beauty buyers, manufacturers, journalists and bloggers at the 2013 launch (see our gallery of pictures from the night below).

The full Who’s who in natural beauty 2013 – the top 25 list is as follows:
1. Janey Lee Grace, broadcaster, author and natural beauty advocate
2. Carol and Paul Richards, Herbfarmacy co-directors
3. Alex and Kim Barani, Kinetic Enterprises
4. Simon Ford, Melvita UK, brand manager
5. Kirstie Allen, Pinks Boutique, co-founder
6. Simon Duffy & Rhodri Ferrier, Bulldog, co-founders
7. Graeme Hume, Pravera, founder
8. Tracey Robinson, Vert PR, founder
9. Sarah Brown, Pai Organic Skincare, owner
10. Sebastian Pole and Tim Westwell, Pukka, co-founders
11. Rebecca Goodyear, Biteable Beauty, PR and writer
12. Claire Braithwaite, Zulu Beauty, co-owner
13. Simon Golding, Australis, owner
14. Dr Mariano Spiezia, Inlight Organic Skincare, founder
15. Fiona Klonarides, Beauty Shortlist, editor
16. Michael Lightowlers, Dr Organic, marketing director
17. Nic White, Alva and ONE Beauty, founder
18. Jayn Sterland, Weleda, commercial director
19. Rivka Rose, Faith Products, founder
20. Sarah Stacey & Jo Fairley, beauty journalists
21. Ines Hermida, Whole Foods Market, beauty buyer
22. Imelda Burke, Content Beauty, founder
23. Margo Marrone, The Organic Pharmacy, founder
24. Laura Rudoe, Evolve, owner
25. Star Khechara, School of Holistic Cosmetology, course developer

• Jing Institute scoops camexpo’s Outstanding Achievement Award once again
• CNHC’s new Chair and Board now in place

Jing Institute scoops camexpo’s Outstanding Achievement Award once again

JING Massage Makes A BIG Splash!

Rachel Fairweather and Meghan Mari, directors of Brighton-based advanced massage training school, The Jing Institute, made camexpo history this year when they palmed this prestigious award for the second year running!

Winners by an overwhelming majority of votes, an emotional Meghan and Rachel were presented with the award after delivering their tub thumping keynote speech on “Revolutionising the future of massage therapy in the UK”– to an upbeat, inspired audience of CAM practitioners.  The dynamic duo used theatrics, humor and their trademark passion to outline their 10-year vision to raise educational standards in massage, thus increasing recognition and respect for the profession. To see the Jing “massage mafia” in action for yourself click here.

Meghan and Rachel commented: “For once in our lives we are without words! To receive the CAM Outstanding achievement award for the second year running is an incredible privilege and we feel absolutely thrilled and honored. Without a doubt CAM has become “THE show” in support of complementary therapies and we would like to thank the organisers for their whole hearted support of the massage profession and the wider CAM community. We accept this award on behalf of massage therapists everywhere who are aiming to raise the standards of the profession and especially to our first graduates of our BTEC level 6 degree level programme in advanced clinical and sports massage. Together we are proud and strong; Jing has always been about the power of realising your dreams and working together we are so much more powerful than we are alone. Thank you to everyone who has helped us achieve our dreams; we endeavour to continue to support you to realise yours.”

About Jing and Meghan and Rachel

The Jing Institute is a revolutionary postgraduate training organisation providing master CPD courses and ground-breaking qualifications. The JING Institute offers a new qualification to UK therapists, the BTEC level 6 Professional Diploma in Advanced Clinical and Sports Massage accredited by Edexcel. By giving therapists the opportunity to train to degree level, JING has achieved great strides for the massage world.

Founders, Rachel Fairweather and Meghan Mari have been therapists for over 20 years and began training master therapists in New York City in 1999. In 2003, they brought their pioneering courses to Brighton, centered on treating specific pain conditions such as frozen shoulder and sciatica. The feedback was phenomenal and JING trained therapist’s expanded their practices to an entire new height using proven JING protocols to get clients out of pain. JING became known as the place to train if you want to have a full-time practice and really make a difference in client’s lives. JING, now offers over 50 Master CPD courses, 3 Advanced Certificates, and the BTEC level 6. Therapists can train around the country with an expert team for just 2 days, or up to 3 years.

Future:

JING is going global! Meghan and Rachel and are sought after international guest lecturers in massage and anatomy at several UK and USA massage and yoga schools, including the International Dermal Institute, Polestar Pilates, McTimoney Chiropractic Association and the FHT. They will continue to write articles for several professional magazines, including Choice health and Well-being, Massage World and of course the CAM club newsletter. The biggest news is, as part of the BTEC level 6, The JING Institute is working with the University of York to develop a centre of clinical massage research unparalleled in the UK.

Why should you come on a course with JING?

Join the revolution! You want to be the best and JING wants you to be the best! JING has created a revolution by offering the most comprehensive post graduate training in the UK open to therapists from all backgrounds. Courses include the Advanced Clinical Massage series to treat pain such as RSI, Whiplash, and knee pain, Trigger point Therapy, Advanced Certificate in Myofascial Release, Advanced certificate in Musculoskeletal anatomy, Pregnancy Massage, Eastern and Sports Techniques. As the creators of the BTEC level 6 in Advanced Clinical and Sports massage, accredited by Edexcel, JING is the only institution approved to offer this level of massage education in the UK.

The work we teach is serious but we do it with a lot of laughter. We use innovative teaching methods that ensure that you leave courses with the material in your hands, head and hearts. All work is taught practically so that you can use it right away in your clinic.

Want to find out more? Please contact The JING Institute!

To find out more, visit Jing’s website www.jingmassage.com, as well as its Twitter and Facebook pages (https://twitter.com/JingInstitute andwww.facebook.com/pages/JING-Institute-of-Advanced-Massage-Training/133660816698821).

CNHC’s new Chair and Board now in place

As mentioned in the November camclub enews CNHC is delighted to announce the appointment of its new Board, which took up office on 1 December 2012.

Maggy Wallace, who had been on the CNHC Board since its inception as Co-Chair, Executive Chair and most recently as Chair, stepped down from her role on 30 November. Maggy met many practitioners at camexpo during the last three years and here gives her goodbye message: “I am delighted to have been part of the development of CNHC as a respected and robust regulatory body for the complementary healthcare sector. I have been impressed beyond measure with the hard work and commitment of all those involved: the Board, the staff, and above all, the complementary healthcare practitioners who have worked with us and registered with us. I am delighted to be handing CNHC over in good shape and with an exciting future. I will watch future developments with great interest.”

CNHC’s new Chair is John Lant. John started his involvement with CNHC as a member of the Finance Committee in 2008 and has been a member of CNHC’s Board since 2010. Here John expresses his thanks to Maggy Wallace and CNHC’s first Board: “Maggy has played a central role in bringing CNHC to where it is today. Maggy’s leadership and inspiration have been unique and I offer my sincere thanks for her significant contribution to this work.”

He continued: “I thank all members of the board past and present for their energy, dedication and commitment and wish them well for whatever lies ahead. Without their singular contribution further development of this regulatory framework for public protection would be impossible.”

John said of his new role as CNHC’s Chair: “I welcome the opportunity to take forward the CNHC vision of healthcare and public protection. I also look forward to meeting practitioners from across the sector who I know are so committed to their work and the need for standards.”

Details about CNHC’s new Chair and Board members are available on the CNHC website here: CNHC’s Board from 1 December 2012.

Update on professional standards
Those who came to Maggy Wallace’s seminar at this year’s camexpo will have heard her talk about the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE) and its changing role. Here we give a brief update of developments.

Background and update
CHRE was originally set up by government to oversee the work of the statutory healthcare regulators such as the General Medical Council, the Nursing & Midwifery Council and the General Osteopathic Council. Following plans announced in the new Health & Social Care Act 2012, the CHRE became the Professional Standards Authority for Health & Social Care (PSA) on 1 December 2012.

Assured Voluntary Registers
The PSA now has the extra job of accrediting voluntary registers in health and social care. Any organisation accredited by the PSA will become a holder of an Assured Voluntary Register (AVR) and CNHC will be applying to be accredited in the first round.

We will keep readers of camclub enews up to date with progress.

camexpo celebrates successful 10th anniversary show!

Adulteration of Black Cohosh is “rife” – BHMA

MHRA warns of Black Cohosh risk as woman undergoes liver transplant

Kate Humble launches natural beauty range

Seasonal sniffles? – it could be Christmas Tree Syndrome!

camexpo celebrates successful 10th anniversary show!

London’s Earls Court was transformed into a vibrant showcase of the very best in complementary and natural healthcare products and services last month, as camexpo celebrated its tenth anniversary edition on 20-21 October with 5,492 total attendees.

The essential two-day event for the UK’s CAM practitioners and therapists, camexpo has been hailed a huge success by attending visitors, who packed the aisles to see the latest offering from 170 exhibiting companies.  camexpo’s renowned CPD-accredited conference programme also enjoyed enthusiastic crowds, with many speaker sessions filled to capacity and the majority of taster workshops sold out in advance of the opening day.  Whilst the show’s exhibitors left the show impressed by the wealth of quality attendees that organiser Diversified Business Communications UK had delivered.

Zoe Campbell, event manager of camexpo, is delighted with the results:  “We have just had our best camexpo ever.  The overwhelming feedback we’ve received so far from many of our exhibitors is that they enjoyed a very productive and successful show.  I would like to say a huge thank you to all of our exhibitors, visitors, speakers, and supporters, for making this year’s milestone anniversary show so very special.  It was fantastic to be able to celebrate – not just ten years of camexpo – but the achievements and growth of the CAM industry as a whole – in such great company.”

“camexpo is always outstanding – and is an absolute ‘must attend’ event for anyone involved in complementary medicine, integrative medicine and natural healthcare,” adds Jayney Goddard, president of the CMA, whose session on how to build more profit into CAM practices drew standing room only crowds to the show’s new Hot Topic Discussion Desk zone.  “This year – however – on camexpo’s 10th anniversary the organising team at Diversified UK pulled out all the stops and delivered a show that was truly exceptional in every respect.  Every year I attend I always think that camexpo can’t possibly get any better – and am always proven to be totally wrong.  I don’t know how they do it – but this show is truly incredible and here at The Complementary Medical Association we are proud to be involved.”

Despite severe disruptions on the public transport links serving Earls Court and West Brompton over the camexpo weekend, thousands of dedicated practitioners, therapists, CAM students and health store buyers flocked to the show.  Attendees benefited from incredible ‘show only’ savings on thousands of essential CAM purchases, plus an unrivalled opportunity to be kept up-to-date with all the latest research and developments by big name industry speakers and trainers in the show’s 22 free Keynote seminars (in two Revital-sponsored theatres), 33 free training and development sessions in its CThA Demo Theatre and CAM Stage Live!, new Hot Topic Zone sessions, and 48 Taster Workshops (sponsored by Balens).

Therapist Lorraine McClellan was just one of thousands of visitors who left camexpo with a host of new business ideas:  “I think the show’s fabulous!  It’s very informative and great for networking.  I came with some exhibitors in mind but am very delighted to have found a choice of great new products and new avenues to explore.”

“camexpo really opens up your mind to the wide scope of alternative medicine,” agrees nutritional therapist  Shaherah Jordan.  “It’s been one of the most enjoyable days I have spent in a long time.”

Whilst highly satisfied exhibitors included Denise Tiran, educational director at Expectancy, who commented: “This has been our most successful show since we started exhibiting seven years ago!  Visitors seem to be much more focussed – definitely our best show yet.”

Exhibitor Lisa Whitehead, consultant therapist at Botanicals Natural Skin Care, was equally upbeat:  “It was the first time we’ve exhibited at camexpo, and what a great show it was! There was such a buzz in the hall and we were absolutely delighted with the level of serious interest in our range from therapists.”

“Busy show, the quality of visitors has been amazing – even better than last year.  But it’s not just about our business and sales, visiting practitioners are really interested – and genuinely grateful – in the quality of product research that we are doing on their behalf,” says Sarah Daly, sales manager at A.Vogel.

“Really good show, it’s our third year exhibiting and this is the best one yet!” says Julie Goodwin, owner of Healing Bamboo/Kokoro Haramaki.

“camexpo was a fantastic venue at which to showcase payleven’s revolutionary new smartphone based credit/debit card payment system.  We were overwhelmed with interest from individual therapists (with over 100 signing up at the show), who were excited by the prospect of finding a low-cost mobile solution to a long-standing problem of how to take card payments,” says Ian Marsh, director of payleven UK.

“Another fabulously successful show!  This has to be the number one show for anyone serious about promoting their brand to the CAM marketplace.  We’ll be back next year!” says Amanda Nelson, managing director of Manifest Health Ltd.

Show highlights included the announcement of the winners of camexpo’s three prestigious annual awards, including the Best New CAM Product Award 2012, voted for by visitors to the show’s New Products Showcase on Saturday 20 October.  The winner – by some margin, was MyChelle Dermaceuticals by Eterno Naturals.

“We’ve been non-stop this year – and sold lots of products.  The show has had a great buzz and we’re delighted to have won this year’s Best New CAM Product Award,” says Nigel Barton, managing director of Eterno Naturals.

Another camexpo winner was CNHC registered nutritional therapist Catherine Jeans, who together with her co-owner Jackie Heffer-Cooke, runs The Orange Grove Clinic in Norwich, which won the CAM Clinic of the Year Award 2012.  The Award, sponsored by Viridian Nutrition, in association with The Nutri Centre, included £500 prize money, and was presented by Jayney Goddard, president of The Complementary Medical Association (CMA).  The Award, which is now in its third year, was judged on the treatments offered, marketing, client testimonials, unique selling points and all round client experience.  The final shortlist, drawn from over 50 entries from clinics all around the UK, also included The Perrymount Clinic in Haywards Heath, Sussex, and Fine Fettle in Bookham, Surrey.

The judging panel were impressed by the high quality of entries but singled out The Orange Grove Clinic for its distinctive approach and “fantastic client testimonials”, commenting:  “The winning clinic not only offers a wide range of therapies, the clinic also offers a range of specialist fertility, pregnancy and post natal treatments, classes and courses as well as catering for the health and wellbeing of its city.”

“Jackie and I created The Orange Grove Clinic to provide the people in our region with a nurturing and professional complementary centre, dedicated to integrated healthcare using a multi-therapy approach to ensure the best support for each and every client.  This award is dedicated to our wonderful team of therapists and receptionists who have worked so hard to bring The Orange Grove Clinic to such prestigious recognition, just one year after opening,” says Catherine Jeans, co-owner of camexpo 2012’s winning CAM clinic.

The recipients of camexpo’s fourth annual, industry-voted CAM Outstanding Achievement Award were also a popular choice – particularly as they were accepting the honour for an unprecedented second year running.  The winners Meghan Mari and Rachel Fairweather, directors and co-founders of the Jing Institute of Advanced Massage Training, enjoyed a standing ovation as they accepted the award from Diversified UK’s managing director Carsten Holm.  Aside from winning an overwhelming majority of votes, many of Meghan Mari and Rachel Fairweathers’ legion of followers submitted glowing testimonials on their behalf, including the following by one anonymous supporter:

“Brilliant, passionate and so enthusiastic towards everyone who walks into their training rooms, my business wouldn’t be where it is now without their continued support.”

“For once in our lives we are without words! To receive the CAM Outstanding Achievement Award for the second year running is an incredible privilege and we feel absolutely thrilled and honoured,” commented Mari and Fairweather earlier this week.  “Without a doubt, camexpo has become ‘the show’ in support of complementary therapies and we would like to thank the organisers for their whole hearted support of the massage profession and the wider CAM community.”

“We accept this award on behalf of massage therapists everywhere who are aiming to raise the standards of the profession and especially to the first graduates of our BTEC level 6 degree level programme in advanced clinical and sports massage. Together we are proud and strong; Jing has always been about the power of realising your dreams and working together we are so much more powerful than we are alone. Thank you to everyone who has helped us to achieve our dreams – we endeavour to continue to support you to realise yours,” continued Mari and Fairweather.

camexpo will return to Earls Court, London, in 5-6 October 2013.  For further information, please visit www.camexpo.co.uk, or stay up-to-date with all the latest news and 2013 exhibitor information via the show’s facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/camexpoevent) and twitter account (@camexpo).

Adulteration of Black Cohosh is “rife” – BHMA

Posted on31 October 2012. Tags: adulteration, BHMA, Black Cohosh, MHRA – www.Naturalproductsonline.co.uk

The British Herbal Medicines Association (BHMA) has warned that the situation in which an unregulated Black Cohosh product caused liver failure “must never be allowed to happen again”.
Earlier this week the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) warned consumers about the dangers of unlicensed Black Cohosh remedies after a woman suffered serious liver failure when she took an unnamed unlicensed product containing the herb. The woman subsequently required a liver transplant.
In a statement, the BHMA said that the case was a “tragedy for the individual concerned and an important reminder of the need to regulate the supply of herbal medicines in the public interest”.
The Association says that it has consistently called for strict controls of the supply of black cohosh since reports were published almost 10 years ago linking consumption of unregistered products to liver disease. It points out that despite it having been a legal requirement since April 2011 for all manufacturers of black cohosh (and other herbal medicines) to register products under the Traditional Herbal Registration scheme, many non-registered products have remained on the market.
The BHMA says adulteration of Black Cohosh with the wrong species “is rife” resulting in finished products with “uncertain safety profiles”.
These products continue to be a threat to public safety says the Association, which is calling on the UK regulators to take “robust steps to ensure that this tragedy doesn’t happen again”.

MHRA warns of Black Cohosh risk as woman undergoes liver transplant

Posted on30 October 2012. Tags: Black Cohosh, liver failure, MHRA, THR – www.Naturalproductsonline.co.uk

The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned consumers about the dangers of unlicensed Black Cohosh remedies after a woman suffered serious liver failure when she took an unnamed product containing the herb. The woman subsequently required a liver transplant.
An investigation into the case and the product involved is ongoing.
The MHRA says it has received 53 reports of adverse reactions “suspected to be associated with the use of Black Cohosh” through the Yellow Card safety reporting system.
In a statement the MHRA urges consumers to choose herbal products licensed under the Traditional Herbal Registration scheme and to look for the THR logo on packs. THR products are required by law to provide comprehensive safety information – including, in the case of Black Cohosh, warnings to people with liver conditions not to take the product. Although since 2006 the Agency has asked manufacturers of all Black Cohosh products to ensure that appropriate safety warning is included in packaging, it says that some manufacturers have ignored the advice.
The MHRA told the Daily Mail that the agency had also found Black Cohosh being sold as a food supplement at 50 times the recommended dose.
Richard Woodfield, the MHRA’s head of herbal policy, said: “Unlicensed herbal medicines may have incomplete, inaccurate or no safety information and can mean you are gambling with your health, especially if you take these products without consulting a GP or a qualified healthcare professional.”
One industry insider told Natural Products: “We have been predicting this situation for years as it has been known that some manufacturers and suppliers have been selling high dose unregulated material with major health implications. We are now perilously close to losing another wonderful herb because of money-crazed companies who know nothing about herbal medicine or medical ethics.”

Kate Humble launches natural beauty range

Posted on29 October 2012. Tags: beauty range, Kate Humble – www.Naturalproductsonline.co.uk

The Springwatch presenter and TV personality Kate Humble is launching a new eco-friendly natural beauty range, reports licensing.biz.
The new 12-product strong range includes foaming bath, shower gel, body lotion and body scrub lines. All the products will be free from parabens and SLS and come in packaging made from 100% recycled material.
Humble, who presented the 2012 Natural and Organic Awards at Natural & Organic Products Europe told licensing.biz: “All packaging will carry the ‘Humble promise’ – to only deliver products which are natural, with ‘no chemicals or hidden nasties’, and which come in 100 per cent recycled packaging.This isn’t just an endorsement, it’s a personal project – this is my product.

Seasonal sniffles? – it could be Christmas Tree Syndrome!

Posted on25 October 2012. Tags: Allergy, Christmas tree, HayMax – www.Naturalproductsonline.co.uk
Seasonal sniffles experienced by many people at this time of year might not be due to the common cold after all. Recent evidence demonstrates that many people are actually allergic to their Christmas tree!
The traditional seasonal centre-piece could be harbouring a wide range of airborne allergens, which can cause irritation and allergic reactions. Many people suffer with common cold-type symptoms, such as an itchy nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing and, for asthma sufferers, an acute flare-up of wheezing and shortness of breath.
A 2011 survey found 35 per cent of people in the UK suffer from an increase of hay fever like symptoms at Christmas, and that real trees caused most problems.  And the findings of a further study show that pollen grains collected in the tree bark can affect hayfever sufferers too. When the tree is brought into the house, the tree resin dries, releasing more pollen into the air, causing potential allergic reactions – a condition known as Christmas Tree Syndrome.

Fortunately there are a number of natural options for tackling the problem. These include putting up the tree as late as possible, positioning an air purifier near the tree and using a barrier balm.
A new study shows that the HayMax barrier balm traps both indoor and outdoor airborne allergens from entering the body – helping block the pollen, mould, dust and pet dander that cause the problem. If this keeps a sufferer below their trigger level, they ought to have no allergic reaction to their tree.

• CNHC reports back on its 2012 camexpo experience

• The Orange Grove Clinic – camexpo CAM Clinic of the Year Award Winner 2012

CNHC reports back on its 2012 camexpo experience

Once again CNHC enjoyed a busy show at camexpo this year. We were delighted to see so many visitors at the CNHC stand and were impressed at the level of knowledge and interest shown about the CNHC and regulatory issues. It is such a good opportunity for the CNHC team to be able to meet and talk to practitioners, to hear and address questions and concerns and to continue to raise awareness of CNHC’s role within the complementary healthcare sector. Thanks to all who came to visit us, we do look forward to being in touch with you over the coming year.

CNHC’s Chair, Maggy Wallace, was also pleased to see over 80 practitioners at her Saturday seminar. She described the changing role of the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE), which currently oversees the work of the statutory regulators such as the General Medical Council (GMC) and the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC). From December this year the CHRE will be renamed the Professional Standards Authority for Health & Social Care (PSA) and will be responsible for formally ‘approving’ voluntary registers. CNHC will be applying to be approved at the earliest opportunity and we will provide updates about this in the camclub enews next year.

Maggy commented: “It was very heartening to see so many practitioners who were keen to know more about standards and professionalism. People asked some very well-informed questions and I think this says a lot about how people are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of effective regulation in the public interest.”

Maggy also updated practitioners on CNHC’s awareness-raising campaign which has involved 50 local champions around the country who have been spreading the word about professional standards and CNHC in their local areas. A number of local champions were at the seminar and shared some of their successes such as gaining local press coverage and displaying posters and leaflets in a range of local outlets. Many have gained new clients as a result of taking part in the activity and it has raised awareness about the CNHC register and CNHC quality mark amongst the general public.

We were also very pleased to see this year’s winners of the camexpo Outstanding Achievement Award were CNHC registered. We offer our congratulations to Directors of Jing Insitute, Rachel Fairweather and Meghan Mari, for their outstanding work again this year.

So thanks once again to all who came to talk to us and we look forward to continuing the debate throughout the year and meeting even more people at camexpo next year.

CNHC’s Board update
Following a successful recruitment process we are delighted to announce that the make-up of CNHC’s Board will change from 1 December this year. For the first time since CNHC was set up in 2008, the CNHC Board will include practitioner members and will be made up of 5 lay (non practitioner) members and 4 CNHC registrants.

All of CNHC’s Board members have been appointed for the various skills and knowledge that they can bring to the process of setting strategic direction, policy making, ensuring financial probity and public representation. Directors who are also CNHC registrants will not be on the Board to represent their individual therapies/disciplines, as that role remains with CNHC’s Profession Specific Boards (PSBs).

Details of CNHC’s new Board are available on CNHC’s website here: CNHC’s new Board

For more information about CNHC and how to register visit: www.cnhc.org.uk or call 020 3178 2199.

Winners of the camexpo CAM Clinic of the Year Award – The Orange Grove Clinic

Sponsored by Viridian Nutrition and in association with the Nutri Centre.

The Orange Grove Clinic was created by therapists, and best friends, Catherine Jeans and Jackie Heffer-Cooke.  When they opened the clinic in October 2011, their vision was to create a nurturing and professional environment, where calm relaxation meets with the best in complementary health the region could provide.  They wanted to create a centre where the client feels truly nurtured, from the moment they walk through the door, with the option of an integrated approach to therapy where a team of experts would work together to help them improve their health and be the best they could possibly be, whatever stage of their life – from pregnancy through to birthing, children’s health through to stress management and arthritis care.

When a client comes to the Orange Grove, they may be searching for a particular therapy.  Yet they also have the option to have a free 20 minutes consultation to discuss their specific needs, and discover the most appropriate therapy or therapies for them, and this could include an integrated package.

When the Orange Grove clinic was founded, Jackie and Catherine were also determined to build a team of therapists and provide them with a place to feel truly nurtured as a practitioner, where they could prosper and provide clients with the best care available.  As Catherine explains:  “we have a wonderful team of therapists, offering a vast array of therapies.  We feel it is absolutely vital to support our team and ensure they are able to prosper with effective marketing support, continual professional development opportunities and the chance to work together to build the best services for our clients.  And of course we like to socialise together sometimes too!

“We now have over 20 different therapists working from our clinic, and it so wonderful for our clients to be able to find everything they need under one roof, from nutrition to massage, acupuncture to homeopathy, yoga, Qigong, hypnobirthing, therapy training and so much more.”

The name of The Orange Grove Clinic was born from the beautiful building they found in the centre of Norwich, which is several hundred years old, and stands in a peaceful part of the city centre, painted Mediterranean burnt orange, with a fruit tree just outside the front door.  The name and logo were designed to create a feeling of community radiating from inside the Orange Grove – for therapists, for clients and the wider community.  As Jackie explains:  “our aim is to give back to the people around us – and we very often hold fundraising events for local charities such as Future Projects, to help support our local region.”

After just one year of opening, Catherine and Jackie are extremely proud of their achievements.  “We really want to dedicate this award to our brilliant therapists, who work so hard to provide the best level of care possible for our clients.  It’s such a pleasure to work with such a professional group of people, and this award is testament to all our hard work at The Orange Grove Clinic.”

“This award gives us even greater confidence in the work we do at The Orange Grove  and the next 12 months will see some exciting new developments.  This includes the Really Good Health Show brought together by The Orange Grove Clinic at The Forum in Norwich in March 2012, which began last year and will be further developed as the health event of the year, bringing together a wide array of exhibitors for all aspects of health, including our own therapists.  Later in the year, we will also be presenting The Really Good Bump, Birth and Baby Show for the second year running.

Within the clinic, we will be developing our retail area further, so that we can provide a wide range of products to suit all of our clients’ needs, with one area specifically dedicated to The Orange Grove Bump, Birth and Baby Centre.  A large segment of our clients come to us for fertility, pregnancy, birthing and post-natal support, so it makes sense for us to further provide for them with an area dedicated to their needs.

Background on Clinic Owners:
Catherine Jeans is a nutritional therapist, a graduate and now tutor at The Institute of Optimum Nutrition and a member of BANT and the CNHC.
Jackie Heffer-Cooke is a graduate, massage therapist, hypnobirthing instructor, pregnancy yoga, baby yoga and baby massage teacher.  She is a member, and the regional representative, for the MTI and is registered with The Official Hypnobirthing Institute.