It was a moment for all of West Cork when Carbery defeated Muskerry in the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC Divisions/Colleges seeded section final at Páirc Uí Rinn and claimed the Derry Gowen Cup. The divisional side was made up of clubs stretched across the region, and it was O’Donovan Rossa’s Gene O’Donovan who put all the pieces together and got the win on a sun soaked evening. Carbery had to do it the hard way, as their semi-final appearance involved a thrilling victory over Duhallow on a night decided by St. Mary’s Olan Corcoran fisting over the bar in the dying seconds. Muskerry proved to be a more straight forward affair, as O’Donovan’s players’ outscored their near rivals 2-23 to 2-15 with nine different purple and yellow jerseys finding the target. Their reward is a place in the preliminary quarter finals of the Cork Premier Senior Football Championship in August, with University College Cork lined up for the West Cork divisional side. O’Donovan isn’t thinking that far ahead. He is simply celebrating what has already been achieved by Carbery in 2026, the coach tells Dylan O’Connell.

“I’m feeling good…. I’m feeling very good,” Gene O’Donovan says.

“Look, the boys, the boys, we didn’t challenge them. They challenged themselves. I say very little in the dressing room. I just thank them for coming and things like that.

“You know, Haulie O’Sullivan does a lot of the work. Haulie does a lot of the work there with the coaching side of things.

“Normally I just coach, but this is a manager’s job I took on this year when I was asked. I was with Carbery just pre-COVID. There’s just too much history in Carbery not to want to be in this job.

“I had been in with Tim Buckley a few years ago and Tim kind of persuaded me. I’m involved with a lot of teams as well but I love this bunch.”

Carbery is a special operation, as the divisional team pulls in players from across the West Cork and the goal is to build a winning team in a very short window. The complete unit only plays a handful of games a year, with the goal to qualify for the knockout stages of the Cork Premier Senior Football Championship where there is a chance to win the Andy Scannell Cup.

The stakes of their operation get bigger and bigger with every game, and there’s absolutely no room for error.

Divisional sides’ recent record in football is a testament to that as Duhallow from North Cork in 2019 are the last team of its kind to reach the final, and Carbery were the last to claim the county champions title after a victory over Bishopstown in 2004.

O’Donovan knows full well what goes into running and managing a divisional team, the hardest part of the job is the balancing act as they try to fit in training and matches around club activity.

Fortunately for Carbery, they have a coach in charge that knows exactly what to do those situations.

“It just comes together,” O’Donovan explained.

“Believe it or not, there are no phone calls. There is none, and people won’t believe that.

“The first thing we said when we spoke to the clubs was that we’re not bringing the lads in to flah them out, for the simple reason that they’re doing enough strength and conditioning and fitness in their own clubs.

“And you can see they are a fit group, you know, and we put that challenge to the clubs to keep them fit so that they’d be playing at the higher level as, you know, a lot of these players are coming from Junior A and Intermediate, like, so this is senior A level as far as I’m concerned. The next one would be, you’re going up to senior premier if you beat UCC.

“So yeah, there is not a lot of organising. WhatsApp, text them. Are you available? If they say yes, you bring them out. Give us 25 players and we’ll put a team together.”

The star attraction in their run to lift the Derry Gowen Cup was Bantry Blues and Cork star Ruairi Deane, who featured in the Duhallow game just days after losing to Mayo in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship quarter finals at Croke Park.

The 35-year-old appeared and almost ran the show at Páirc Uí Rinn against Duhallow, he even got a much needed goal for Carbery to give the divisional side a 3-16 to 0-16 advantage in the 54th minute.

The 10-year veteran of intercounty football repeated this against Muskerry, on a night where his team stormed in front and comfortable held their northern rivals at arm’s length.

To O’Donovan, Deane is a model professional that has plenty left to offer for his club, division, and county.

“That only took one message,” he explained and smiled.

“That only took one message to Ruairi from one of our selectors, John Dineen, and Ruairi did not turn us down. John was a bit confused about it and he asked him, was he coming with his gear? And he said ‘yes, I am playing.’ 

“It only took one message, to see was Ruairi okay for the Muskerry game. ‘Yeah, I’ll be there’ That’s it, and that’s the man he is. He’s in great shape. Do you know what I mean? After a long season with Cork, I think there’s another couple of days left in Ruairi Deane.”

O’Donovan, Deane, and Carbery are now preparing to play UCC in the preliminary quarter finals of the Cork Premier Senior Football Championship.

That’s their next objective as a group, and it is well known around the panel and West Cork clubs.

Anything can happen now, with the championship in full swing and games coming thick and fast as summer turns to autumn.

Whatever comes their way, Carbery are winners with a trophy to show for it and that’s the most important thing.

In May this year, I had a really enjoyable time attending the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy’s (BACP) 32nd Annual BACP International Research Conference, which was titled ‘Collaboration for a just society – Multidisciplinary research in counselling and mental health’. The conference took place in London and ran across a few days. I was also very grateful to have had the opportunity to present my published research at the conference. To stand on stage and present my work to an audience of peers was very invigorating but also somewhat nerve-wracking, naturally enough. I was presenting my research along with some people who I have been inspired by over the years, so in many ways it felt like I was standing on the shoulders of giants.

The presentation itself was recorded, which I recently had time to watch. I watched it from a position of reflexivity, with the intention of seeing myself through as much of an objective lens as possible. I always find it somewhat unsettling to watch myself but also very helpful. In this case I used a simple and effective framework called The Johari Window to take notes, which provided me the ability to bring different aspects of my experience into my awareness, including things I had not been aware of previously. 

The Johari Window is one of many models for understanding ourselves in relation to our self, others and the world around us. Developed by psychologists Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham in 1955, it offers a framework for exploring self-awareness, communication and interpersonal relationships. The principles of its use are very relevant to psychotherapy because they invite curiosity about what is known, hidden, misunderstood and yet to be discovered within our experience. As Luft wrote in his book ‘Of Human Interaction’ in 1969, “There are things known to us and known to others, things unknown to us but known to others, things known to us but not to others, and things unknown both to us and to others.” This simple idea reflects the complexity of being human.

The model consists of four quadrants within an overall square. The ‘Open Area’ represents aspects of ourselves that are known both to us and to others. The ‘Hidden Area’ contains experiences, thoughts and feelings that we know but choose not to disclose. The ‘Blind Area’ consists of qualities that others perceive but that remain outside of our own awareness. Finally, the ‘Unknown Area’ represents untapped potential and unconscious processes or experiences that neither we nor others have yet to recognise. Rather than viewing these quadrants as fixed categories, the Johari Window encourages us to see them as fluid. This is very reflective of how we grow and develop over time.

Our understanding of ourselves is shaped through interaction with other people, and equally, our relationships are influenced by what we reveal, conceal, ignore and discover. This idea echoes Carl Rogers’ – an American Psychologist and one of the founders of Humanistic Psychology, assertion, in his 1954 book titled ‘On Becoming A Person’ – that “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” Acceptance more often than not creates the conditions for greater openness, both intra-personally, in relation to one’s self, and interpersonally, in relation to others. Within the Johari Window, this can be understood as gradually enlarging the ‘Open Area’ through honest self-reflection and authenticity. 

The ‘Open Area’ is perhaps the space most associated with psychological wellbeing. When people are able to express thoughts, emotions and needs authentically, relationships tend to become characterised by greater transparency and mutual understanding. This does not imply indiscriminate self-disclosure. More-so, it suggests developing the confidence to communicate in ways that feel safe and appropriate. When I was watching the recording of myself, I noticed a striving for authenticity throughout, as I shared my thoughts and emotions and my behaviour aligned with that. It led to a feeling of ease in the moment and this reinforces to me to continue striving for authenticity at all times, even in the nerve-wracking presentation moments! In therapy, the relationship itself often becomes a place where this process can unfold or even be experienced for the first time. A person attending therapy can begin to feel psychologically safe, frequently disclose experiences that have remained hidden for years and, as a result, allow those experiences to be witnessed, understood and integrated.

The Hidden Area refers to the fact that everyone carries parts of themselves that remain private. When I was rewatching my presentation, I noticed that I appeared quite calm, I even received feedback from some people in the audience afterwards that I came across very well. Yet, that didn’t quite match what was happening privately for me at certain moments. I experienced moments of stress and even anxiousness during the presentation and, using this framework, I can see now that was hidden. It was hidden, as it was not relevant to what was happening, but it may have been useful for me to recognise those things in the moment, even privately, as they would have not felt so intense if I did.

Sometimes what we keep in the ‘Hidden Area’ are simply personal preferences or memories, while at other times they reflect shame, fear or experiences of trauma. Many people arrive in therapy having spent years protecting these hidden aspects of themselves, often because disclosure once carried significant emotional or relational risk. These protective strategies are understandable attempts to remain safe. Therapy, therefore, does not seek to eliminate the ‘Hidden Area’, the endeavour can be more about creating sufficient safety for clients to decide whether keeping something hidden continues to serve them.

The ‘Blind Area’ highlights another important dimension of therapeutic work. While watching myself talk and joke on the stage, I realised that I do not see myself clearly at all. I watched myself moving about the stage and translating my research into easy-to-understand concepts linked to what therapists experience in their practices every day. In more simple terms, I don’t give myself enough grace and recognise my strengths…which are hard to ignore when they are on a recording! This was a blind spot, in the ‘Blind Area’, for me, which was useful to see and recognise for myself and my own development and growth. Whereas, when people say these things to me as feedback, I usually don’t fully believe them or give the feedback much weight.

Objective non-judgemental feedback, for lack of a better word, can be an essential mechanism for growth. Within therapy, such feedback is offered with empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard, reducing the likelihood that it will be experienced as criticism. What emerges between therapist and client may illuminate relational patterns that exist outside the therapy room that can be curiously and gently addressed offering clients the opportunity to reflect upon themselves.

The ‘Unknown Area’ captures the greatest sense of hope within the Johari Window. It acknowledges that every person possesses capacities and possibilities that have yet to emerge. In many cases, for clients coming to therapy, those capabilities may have been buried deeply under life experiences and a bit of excavating can reveal them. When I watched the recording of the conference, I noticed that for the first couple of minutes I was staring at my slides while speaking but I then naturally moved into looking at the audience. I wasn’t aware of this but now I have had time to reflect, I see how that was part of me moving from feeling safe into becoming comfortable in that experience. Useful information for myself moving forward that I would not have known otherwise, and nobody else has ever commented on to date, which will serve me in future. The beauty of The Johari Window, and therapy, is having a chance to look at oneself without judgement and potentially grow into the fullest version of one’s self as result, and what a gift that truly is.

Universally renowned meditation teacher Jon Kabat Zinn wrote a book called ‘Wherever you go, there you are,’ a revealing title for many of us, because even though our bodies might be lying on a sunny beach in Allihies, our mind may have taken us off into the future or back to the past. To learn to bring our mind home to where our physical body is can be such a useful skill, in moments of joy, social awkwardness, indeed any moment at all. Even saying to yourself ‘I am here now’ helps to come back from old stories or thought spirals. My own mindfulness practices these days have a strong focus on taking in the good, and soaking up these bright, spacious days that seem to have no end. And a practice of gratitude, gratitude, gratitude for all the blessings of the past year.

I love the real wholesome goodness and simplicity of this remote place and my growing appreciation of the life that is developing here for me. There is no price to be put on peace of mind and that is precisely what these spacious and wise landscapes support. Reflecting on last summer, how different it feels to this moment, as I was only beginning then to piece the broken shell of myself together.  This looking back can help us as we make our way forward, as we learn to shoulder our grief, and manage the other associated, layered, often unspoken or unexpected losses. Reflecting back is helpful now and then, it doesn’t mean we need to languish in the past, rather, to reflect helps us make sense of what’s happening now. It can be so encouraging to look back and see how far we’ve come.  

A beautiful friend came to visit recently; it was so lovely to spend a few days with her and her lovely doggie. I was surprised, but loved it so much, when she casually asked me, “How is your grief?” The integrity, directness, presence and care of the question was quite unusual but so very welcome, like a cooling glass of water on a hot day. I could take a breath, feel my way towards an answer, no rush, she was waiting and would listen. She had opened the door, given me permission.  How rare and precious that is. This friend knows deep grief and loss too and maybe you need to reach those depths in yourself before you can hold space for another, I don’t know.  

I love when everything in my life is positive, who doesn’t? But that is not the reality of life for most of us. So, I prefer to practice being with what’s real instead of constant, almost forced, positivity, and that is precisely what mindfulness meditation teaches us, to deal with what is happening in the present moment, no matter what it is. We are encouraged to turn towards it, whether it is a joyful feeling, a sad or a critical one, or a feeling of gratitude. Reality is truth and constant positivity does not open the space to ask, “how is your grief?” Because when you ask a question like that you need the capacity and the grace to hear the answer. The opening it offered and conversation that followed was in the moment, it didn’t take from our weekend in any way, in fact it enriched it, with so many feelings co-existing side by side. My kind friend asking a simple but brave question made the world of difference to me, asking those hard questions is an act of love and shows you care enough in this busy life to wait for and hear an answer.

Mindfulness meditation by the sea in the Sarah Walker Gallery, Castletownbere as part of Festival of the Sea on August 1, 11am -12pm and 1-2pm.

Please keep in touch: 087 2700572 or email: susanoreganmindfulness@gmail.com 

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I hope, given all the exceptionally good weather we have had this summer, that you have all had a chance to relax and reap its benefits. The glorious sunshine should really set up our vitamin D stores for the coming winter. 

But what if you are finding that despite the long sunny days you are finding yourself unable to relax? That much as you might appreciate the sunshine, something in you won’t or can’t relax and let go? And you notice you can’t enjoy it as much as you might wish to, perhaps you feel a bit emotionally flat or somewhat agitated and unable to focus. 

If depression has been ruled out by a medical or mental health professional, then consider that your symptoms could be stemming from burnout.

Burnout is defined by the WHO as energy depletion and chronic dysregulation of the stress response systems. It is a disruption of the HPA axis (Hypothalamic, adrenal, pituitary axis) which is responsible for controlling your cortisol energy circulation, which in turn regulates your sleep/wake cycle and your capacity to recover from normal stresses. 

When the HPA axis becomes compromised our blood sugar becomes unstable and we lose our ability to generate energy efficiently. Our immune system may become compromised, our cognitive functioning may be challenged and our cardiovascular system may begin to show signs of chronic stress.

Burnout is not something that happens overnight and largely stems from tiny, repeated poor behaviours and habits that we will address here.

It is not an excess of the stress hormone, cortisol, that causes burnout, though you might be forgiven for thinking that this is the case. We need cortisol, as by triggering our Fight/Flight nervous system response, it has ensured our survival as a species. 

The issue is not that this hormone floods the system, but that a phenomenon known as ‘cortisol rhythm collapse’ occurs. Our cortisol is not too high; the problem is that it is flat and does not fluctuate in a natural daily rhythm. 

We should ideally have high levels in the morning to help us wake up and get up, and declining levels in the evening so melatonin levels can rise and we can switch off and sleep with varying oscillations throughout the day as normal stresses and challenges arise. 

‘Flat’ levels of cortisol, with no real rise or fall means your body cannot distinguish between wakefulness and sleepiness, stress and rest, action and recovery and this is where we feel both ‘wired and tired’. 

When we are in burnout, we are constantly ‘borrowing’ energy from external stimulants rather than utilising and replenishing our own resources. So, we use caffeine to wake up, sugar for energy, alcohol to relax, screens for dopamine and so on and so forth. 

We are stimulating ourselves into being and there is very little we will not use as an outsource to function if our system is dysregulated. We are, after all, very inventive creatures, wired to survive. 

The problem is the more you borrow from the outside, the greater the internal debt, and the more you borrow, the more you need to borrow, just to feel normal.

Signs we might be experiencing burnout are: emotional flatness, agitation or inability to focus, feeling tired but unable to relax, reliance on stimulants, blood sugar crashes, always feeling switched on, feeling tired despite sleep, feeling disconnected from enjoyable experiences. 

Those with heavy workloads, those experiencing stressful life events and women in perimenopause/menopause are particularly vulnerable to burnout. 

So how can we mitigate against these symptoms of burnout? Well, just as small regular poor habits or patterns lead to burnout so small regular good habits can help restore our balance and wellbeing.

It is important that we take the time to gently recalibrate, it is small actions that make the difference and not major resets or extreme measures.

Simple rules

Do not skip meals: When blood sugar drops, cortisol will spike to compensate in the short term, which is why we can get ‘hangry’ and while this is tolerable for someone with a healthy HPA axis where cortisol naturally oscillates, it is not advisable for those of us with burnout. 

It is for this reason that Intermittent Fasting is not always advisable for menopausal women or people with burnout. 

A good idea is to ensure you eat protein with your first meal of the day, whether that’s eating eggs for breakfast or popping nuts and seeds and Greek yogurt on your porridge. Make sure you don’t load your system with sugary choices or simple carbohydrates in the morning so you can start your day with good blood sugar stability. 

Try to reduce the reliance on caffeine in all its myriad forms and eliminate alcohol if you are using it to relax.

Regulate sleep: Sleeping and waking at the same time daily is associated with longevity and it is vital in managing the symptoms of burnout. 

Get out of bed in the same 40-minute window of waking every day, and get light within an hour of waking to help set up your circadian rhythm. Avoid all screens for an hour prior to sleep. 

I’m an advocate for practising a gentle stretching routine followed by meditation before bedtime – it’s a great way to wind down.

Gentle exercise after eating: Going for a short walk after eating (within 10-20 minutes of eating) is a great way to regulate blood sugar so we can offset insulin spikes. 

Regular movement breaks also during your day are recommended whether it’s a bit of jumping up and down and shaking, or dancing, or a specific exercise routine.

Burnout doesn’t resolve overnight and, as exhausted as we may feel, making radical change is rarely what our system needs, tempting though it may be. What restores us is consistency and compassion — small, steady habits that gradually rebuild our internal rhythm and remind the body how to feel safe, rested, and energised again. 

The three tenets of health — sleep, movement, and nourishment — are our anchors. By supporting your blood sugar, honouring your sleep-wake cycle, and moving gently and regularly, you begin to repay that internal energy debt and reconnect with yourself. 

These small acts of self-care signal to your system that it can finally exhale. With time, patience, and simple daily practices, the ‘wired and tired’ feeling softens, and your natural vitality has space to return. 

Innovation in beauty isn’t always about the latest trend, it’s often found in thoughtful formulations, well-researched ingredients and products designed to solve real concerns. This month’s Beauty Edit showcases a selection of exciting new launches, including some Irish brands, spanning skincare, haircare, bodycare and makeup, each offering something a little different.

EYRA Hair Ritual Set Fine Hair (€70): Created by internationally recognised hairstylist Aidan Darcy, EYRA is an Irish haircare brand born from more than 15 years of experience in editorial, celebrity and luxury bridal styling. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, the range is thoughtfully formulated around hair density – fine, medium and thick, making it easier to choose products that truly suit your hair’s needs. The Fine Hair Ritual Set pairs the lightweight Awaken Shampoo with the nourishing Restore Conditioner to cleanse, hydrate and enhance natural volume without weighing hair down. The formulas combine ingredients including hydrolysed keratin, hydrolysed wheat protein, provitamin B5, aloe vera and nettle, along with nourishing jojoba and castor seed oils to help support healthy-looking hair, softness and shine. While beautifully presented as a ritual set, each product can also be purchased individually €38), giving you the flexibility to tailor your routine. The range is also available in dedicated collections for medium and thick hair, making EYRA a thoughtful, personalised approach to everyday haircare. Available online from eyrahair.com

Yon-Ka Retinol-Like Serum (€129): Retinoids remain one of the most researched ingredients in skincare for improving the appearance of fine lines, uneven texture and loss of firmness, but they aren’t always suitable for everyone. The new Retinol-Like Serum from Yon-Ka offers a gentle alternative, using naturally derived actives designed to deliver many of the visible benefits associated with retinol while remaining comfortable, even on sensitive skin.

Its lightweight dual-phase formula combines Yon-Ka’s exclusive [RE]NEW Technology with naturally derived retinol-like ingredients to help support skin renewal, soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, refine the look of pores and improve overall skin texture. With 99.8% ingredients of natural origin and a fast-absorbing texture, it’s an excellent option for anyone looking to introduce age-supporting skincare into their routine, particularly if they’ve found traditional retinol difficult to tolerate. As always, consistency is key, and don’t forget to apply a broad-spectrum SPF every morning when using any product designed to support skin renewal. Available online from yonka.ie Yon-Ka stockists nationwide.

Hildun Peptide Lip Balms (€26): Founded by Irish makeup artist Suzy Griffin, Hildun Beauty has teamed up with renowned makeup artist Hannah Martin to launch a beautiful new collection of Peptide Lip Balms. Two years in the making, the formula has been carefully developed to deliver the perfect balance of lip care and colour in one easy step. Enriched with peptides, shea butter and vitamin E, the ultra-smooth balm helps nourish and condition the lips while providing long-lasting hydration and a comfortable, non-sticky shine. Delicate light-reflecting micro pearls create a soft, multidimensional shimmer, and each celestial-inspired shade offers a flattering wash of colour. Choose from Starr, a rich brown shimmer, Lyra, a soft pink shimmer, or Astrid, a beautiful peachy shimmer. Available individually (€26) or as a trio for €73, these versatile balms are perfect worn alone or layered over your favourite lip liner and lipstick. They are sure to become your makeup bag staple. Available online from hildunbeauty.com and Hildun Beauty stockists nationwide. 

Skinician Multi-Peptide Ceramide Complex Sheet Mask & Serum (5 Pack, €75): This innovative treatment from Skinician is much more than a traditional sheet mask. Combining an intensive peptide and ceramide-infused sheet mask with a companion serum, it has been designed as a dual-phase treatment to deliver both immediate results and continued support for the skin long after the mask has been removed.

Rather than providing a one-off boost of hydration, it’s designed to support the skin’s natural repair processes while helping to maintain hydration and strengthen the skin barrier over time. Alongside advanced peptides and ceramides to help lock in moisture, the formula also features niacinamide, allantoin and beta-glucan to help soothe the skin, reduce visible redness and support a healthier-looking complexion. Once the mask is removed, the remaining serum continues to nourish the skin, helping to reinforce the skin barrier and maintain hydration. Ideal for skin that feels dry, compromised or in need of a boost, it’s a thoughtful treatment that goes beyond a quick fix. Available from skinician.com and Skinician stockists nationwide.

AVEENO Skin Renewal Range (from €11.99): If you struggle with rough, bumpy “strawberry skin” or uneven skin texture, the Aveeno Skin Renewal Range offers a gentle approach to smoother, healthier-looking skin. Suitable for sensitive skin, the collection includes a Gentle Body Scrub, Smoothing Cream and Firming Lotion, designed to work together as part of an effective body care routine. Formulated with naturally derived polyhydroxy acid (PHA) to gently exfoliate, nourishing oat to help support the skin barrier and niacinamide to help brighten the appearance of uneven skin tone, the range combines gentle exfoliation with long-lasting hydration. The Firming Lotion also contains blackberry leaf extract to help improve the appearance of skin firmness and elasticity and is clinically proven to deliver noticeably firmer-looking skin in just one week. Together, the range helps leave skin feeling softer, smoother and more comfortable. Available in pharmacies and grocery retailers nationwide.

To make an appointment for one of my Advanced Facial Treatments | Medical Microneedling | Byonik Laser | Dermalux LED Light Therapy |Slimyonik Body Airstyler | Teen Facials book online at www.shernamalone.ie 

by Galyna Zaitseva

When I first met Saeeda, I was struck by her quiet presence. She speaks softly, listens carefully and has no natural desire to be the centre of attention. At first, she seems shy and reserved. Yet the more time you spend with her, the more clearly you begin to notice the strength beneath that gentleness. I saw the same quiet strength in her studio.

I had imagined a busy creative space filled with fabrics, threads, patterns and unfinished ideas. Instead, everything was carefully organised in containers, with every object in its place. Only the sewing machine and a painting still in progress revealed that this was an artist’s workspace.

Then Saeeda began opening the containers.

One by one, she brought out dresses, blouses, jewellery and embroidered fabrics. She showed me the details she had made by hand and explained the techniques behind them. With each new piece, another part of her creative world appeared.

I had come to select outfits for the photoshoot, but very quickly I stopped choosing and simply began admiring her work. Every garment felt different. Some pieces were delicate and understated, while others were full of colour, embroidery and painted detail. Choosing only three looks was far more difficult than I had expected. I wanted to show everything.

For Saeeda, fashion has always been closely connected to art.

“As an artist, I have always dreamed of seeing people wear my art,” she says. “I love working with my hands, exploring crafts, textures and traditional techniques. Fashion has given me a beautiful way to turn my creativity into something people can wear and enjoy in their everyday lives.”

Saeeda has lived in Clonakilty since June 2024, having come directly to West Cork from Pakistan with her four children. Arriving in Ireland meant leaving behind her home, familiar surroundings and the life she had built.

At a time when almost everything around her was already changing, she also faced breast cancer, surgery and treatment.

“My battle with breast cancer came at a time when my whole life had already changed,” she says. “Facing cancer, surgery and treatment in a new country, largely on my own, was one of the biggest challenges of my life.”

She speaks about this period openly, but without allowing it to become the only story she tells about herself. During our conversation, her thoughts continually returned to the future: to fabrics she would like to try, techniques she wants to explore and ideas she hopes to develop.

“I have never believed in giving up,” she says. “I try not to spend too much time mourning what I have lost or what has been left behind. Instead, I think about what I can create, improve and build next.”

That way of thinking seems to shape both her life and her work.

Today, Saeeda creates clothing under the name S.fusion. The brand reflects her desire to bring different ideas, cultures, artistic traditions and styles together, while keeping comfort and individuality at the heart of every design.

“It is about creating a fusion while keeping comfort and individuality at the centre of everything I do,” she explains.

She currently works mainly with 100 per cent cotton and traditional hand block-printing techniques. Her next step is to explore eco-printing on cotton, and she hopes to work more with organic materials and handwoven textiles in the future.

For Saeeda, the way clothing feels is just as important as the way it looks.

“My purpose is not only to create beautiful and stylish clothing,” she says. “I want to think about people’s comfort and wellbeing too. Clothes can be artistic and stylish while still being breathable, comfortable and kind to the skin.”

What she loves most is beginning with a simple piece of fabric and gradually giving it a character of its own.

“For me, fashion is another form of art. I love taking a simple piece of fabric and giving it its own story. My dream is to let people wear that art.”

Saeeda does not believe personal style should be shaped by every passing trend. For her, clothing is a way of expressing personality, confidence and even mood.

She is especially passionate about reminding women that style does not disappear with age. Bodies change and the clothes that once felt right may no longer suit who we have become. Saeeda sees this not as a reason to withdraw from fashion, but as an opportunity to discover something new.

“Never believe that beauty or style has an age limit. We should never stop expressing ourselves or taking care of how we feel.”

Her advice is to look beyond perfection and pay attention to the way clothes make us feel.

Experimentation is an important part of Saeeda’s own work. She enjoys bringing traditional techniques into modern, uncomplicated silhouettes and exploring unfamiliar combinations of colour and texture.

“Sometimes stepping outside your comfort zone can help you discover a completely new and beautiful side of yourself,” she says.

The photoshoot asked Saeeda to step outside her own comfort zone. For most of her creative life, she had worked behind the scenes, designing clothes and creating looks. This time, she was the one wearing the designs and standing in front of the camera.

“I am quite camera-shy, so it was something completely new for me,” she says. “The photographer made me feel very comfortable, and wearing my own designs gave me a new connection with my work.”

At the beginning of the shoot, Saeeda was understandably reserved. She was more accustomed to adjusting a garment or considering how a look should be presented than thinking about her own position in front of the lens.

Gradually, she began to relax.

“I was very tired by the end and definitely realised that modelling is not as easy as it looks,” she says with humour. “But overall, it was a really beautiful and positive experience.”

During the day, she also experienced a quieter and more personal realisation.

“I suddenly realised that I had almost forgotten to smile. It reminded me that I need to find my smile again.” Those words stayed with me.

By the end of the shoot, Saeeda was no longer thinking so carefully about the camera. She was laughing freely and naturally, surrounded by the clothes she had designed and made with her own hands.

The photoshoot did not turn her into somebody new. It allowed her to see herself – and her work – from another side. For a little while, she was not only the artist behind the clothes, but also the woman wearing them, enjoying them and allowing herself to be seen.

“Cancer changed many things in my life, but it did not take away my creativity or my desire to move forward,” she says. “I am still creating, learning and building new dreams for myself and my children.”

Look One

This look brings together soft shades of green, natural texture and detailed handwork.

Relaxed olive-green trousers create an uncomplicated foundation, while the pistachio-green top, made from artisan-woven natural fabric, introduces texture and delicate hand embroidery. Its easy silhouette allows the beauty of the material to remain visible without making the outfit feel formal.

The long handmade overlayer is the focal point of the look. It has been carefully tailored and embroidered, while the back features a hand-painted floral design. This painted detail makes the garment unmistakably individual – a piece shaped not only by technique, but also by Saeeda’s hand as an artist.

The floral elements on the top and overlayer create a gentle connection between the pieces. They do not match exactly, but they seem to belong to the same story.

Minimal jewellery allows the woven fabric, embroidery and painting to remain at the centre of the outfit. The finished look feels calm and considered, with each handmade detail given space to be noticed.

Stylist’s tip: When wearing a detailed handcrafted piece, pair it with simple shapes and restrained accessories. Let the embroidery, texture or painted detail become the part of the outfit that draws the eye.

Look Two

The second look is light, joyful and full of summer colour.

At its centre is a yellow dress made from natural fabric and decorated with a traditional hand-block print. The warm shade brings brightness and energy, while the relaxed shape keeps the look comfortable and easy to wear.

Underneath, Saeeda wears a powder-blue blouse with full sleeves, hand embroidery at the shoulder and decorative inserts running along the arms. These details give the blouse its own identity rather than allowing it to disappear beneath the dress.

The combination of yellow and pale blue feels fresh and slightly unexpected. Small yellow elements within the embroidery connect the blouse to the dress, making the layering feel natural and balanced.

A caramel-toned handbag adds warmth and complements the earthy quality of the printed cotton. Together, the colours create an outfit that feels expressive without becoming overwhelming.

Stylist’s tip: When layering two contrasting garments, look for one small detail that connects them. A repeated colour in embroidery, print or trim can bring the whole outfit together.

Look Three

The third look is built around shades of blue and a gentle contrast between delicate fabrics and relaxed denim.

The flowing handmade overlayer moves lightly around the body, while fine bead embroidery catches the light with each step. Beneath it, a handmade blouse finished with lace adds another layer of softness and detail.

Wide-leg pale-blue jeans give the outfit a more grounded, contemporary feeling. Their simple structure provides an effective contrast to the sheer fabric, lace and beadwork above.

Because the colours remain within the same family, the different textures become the most interesting part of the look. Denim, transparency, lace and small areas of shimmer each contribute something different while preserving the calmness of the blue palette.

The result is relaxed but distinctive – an outfit that allows handcrafted pieces to become part of everyday dressing rather than reserving them only for special occasions.

Stylist’s tip: A monochromatic outfit becomes more interesting when you combine different fabrics. Denim, lace, sheer layers and beadwork can add depth and movement even when the colours are closely related.

For enquiries or commissions contact Saeeda through instagram (saeedamakeupartist) or Facebook (Saeeda Naeem)

It sounds like a small shift, but it changes everything. As parents, we naturally notice behaviour first. The slammed bedroom door. The eye roll. The silence after school. The argument over homework. The refusal to come to dinner. The endless hours spent behind a bedroom door or scrolling through a phone.

Behaviour is visible. It demands our attention. And because it often disrupts family life, our instinct is usually to stop it as quickly as possible.

But what if behaviour isn’t the problem? What if behaviour is the language our teenagers use when they don’t yet have the words to explain what is happening inside them?

Teenagers rarely wake up deciding to be difficult. They don’t choose anxiety, loneliness, shame or overwhelm. Yet they often don’t have the emotional vocabulary or confidence to say, “I’m struggling,” “I’m scared,” or “I don’t feel good enough.” Instead, those feelings leak out through behaviour.

Imagine trying to read a book by opening it to the very last page. You would know how the story ends, but you would have no understanding of everything that came before it. Behaviour is often like that last page. We see the ending, but we miss the chapters that explain it.

A teenager who snaps over something small may have spent the entire day feeling criticised or excluded. The teenager who refuses to go to school may not be lazy at all. They may be carrying anxiety that feels impossible to describe.The teenager who seems constantly angry may actually be frightened, disappointed or deeply hurt. And sometimes, the teenager who appears perfectly fine is the one quietly struggling the most.

This doesn’t mean that every difficult behaviour should be accepted without boundaries. Boundaries remain one of the greatest gifts we can offer our children. They provide safety, predictability and security. However, boundaries become much more effective when they are paired with curiosity.

Instead of asking, “How do I stop this?” we might ask, “What happened before this?” or “What could my teenager be finding difficult right now?” Curiosity doesn’t remove accountability. It simply helps us understand what we are responding to.

Think about how we respond to a physical symptom. If someone develops a persistent cough, we don’t simply tell them to stop coughing. We become curious. We ask what might be causing it. Behaviour deserves the same level of curiosity.

One of the biggest misconceptions about adolescence is that teenagers stop needing connection. Because they become more independent, spend more time with friends and seek greater privacy, it’s easy to assume they no longer want us involved.

The opposite is often true. Many teenagers desperately want connection. They simply don’t always know how to ask for it without risking rejection or embarrassment.

Sometimes connection looks nothing like the warm conversations parents hope for.

It might look like sitting beside you while you’re watching television. It might be asking for a lift somewhere. It might even look like an argument that started over something insignificant but was really an attempt to be noticed.

Not every behaviour carries a deep hidden meaning, of course. Teenagers are learning, testing limits and making mistakes, just as every generation before them has done.

But when difficult behaviours become repeated patterns, it’s worth wondering whether they are pointing towards an unmet emotional need.

This perspective can be surprisingly freeing for parents. Instead of feeling they have failed because their teenager is struggling, they begin to see themselves as detectives rather than judges and start collecting clues instead of building cases. They begin listening. Noticing that behind the anger there may be fear. Behind the withdrawal there may be shame. Behind the defiance there may be uncertainty. Behind the constant joking there may be sadness.

This doesn’t make parenting easier overnight. Teenagers will still test boundaries and family disagreements will still happen. But when we remember that behaviour is communication, we respond differently.

And perhaps most importantly, our teenagers begin to experience something every young person needs: the feeling of being understood before being corrected. Behaviour may be the loudest thing our teenagers show us, but it is rarely the whole story.

If we can learn to listen beyond the behaviour, we may get to understand the message and discover that what looked like defiance was really distress, what looked like laziness was exhaustion, and what looked like indifference was simply a young person who didn’t yet know how to ask for help.

Hello August! Wow, what a summer we are having and what an opportunity this weather presents to wear every single item of summer clothes in our wardrobes. Unfortunately the ‘naked’ look or swimsuit-to-work look is simply not an option! Whether or not you are a sun worshipper and whatever your shape or size, light airy clothes are a must-have this year. With very successful weight loss medication on the market, the door has finally opened for people who previously did not have the capacity to lose a lot of weight. The only downside to this is that your weight is constantly dropping so summer clothes you might have once loved, are just too big now.

When you are losing weight quickly, focus your summer wardrobe on adjustable, stretchy and budget-friendly transitional pieces like wrap dresses, elastic-waist or drawstring linen pants. There is no point in investing in any expensive items, as they may only be fitting you and wearable for a few weeks. Spend on stretchy underwear and bin the ones that no longer fit. I’m sure that when you look into your wardrobe, it’s like walking into a museum of sizes that you have already passed through. It can be a bit of a nightmare as your clothes no longer sit right, don’t drape right and, most importantly, they no longer feel like you. It is a challenge learning how to dress during the process. You no longer feel invisible and you don’t want to be invisible so don’t let your clothes make you feel like you are. This is easily fixed.

If you are on a weight loss drug, then the pace you will lose weight at is faster than most closets or budgets can handle, especially if you’re over 50. The extra skin, which can fold or hang, is a new thing, as are the ‘bat wings’ that weren’t there before. There could be softer inner thighs and back rolls that will make certain fabrics a ‘hard no’. One size styles and smartly-cut pieces can cover a wide size range without looking like a sack. The magic is in the fabric (cotton or linen), the drape, and the cut from the shoulders to the hips, not a size on the tag. Think of this season as the ‘intermission dressing’ season. The goal is a flexible, smart mini-closet that moves with you while your body is changing.

So what does deserve your hard earned cash now? You need to look for pieces that flex with you through many sizes, respect loose skin and still look intentional, especially when you are pairing them with that favourite designer bag. Look for Italian cut linen pants – Google it if you don’t know what I’’m talking about – they have an elasticated waistband and fit beautifully. They are wide, with a loose leg that skim over tummy, thighs and any extra skin that might have evolved.There are a ‘no fuss’ pants, minus back pockets – which can add bulk! You are looking for a top that skims the tummy area rather than a blunt line across.As the weather cools down (or in the evening) you can wear a string top under a top – to hold you in place. Tops with structure in the shoulder, even if the hemline is not stiff and straight, add a more polished look, and you avoid a ‘sloppy’ overall look.

Try to avoid tunics that cut your legs in half, seek out ones that end at the hips, it’s a far more flattering look. Your aim should be an intentionally relaxed look rather than an oversized look.

A long sheer lightweight cardigan or kimono robe can become your chic security blanket. Arms can often be the last place that a woman wants to show after rapid weight loss and years of fluctuating sizes. Look for one (or two) in as thin a material as possible – they are a wonderful layering piece that you can throw on over anything, without adding bulk or heat, and they give instant glamour! Completely open at the front, a soft breathable fabric and just enough arm coverage to make you forget about your loose skin and focus on your beautiful face. Perhaps buy two, one for everyday and another slightly more dressy one!

Be cautious of thin stretchy jersey material that will grab every line and fold. Avoid stiff cotton, as it will tent out from the widest point in your body and obviously any clingy body con is a definite no-no.

Use colour to draw the eye up, deeper shades on the bottom, slightly brighter or face-flattering colours near your neckline. Choose sleeves that hit just above or below the elbow to soften the upper arm.

Remember that this is your intermission wardrobe and it does not require investment, as you are just passing through. There are lots of sales already on, so you might just find some great bargains on quality pieces at a fraction of what they normally retail for. Be steadfast in your splurging and save it for when you are finally ready to invest. When your weight finally stabilises after four to six months and you are no longer in between sizes anymore is when you will know that you are moving into your long-term wardrobe. Please don’t fret and think that you have to go out and buy loads of clothes when you finally get ‘there’. We all have way too much stuff.

So, if you are somewhere between “my pants almost fell off today” and “I don’t recognise myself at all (in a good way)”, embrace this new chapter and dress to reflect your achievement.

Polycycstic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has recently been renamed Polymetabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). So why the change?

For this article, I will continue to use PCOS, as it’s the name that most of us are familiar with.  PCOS, now PMOS, is not simply an ovarian problem; it is a multi-system metabolic disorder with health implications that goes far beyond the effects on periods and fertility. The change in name was pushed for by health professionals and patient groups in order to highlight and recognise that. The metabolic disturbances that occur in  PCOS have longterm health implications.

PCOS was first described in 1935 by gynaecologists Stein and Leventhal. In 2003 the Rotterdam diagnostic criteria were agreed upon. To diagnose PCOS there needs to be two out of three of the following present:

1) Irregular, infrequent or no periods: This is when a woman’s cycle is less than 21 or more than 35 days or if she has less than eight periods a year.

2) Clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism: Clinical means that you have physical signs of excess testosterone activity such as bad acne, very oily skin, excess hair growth or hair loss. The hair loss can be diffuse on the scalp or more localised in the male baldness pattern; at the crown or on the forehead hairline. Biochemical means that your blood tests shows a high blood testosterone level. Some women with PCOS have a normal total testosterone blood level  and the issue can be with excessive sensitivity to those normal testosterone levels.

3) Polycystic appearance of the ovary on pelvic scan: This was  defined in 2003 in Rotterdam criteria as a large ovary, more than 10ml in volume or more than 12 follicles or little cysts in the ovary.

This third criterion was amended in 2018 to 20 follicles per ovary when it became clear that many women have the ovarian morphology without the syndrome; in English; 30 per cent of women have 12 or more follicles on pelvic scan but do not have any of the metabolic issues, i.e. have polycystic ovaries but not polycystic ovary syndrome. Even with the amended criterion of 20 follicles, it is recognised that about 20 per cent of women will have 20 or more follicles on a scan but no syndrome.

It is important to clarify at this stage that irregular and infrequent periods is a normal phenomenon during the seven years after our very first period. In addition, in these teen years, symptoms of testosterone activity, such as oily skin and acne are common. It is therefore felt inappropriate to diagnoses PCOS under the age of 20. If a scan under age 20 reveals the ovaries have a polycystic appearance, this should be repeated in the early 20s, as often the appearance of ovaries revert to normal. This is thought to be because it takes seven or more years for the ovarian machinery to settle down into what will be their regular workings.

While your GP can reliably diagnose PCOS, it is vital that other causes of infrequent or no periods are ruled out.

Hyperprolactinaemia occurs when the pituitary gland in the brain develops a benign tumour that secretes excessive amounts of  prolactin, the hormone usually produced when breastfeeding, which switches off periods. Other conditions that can affect periods are thyroid problems, adrenal hyperplasia, – when the adrenal glands that produce cortisol, testosterone and a little oestrogen are not working properly, – as well as more rare conditions such as tumours that secrete testosterone and syndromes of dysfunctional insulin resistance.

So, the baseline investigations should include thyroid and prolactin blood tests, as well as testosterone. Then, confusingly, there can be overlap or an element of PCOS and Hypothalamic dysfunction.

If it’s not completely straightforward, then your GP should refer you to an endocrinologist for an opinion as to whether this is simple PCOS or to determine if anything else is going on.

How does PCOS affect
my health?

Periods and fertility 

What if I only get four periods a year? Not having a period every month means you are not ovulating every month. Infrequent ovulation makes it much more difficult to fall pregnant. 

Endometrial cancer

During a cycle without ovulation the womb lining or endometrium encounters higher levels of oestrogen and lower levels of progesterone, our other female hormone. Net effect is overstimulation of the endometrium causing heavy periods. The serious longer-term effect of that over-stimulation is a two to six times increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with dysfunctional metabolic activity across a number of body systems, increasing the risk of several long-term health conditions. Many women with PCOS have a higher body mass index (BMI), which is a key driver of many of these risks. A high BMI increases the likelihood of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes later in life, while women with a BMI over 30 are also at greater risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. PCOS is closely linked to insulin resistance, meaning women are more likely to develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy and have a significantly increased lifetime risk of type two diabetes. Cholesterol levels are also commonly affected, with lower levels of HDL (‘good’) cholesterol and higher total cholesterol and triglycerides. Hypertension is more prevalent in women with PCOS, further increasing cardiovascular risk. Sleep apnoea is also more common, largely due to a higher BMI, but it is an independent risk factor for heart attacks, compounding the overall risk. In addition to these physical health concerns, women with PCOS have higher rates of psychological conditions, including depression, mood disorders and eating disorders.

The metabolic bits

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) experience dysfunctional metabolic activity across a number of body systems, placing them at increased risk of several long-term health conditions. A high body mass index (BMI), which is common in PCOS, is a major driver of many of these risks. Women with PCOS have a greater likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes later in life, while fatty liver disease is also more common, particularly in those with a BMI over 30. Insulin resistance is a key feature of PCOS, increasing the risk of gestational diabetes during pregnancy as well as type two diabetes both during and after pregnancy and throughout later life. Lipid abnormalities are also frequently seen, with lower levels of HDL (‘good’) cholesterol and higher levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides. Hypertension is more prevalent in women with PCOS, further contributing to cardiovascular risk. Sleep apnoea is also more common, largely due to higher BMI, but it independently increases the risk of heart attacks, compounding the overall cardiovascular burden. In addition to these physical health risks, women with PCOS are more likely to experience psychological difficulties, including depression, mood disorders and eating disorders.

So you can see, PCOS involves far more than infrequent periods and trouble getting pregnant. It is a multi-system chronic disease and needs to be recognised and more importantly treated as such: hence the change in nomenclature. 

How useful is the testosteone blood test?

Androgen or testosterone activity is increased in the body but it is not a simple as having a high testosterone level in the blood. When looking at testosterone activity we do blood tests for total testosterone but also for sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). This is a protein that binds to free testosterone, effectively mopping it up. Women with PCOS can have a normal total testosterone blood level but very low SHBG means that her normal testosterone level will have more effect on her organs. The most obvious place this is seen is on the skin, with oiliness, acne, excess hair growth and hair loss.

PCOS and menopause
transition

When seeing women during menopause transition, it is important to always ask about a history of PCOS. Ovulation can kick back in again, especially after significant weight loss and regular  periods can resume, leading some to assume the PCOS is gone: not true: the metabolic issues persist. These women commonly experience more hyperandrogenism in perimenopause with hair thinning and loss, facial hair, severe acne or oily skin.

These women will be more sensitive to some of the older fashion of progestogens, either in the pill or in a HRT regime, and this needs to guide a doctor’s choice of hormone therapy. 

Treatment

For women trying to conceive, ovarian stimulation is usually successful in inducing ovulation and improving fertility.

Hyperandrogenism, which can cause symptoms such as severe acne, excess facial or body hair, and hair loss, can be managed in several ways.

The combined oral contraceptive pill is often an effective treatment because the oestrogen it contains has anti-testosterone effects and also increases levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which binds to and reduces the amount of active testosterone in the body.

For women who prefer not to take hormonal treatment, metformin, a medication commonly used to treat diabetes, is a safe and effective alternative. In addition to improving insulin resistance, metformin has mild anti-testosterone effects and suppresses luteinising hormone (LH), which can help restore more regular ovulation and menstrual cycles in many women. Other medications with specific anti-testosterone effects, including finasteride and spironolactone, may also be prescribed, particularly for women experiencing hair loss or excess hair growth.

What is most important is that early on, as soon as PCOS is diagnosed, that a women is supported with issues of excess weight because high BMI is the main driver of her increased risk of heart attacks, stroke and lifelong hypertension. Phycological support and counselling may be needed, as prevalence of depression is high. Women with PCOS  should see their GP once a year for blood pressure, BMI and blood tests for lipids and HbA1C to screen for diabetes or pre-diabetes. 

I hope this has been useful and if you have any questions with regard to symptoms you are having or questions about PCOS if you are already diagnosed, please go see your GP.  

Ironically, these are also the years when our fertility is at its highest. Then, when the time finally feels right to start trying for a baby, many couples are surprised to find that conception takes longer than they expected. It can be an emotional and lonely experience, especially when it seems as though everyone else is having children with ease.

There are several factors that can influence fertility, and being aware of them can help you make informed choices while also reminding you to be kind to yourself.

One of the biggest changes we have seen is that many women are choosing to start trying for a family later in life. While 30 is still young, female fertility does gradually decline with age, becoming more noticeable from around 35 years onwards. This doesn’t mean pregnancy isn’t possible but it can sometimes take longer or need assistance.

Our overall health and lifestyle also play an important role. Chronic stress, poor sleep, smoking, excessive alcohol, recreational drugs, environmental toxins, and some long-term health conditions can all contribute to oxidative stress. This occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and the body’s natural defences. Oxidative stress can damage both egg and sperm cells, reduce fertilisation rates, and it affects healthy embryo development.

Many women also accept monthly pelvic pain as something they simply have to live with. While period pain is common, it is not normal and ongoing or severe pain every month is not something to ignore. Conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis can sometimes go undiagnosed for years because symptoms are dismissed as ‘normal’. Seeking medical advice early can make a real difference.

Other health conditions, including diabetes, hypothyroidism and autoimmune disorders may also affect fertility because they can influence hormone balance and the immune system. Managing these conditions well is an important part of supporting reproductive health.

When pregnancy doesn’t happen as quickly as hoped, many women instinctively place enormous pressure on themselves. However, fertility is not solely a woman’s responsibility. Around a third of unexplained infertility cases involve female factors, another third is impacted by male only factors. With a further third affected by a combination of both male and female factors.

Research has highlighted concerns about declining sperm quality. Lower sperm counts, reduced sperm movement and DNA fragmentation can all affect the chances of conception.

Perhaps the most important advice is this: face the journey together. Open, honest conversations with your partner can ease the emotional burden and encourage both of you to make positive lifestyle changes and seek support when needed. Fertility is a shared journey, and no one should feel they have to carry it alone. Looking after your physical health, prioritising rest, reducing stress where possible, and asking for help early are all positive steps that can support both your wellbeing and your hopes for the future.

by Amanda Roe, a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Acupuncturist, Chinese herbalist, Life and Health coach specialising in Women’s Health. She offers a range of services including acupuncture for fertility, pelvic floor dysfunction, scar’s and pain. She combines this with clinical hypnotherapy to help people suffering with trauma, fears, phobias and eating disorders. For more information or to book a consultation visit www.roehealth.ie or call/text Amanda on: 087 633 1898

The profusion of flowers on rosemary bushes this year is a tonic to see. The bees love it and its perfume is quite intense. It is now called ‘Salvia Rosmarinus’ following DNA research which revealed it was much closer to sage than previously thought. 

Rosemary earns a valuable place in the home herbal cabinet due to its long-established traditional use as a tonic for the circulatory, digestive and nervous systems. Modern research is confirming what tradition already knows. 

Even though we don’t normally think of rosemary as an anti-inflammatory, its leaf and essential oil contain constituents that down-regulate inflammatory markers in the body. 

Adding rosemary to a bath may help with mild muscle and joint pain after a day’s gardening, hiking, or other work.

One of the reasons rosemary is served with lamb is that lamb tends to be a fatty meat and likely to cause indigestion. Rosemary is anti-spasmodic on smooth muscle so helps to counteract the possibility of dyspepsia after eating this meat. In their monograph on rosemary the European Medicines Agency recognises this traditional use also saying that rosemary has traditional use of “symptomatic relief of dyspepsia and mild spasmodic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.” 

How to take it

Rosemary leaf tea is useful for feelings of fullness, flatulence and mild spasmodic gastrointestinal discomfort after eating and generally to stimulate appetite and digestion. 

Historically, rosemary has also been used as a cardiac and “nerve” tonic and Its warming, aromatic quality made it a common household remedy in convalescence to “rekindle the fire” of digestion and circulation. It also improves peripheral circulation, especially for people with cold hands and feet.

Rosemary also has reputation for enhancing memory, “rosemary for remembrance” and in a randomised, doubleblind, placebocontrolled crossover trial in older adults (mean age 75), a single 750 mg dose of dried rosemary leaf powder improved “speed of memory,” whereas a 6,000 mg dose actually impaired performance, thus highlighting the importance of more does not mean better. The usual cup of tea, (about two grams of dried herb) once or twice a day is a far better and safer option.

Adding rosemary essential oil to a diffuser may also help maintain alertness while working at a desk but getting up and doing some exercises or walk-about every hour may be a better option. 

Safety 

While culinary use is widely regarded as safe, the EMA advises against topical rosemary oil medicinal products in pregnancy, breastfeeding, under-18s, and those with heart or kidney disease. Like any other herb, look to tradition where the usual use of rosemary was in cooking, as a gentle tea or a decoction added to a bath. 

Most of us accept that our emotions affect our physical health. We know that grief can leave us exhausted and more vulnerable to illness. Stress can upset our digestion, disturb our sleep and sap our energy. Anxiety can leave us tense, with headaches, a racing heart or an unsettled stomach. Even after a frightening accident, the emotional shock can linger long after the physical injuries have healed. 

Modern research increasingly recognises this close relationship between mind and body. But Dr Edward Bach took the idea a step further.

This month, I’d like to look at the Bach Flower Remedies and the gentle role they can play in supporting emotional wellbeing. Thirty-five years ago we used to make up blends of these remedies for customers, but over the years they have fallen a bit out of fashion. I find them particularly helpful for children, who are learning to balance their emotions, and I’m starting to use them again for myself. 

Dr Edward Bach (1886 – 1936) was a British doctor, bacteriologist and homeopath. During his medical career he became increasingly convinced that while physical symptoms needed treatment, our emotional state also played an important role in our health. He believed that restoring emotional balance could help people feel more resilient and support the body’s natural ability to recover.

His life’s work resulted in a system of 38 flower remedies, each chosen to correspond with a particular emotional state or pattern of thinking.

Rather than treating diseases or physical symptoms, the remedies are chosen according to how someone is feeling. Dr Bach grouped them into seven broad emotional categories, including fear, uncertainty, loneliness, discouragement, oversensitivity, over-concern for others, and feeling overwhelmed by life’s circumstances.

For example, someone who lacks confidence might choose Larch. A person whose mind won’t stop racing at night may be drawn to White Chestnut. Aspen is often chosen for vague feelings of anxiety or apprehension when there’s no obvious reason for the worry, while Mimulus is selected when the fear has a clear cause, such as flying, public speaking or visiting the dentist.

What I particularly like about the Bach system is that it encourages us to pause and ask a simple question: ‘How am I really feeling?’ Often we’re so busy getting on with life that we don’t notice our emotions until they begin to affect our sleep, our relationships or our physical wellbeing.

The remedies themselves are prepared from flowers and plants and are extremely gentle. They don’t force a change or suppress emotions. Instead, many people describe them as helping them regain perspective, feel calmer and reconnect with their natural emotional balance.

Choosing a remedy is often an intuitive process. You can use a single essence or combine several that reflect different aspects of how you’re feeling. You can take a drop straight from the bottle or add it to a glass or bottle of water. As life changes, so can your choice of remedies. You may find that one is exactly what you need during a particularly stressful week, while another feels more appropriate a month later.

One of the best-known combinations is Rescue Remedy, developed by Dr Bach for times of acute stress or emotional upset. Many people keep a bottle in their handbag, desk drawer or first-aid kit for those moments when life suddenly becomes overwhelming.

Dr. Bach described Willow as a remedy for people who feel that life has treated them unfairly and who tend to dwell on what has happened to them. They may experience resentment or bitterness, often blaming circumstances or other people for their unhappiness. Because their attention remains focused on past hurts and perceived injustices, they can find it difficult to move forward and embrace the present with a more positive outlook.

The positive potential of Willow is to help restore a sense of optimism, personal responsibility and the ability to enjoy life again, even when circumstances aren’t perfect.

Several Bach flower remedies share emotional qualities with Willow but address different underlying states. Gentian is suited to those who feel discouraged after a setback and have temporarily lost heart. Gorse is for people who have become deeply hopeless and believe that nothing will ever improve. Honeysuckle is appropriate when someone is living in the past or longing for how things used to be. Pine is indicated when the dominant emotion is guilt or self-blame rather than resentment or self-pity. Elm is helpful for those who feel overwhelmed by responsibility and experience a temporary sense of ‘poor me’ because they are carrying too much. Heather, on the other hand, is for people who feel sorry for themselves and seek constant sympathy, attention, or reassurance from others.

One of the strengths of Bach Flower Remedies is that they are chosen according to the emotion behind the feeling, rather than the outward behaviour. Three people might say, “I’m feeling sorry for myself,” but one may be grieving a loss (Honeysuckle), another may be exhausted (Elm), and another may genuinely feel embittered by life (Willow).

You could view the Bach Flower Remedies as energetic medicine, emotional support or simply a mindful daily ritual – either way, they offer something increasingly valuable in today’s busy world: an invitation to create space in our day to slow down, become more self-aware and pay attention to your emotional health. 

It can be easy to think that staying healthy is about eating well and exercising, but there’s more to it than that! Becoming aware of how our emotional life affects us is a very good starting point. 

For more information, there’s lots of books available and we also have some leaflets in Organico. We sell the Healing Herbs Remedies, as they are prepared according to the original method described by Bach. 

Organico Shop Deli and Bakery is open from 9-6pm Monday to Saturday (Deli serving food and drinks from 9-4pm), on Glengarriff Road in Bantry. Call us on 027 51391; if you have any questions, email us on info@organico.ie and find us online on www.organico.ie.