Category Archives: Health

Brand, Essentially Lili Products, Health, Skincare Tips

Pumpkins are more than Halloween

Posted on by Lili Giglia
Pumpkins are More than Halloween
01
Nov

Pumpkins are more than Halloween

Or Cinderella’s Carriage Ride!
There are so many health benefits for you!

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Pumpkins are more than Halloween, or Cinderella’s carriage ride! They are loaded with health benefits, making it a great all-rounder!

Did you know that the word Pumpkin comes from the Ancient Greek word, ‘Pepon’ which means melon? And that they are amongst the longest domesticated plants, having been cultivated as far back as 7,500 to 5,000 BC?

Over the centuries, the term ‘pepon’ into Latin (peponem), French (pompon), English (pompion) when it was eventually referred to as ‘pumpkin’ by 17th century English colonists when they arrived in north-eastern USA.
Being native to southern United States and north-eastern Mexico, half the world’s production of pumpkins is now grown in China and India.

According to Wikipedia, “ In 2018, global production of pumpkins, which included squash and gourds, topped 27.6 million tonnes with – China 8.1m, India 5.3m, Ukraine 1.3m and Russia 1.2m each”. These volumes are astounding!!The only place it’s not grown is Antarctica!

It’s considered as a winter squash, with its smooth but ribbed exterior, often orange in colour though there are variations of yellow and green.
Regarded as a fruit because it’s a botanical berry known as a pepo, which has seeds and pulp inside, that are consumables, together with the exterior rind of some types.Pumpkins usually weigh anywhere between 3 and 8 kilograms, though some have tipped the scales over 34 kilos. Recently, my uncle in Sicily told me that his neighbour grew a 1.2 metres wide pumpkin weighing over 95 kilos!!

Consumed in the autumn months, traditionally for Thanksgiving in the US in a Pumpkin Pie.But for some of us, we love it whenever we can get our hands on it!!It’s one of my all-time favourite vegetables!
Other favourite dishes include pumpkin soup, roasted pumpkin, risotto, or in a Moroccan filo pastry with peppers and spices.

If you’re interested in trying out new recipes, besides roasted pumpkin and delicious soup, see:see the recipes on Taste webpage: Pumpkin Recipes, or alternative recipes at Favourite Pumpkin Recipes.

Gallery of Pumpkins varieties at the market, Unsplash Cayla1 Pumpkin Soup, Dichromatism of Pumpkin Seeds, Unsplash Nick Fewings Trick or Treat.

What’s so great about Pumpkins, its seeds and oil?

Using cold pressed Pumpkin Seed Oil (Cucurbita pepo L) is far better as the nutrients and antioxidants are maintained in the extraction process. Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds and using the Oil:

• Because of the orange carotenoid pigments, alpha and beta carotene, pumpkins have the wonderful colour, offering provitamin A, which our bodies enjoy when consumed. The seeds are also great for consumption and provide wonderful benefits for our overall health and well-being too.

• It is rich in Vitamins A, B, C, D & E, with minerals and proteins, containing over 60% unsaturated fatty acids, Omega 3 & 6.

• The high vitamin and mineral content makes Pumpkin Seed oil a wonderful inclusion for cosmetics and skincare products, improving the overall appearance of your skin.

• The colour of Pumpkin seed oil can vary from light to very dark green or red in colour. This depends on the sample’s thickness – where thin layers appear green, with thicker layers red. This is known as ‘dichromatism’ where varying colours can be seen depending on how it’s observed. Image shown below in the Gallery of images.

• Pumpkin seeds are rich in Antioxidants, which help protect the body’s cells, assisting the prevention of chronic conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders and heart disease.

• Pumpkin seed & the oil derived from the seeds can help maintain a healthy heart . Tests conducted after using the seeds showed that cholesterol levels and blood pressure dropped, both contributing to a healthy heart. The levels of nitric oxide in our bodies can also rise from consuming the seeds, which encourage blood flow, assisting the efficient functionality of the heart.

• For women, the menopausal symptoms can be improved as diastolic blood pressure is reduced, increasing good cholesterol.

• Including the seeds in our diet can improve the functioning of the bladder reducing its over activity.

• Daily addition of pumpkin seeds to your diet can help improve the quality of your sleep. They contain nutrients and amino acids like magnesium and tryptophan, aiding with insomnia, restlessness, how quickly you fall asleep as well as the length of time sleeping.

• Including the seeds can stabilise & regulate blood sugar levels, preventing the sudden rise, spikes and crashes. When blood sugar levels are high, they can create symptoms similar to diabetes, like nausea, needing to urinate often, fatigue and an overwhelming thirst.Being rich in protein and fibre, pumpkin seeds slows down sugars being absorbed in the bloodstream;

• The contents of zinc which helps balance hormone levels that can benefit hair re-growth, reversing loss;

Image – Varying colours of Pumpkin Seed Oil.

dichromatism of Pumpkin Seeds

Historical facts about Halloween.

• The ancient Celtic festival of Samhain is the where the tradition started. People would light bonfires, wearing costumes to scare away ghosts;

• When the Romans had conquered the Celtic regions circa 43 A.D, ruling for over 400 years, the combined their own festivals with the ancient Celtic Samhain.

• The Romans celebrated and remembered their dead during ‘Feralia’ .They also commemorated the Roman goddess Pomona of fruit and trees. Pomona’s symbol is the apple which was incorporated with the Samhain festivities.It’s believed the bobbing apples in Halloween started because of this tradition.

• November 1 was dedicated to honor All Saints by Pope Gregory III, which included some of the traditions commenced by the Celtic festival of Samhain;

• The night before All Saints Day was called ‘All Hallows Eve’ which later became known has ‘Halloween’;

• Eventually, the tradition developed where carving ‘Jack-o-lanterns’ , gathering together for festivities, wearing costumes, eating treats collected from trick-or-treating;

• Did you know that over ¼ of annual candy sold in the USA is bought for Halloween?

• The American festivities included gatherings sharing stories about their dead, fortune-telling, dance and sing, as well as pull pranks of each other;

• The arrival of the Irish immigrants to America helped make Halloween a popular festivity.

For more fun interesting information, check out Halloween History.

Unsplash Yulia Chinato Halloween fun, Carvings in the garden.

Unsplash Nick Fewings Pumpkins

BLOG PARTICIPATION:

    • Did you know that the tradition of Jack O Lanterns started in Ireland?
    • What’s your favourite pumpkin recipe?
    • What do you love the best about Pumpkins?

“About Lili & Why I make Essentially Lili Products.”

About Lili & Essentially Lili – My Health Studies include from 2016-2019 Diplomas in Aromatherapy, Holistic Skincare Products, Clinical Nutrition, Stress Management, Reflexology, Holistic Pain Management.I’m aMember of International College of Holistic Medicine.I’m currently studying Clinical Nutrition for Over 50s.

My aim is to help you get the results you want as I have already been on that hard journey to overcome the autoimmune disorder. If you wish to know more about Clinical Nutrition and how to kick start your health, book a private Consultation. Please send an email to info@essentiallylili.com should you need further assistance.  At Essentially Lili, the products made are all using 100% Natural Ingredients.  See the wide variety of Products available on the webpage.

Should you need help in deciding, start by reading the Reviews & Testimonials about other Customers who have enjoyed using the products.We have had some amazing Before & After results from Clients using the All-Natural Skincare products.  Please don’t forget to write your comments and reviews on our pages to share the love with others.

See the Blog Library for previous writings about Alopecia Areata, Face Mapping, Dry Skin in Winter, Raiding Your Fridge, Keratosis Pilaris Tips, Anguish of Acne/Rosacea, How to deal with Cystic Acne & Understanding Your Body. Your feedback allows us to improve the content and information provided and products made.

We look forward to hearing from you, With Love Essentially Lili.

 

Brand, Essentially Lili Products, Health, Skincare Tips

Secrets of Passion Fruit

Posted on by Lili Giglia
Secrets of Passion Fruit
13
Aug

Secrets of Passion Fruit

A delicious summer taste with
benefits for your skin & overall health.

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I wanted to share what gorgeous benefits Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis and Passiflora flavicarpa) have.They are often found on cakes like pavlova, in drink combinations or part of the exotic summer fruits selection. But what is it about this tiny fruit that makes us feel happy, both inside and out?

The plant and fruit is native to South America, grown in some regions of southern Brazil, through Paraguay and northern Argentina. It’s also found in other tropical regions of the world like India, Africa, Hawaii and Australia. Historically passion fruit was used for lowering inflammation, assisting and improving digestion, together with protecting the skin. Studies today are considering that it may also protect against other inflammatory conditions such as heart-related concerns and insulin resistance.

The Passion fruits are cultivated commercially for its sweet-sour, somewhat tarty, highly aromatic and seedy fruit. Round or oval in shape, it’s like a berry appearing yellow or dark purple when ready for picking, depending on where it’s grown.
It’s regarded as a Pepo, which is a fruit with a fleshy and multiple seeded interior and a harder outer rind. Melons and Cucumbers are also regarded as Pepos.

Consumption information about Passion Fruit:

• You can indulge in all the gelatinous pulp that’s full of edible but tarty tasting seeds! Either scoop out the pulp with a spoon and place it in a bowl, or brave and eat it all without sharing!!
• The fruit can be eaten, juiced, added to other combinations of summer selections to enhance both the flavour and the aroma.
• You would need to consume six (6) passion fruits to make up one portion of your 5 a day. Whilst that’s loads of seeds to ingest, the alternative is eat ten (10) blackberries or half (½) an aubergine!!
• Passion fruit is a Superfood as it is an excellent source of Antioxidants like Vitamins C and A, contains polyphenols and carotenoid.
• It contains a decent number of Essential minerals, including magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and calcium.
• Including Passion fruit in our diet can support bone health, physical, digestive and cardiovascular functionality.
• It can support digestion when consuming the rich in fibre seeds instead of just the juice.
• The fruit is high in fibre called pectin, which is lower in sugar compared to other fruits. It can provide necessary nutrients without causing blood sugar levels to spike too much.
(Note: If you have concerns with diabetes and insulin, please consult your Dietician Specialist before over-indulging).

For alternative ideas on how to Passion Fruits, see the recipes on Taste webpage: Passion Fruit Recipes.

Images: Passionfruit, Variety of Colours, Unsplash Sheng Gen Lin.

How can Passion Fruit help our skin’s health?

• Passion fruit oil is great as an anti-aging ingredient due its antioxidant content, being rich in Vitamin C and A, riboflavin and carotenoids.
• Vitamin A can protects your skin from sun damage;
• The high levels of fatty acids contained in the Passion fruit oil helps keep skin looking firm and youthful.
• The passion fruit seeds comprise of particular peptides that promote antifungal activity.
• These also encourage and stimulates the fusion and production of collagen. </br
• Collagen rejuvenates and reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles slowing the aging process.
• The strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found in Passion fruit can reduces the creation of free radicals, bacteria, pollutants or infections in our body, which can ultimately cause our skin to age.
• It promotes maintaining the skin’s health, encouraging wound healing.
• Passion fruit oil is light, is non-greasy, making it quicker for the skin to absorb.
• The non-clogging factor makes it a great moisturising addition to your beauty routine, assists skin cell exfoliation whilst treating acne-prone skin.

Images: Passion Fruit Flower.

passion flower

Please note: If you are using Passion Flower for its relaxing and calming benefits, ensure you obtain your supply from a reputable herbal or Natural store.

In a past newsletter, whilst studying Holistic Pain Management Diploma I shared the benefits from using the Blue Passion Flower, or bluecrown passionflower (Passiflora caerulea).

This plant can grow up to 10 metres (33 ft) high, with fragrant leaves that look like an open handed palm, and magnificent looking flowers containing an array of colours like blue, white and brown. The edible orange fleshy fruit can grow up to 6 cms, can be somewhat bland in taste.The part of the plant that grows above the ground is used for its gentle and calming properties, consisting of natural healing, food flavouring, teas, infusions, liquid extracts or tinctures.

Blue Passion Flower can be combined with relaxing and calming herbs like chamomile, hops, kava, skullcap, lemon balm and valerian root.

Benefits from using Passion Flower include reducing:
• Insomnia & improving sleep,
• Stress & Anxiety,
• Inflammation from skin irritations and burns.

Sleep is something we all love to have a lot of.Studies performed on patients who had bipolar disorder showed that using natural herbal medicines and drinking passion flower tea over a period of time, that they showed a reduction in anxiety and improvement in their overall sleep.For insomnia, the combination found that worked best was Passion Flower combined with Valerian root, especially if you have trouble switching off an active brain at night and need your cells to become calm.

” Passion Flower can used to assists insomnia, relieve stress & anxiety ” – Holistic Pain Management Diploma Course

Trivia About Passion Fruit:

Apparently, dreaming about Passion fruits suggests that in future, you will be able to do positive and sensible things.It reflects a sign of abundance, growth and financial gain, where being in this growth stage means you’re going in the right direction!

The fruit symbolises abundance, associated with the goddesses of fertility and the harvest.It often represents earthly pleasures, temptations and over-indulgence.

Some passion fruit contains high levels of caffeine, which will make it more difficult to relax and fall asleep. Passion fruit tea, however, contains alkaloids, which can aid your nervous system relaxing, making you tired and achieving a better night’s sleep.

Whilst the seeds and flesh of purple passion fruit can be eaten, the outer skin contains small quantities of cyanogenic glycosides (cyanide) and should not be consumed.
Therefore, commercial passion fruit juice goes through a process to deacidify via electrodialysis for this reason.

BLOG PARTICIPATION:

    • What do you find surprising about Passion fruit and it’s many wonderful benefits for your health and skin?
    • Have you tried Passion fruit oil for treating acne-prone skin?What’s your feedback about using it

“About Lili & Why I make Essentially Lili Products.”

About Lili & Essentially Lili – My Health Studies include from 2016-2019 Diplomas in Aromatherapy, Holistic Skincare Products, Clinical Nutrition, Stress Management, Reflexology, Holistic Pain Management.I’m aMember of International College of Holistic Medicine.I’m currently studying Clinical Nutrition for Over 50s.

My aim is to help you get the results you want as I have already been on that hard journey to overcome the autoimmune disorder. If you wish to know more about Clinical Nutrition and how to kick start your health, book a private Consultation. Please send an email to info@essentiallylili.com should you need further assistance.  At Essentially Lili, the products made are all using 100% Natural Ingredients.  See the wide variety of Products available on the webpage.

Should you need help in deciding, start by reading the Reviews & Testimonials about other Customers who have enjoyed using the products.We have had some amazing Before & After results from Clients using the All-Natural Skincare products.  Please don’t forget to write your comments and reviews on our pages to share the love with others.

See the Blog Library for previous writings about Alopecia Areata, Face Mapping, Dry Skin in Winter, Raiding Your Fridge, Keratosis Pilaris Tips, Anguish of Acne/Rosacea, How to deal with Cystic Acne & Understanding Your Body. Your feedback allows us to improve the content and information provided and products made.

We look forward to hearing from you, With Love Essentially Lili.

Brand, Essentially Lili Products, Health, Skincare Tips

Why is Pomegranate Fabulous

Posted on by Lili Giglia
Why Pomegranate is so Fabulous
30
Jul

Why Pomegranate’s Fabulous?

Did you know the range
of benefits for your skin also
include your health & well-being?

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Have you ever wondered about the benefits of Pomegranate for our bodies and skin? The fruit’s beautifully rich colour is enticing to look at, delicious to eat, whilst the oil from its seeds has fabulous benefits for your skin.

A little history about Pomegranate:It’s name is derived from the medieval Latin“pōmum grānātum, meaning “apple” and “seeded”. Pomegranate fruit is red-purple in colour, about the size of a lemon, with the husk consisting of two parts – the outer “pericarp ” and a spongy interior called the “mesocarp”where the fruit and seeds are contained. Pomegranates can have anywhere from 200 to 1400 seeds within this edible fruit, which is a berry producing its rich benefits from a single flower. The fruit grows like ornaments on a tree, is tolerable to drought type conditions, thriving in both dry and rainy environments, from the Mediterranean, to Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, India, Afghanistan and the warmer parts of North and South America.

Pomegranates historically represented fertility and wealth to various world cultures. It was a major food source but used conjunction with medicine, to treat intestinal problems, create a tonic for the lungs and heart or for toning and slowing down the aging process of the skin!To think how pomegranate was being utilised thousands of years ago is astounding!

The seeds of the pomegranate can be juiced or eaten raw, though the seed oil has wonderful benefits for our bodies internally as well as externally for our skin. Nutritionally, pomegranate seeds are low in calories, high in fibre for maintaining a healthy heart, rich in antioxidants and generous with micronutrients including Vitamin C, K, folate and potassium too.
Adding pomegranate to your diet can assist with:
• Lowering blood pressure levels,
• Reducing pain in joints,
• Enhancing the heart’s health,
• Fighting off bacterial infections,
• Improving sexual functionality, and
• Boosting memory capacity.

For these reasons alone, including pomegranate to meals will benefit the whole family. Check out some of the Middle Eastern dishes that include pomegranate seeds and juices to create amazing treats for your family. For other ideas, check out 22 different options here at Pomegranate Recipes.

Images: Unsplash Jennifer Pallian; Lavi Perchik and Sara Cervera.

Why is pomegranate seed oil an excellent addition for our skin?

Today, we want to take care our skin’s appearance, whilst protecting and nourishing it too.Our bodies absorb all kinds of invasive pathogens through our largest organ, so defending the skin’s tissues from environmental pollutants and harmful chemicals has to be an important factor, not a cosmetic one.With the simplest of routines, we can remove these damaging substances collected in our skin, promoting cell regeneration, revitalisation and rejuvenation to the overall condition and appearance.

It’s not like we should expect to look like a 19-year old without any life or laugh lines when aged 51!!What we do want is to look in the mirror and observe the person who is enjoying a fully functional body with a healthy head of hair!!There’s definitely nothing wrong with wanting that, particularly if it contributes and boosts your overall confidence as a person!

Having personally suffered many years with dry, irritated, swollen and bleeding skin, I discovered keeping routines simple to be the best gift of love for my healing body.Over-complicated and expensive techniques can cause us to eventually become uncommitted or bored with completing what should take minutes for daily self-love and care for our skin.

Using ingredients that come from plants and seeds, their individual properties work their magic to support, boost and treat the overall health of our skin. These ingredients should always be suitable for the age and time frame of individuals. Pomegranate seed oil is one of those essential oils that assists with tightening the skin, promoting healthy aging whilst maintaining a gorgeous glow to your skin. It also aids protecting your skin’s collagen, as it is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants.

Its properties are also bountiful in vitamin K, containing excessive protective compounds, consisting of punicic acid, flavonoids, anthocyanidins and tannins. These chemical compounds occur naturally in plants. They are able to shield and protect our skin from being damaged by UV light and sun rays, as they assist the neutralizing of free-radicals from the environment, before these create damage to our skin cell’s DNA defence mechanism.

NOTE:This still means you should take precautions, wear the suitable sunscreen and sunblock to protect your skin from sun damage.

When you inspect the thick exterior of the pomegranate, you’ll see how the grains within are rich in colour and vitality, yet protected from the outside environment as it grows in the warm weather.In summary, pomegranate:
• Encourages the regeneration of your skin cells;
• It repairs the skin;
• Effectively helps to reduce and slow down the aging process, preventing wrinkles in the epidermis;
• Beneficial antimicrobial properties;
• Works as an effective anti-inflammatory ingredient; and
• It’s extremely moisturising which nourishes and softens the condition of the skin.

Image Unsplash Roberto Carl.

Pomegranate Roberto Carl Unsplash

” Pomegranate is contained in Mature Range
of Essentially Lili Skincare Products ” Lili

From the Essentially Lili range, pomegranate has been added into the products for Mature skin for this reason. This is because our exposure to the sun has happened naturally over the course of the years, whether we have had sunblock and a hat on, or not. The idea of including this oil in the Serum and Balms was to help restore the balance of the skin’s tone, just in case it’s had too much exposure.

ForOver 50s mature and potentially sun damaged skin consisting of the Diamond Era Balm ,Diamond Era Serum as well as the Sun Kissed Balm.

This is because pomegranate seed oil prevents the damaging effects of UVB sun exposure, whilst preserving and protecting the collagen found in our skin. NOTE:This still means you should take precautions, wear the suitable sunscreen and sunblock to protect your skin from sun damage.Refer to Blog for sunscreen tips.

Applying several drops of the blended serum before and after sun exposure can help revitalise your skin’s condition.The Diamond Era Serum contains a wonderful selection of ingredients for mature skin, which often becomes tired looking as the years approach. Having reached my next milestone, I have been added two drops of this blend to my nightly routine and my skin feels fabulous the next morning when I get up!

The other essential oils that are great for skin tightening which are found in quite a number of our products include: Frankincense, Lavender, Jojoba, Myrrh and Rosehip Oil. Be sure to look at the ladies’ range for the list of ingredients contained in each product and the testimonials about these.

I really believe that less is more, adjusting how much is needed as you go, depending on how your skin feels.The wonderful attribute with natural products especially during the summer time, is that you can place the balms in the fridge overnight to re-set or to cool it for when you apply it next time around.

EXTENDED OFFER

I’ve continued adding the Free Magic Serum or Frankincense Face Serum to orders over 100 CHF. Don’t forget to take advantage of this Offer. This offer is whilst stocks last, and cannot be used in conjunction with other vouchers or coupons.

Images: Diamond Era Balm and Diamond Era Serum, Essentially Lili Giveaways, Sun Kissed Balm in TATLER Magazine.

BLOG PARTICIPATION:

    • What’s your favourite Pomegranate recipe?
    • For those that have tried the Diamond Era Range or Sun Kissed Balm, what did you love about the products?

    “About Lili & Why I make Essentially Lili Products.”

    About Lili & Essentially Lili – My Health Studies include from 2016-2019 Diplomas in Aromatherapy, Holistic Skincare Products, Clinical Nutrition, Stress Management, Reflexology, Holistic Pain Management.I’m aMember of International College of Holistic Medicine.I’m currently studying Clinical Nutrition for Over 50s.

    My aim is to help you get the results you want as I have already been on that hard journey to overcome the autoimmune disorder. If you wish to know more about Clinical Nutrition and how to kick start your health, book a private Consultation. Please send an email to info@essentiallylili.com should you need further assistance.  At Essentially Lili, the products made are all using 100% Natural Ingredients.  See the wide variety of Products available on the webpage.

    Should you need help in deciding, start by reading the Reviews & Testimonials about other Customers who have enjoyed using the products.We have had some amazing Before & After results from Clients using the All-Natural Skincare products.  Please don’t forget to write your comments and reviews on our pages to share the love with others.

    See the Blog Library for previous writings about Alopecia Areata, Face Mapping, Dry Skin in Winter, Raiding Your Fridge, Keratosis Pilaris Tips, Anguish of Acne/Rosacea, How to deal with Cystic Acne & Understanding Your Body. Your feedback allows us to improve the content and information provided and products made.

    We look forward to hearing from you, With Love Essentially Lili.

     

Essentially Lili Products, Health

Health Advice COVID19 Pandemic

Posted on by Lili Giglia
Influenza Mar2020
25
Mar

Health Advice during
COVID19 Pandemic

How advice from Medical Experts
can keep you well

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I hope that all your family are safe & well as this current situation is surreal, watching the News shared around the world about how COVID is spreading, making people of all ages unwell.

My recent trip to Sicily via Rome had me wondering why there were so many people walking around the airports with masks on. Irrespective of China’s situation, travellers were out exploring and visiting locations, family and friends. On my way back from Sicily, I remember the air-hostess in Rome commenting out loud to her colleague,as we waited to board the bus to our plane, that flights from China were going to stopped. That was the 2nd of February 2020.

The following week was Ski Holidays for the Swiss and European countries, so thousands would have head to some part of Switzerland, Italy, Austria, and France for their vacation. We took off to Madrid Spain to have a family reunion with my brother who flew in from Australia, enjoying the historic beauty, foods and social vibe of this amazing country. People were everywhere, in queues, in the squares, embracing, sharing, taking in what the city has to offer.Further north, workers in the northern parts of Italy who work across the border in Ticino Switzerland would have carried on a daily basis.Without realising, travellers, workers and those of us carrying on with our daily lives have been passing and transferring the Coronavirus COVID-19 virus from country to country.

These numbers are astounding – I can’t even imagine all of these people in hospitals, isolated, on ventilators and fighting for their lives.The harsh reality is that not all of the patients are elderly.The statistics include younger people, some with pre-existing conditions making their bodies vulnerable when trying to overcome this battle.For Switzerland, apparently places like Verbier became the incubating hub for the Coronavirus, as skiing holiday makers from all over Europe and beyond went there for their vacation, before returning home with the contagious virus.

People Need to SELF-ISOLATE when returning from holidays and travels for at least 14 days.Preventing the spreading of the virus is absolutely important.

To check the data and progress of the virus, use this link: Worldometers Info Coronavirus. The information below is from this source dated 25th March 2020 and shows countries all around the globe that are affected.

The first 3 cases were reported in Italy on the 15th of February 2020 but by the 23nd of March, they have 69,176 cases, with the highest reported new cases on 21st of March with 6,557 and a toll of 6,820 citizens.

The first case was reported in Switzerland on the 26th of February 2020 but by the 23nd of March, they have 10,456 cases, with the highest reported new cases on 20th of March with 1,393 and a toll of 145 citizens.

The first 2 cases were reported in Spain on the 15th of February 2020 but by the 23nd of March, they have 47,610 cases, with the highest reported new cases on 24th of March with 6,922 and a toll of 3,434 citizens.

The first 9 cases were reported in UK on the 15th of February 2020 but by the 23rd of March, they have 8,077 cases, with the highest reported new cases on 24th of March with 1,427 and a toll of 422 citizens.

These alarming numbers are to give perspective on how quickly the spreading of the virus has happened, and with our ability to travel in and out of numerous destinations, we unknowingly have been taking the contagious passenger with us.When comparing these to Singapore with only 2 deaths out of the 558 cases it is clear that their actions to check citizen’s temperatures and encourage social distancing have paid off for the small country.Containment, control and vigilance from the authorities and the people of Singapore have been able to limit the spreading of the contagion.

Gallery Global Statistics March 25th 2020 & Loss of Smell from British Rhinological Society, & Influenza H&N Spikes.

World Chart 24Mar2020
COV19 Mar2020

” Safety isn’t Expensive, it’s Priceless ” – Unknown

What do we know about these kinds of viral infections?

I have found an interesting and informative 5-minute video put together by Nucleus Medical Media explaining how influenza functions particularly with the H and N strains.
See Video here: Influenza Video

Without having to type out everything that is explained on the video, it explains the H and N spikes that allow the influenza virus to latch onto our healthy cells, multiplying and overtaking our bodies.
Influenza (or flu) virus is an extremely contagious viral infection that attacks your nose, throat, and lungs, which can cause fever, runny nose, coughs, sore throat, chills, fatigue, and muscle aches. The flu virus is extremely small visible via electron microscopes.Inside the virus is genetic material containing information that generates additional copies of the same virus.

The genetic material is surrounded by the protein shell, providing a hard protective enclosure. This allows the virus to travels between animals and people it infects.The outer envelope allows the virus to infect when it merges with the outer membrane of the cells. Projecting from the envelope is protein molecules spikes which the flu virus uses to get into your healthy cells, creating more cells. The ‘h’ spikes become keys that latch onto cells in the body, whilst ‘n’ spikes allow copies and free the viral to move around to infect more cells.There are 17 ‘h’ and 9 ‘n’ spikes that are known and used by Scientists to name other strains of flu viruses such as h5n1 otherwise called Avian influenza or ‘bird flu’.

The virus remains on surfaces and objects which can be passed when we touch these items.An infected person coughs or sneezes, sending droplets which are carried from an infected person can enter our mouths or nose, and into the lungs.Once inside, the influenza virus comes into contact with the nose, throat and lungs cells.The ‘h’ cells find the receptor molecule and latch onto this healthy cell membrane, like a key fitting into a lock, which allows the virus to penetrate into the cell.

Travelling inside the sack made by the cell’s membranes to the nucleus, the viral sack and membrane sack are connected.It gives the viral genetic material ability to leave the sack and access to the cell’s nucleus, overtaking the material and energy whilst creating thousands of versions of itself.Some move out of the nucleus, attaching itself to the protein building parts of your cell, called Ribosomes.These use the genetic material and make other viral proteins such as the ‘h’ and ‘n’ spikes, which are the packaging structure called Golgi apparatus carrying the h and n spikes in vesicles that merge with your cells’ membrane.All that is necessary to create new virus amalgamate beneath the cell’s membrane, allowing a new virus to group and spread.The new virus locks onto the membrane receptors ‘h’ spikes whilst the ‘n’ spike cuts it free from the receptors.New influenza viruses are able to infect other cells in the body, causing the flu to develop.

Anti-viral drugs assist to speed the recovery process.The medication’s task is to block the viral and spike from freeing the virus.This is to cause them to remain stuck to the surface of the cells, preventing them from escaping and infecting other cells.Taking the flu vaccine injection containing dead versions of varying types of the influenza virus or a nasal spray with a few weak but live forms of the virus are methods of preventing the viral attack.This method of being exposed to the influenza virus which is too weak to cause infection, but strong enough to stimulate the immune system to respond to it.Within approximately two weeks, the immune system would have created markers called ‘Antibodies’ which are specific to the types of flu contained in the vaccine the body was exposed to.These antibodies attach themselves to each flu viral ‘h’ and ‘n’ spike, preventing these from attaching to your cells, as well as connecting to other viruses, allowing them to clump together.The body’s immune system responds to the work of the antibodies, collecting, destroying, and removing the clumps of viral infections.If in future you are exposed to the flu or these kinds of viral infections, they’ll be recognised by your body and destroyed, preventing you from developing the flu from these strains.To prevent being affected by new strains, the vaccine would have to be taken every year.Courtesy – Nucleus Medical Media.

Gallery of Photos – Influenza Virus Structure & H / N Spikes. Health system Italy struggling, Medical Staff Plea to Stay Home, Breathe Easy & Blissful Minds.

Some advice that the Medical teams have been sharing from their experiences whilst dealing with, trying to help and save those suffering from the Coronavirus (COVID-19).Recently an audio recording was distributed, and this is what was shared.

‘The Chinese now understand the behavior of COVID19 virus from autopsies they have carried out.The virus is characterized by obstructing respiratory pathways with thick mucus that solidifies and blocks the airways and lungs.Discovered in order to apply medicine, the airways need to be opened unblocked so that the treatment can take effect. However, it takes a number of days.Remember to safeguard yourselves during this time.’ Please this information is to help keep you and your family safe, not to frighten you. :

• Drink lots of hot liquids, coffee, soups, teas, and warm water.Also, sip warm water every 20 minutes keeps your mouth and throat moist, as it helps to pass any of the virus to your stomach where the gastric juices will neutralize it before it can get to the lungs.

• Gargle with antiseptic in warm water with lemon saltwater or vinegar every day if possible.

• Virus attaches itself to hair & clothes, including beards for men.The detergent will kill it but you must wash when you get inside from the street. Avoid sitting down anywhere, just go to the bathroom and wash yourselves. If you can’t wash your clothes daily, hang them in direct sunlight which also neutralizes the virus.

• Wash metallic surfaces very carefully as the virus can remain viable for up to 9 days. Take note and be vigilant about touching handrails.Clean the surfaces etc.

• Don’t smoke.

• Wash your hands every 20 minutes with any soap that foams, wash them thoroughly for at least 20 seconds.Avoid constantly touching your face, mouth and eyes, especially if you haven’t washed your hands first.However, it has been advised to ensure the soap contains alcohol and disinfectant.

• Eat fruits and veggies, try elevating your zinc levels not just your vitamin C.

• Animals don’t spread the virus, it’s a person to person transmission.

• Avoid getting common flu as it makes your system weak, and avoid eating & drinking cold things.

• Discomfort in your throat or sore throat coming on, attack it using the above suggestions.The virus can enter your system, remains for 3-4 days within the throat before going to the lungs.

Additional advice which has been given by varying medical experts in other countries:

• SELF ISOLATE FOR 2 WEEKS ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE BEEN TRAVELLING.This is in case you are carrying the virus and to prevent you spreading beyond your home.This is not a punishment but a life-saving caution which can help stop the vulnerable getting ill.

• The virus does not discriminate – it doesn’t care if you’re rich, intelligent, in a high powered job, what your food choices are, whether you’re a Vegan/Vegetarian.It has been affecting the elderly more than the younger generations, but they are not exempt for being infected.

• Losing your sense of smell can be a sign of infection. Please refer to the attachment above from the British Rhinological Society.

• Do not take Ibuprofen as it can make the condition worse.Paracetamol is suggested instead.

• Ensure you check on your elderly and vulnerable neighbours by phone or from a distance to prevent spreading the virus to them.For instance, get their supplies and leave it at their door for them.What we have seen in Italy is that family members were socialising and bringing the virus whilst visiting relatives, making them ill and spreading the disease.

• Going outside means in your immediate surroundings, not for a play, hiking and strolling around the parks and neighbourhoods.This virus is unseen, so you don’t know what is infected, increasing the risk of picking up and transferring it to the vulnerable.Where we are in Switzerland, we have seen so many out socialising and not keeping their distance, allowing the virus to spread unnecessarily and despite the lockdown instructions of the Governments.Remember if this was a different kind of threat you could see, you would be inside to protect yourself and loved ones.

• The Medical Doctors, Nurses & Experts are exhausted and working around extremely long hours to help those who are affected, at their own risk.We can help them by staying in the comforts of our homes, with our loved ones, taking care of our health whilst they fight to save those in the hospital.All they ask is that ‘WE STAY AT HOME’.

• And for those who are still a bit ‘unsure of the consequences of the lax approach in Italy’,I have included a link to Giada Russo’s Blog talking about life in Italy during the crisis, and How Does Italy Deal with the COVID19

Images: Common Flu Symptoms.

Symptoms March2020

Things you can do:
* Check on your friends and family, remaining connected via Social Media;
* Watch some fun Films on Netflix with your family;
* Play Games – so many suggestions on my private page – Scrabble, Monopoly, Escape-Room, Uno;
* Engage in conversations with your kids, laugh & allow yourselves to enjoy this precious time together;
* Love and make yourself comfortable at home;
* Take the opportunity to study and improve your skill-set;
* Finish off tasks you never got around to and plan for the rest of the year;
* Use the time to appreciate your health, well-being and the life you have.
* We are in this together!Care for your neighbours at a distance and follow the advice of Medical Experts working hard to save those who are ill.

Images: Banner of Hope from Italy; Pollution levels decrease; Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson recovering from COVID19; Kids Home School.

BLOG PARTICIPATION:

  • Where are you currently located to witness the effects of Coronavirus?
  • Are you near your family and loved ones, or are they based abroad?If yes, where are they?
  • What frightens you the most about this Pandemic COVID-19/ Coronavirus?

“About Lili & Why I make Essentially Lili Products.”

About Lili & Essentially Lili

My Health Studies include from 2016-2019 Diplomas in Aromatherapy, Holistic Skincare Products, Clinical Nutrition, Stress Management, Reflexology, Holistic Pain Management.I’m aMember of International College of Holistic Medicine.I’m currently studying Clinical Nutrition for Over 50s.

My aim is to help you get the results you want as I have already been on that hard journey to overcome the autoimmune disorder. If you wish to know more about Clinical Nutrition and how to kick start your health, book a private Consultation. Please send an email to info@essentiallylili.com should you need further assistance.  At Essentially Lili, the products made are all using 100% Natural Ingredients.  See the wide variety of Products available on the webpage.

Should you need help in deciding, start by reading the Reviews & Testimonials about other Customers who have enjoyed using the products.We have had some amazing Before & After results from Clients using the All-Natural Skincare products.  Please don’t forget to write your comments and reviews on our pages to share the love with others.

See the Blog Library for previous writings about Alopecia Areata, Face Mapping, Dry Skin in Winter, Raiding Your Fridge, Keratosis Pilaris Tips, Anguish of Acne/Rosacea, How to deal with Cystic Acne & Understanding Your Body. Your feedback allows us to improve the content and information provided and products made.

We look forward to hearing from you, With Love Essentially Lili.