TCM Nigeria

Skincare is a major part of holistic health, yet it is often neglected. True beauty does not come only from what we apply on the skin, but also from how well the body is nourished and balanced. When inner health improves, the skin responds with a natural glow—just like we discussed in our earlier post on smiling and wellness. One natural ingredient that connects inner health, skincare, and hair care is coconut oil. Used for generations, coconut oil remains one of the most effective and affordable natural remedies for glowing skin and strong hair. Coconut Oil and Holistic Skincare Coconut oil supports holistic health in two ways: * Internally: when used moderately in cooking, it supports metabolism and overall wellness * Externally: it nourishes the skin barrier, prevents moisture loss, and protects hair proteins This balance reflects the idea behind holistic beauty—healthy inside, radiant outside. Coconut Oil and Cactus: Deep Hydration for the Skin In our earlier cactus post, we explor...

If you’ve noticed your belly stubbornly expanding despite eating well and exercising, you’re not alone. For many adults in the UK, this “belly fact” isn’t just about lifestyle—it can be a sign of elevated cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Understanding how cortisol affects your body, recognising the symptoms, and knowing when to seek help can make a real difference to your health. What High Cortisol Really Means Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands and plays a crucial role in your body: regulating metabolism, supporting your immune system, and helping you respond to stress. But when cortisol levels remain high over time, it can lead to: Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen (the infamous “belly fat”) Fatigue and difficulty sleeping Mood changes, including irritability and anxiety High blood pressure Reduced immune response In the UK, chronic stress—from work pressures, long commutes, or lifestyle demands—is one of the leading contributors to elevated cortisol le...

Last year, Nigeria witnessed yet another cholera outbreak. Today, the country mourns a young life lost under shocking circumstances: a rising star reportedly succumbing to a snakebite in her sleep. While tragedies like these stir emotion, they also illuminate systemic gaps in emergency health care, resource allocation, and public trust. They challenge us to ask: how can we create a health system where a life-threatening emergency does not become a lottery? The Limits of Traditional Referral Systems For decades, the standard approach in emergencies has been patient referral: move the patient to a hospital that has the necessary resources. But Nigeria’s realities—geography, infrastructure, road conditions, and inconsistent drug availability—often make this approach deadly. In time-sensitive cases like snakebites, the critical question is not where the patient should go, but how we can get the treatment to the patient, fast. Imagine a certified practitioner carrying anti-venom to a patien...

 Stress has quietly become one of the biggest health challenges in the UK. From long working hours and financial pressure to poor sleep and constant digital overload, many people are living in a near-permanent state of tension — often without realising how deeply it affects the body. At the centre of this stress response is a hormone called cortisol . While cortisol is essential for survival, chronically high cortisol levels can slowly damage both physical and mental health. This article explains what high cortisol means , the symptoms many people in the UK experience , the common causes , and natural, practical ways to lower cortisol levels safely . What Is Cortisol? Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It plays an important role in: Regulating blood sugar Controlling inflammation Managing metabolism Helping the body respond to stress In short bursts, cortisol is helpful. It keeps you alert and ready to respond to challenges. The problem arises when cortisol rema...

Stress is more than just a feeling — it’s a biological response powered by hormones like cortisol. When life feels overwhelming, your body triggers a stress response that’s designed to protect you — but when that response stays “on” too long, it can take a toll. In our earlier article, When Life Becomes Too Heavy: How Chronic Stress Breaks the Body Before the Mind Notices , we explored how prolonged stress impacts physical and mental health. In this follow-up post, we’ll dive deeper into cortisol — what it is, why “anti-cortisol” foods matter, and why kiwi fruit deserves a spot on your plate for better stress resilience and wellbeing. 🧠 What Is Cortisol & Why Should You Care? Cortisol is often called the “stress hormone” because your adrenal glands release it in response to perceived threats. Its job is to regulate your fight-or-flight response, manage inflammation, and help balance energy. 🔍 In the short term, cortisol helps you stay alert and focused. ⚠️ Over the long term, con...

The death of Ifunanya Nwangene , a former The Voice Nigeria contestant, at just 26 years old has left Nigeria grieving—and arguing. Beyond the shock of losing a young, talented woman, her passing has reopened old fears, folk beliefs, and uncomfortable questions about emergency medical care in Nigeria. According to BBC Africa , Nwangene was bitten by a snake in her apartment in Abuja. A friend told the BBC that she was asleep when “the snake bite woke her up.” Videos later circulated on social media showing a snake being removed from the premises, as terrified voices screamed, “It’s a cobra.” What followed was a race against time—one that she tragically lost. But to truly honour her memory, we must separate facts from folklore , and medical reality from long-held myths that continue to cost lives. Snakes in Homes: Myth or Reality? There is a popular belief in Nigeria that stories of snakes living with humans—sometimes in the same room or toilet—are mere folklore. Unfortunately, this ...

Intermittent fasting has become one of the most talked-about health strategies in recent years—but not all fasting schedules are created equal. One of the most effective (and sustainable) approaches is ending meals by 6pm and eating your first meal at 12 noon the next day. This eating pattern creates an approximate 18-hour fasting window, and its benefits go beyond weight loss. When done correctly, it can support better sleep, improved hormonal balance, and more efficient fat burning. Let’s break down why this works. How Not Eating After 6pm Improves Sleep Sleep is not just about rest—it’s when your body repairs tissues, regulates hormones, and resets your metabolism. Late-night eating can interfere with this process more than most people realize.  1. Reduced Digestive Activity at Night When you eat late, your body stays in “digest mode” instead of transitioning into rest and repair. By stopping food intake at 6pm, digestion has time to settle before bedtime, allowing your nervous ...