TCM Nigeria

Many people believe that the secret to glowing skin must be a special product — a cream, serum, or oil hidden somewhere on the internet. So they search. They buy. They try again and again. But as the Hausa saying goes: what you go looking for in Sokoto is often already in the pocket of your Sokoto. The truth is this: healthy, glowing skin is built more by lifestyle than by products. Before you spend money chasing the “next best thing,” let’s talk about the everyday habits that quietly do the real magic. 1. Sleep: Your Skin’s Natural Repair Time Sleep is not just rest — it’s repair. When you sleep: * Your skin produces more collagen * Cells repair damage from sun, pollution, and stress * Inflammation reduces * Dark circles and dullness gradually improve Poor sleep, on the other hand, shows up quickly on the face: * Puffy eyes * Acne breakouts * Uneven tone * Premature fine lines 👉 Skincare tip: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep. Even the most expensive skincare products cannot replace...

Stress, burnout, and mental fatigue are becoming everyday experiences across the UK. From busy city life to constant digital distractions, many people are searching for simple, natural ways to feel better — without expensive memberships or complicated routines. One wellness trend quietly gaining attention in the UK is the awe walk. It’s free, accessible, and surprisingly powerful for mental well-being.   What Is an Awe Walk? An awe walk is a mindful walk where your focus shifts away from yourself and onto the world around you — especially things that feel vast, beautiful, or inspiring. Instead of walking to hit a step target or clear your head by scrolling your phone, you walk with intention: * noticing nature * observing architecture or open spaces * paying attention to sounds, light, movement, and scale The goal is to experience awe — that quiet sense of wonder you feel when something is bigger than your everyday worries. Why Awe Walks Are Gaining Interest in the UK Walking is al...

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...