The Cactus Surgeon: Using Nature To Fix A Faulty Brain By Hannah Powell

I received The Cactus Surgeon: Using Nature to Fix a Faulty Brain by Hannah Powell to review thanks to Random Things Blog Tours. I was looking forward to reading this as I often feel like being a busy polluted area makes my health worse, I was intrigued to see if moving and spending more time surrounded by nature really did help.

The Cactus Surgeon

Living in London, Hannah suffered burnout and was diagnosed with a functional neurological disorder. With no information available to help her, she found her own way to get better.

Growing up in a garden centre, her childhood was full of nature and plants. This was in stark contrast to the concrete of the capital, where she became unwell. In searching for the answers to her illness, she wonders whether being torn from her pot and replanted in a more hostile environment was the reason her body started to malfunction.

After seeking out alternative therapies, and moving to the countryside of North Essex, her ‘green recovery’ continued.

It’s a book of mindful moments, savouring the small wonders of nature

My Thoughts

Hannah Powell starts by explaining where her burnout began, how busy her life was in the lead up to her ill health. It’s a stark contrast to the childhood she then goes on to share with her readers and it’s easy to see why reverting back to a greener way of life both appealed and made sense as a way of therapy/treatment for how ill Hannah had become and how by doing so this improved other areas of her life too. It was lovely reading about her life in North Essex as its not too far from me and reminded me it’s not all grey and horrible here too!

Hannah Powell

Hannah Powell (née Bourne) is Communications and HR Director for the Perrywood Garden Centres she runs with her dad and two brothers. When she was six years old, she wanted to be a cactus surgeon.

Before coming back into the family business, she had a successful career in PR and marketing, running high-profile campaigns for clients, including Barclaycard and Domino’s Pizza. She was part of the team that launched Global Entrepreneurship Week, an annual campaign to encourage young people to set up businesses worldwide.

She now lives in North Essex with her husband, daughter and many plants.

thecactussurgeon.com

Healthy Wellness Teas -Adagio Teas


I received Adagio Teas Healthy Wellness Tea range last week. Just in time as I’m focusing more on mental and physical health & wellness on the blog for a few days. This week I’ve shared the mental health benefits of crafting and today I’m sharing some healthy wellness teas that will help your mind and body too.

Health Wellness Teas

Adagio has kindly been sending me different ranges of tea to try out and share with you. I recently shared a large selection of Adagio Teas and their limited edition Wicked Teas, a Halloween special. Whilst reviewing Adagios different tea ranges I’ve become a big fan, each tea is a unique blend full of flavour.

Healthy Wellness Teas Range

Day & Night Collection 

Day & Night Teas From Adagio Teas

Adagio has curated a trio of loose leaf teas for everyday use, specially blended for each phase of the day. Promoting healthy wellness with these teas available individually or as part of the set for £20

Jump Start

Jump Start

Enjoy a cup of tea blended to get you going in the morning, we all have days where we need a morning boost! An invigorating breakfast blend of toasted mate and black tea. Full of cinnamon and cocoa nibs, this warming tea will give you a kick of caffeine without the jitters! I love a morning cup of tea and Jump star has helped a lot this week. I’ve felt so ill I haven’t wanted to leave my bed but Jump start helps me feel a little more human!

Daydream

Daydream Tea From Adagio Tea

Sustain your afternoon with a cup of Daydream! Blended with soul-soothing herbs such as passionflower, lemon balm and lavender. The perfect cuppa for handling daily stress. Perfect for an afternoon or evening break from a busy day. Softly minty with a delicately floral bit of tanginess from hibiscus flowers. This calming blend is oasis in a teacup!

40 Winks


40 Winks From Adagio teas

The perfect cuppa to wind down with and promote healthy sleep, this bedtime tea will lull you into a deep sleep! A commonly used sleep aid, Valerian root is combined with soothing chamomile, spearmint and lavender. I’ve been drinking a cup before bed as my sleep has been awful lately and it does help me drift off much quicker! 

Body & Soul Collection

Body & Soul teas from Adagio Tea

With winter approaching rapidly Adagio have the perfect trio of teas to ease the effects of winter sniffles and promote overall health and wellness. Tea and herbal blends offer care and kindness to your body and soul. Taking a moment to enjoy the comforting qualities is a great way to promote healthy wellness and take 5 minutes out. You can buy each tea individually or as part of the set for £20.

Tea-Tox

Tea-Tox Tea from Adagio Teas

Cleanse your body and lift your spirits with a minty fresh, spicy zest of detox Tea-Tox tea. Naturally caffeine-free with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This blend is specially formulated to aid in restoring your body to its natural state. I love this as a mid-morning tea. It really does leave you feeling perkier.

Throat-Therapy

Throat Thrapy from Adagio teas

A tea blend perfect for your sore throat. A warm and soothing cup of sweet liqorice, calming anise and fresh raspberry leaves. Add a bit of honey for an added coating effect and your sore throat will soon be feeling better! Yesterday I was worried my sore throat was turning into a chest infection so I tried Throat-Therapy and was pleasantly surprised how soothing it was. Hopefully, a few more cups of Throat-Therapy and my sore throat will disappear!

Happy Belly

Happy Belly Tea from Adagio Tea

Specifically blended with Pu Erh and ginger root to encourage stomach and digestive health. Happy Belly combines soothing Senna leaf and the natural sweetness of anise and liquorice. A cup of tea that will keep you tummy content. I’ll no doubt be drinking this tea fairly regularly, medication really affects my digestive system, as does stress. Happy Belly sounds like the perfect cup to calm that down!

Loose Tea

I’m sure you’ll agree these healthy wellness teas sound perfect, especially this time of year!