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AstraZeneca COVID-19

AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine: What Was in It, How Effective Was It, What Adverse Reactions Were Reported, and Why Was It Withdrawn?

An investigation into the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine, ingredients, efficacy claims, safety record, patient experiences, regulatory history and the people whose lives were affected.

Introduction

The Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, initially known as AZD1222 and subsequently marketed as Vaxzevria, was developed by the University of Oxford in partnership with pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.

It was one of the principal vaccines used during the UK’s COVID-19 vaccination programme. Its first recipient was 82-year-old Brian Pinker, who received the injection at Oxford’s Churchill Hospital on 4 January 2021.

The vaccine was initially presented as a significant scientific achievement and an important tool in controlling the pandemic. Subseqently, reports emerged of serious adverse reactions, including unusual blood clots, neurological conditions and deaths.

These reports led to additional safety warnings, restrictions on its use in certain age groups and changes to the official product information.

In March 2024, AstraZeneca requested withdrawal of its European marketing authorisation, with the withdrawal taking effect on 7 May 2024.

This article examines what the vaccine contained, its original efficacy figures, recognised adverse reactions, reports submitted to pharmacovigilance systems, experiences of people reporting injuries, books and circumstances surrounding its withdrawal.

It distinguishes between officially recognised adverse reactions, suspected adverse-event reports, individual patient experiences and cases in which coroners established a causal connection.

1. When was AstraZeneca introduced and when was it withdrawn?

The principal dates are:

In the original AstraZeneca clinical trials, the vaccine was reported to have a 70.4% relative risk reduction (RRR) against symptomatic COVID-19. Yet the absolute risk reduction (ARR) was only 1.2%. In simple terms, 1.73% of people in the unvaccinated control group developed symptomatic COVID-19, compared with 0.52% of those vaccinated. The much-publicised 70.4% figure represented a relative reduction in risk, not a 70.4% reduction in everyone’s actual chance of catching COVID-19.

Why was it withdrawn?

The UK had stopped using AstraZeneca in its national COVID-19 vaccination programme in 2022, following the end of its supply arrangements.

In March 2024, AstraZeneca requested withdrawal of the European marketing authorisation. The formal EU withdrawal took effect on 7 May 2024.

This was not “classified” as a safety-motivated recall but did occur against a background of previously identified safety concerns, restrictions and changes to product information.

Sources:

2. What exactly was in the AstraZeneca vaccine?

The vaccine was a viral-vector vaccine. It used a genetically modified chimpanzee adenovirus to deliver genetic instructions for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein into human cells.

Active ingredient

Chimpanzee adenovirus (ChAdOx1-S), encoding the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein.

The adenovirus was genetically modified and replication-deficient. It was engineered to carry genetic instructions for the coronavirus spike protein. The adenovirus acted as a vector, delivering the genetic instructions into human cells.

Manufacturing process

The vaccine was produced using genetically modified human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells and recombinant DNA technology. The official product information explicitly states:

The product contains genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
The active ingredient is a recombinant, replication-deficient chimpanzee adenovirus vector.
HEK293 cells were used in its production.

The use of HEK293 cells in manufacturing should be distinguished from the presence of intact kidney cells in the finished vaccine.

Other ingredients: excipients

The wording supplied from an earlier recipient leaflet lists seven excipients:

L-histidine.
L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate.
Magnesium chloride hexahydrate.
Polysorbate 80 (E433).
Sucrose.
Disodium edetate dihydrate (EDTA).
Water for injections.

Later UK recipient information and the November 2023 Summary of Product Characteristics list nine excipients.

The additional two are:

Ethanol.
Sodium chloride.

Sodium chloride (ordinary salt, NaCl) is listed as an excipient in the AstraZeneca vaccine. It is also used in lethal-injection protocols.

How much sodium chloride was in AstraZeneca?

The November 2023 MHRA Summary of Product Characteristics lists sodium chloride as an ingredient but does not disclose its individual weight or concentration.

The later nine-item list is reproduced below.

The November 2023 product information states that each 0.5 ml dose contains approximately 2 mg of ethanol and less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium.

What did the vaccine look like?

The product was described as a suspension for injection, colourless to slightly brown, and clear to slightly opaque.

It was supplied in multidose glass vials, including:

Eight-dose vials containing 4 ml.
Ten-dose vials containing 5 ml.

The vaccine did not contain a preservative.

Sources:

3. AstraZeneca effectiveness: relative risk reduction versus absolute risk reduction

One of the most important issues is the difference between relative risk reduction (RRR = 70%) and absolute risk reduction (ARR 1.2%).

(ARR) is crucial: the actual absolute risk reduction was approximately 1.2%. This calculation rests on the assumption that COVID-19 is primarily a germ-related threat to be prevented or eradicated. An alternative perspective, associated with Antoine Béchamp’s emphasis on the body’s internal terrain, asks us to consider individual health, environmental exposures, toxic burden and the body’s capacity to maintain balance. Daniel Roytas explores this challenge to conventional contagion theory in Can You Catch a Cold?, questioning whether the evidence for person-to-person transmission is as conclusive as commonly assumed. Taken together, these perspectives raise a wider question: should the assessment of a medical intervention focus solely on its ability to reduce the risk of a named infection, or should it consider its effects on the individual’s overall physiological health?

Why does this distinction matter?

The absolute benefit depends on the underlying risk of infection, the duration of observation, previous immunity, circulating variants and other factors.

Source: Voysey et al., Safety and efficacy of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine (AZD1222) against SARS-CoV-2, The Lancet, 2021.

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)32623-4

4. Officially recognised adverse reactions

The MHRA’s product information evolved as new safety signals emerged. November 2023 Summary of Product Characteristics contains the following adverse reactions.

Frequency classifications are:

Very common: 1 in 10 or more.
Common: 1 in 100 to fewer than 1 in 10.
Uncommon: 1 in 1,000 to fewer than 1 in 100.
Rare: 1 in 10,000 to fewer than 1 in 1,000.
Very rare: fewer than 1 in 10,000.
Not known: cannot be estimated from available data.

Very common

Headache.
Nausea.
Muscle pain (myalgia).
Joint pain (arthralgia).
Injection-site tenderness.
Injection-site pain.
Injection-site warmth.
Injection-site itching.
Injection-site bruising.
Fatigue.
Malaise.
Feverishness.
Fever.
Chills.

Common

Vomiting.
Diarrhoea.
Abdominal pain.
Pain in the arms or legs.
Injection-site swelling.
Injection-site redness.
Injection-site induration (hardening).
Influenza-like illness.
Asthenia (physical weakness or lack of energy).
Dizziness.

Uncommon

Enlarged lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy).
Decreased appetite.
Somnolence (sleepiness).
Lethargy.
Paraesthesia (pins and needles).
Hypoaesthesia (reduced sensation).
Tinnitus.
Excessive sweating.
Itching (pruritus).
Skin rash.
Urticaria (hives).
Muscle spasms.

Rare

Facial paralysis or facial palsy.

Very rare

Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS).

Frequency not known

Anaphylaxis.
Hypersensitivity.
Thrombocytopenia.
Immune thrombocytopenia.
Cerebrovascular venous and sinus thrombosis.
Capillary leak syndrome.
Angioedema.
Cutaneous vasculitis.
Transverse myelitis.

The product information also records extremely rare reports of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), including cases with fatal outcomes. A causal relationship had not been established. These are the recognised adverse reactions in the product information, not a complete list of every symptom ever submitted to a spontaneous reporting system.

Source: MHRA, Vaxzevria Summary of Product Characteristics, section 4.8, November 2023.

5. Serious adverse reactions requiring particular attention

Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS/VITT)

One of the most significant safety concerns associated with AstraZeneca was the development of blood clots alongside low platelet counts.

This became known as thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), with vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT).

The condition involved abnormal platelet activation and clotting.

Reported locations included:

Cerebral venous sinuses.
Other veins in the brain.
Abdominal veins.
Splanchnic veins.
Arteries.
Other unusual vascular locations.

Patients could develop severe headaches, neurological impairment, haemorrhage, organ damage and, in some cases, death.

The condition was sufficiently serious to prompt changes to national vaccination recommendations and additional warnings in the product information.

Guillain-Barré syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome is an immune-mediated neurological condition affecting peripheral nerves.

Possible symptoms include:

Weakness.
Tingling.
Altered sensation.
Difficulty walking.
Progressive paralysis.
In severe cases, respiratory muscle involvement.

The MHRA recognised reports following Vaxzevria.

Transverse myelitis

Transverse myelitis is inflammation of the spinal cord.

Symptoms can include:

Limb weakness.
Numbness.
Tingling.
Burning sensations.
Pain.
Bladder and bowel dysfunction.
Difficulty walking.

Extremely rare reports were included in the product information.

Capillary leak syndrome

Capillary leak syndrome is a rare condition in which fluid escapes from small blood vessels into surrounding tissues.

Potential consequences include:

Severe swelling.
Low blood pressure.
Reduced circulating blood volume.
Haemoconcentration.
Low albumin levels.
Potential organ impairment.

Very rare cases were reported, including fatal outcomes.

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)

ADEM is an inflammatory condition affecting the brain and spinal cord.

Potential symptoms include:

Weakness.
Numbness.
Tingling.
Visual impairment.
Changes in consciousness.
Seizures.

Extremely rare reports, including fatal cases, were recorded following vaccination. The product information did not establish causality.

6. Adverse-event reporting: Yellow Card, VAERS, React19 and UKCVFamily

It is important to examine the systems collecting reports following COVID-19 vaccination.

A. UK MHRA Yellow Card

The Yellow Card scheme collects suspected adverse reactions to medicines and vaccines.

Reports can be submitted by: Members of the public. Healthcare professionals and Pharmaceutical companies.

The scheme includes reports of common reactions, serious medical events, neurological symptoms, cardiovascular problems, blood disorders, hospitalisations and deaths.

Historical AstraZeneca reporting figures

In a parliamentary answer dated 9 February 2022, the Government provided figures up to 15 December 2021.

These are historical figures, not the final cumulative totals. One Yellow Card report can contain multiple suspected reactions.

Source: UK Parliament – Written answer, 9 February 2022. Further information: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/

B. VAERS – United States

The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System is operated jointly by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration. AstraZeneca was not authorised for routine use in the US national COVID-19 vaccination programme but clinical trials were conducted.

Official database: https://vaers.hhs.gov/

C. React19

React19 is an organisation established to support people reporting injuries following COVID-19 vaccination, publishing individual accounts, providing resources for people who have experienced vaccine-related harm.

Reported experiences across its community include:

Neuropathy.
Tinnitus.
Brain fog.
Fatigue.
Gastrointestinal problems.
Cardiac symptoms.
Muscle and joint pain.
Sensory disturbances.
Sleep difficulties.
Reduced physical functioning.
Autonomic dysfunction.
Persistent neurological symptoms.

React19 also supports research and education for healthcare professionals. Its accounts are relevant when examining the longer-term experiences of people who have not received adequate medical recognition or support.

Website: https://react19.org/

D. UKCVFamily

UKCVFamily is a UK organisation established to support people reporting adverse reactions and bereavement following COVID-19 vaccination, providing advocacy, information and community support. Public accounts include reports of:

Tremors.
Burning skin.
Tingling and numbness.
Neuropathic pain.
Headaches.
Severe fatigue.
Nausea.
Tachycardia.
Blood pooling.
Dizziness.
Cognitive difficulties.
Reduced mobility.
Exercise intolerance.
Long-term disability.

Website: https://www.ukcvfamily.org/

A note about Just the Inserts and the Internet Archive

Just the Inserts is another resource worth consulting when examining historical vaccine information, its purpose is to make product information and package inserts accessible and encourage readers to examine the original documentation.

Website: https://justtheinserts.com/

The Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine can also be used to compare historical versions of product information: https://web.archive.org/

For the UK AstraZeneca ingredient lists, the MHRA’s archived recipient leaflets and product characteristics are the primary documentary sources. It is important to retain the date of each leaflet when comparing ingredients, warnings and adverse reactions.

7. Named individuals and their experiences

Individual experiences have become an important part of the public discussion surrounding AstraZeneca. Some cases involve personal accounts of prolonged illness and disability. Others involve formal inquests in which coroners established a connection between vaccination and death.

Brian Pinker – the first UK AstraZeneca recipient

Brian Pinker, aged 82, was the first person outside clinical trials to receive the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine. He was vaccinated at Churchill Hospital in Oxford at 7.30 am on 4 January 2021. He was a retired maintenance manager and was receiving dialysis.

His vaccination attracted extensive international media coverage and was presented as a major milestone in the national vaccination programme.

Did Brian Pinker die? There is no reliable obituary, death announcement or subsequent report establishing that Brian Pinker has died.

Caroline Pover – author and UKCVFamily trustee

Caroline Pover is an author and prominent advocate for people reporting COVID-19 vaccine injuries. She has been involved with UKCVFamily and written extensively about experiences of vaccine-injured people. She experienced a serious adverse reaction following AstraZeneca vaccination in March 2021, describing significant deterioration in health and substantial loss of her previous physical capacity, including:

Severe acute symptoms.
Prolonged health difficulties.
Reduced physical functioning.
Financial burden of seeking investigations and treatment.
Difficulties of navigating medical services.
Emotional and practical consequences of living with a vaccine injury.

Her experience subsequently led her to become involved in advocacy and support for other people reporting adverse reactions. Her work is relevant because it combines a personal account with practical guidance for people attempting to organise their medical information and manage prolonged symptoms.

Caroline’s books include Covid Vaccine Adverse Reaction Survival Guide and Worth a Shot? Her personal website: https://carolinepover.com/

Brianne Dressen – AstraZeneca clinical-trial participant

Brianne Dressen was a participant in an AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial in the United States. She received one injection on 4 November 2020. Her case is significant because she was a clinical-trial participant rather than someone vaccinated during the general public rollout. Her published account illustrates that symptoms began within hours.

Her reported timeline

Her subsequent reported symptoms included:

Severe paraesthesia.
Blurred and double vision.
Tinnitus.
Extreme sensitivity to sound.
Sensitivity to light.
Sensitivity to touch.
Limb weakness.
Motor dysfunction.
Loss of bladder control.
Brain fog.
Memory difficulties.
Neuropathic pain.
Internal vibrations and electrical sensations.
Tachycardia.
Blood pressure fluctuations.
Temperature dysregulation.
Gastrointestinal problems.
Severe fatigue.

Brianne has described substantial long-term disability and difficulty working and caring for her family. She subsequently received assessment and treatment at the US National Institutes of Health, where she was diagnosed with post-vaccination neuropathy, tinnitus, memory problems and severe POTS.

She became a co-chair of React19 and a prominent advocate for people reporting COVID-19 vaccine injuries.

Her legal case

Brianne brought legal proceedings against AstraZeneca in 2024 concerning alleged breach of contract relating to medical costs arising from her participation in the clinical trial. Her case raises important questions about the responsibilities of pharmaceutical companies towards clinical-trial participants who experience serious adverse events.

Sources:

Charlet Crichton – founder of UKCVFamily

Charlet Crichton founded UKCVFamily after experiencing an adverse reaction following COVID-19 vaccination. She previously operated a sports therapy clinic.

Her published account describes:

Tremors.
Tingling in her legs.
Burning skin, particularly at night.
Severe nerve pain.
Head pain.
Severe fatigue.
Nausea.
Episodes of tachycardia.
Blood pooling.
Reduced ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods.

She has described losing her business and being unable to continue her previous work because of her health difficulties.

Her experience led her to establish UKCVFamily, which now provides support and advocacy for people reporting COVID-19 vaccine injuries and bereavement.

Source: Patient Safety Learning – Interview with Charlet Crichton.

Lisa Shaw – BBC Radio Newcastle presenter

Lisa Shaw was 44 when she died on 21 May 2021. She received her first AstraZeneca dose in April 2021. A few days after vaccination, she developed severe headaches, subsequently attended hospital and was diagnosed with a blood clot in the brain.

She developed a brain haemorrhage and required specialist treatment, including surgery to relieve pressure on her brain. Despite treatment, she died.

At the inquest in August 2021, Newcastle Senior Coroner Karen Dilks concluded that Lisa had died due to complications of an AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccination. The pathology evidence supported vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia.

This became one of the most widely reported UK cases involving AstraZeneca and brought considerable attention to VITT.

Source: The Guardian, 26 August 2021 – Lisa Shaw inquest.

Dr Stephen Wright – NHS clinical psychologist

Dr Stephen Wright was 32, a father of two and an NHS clinical psychologist and received the AstraZeneca vaccine on 16 January 2021.

On 25 January he awoke with a headache and subsequently developed numbness in his left arm. He developed a cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, suffered a brainstem infarction and experienced a brain haemorrhage. He died on 26 January 2021.

At the April 2023 inquest, Southwark Senior Coroner Andrew Harris concluded that Stephen had died following a rare reaction to the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Source: BMJ – NHS psychologist died after rare reaction to AstraZeneca vaccine, 21 April 2023.

Jack Last – aged 27

Jack Last was an engineer from Stowmarket, Suffolk and received his first AstraZeneca vaccination on 30 March 2021. Approximately a week later he developed headaches and vomiting. He was admitted to hospital, where scans revealed cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. He died on 20 April 2021.

At the inquest in December 2022, Suffolk Senior Coroner Nigel Parsley concluded that Jack had died from a blood clot in the brain caused directly by his body’s reaction to the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccination.

Source: BBC – Jack Last died as a result of AstraZeneca vaccine, coroner concludes, 13 December 2022.

Jack Hurn – aged 26

Jack Hurn was a graduate who died on 11 June 2021 following his first AstraZeneca vaccination on 29 May 2021. He developed a persistent headache on 6 June and was admitted to hospital two days later. Investigations revealed extensive cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. He was diagnosed with vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT).

Despite specialist treatment, mechanical thrombectomy and decompressive surgery, his condition deteriorated. At the inquest in May 2022, Birmingham and Solihull Area Coroner Emma Brown concluded:

“Death was due to a rare but recognised complication of the Astra Zeneca COVID19 vaccination.” The coroner also identified concerns about the information given to Jack when he consented to vaccination, in particular, the risk of complications for his age group had been understated.

The official Prevention of Future Deaths report records the medical cause of death as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis.

Source: Judiciary – Jack Hurn Prevention of Future Deaths report.

8. Summary of named cases

These cases demonstrate a range of reported experiences, from prolonged illness and disability to fatal complications formally investigated by coroners. Also illustrating why it is important to retain individual medical histories, inquest findings and patient accounts rather than relying exclusively on aggregate reporting figures.

9. Books documenting AstraZeneca and vaccine-injury experiences

Three books are particularly relevant to understanding the development of the vaccine and the experiences of people reporting adverse reactions.

Covid Vaccine Adverse Reaction Survival Guide – Caroline Pover

Author: Caroline Pover. This practical guide was written from Caroline’s experience of living with an adverse reaction following COVID vaccination. It is intended to help people organise their health information and navigate the difficulties associated with prolonged symptoms.

Its subject matter includes:

Understanding physical and cognitive symptoms.
Recording symptoms and changes in health.
Organising medical appointments.
Keeping medical records.
Exploring nutrition and recovery approaches.
Managing the emotional consequences of prolonged illness.
Finding appropriate support.
Practical worksheets, charts and diaries.

The book is particularly relevant to people who feel overwhelmed by the process of seeking explanations and assistance for persistent symptoms.

Worth a Shot? – Caroline Pover

Worth a Shot? Secrets of the Clinical Trial Participant Who Inspired a Global Movement – Brianne Dressen’s Story. Author: Caroline Pover. Foreword: Brianne Dressen. Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing. Publication date: 26 November 2024.

ISBN: 9781510783485.

Important correction to the book attribution: Caroline Pover is the author. Brianne Dressen is the subject and wrote the foreword. It tells the story of Brianne’s participation in an AstraZeneca clinical trial and subsequent health difficulties.

Its subject matter includes:

Her decision to volunteer for a COVID-19 vaccine trial.
The onset of symptoms following vaccination.
Her subsequent medical difficulties.
Her attempts to obtain explanations and treatment.
Her interactions with the pharmaceutical industry.
Questions about clinical-trial obligations.
The difficulties faced by people reporting trial-related injuries.
The emergence of an international vaccine-injury advocacy movement.
Questions surrounding pharmaceutical accountability and patient support.

The publisher describes it as part memoir, part medical mystery and part social commentary.

All proceeds from the sale of the book are designated for React19 and UKCVFamily.

Publisher: Simon & Schuster – Worth a Shot?.

Vaxxers – Sarah Gilbert and Catherine Green

Full title: Vaxxers: The Inside Story of the Oxford AstraZeneca Vaccine and the Race Against the Virus. Authors: Professor Sarah Gilbert and Dr Catherine Green. Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton. Published: 2021.

This book provides an account from two scientists directly involved in developing the Oxford vaccine. Its contents cover:

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2.
The design of the Oxford vaccine.
The ChAdOx1 platform.
Laboratory development.
Manufacturing and scaling up production.
Clinical trials.
Regulatory approval.
The international rollout.
Public debate and vaccine confidence.

Unlike the other two books, this is an account of vaccine development from the perspective of the scientists involved.

10. What does the evidence tell us?

The AstraZeneca experience raises important questions about pharmaceutical safety, clinical-trial transparency, adverse-event monitoring, informed consent and the treatment of people reporting injuries.

Regulatory evidence

The MHRA and EMA product information evolved as new adverse reactions were identified and assessed. Recognised safety information eventually included:

Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome.
Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Capillary leak syndrome.
Transverse myelitis.
Immune thrombocytopenia.
Other neurological and vascular conditions.

The changing product information provides a documentary record of how the recognised safety profile developed.

Pharmacovigilance evidence

Yellow Card reports provide a mechanism for identifying suspected reactions across the population. It is suggested that lower than 10% of adverse reactions are ever reported. Reports may contain several symptoms; the number of reports cannot be equated with the number of confirmed injuries.

The historical reporting figures nevertheless demonstrate the substantial volume of suspected reactions submitted to the MHRA.

Coroner and clinical evidence

The deaths of Lisa Shaw, Dr Stephen Wright, Jack Last and Jack Hurn are particularly significant because coroners formally examined the circumstances and established a connection between vaccination and fatal complications. They are cases supported by formal inquests and documented findings.

Patient experiences and prolonged illness

Caroline Pover, Brianne Dressen, Charlet Crichton and members of UKCVFamily and React19 have described significant changes to their health, employment, independence and quality of life. Their accounts raise questions about the availability of diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and financial support for people who believe they have experienced vaccine-related harm.

Conclusion

The Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine was introduced into the UK vaccination programme on 4 January 2021 and subsequently became a principal vaccine used during the plandemic.

Its active ingredient was a genetically modified, replication-deficient chimpanzee adenovirus carrying genetic instructions for the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein.

The original clinical-trial results reported a relative efficacy of 70.4% against symptomatic COVID-19, while the absolute risk reduction in the initial pooled analysis was approximately 1.2%. Following widespread use, additional adverse reactions were identified and incorporated into the official product information. These included thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, Guillain-Barré syndrome, capillary leak syndrome, transverse myelitis and other neurological and vascular conditions.

The Yellow Card reporting system recorded hundreds of thousands of suspected reactions associated with AstraZeneca. These reports formed part of the pharmacovigilance evidence considered by regulators.

The experiences of people such as Caroline Pover, Brianne Dressen and Charlet Crichton demonstrate the importance of documenting and investigating prolonged health difficulties reported following vaccination.

The deaths of Lisa Shaw, Dr Stephen Wright, Jack Last and Jack Hurn also demonstrate that serious and fatal complications were not merely theoretical possibilities. In these individual cases, coroners established a link between AstraZeneca vaccination and fatal outcomes.

AstraZeneca’s European marketing authorisation was formally withdrawn in May 2024 at the company’s request for commercial reasons.

The withdrawal does not remove the importance of understanding the vaccine’s history, preserving the evidence, examining the changing safety information and ensuring that people reporting serious adverse reactions receive appropriate attention, investigation and support.

The central questions remain those of true informed consent, transparent communication of risks, pharmaceutical accountability and the responsibilities of public institutions towards people who experience serious adverse reactions not to mention ongoing financial conflicts of interests.

References and further reading

Official regulatory documents

Clinical trial and efficacy

The Lancet – Oxford/AstraZeneca clinical trial

Patient experiences and advocacy

Coroner findings and reporting

Books

Caroline Pover – Worth a Shot?
Caroline Pover – Covid Vaccine Adverse Reaction Survival Guide.
Sarah Gilbert and Catherine Green – Vaxxers: The Inside Story of the Oxford AstraZeneca Vaccine and the Race Against the Virus.

Historical document archives

Linseeds

By kate

In Self Help, Nutrition

Discover why linseeds aren’t the best source of omega-3 for modern bodies — and why fish oil offers far greater bioavailability for brain and hormone health.

Linseeds and Modern Nutrition

Linseeds, also known as flaxseeds, are widely promoted as a plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids. What is rarely discussed is how difficult they are for the modern body to break down and utilise effectively. Both linseed/flax and hemp require strong liver function to convert their oils into usable forms of omega-3 — and for many people today, this can be significantly compromised as is alluded to further in this article.

By contrast, fish oil is already in its most absorbable form. It provides EPA and DHA — the active compounds of omega-3 that nourish the brain and endocrine system. These essential fatty acids help neurotransmitters communicate and support the production of serotonin, the body’s natural “feel-good” hormone. When combined with vitamins B3, B6, magnesium, and zinc, fish oil becomes vital nutrition for emotional and hormonal balance.

Why Linseeds Are Poorly Absorbed

Modern living has created a perfect storm for poor nutrient absorption. Over generations, diets high in processed foods — along with long-term use of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, antibiotics, and hormonal medications — have overburdened the liver and weakened gut health. Add chronic dehydration and fatty liver to the mix, and the conversion of omega-3 from flax into a usable form becomes far more limited.

The body must convert the alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in flax into EPA and DHA through roughly ten enzymatic steps. When the liver is sluggish or the system depleted, this conversion simply doesn’t happen effectively. The result is that many -particularly those on vegan or highly processed diets, remain starved of these essential fatty acids.

Fish oil bypasses the liver’s complex conversion pathway. It delivers omega-3 in its bioavailable, pre-converted form, supporting brain and endocrine function directly.

Ground Linseeds and Bioavailability

Pre-ground linseeds may seem like a practical option, but they lose quality fast. Once exposed to air and light, their delicate oils oxidise and become rancid — sometimes before they even reach the consumer. Spoiled seeds not only lose nutritional value but can also create free radicals in the body. Grinding seeds freshly at home is often suggested as a better alternative, and while this does help preserve some of the oils, the same fundamental issue remains: once the seed coat is broken, oxidation begins almost immediately. Even when freshly ground, linseed oil is extremely fragile and can deteriorate within minutes if not refrigerated and used straight away — making it a very unstable and unreliable source of omega-3.

Whole linseeds can pass through the digestive system largely intact, working more as a gentle internal broom than a nutritional source. Ideally the linseeds are soaked in water and the water then drained and taken internally can help clear waste, acting as a natural laxative — helpful for cleansing, but not for omega-3 replenishment.

The Omega-3 and Omega-6 Imbalance

The body ideally needs omega-3 and omega-6 in equal measure — a ratio of roughly 1:1. Modern diets, however, often push this to 1:20 or more in favour of omega-6. This imbalance drives inflammation, fatigue, and even tumour growth. Omega-6 is found in abundance in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and processed foods, while omega-3 — more delicate and perishable — is often missing entirely.

Our ancestors naturally maintained this balance through traditional foods such as raw soured milk, butter, fish, and grass-fed meats — all rich in omega-3. Today, grain-fed livestock and processed fats have flipped that ratio upside down.

The Modern Consequence

Clinically, many people may show signs of essential fatty acid depletion — it’s a multi nuanced process and can be as a result of years of medication, vaccine load, nutrient-poor diets, and lifestyle stress. As a result, the cumulative burden can weaken the body’s terrain, making it harder to digest and convert plant oils. The result is low-grade inflammation, hormonal imbalance, and emotional exhaustion — a system literally running without its vital “spark plug”.

A Practical Takeaway

Soaked linseeds can be used to help cleanse the gut and gently remove toxins, but they shouldn’t be relied on for omega-3 nourishment. For genuine cellular support and mood balance, high-quality fish oil remains the superior, bioavailable choice. It replenishes the body’s true omega-3 reserves, aids serotonin production, and supports resilience against depression and anxiety.

Here is a source on Amazon for High Purity Fish Oil

Fats that heal, fats that kill

By kate

In Self Help

Book Summary: Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill: The Complete Guide to Fats, Oils, Cholesterol and Human Health by Udo Erasmus

Udo Erasmus’s Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill is a comprehensive exploration of how dietary fats influence health, disease, and vitality. First published in the early 1990s and still widely respected, this book remains a foundational text for anyone seeking to understand the difference between harmful and beneficial fats—and how modern food processing has distorted our relationship with one of the body’s most essential nutrients.

Erasmus, a biochemist and nutrition pioneer, challenges decades of misinformation that demonised fat as the root cause of illness. He explains that not all fats are created equal: while some promote inflammation, heart disease, and cellular damage, others are vital for healing, energy, brain function, and hormone balance. The book examines how industrial refinement—hydrogenation, bleaching, and deodorising—transforms once-healthy oils into toxic substances that contribute to degenerative disease.

A central focus is the balance between omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids (EFAs). Erasmus shows that both are crucial, but the modern Western diet skews heavily toward omega-6, creating an inflammatory internal environment. He emphasises the importance of consuming cold-pressed, unrefined oils (such as flaxseed, hemp, or chia) in the right proportions to support cellular health, cardiovascular function, and mental wellbeing.

The author also unpacks common myths about cholesterol, demonstrating that it is a vital building block for hormones and cell membranes rather than an inherent enemy. He argues that the real issue is not cholesterol itself but its oxidation due to poor-quality fats and free radicals.

Beyond science, the book offers practical lifestyle guidance: choosing organic, unrefined oils; avoiding overheated or hydrogenated fats; storing oils properly to prevent rancidity; and understanding how the body uses fats for energy and repair. Erasmus also connects the physical with the psychological—exploring how nutritional imbalance affects mood, cognition, and emotional stability.

Ultimately, Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill invites readers to rethink what they know about nutrition, discard outdated “low-fat” dogma, and adopt a more holistic view of health based on balance, natural food, and biological wisdom.

Key Takeaways

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are vital for life and must be obtained from food—especially omega-3s, which are deficient in most diets.
Industrial processing (hydrogenation, refining, and heating) destroys delicate oils and produces toxic trans fats.
The omega balance (ideally 1:1 to 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3) is critical for reducing inflammation and supporting brain, heart, and hormonal health.
Cholesterol is not the enemy; oxidised fats and damaged oils are the true culprits in cardiovascular disease.
Cold-pressed, organic oils—such as flax, hemp, walnut, and chia—support healing, energy, and emotional balance.
Healthy fats nourish every cell, improve skin, boost mood, and help stabilise blood sugar and hormones.
Awareness and simplicity in choosing unrefined, natural foods can transform health outcomes.

Buy Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill on Amazon

Moringa Supplement

By kate

In Self Help, Nutrition

The Miracle Tree for Mind and Body & Natural Healer for High Cortisol, Energy and Joint Health

Moringa, often called “the miracle tree,” is one of nature’s most nutrient-dense plants. Native to parts of Africa and Asia, particularly India, it comes from the Moringa oleifera tree — a fast-growing, drought-resistant plant long prized in Ayurvedic medicine for its healing and energising properties.

🌿 What Is Moringa?

Almost every part of the moringa tree — leaves, pods, seeds, and roots — is edible and rich in vital nutrients. The powdered form, made from dried leaves, is the most common supplement, offering a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

💚 Key Benefits of Moringa

Nutrient powerhouse: Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, plus calcium, potassium, and iron — ideal for supporting energy and immunity.
Supports hormonal balance: May help regulate hormones, reduce inflammation, and support metabolic health.
Natural antioxidant: High in chlorogenic acid and quercetin, helping combat oxidative stress and promote healthy skin and detoxification.
Blood sugar support: Can help stabilise blood glucose levels and reduce energy dips.
Mood and focus: Amino acids and magnesium support brain function, calmness, and concentration.

⚖️ Moringa and Cortisol — Nature’s Stress Reset

Do you wake up at 3 a.m., struggle with stubborn belly fat, notice hair thinning, or feel stiff joints in the morning?
These are signs of high cortisol — your body’s main stress hormone running in overdrive.

As we age, our adrenal glands often stop regulating cortisol properly because we become deficient in essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, iron, and B vitamins. These nutrients are vital for hormone balance, joint health, and sustained energy — yet many modern diets leave us depleted.

That’s where Moringa comes in.

By replenishing these nutrients, moringa helps the body restore hormonal balance and reduce cortisol naturally. After a few weeks of regular use, many people report:
✨ Deeper sleep without 3 a.m. wake-ups
✨ Fewer aches, pains, and stiffness
✨ Improved mood, focus, and calm
✨ Better energy and fewer sugar cravings
✨ Clearer skin and stronger hair
✨ Reduced belly fat caused by stress hormones

Unlike quick-fix supplements, moringa works at the root cause — restoring what your body has lost.

🌱 The Ancient “Miracle Tree” with Modern Benefits

Energy & focus: Iron and magnesium boost oxygen flow and reduce fatigue.
Hormone balance: Nutrients help the adrenal glands regulate cortisol.
Joint support: Quercetin and chlorogenic acid reduce inflammation.
Immunity & skin: Vitamins C and E combat oxidative stress.
Mood & calm: B vitamins and amino acids support neurotransmitter balance.

☕ How to Take Moringa

Moringa can be taken as a powder, stirred into smoothies, yoghurt, or juice, or as capsules or tablets for convenience.

🌿 Moringa Daily Dosage Guide

Powder (Leaf Powder)

Starting dose: ½ teaspoon (about 2 g) per day.
Typical maintenance dose: 1–2 teaspoons daily (4–8 g).
Maximum safe range: Up to 10 g daily for most adults, though there’s rarely any need to go that high.

Tip: Mix into smoothies, yoghurt, soups, or a morning juice — it has an earthy, spinach-like flavour.

Capsules / Tablets

Most capsules contain 400–500 mg each of pure moringa leaf powder.
Typical dose: 2–3 capsules once or twice daily (around 1–2 g total per day).
Maximum: Up to 3 g daily from capsules for general wellbeing.

Tip: Take with breakfast or lunch rather than late evening, as moringa can be naturally energising.

Moringa is a simple but powerful daily addition that nourishes from the inside out, supporting energy, hormones, skin, and mood.

⚖️ General Advice

Moringa is nutrient-dense rather than a stimulant, so it builds its effects gradually — improved energy, hormone balance, and calmer mood often appear after 2–3 weeks of consistent use.
Always choose organic, leaf-only forms (no stems or roots) for maximum nutrient content.
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or on thyroid / blood-sugar medication, check with your healthcare provider before starting, as moringa can enhance certain metabolic effects.

🛒 Trusted UK Sources for Moringa

When buying moringa, choose organic, leaf-based products — shade-dried, filler-free, and nutrient-rich.

Powders:

Capsules / Tablets:

✨ The Bottom Line

If you’re feeling tired, anxious, achy, or waking in the night, your cortisol may be calling for attention.

Moringa offers a natural, nutrient-rich way to calm stress hormones, reduce inflammation, and restore energy and vitality. Safe, natural, and effective — sometimes the simplest remedies bring the biggest relief, and Moringa is one of them.

Omega 3

By kate

In Self Help, Nutrition

Nourish Your Mind, Body and Soul with Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids are among the most valuable nutrients we can give our bodies. These essential fats — found in oily fish, krill, and certain plant oils — are crucial for keeping the brain, heart, joints, and skin healthy. Yet, many people today fall short of their daily needs because modern diets are often high in processed fats and low in fresh seafood.

Our bodies are composed mainly of fat and water, both of which are vital to cell health and communication. The quality of the fats we consume directly affects the structure and performance of every cell membrane in the body. This is why ensuring an adequate intake of clean, nourishing fats like omega-3 is fundamental to maintaining balance — physically, mentally and emotionally.

What Is Omega-3?

Omega-3 refers to a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), found in marine sources such as fish and krill oil. A third type, ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), is found in plants such as flaxseed and walnuts, though our bodies convert only a small portion of it into the active forms EPA and DHA.

How Omega-3 Supports the Mind

Your brain is around 60% fat, and DHA is one of its most important structural components.

Mood balance: Omega-3 helps regulate neurotransmitters, supporting emotional steadiness and resilience.
Focus and clarity: DHA promotes nerve cell communication, aiding concentration and cognitive sharpness.
Calm under pressure: Regular intake can help lower stress reactivity and promote a sense of mental ease.

For anyone navigating anxiety, low mood or mental fatigue, omega-3 offers one of the most evidence-based natural supports available.

How Omega-3 Supports the Body

Omega-3 benefits every system in the body:

Heart health: Supports circulation, blood pressure and healthy cholesterol balance.
Joint comfort: Its anti-inflammatory properties ease stiffness and improve flexibility.
Skin and hair: Keeps cells hydrated for smoother skin and stronger hair.
Hormonal balance: Particularly beneficial for women, helping to regulate cycles and support perimenopausal wellbeing.

How Omega-3 Supports the Soul

When the body and mind are nourished, the spirit naturally follows. Omega-3 supports inner calm and emotional equilibrium, helping you feel grounded, centred and more connected. Many people notice greater patience, clarity and an improved sense of wellbeing when their body is properly fuelled with healthy fats.

Choosing the Right Omega-3

Fish Oil: Rich in EPA and DHA, excellent for overall health. Choose sustainably sourced, cold-pressed oils free from contaminants.
Krill Oil: Naturally contains phospholipid-bound omega-3 for enhanced absorption, plus astaxanthin — a powerful antioxidant.
Plant-Based Alternatives: Algae oil provides a vegan source of DHA (and sometimes EPA). Ideal for those avoiding animal products.

For most people, a fish or krill oil blend offers the best balance of potency, purity and bioavailability.

Trusted UK Sources

Cytoplan – Practitioner-grade UK supplements including pure fish and vegan algal oils. Use code WELCOME10 for 10% off your first order.
British Supplements – Known for clean, filler-free formulations and naturally balanced omega-3 and krill oil blends.

Both brands focus on quality, transparency and ethical sourcing — exactly what you want when choosing something as foundational as healthy fats.

Final Thoughts

We are built from fat and water — two simple but powerful elements that shape every cell and system. The better the quality of the fats we consume, the more balanced and energised we feel.

If you’re looking to nourish your mind, body and soul, adding a pure, sustainably sourced omega-3 supplement is one of the simplest yet most effective steps you can take. Many health practitioners recommend supplementing to up to 4000mg a day (that’s 2 x 1000mg in the morning and the same in the evening). Consult a health practitioner if you would like to know more – I recommend “Natural Born Healer” (Lucy De Angeles). Click here to find out more. She trained as a Naturopath with Barbara Wren and has a facebook page, a website and a book of the same name.

Magnesium

By kate

In Self Help, Nutrition

Why Magnesium Matters

Magnesium is a truly versatile mineral — involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. It supports:

Nervous system & mood balance (calming over-excitation)
Muscle function & recovery, including cramps
Energy production (via mitochondria)
Heart & vascular health
Bone strength (working alongside calcium and vitamin D)
Sleep modulation (helping relax and quiet the mind)

Because of its many roles, a suboptimal magnesium status is surprisingly common, especially in modern diets (refined foods, soil depletion, stress, poor absorption). Choosing the right form is key — not all magnesium supplements are created equal.

Finding the Right Magnesium for You

Magnesium is one of the body’s most vital minerals — involved in over 300 biochemical reactions that affect everything from mood and sleep to heart rhythm, muscles and metabolism. Yet many people are unknowingly low due to modern farming, processed foods, and stress.

Deficiency can show up as muscle cramps, anxiety, poor sleep, low mood, fatigue, or heart palpitations. The right magnesium supplement can make a real difference — but with so many forms available, choosing the best one for your needs is key.

Magnesium Glycinate (Bisglycinate)

Best for calm, sleep and mood.
A gentle, highly absorbable form bound to the amino acid glycine. Ideal for anxiety, poor sleep, or stress sensitivity. Easy on digestion.

Magnesium Citrate

Best for digestion and regularity.
Well absorbed and mildly laxative, this form supports bowel health and overall magnesium intake. Avoid if you already have loose stools.

Magnesium Malate

Best for energy and muscle fatigue.
Linked with malic acid, which helps energy production in the cells. Great for tiredness, fibromyalgia or low daytime energy.

Magnesium Taurate

Best for heart health and calm focus.
Combines magnesium with taurine — an amino acid that supports healthy heart rhythm and blood pressure while soothing the nervous system.

Magnesium Threonate (L-Threonate)

Best for brain and memory.
One of the few forms that can cross the blood–brain barrier, supporting cognitive clarity, concentration and long-term brain health.

Magnesium Chloride

Best for general repletion and topical use.
Commonly used in sprays or bath flakes. Absorbs well through skin and supports hydration, metabolism and relaxation.

Magnesium Oxide

Best for short-term constipation.
Has a strong laxative effect but poor absorption, so not ideal for long-term supplementation.

Magnesium Orotate

Best for heart repair and athletic recovery.
Supports cell energy and repair, particularly for cardiovascular function and active lifestyles.

Magnesium Carbonate

Best for mild acidity and digestion.
Acts as an antacid and converts to magnesium chloride in the stomach for moderate absorption.

Magnesium Sulphate (Epsom Salts)

Best for baths and sore muscles.
Used externally in warm baths to relax muscles, aid detoxification and calm the nervous system.

Magnesium Lactate

Best for sensitive digestion.
A gentle, well-tolerated option that offers steady magnesium absorption without upsetting the gut.

Magnesium Aspartate

Best for physical energy and athletic support.
Supports ATP production — the body’s main energy currency — and may enhance exercise recovery.

How to Choose

Decide your goal – sleep, mood, energy, or digestion.
Match the form that meets that need.
Start low, increase slowly to check your body’s response.
Choose clean formulations with minimal fillers or additives.

A combination can also work well — for example, magnesium glycinate at night and citrate during the day.

Trusted UK Sources

When shopping for magnesium, opt for quality brands with good transparency about ingredients and testing.

British Supplements – known for clean, filler-free magnesium glycinate and other natural formulas.
Cytoplan – practitioner-grade supplements made in the UK. Use code WELCOME10 at checkout for 10% off your first order.
Holland & Barrett – widely available, offering a variety of forms at accessible prices.
Together Health – uses natural marine magnesium blends.
BioCare UK – offers liquid and capsule forms for sensitive systems.
Solgar – trusted global brand with reliable magnesium citrate and glycinate formulas.

Final Thoughts

Magnesium isn’t a one-size-fits-all mineral. It’s about finding the right form for your body and your needs. Whether you’re aiming for deeper sleep, calmer moods, more energy, or muscle relief, magnesium can be a game-changer when used thoughtfully.

If you’re new to it, magnesium glycinate is a balanced place to start — gentle, absorbable and effective for most people.

Here’s a concise guide to the most common types, what they’re “best for,” and tips for selecting one that suits you.

Fast Like a Girl by Mindy Pelz

By kate

In Self Help

Fast Like a Girl — By Dr Mindy Pelz – A Book Summary

Overview
Dr Mindy Pelz, a nutrition and fasting expert, explores how women’s hormones shape metabolism, energy, and overall health. In Fast Like a Girl, she argues that women need to fast differently to men — aligning fasting windows, food choices, and rest with hormonal rhythms. The book empowers women to work with their biology, not against it, to regain balance, energy, and control of their wellbeing.

Core Themes and Insights

1. Women’s bodies need their own fasting rhythm
Traditional fasting advice often overlooks the female hormonal cycle. Because oestrogen and progesterone fluctuate throughout the month, women benefit from adapting fasting intensity according to where they are in their cycle. The right approach can enhance focus, energy, and hormone stability — while the wrong one can increase stress, fatigue, or cravings.

2. Metabolic switching
The goal of fasting is to help the body “switch” from burning glucose for energy to burning fat and producing ketones. This process boosts energy, mental clarity, and cellular repair. For women, the right fasting window depends on hormonal balance, sleep, and stress levels — not willpower alone.

3. Syncing fasting with the menstrual or hormonal cycle
Mindy Pelz divides the cycle into three broad phases and recommends adjusting fasting accordingly:

Power Phase (after menstruation): Hormones are low; the body tolerates longer fasts and exercise well.
Ovulation Phase: Hormones rise; fasting should be shorter and more moderate, with nutrient-rich foods to support fertility and balance.
Luteal Phase (before menstruation): Progesterone increases; fasting should ease off, and nutrition should focus on comfort, healthy carbohydrates, and magnesium-rich foods.

4. Postmenopausal women
After menopause, hormone fluctuations lessen, but fasting remains beneficial when practised gently and consistently. Without cyclical hormones, women can follow a steady rhythm of fasting — for example, 13–16 hours most days, with one or two longer fasts weekly if tolerated. Mindy Pelz emphasises that postmenopausal women must focus more on:

Nutrient density (especially protein, minerals, and phytoestrogens)
Muscle maintenance through strength training
Stress reduction (as cortisol has a stronger influence when oestrogen is low)
Recovery and rest, since the body no longer benefits from monthly hormone “resets”

The postmenopausal fasting plan encourages gentle consistency rather than intensity — supporting stable energy, weight management, mental clarity, and bone health.

5. The 30-Day Reset
The book offers a 30-day plan that gradually introduces fasting while cycling between intermittent, moderate, and extended fasts. It focuses on listening to the body rather than rigid rules, helping women discover their ideal fasting window for sustainable results.

6. Food quality and nourishment
Fasting success depends as much on what you eat as when. Pelz promotes clean, whole foods and introduces two styles:

Ketobiotic eating: lower carb, healthy fats during fasting phases.
Hormone-feasting: higher carb, nutrient-rich meals during phases that need replenishment or when energy dips.
For postmenopausal women, combining both styles supports metabolism and long-term health.

7. Mindset, rest, and connection
Pelz insists that fasting should never feel like punishment. It’s about building trust with your body, nurturing your energy, and creating space for healing. Emotional wellbeing, social support, and sleep are as vital as any fasting protocol.

Why It’s Worth Reading

Fast Like a Girl empowers women to take charge of their health through hormonal awareness, structured fasting, and compassionate self-discipline. It fills a long-standing gap in fasting advice by addressing the female body’s unique needs — including those of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. The approach helps reduce anxiety around food and re-establishes balance between body and mind.

Key Takeaways

Women’s hormones must guide fasting frequency and duration.
Fasting works best when combined with high-quality nutrition and self-care.
Different life stages — menstruating, perimenopausal, postmenopausal — require different rhythms.
For postmenopausal women, gentle, consistent fasting can improve energy, metabolism, and mood.
The goal is not restriction but metabolic flexibility and hormonal harmony.
Self-kindness, rest, and flexibility are the foundations of success.

👉 Read the full book for practical plans, fasting charts, and deeper guidance:
Fast Like a Girl by Dr Mindy Pelz

The Secrets of Spiritual Marketing

By kate

In Self Help

The Secrets of Spiritual Marketing by Lawrence Ellyard (book review)

1. Marketing with Integrity

One of the book’s most powerful ideas is that marketing doesn’t have to feel false, manipulative, or “unspiritual.” Ellyard reframes marketing as communication with purpose — a way to connect genuinely with those who need your help. For many natural therapists and healers, selling feels uncomfortable because it’s associated with ego or greed. Ellyard shows that ethical marketing is actually an act of service: it lets people find and benefit from your gifts. When approached with honesty and heart, marketing becomes a natural extension of your healing work rather than a betrayal of it.

2. Soul-Friendly Tools and Strategies

Ellyard introduces what he calls “soul-friendly marketing tools” — practical, low-pressure ways to attract clients that align with spiritual values. These include offering free or low-cost trial sessions (“tryvertising”), using compassionate and educational email marketing (“memail”), and creating simple, heartfelt promotional materials. These tools invite rather than persuade. They help potential clients experience your work safely before committing, which builds trust and rapport. This approach matters because many in holistic fields thrive on personal connection and authenticity — not on pushy sales tactics.

3. Breaking Marketing Myths

The author also tackles common myths that stop therapists from promoting themselves. Among them: “Marketing is expensive,” “You must already be successful to advertise,” and “If your work is good, people will just find you.” Ellyard dismantles these beliefs and replaces them with empowering truths — that marketing can be affordable, creative, and aligned with your current stage of growth. This matters because these limiting beliefs are often the biggest barrier to success for spiritual entrepreneurs. By shifting mindset first, practitioners free themselves to take confident, inspired action.

4. Building an Authentic Online Presence

Your website is your modern-day business card — and often the first place a client will meet you. Ellyard dedicates an entire section to creating an inviting, informative, and spiritually aligned online presence. He explains how your website’s headline, imagery, and tone should reflect your true essence and values, not just your services. A clear call-to-action, easy contact options, and engaging content make your site a place where visitors feel your energy. This matters because in the digital age, your online voice is your first impression — and an authentic one converts interest into trust.

5. The Power of Words: Messaging and Copywriting

A standout chapter explores how words can heal or harm. Ellyard teaches how to craft compassionate, benefit-centred language that speaks directly to a client’s needs and emotions. Your headline and message are not about you — they’re about them: what transformation or relief they’ll receive from your service. Effective copywriting bridges the gap between intention and action, inviting clients to take the next step. This matters because even the most gifted therapist can remain invisible if their message doesn’t resonate or inspire action.

6. Referrals, Networking, and “Word of Mouse”

Ellyard emphasises the value of community and connection. Word-of-mouth remains the most powerful form of marketing in healing professions, and “word of mouse” — the online version — amplifies it. By nurturing satisfied clients, building referral systems, and collaborating with complementary practitioners, you can grow your reach naturally. Networking, both online and offline, is presented not as competition but as co-creation. This matters because trust is the cornerstone of spiritual and therapeutic work; authentic recommendations carry more weight than any advertisement ever could.

7. Retaining and Nurturing Clients

It’s easier — and far more cost-effective — to retain an existing client than to find a new one. Ellyard encourages practitioners to cultivate long-term relationships through follow-ups, newsletters, loyalty programmes, and continued care. This deepens trust and ensures clients feel seen and valued beyond the first session. For spiritual businesses, where healing often unfolds over time, client retention is both practical and aligned with service. It matters because a thriving practice is built not on constant new leads but on meaningful, ongoing relationships.

8. Standing Out Through Authentic Differentiation

Many therapists struggle to define what makes them different. Ellyard guides readers to identify their “unique spiritual fingerprint” — the special qualities, stories, and experiences that make their work distinctive. By understanding and articulating this uniqueness, you can create a clear niche and attract clients who resonate deeply with your energy and approach. This matters because without differentiation, you risk blending into the background — competing on price rather than purpose. When you know who you are and what you offer, the right people naturally find you.

9. Mindset: From Scarcity to Service

Underlying the entire book is a shift from fear and scarcity to faith and service. Ellyard urges practitioners to view money not as something to be ashamed of, but as an energy exchange — a reflection of value freely given and received. When you align your business with love, trust, and generosity, abundance follows naturally. This mindset shift matters because it transforms marketing from a chore into a creative and spiritual practice in itself.

In Summary

The Secrets of Spiritual Marketing shows that marketing and spirituality can coexist beautifully. By combining authentic communication, practical strategy, and inner alignment, natural therapists can build a practice that is both financially sustainable and soul-centred. The book’s enduring value lies in its gentle reminder that when you market with integrity, you’re not just selling a service — you’re extending an invitation to healing.

Click here for a worksheet on the above principles!

COVID-19 Vaccines and Myositis: Context, Concerns, and Current Evidence

By kate

In Questioning Science

Cases of myositis following COVID-19 vaccination have been documented. The clinical spectrum includes mild inflammatory myopathy, dermatomyositis, immune-mediated necrotising myopathy, and overlap syndromes. The relationship remains under study. Be aware that mainstream will say these are “rare” so as not to “undermine” public confidence, but the facts are that widespread adverse reactions are well known.

Findings from the Literature

A 2023 review collected 49 cases of inflammatory myositis after COVID-19 vaccination. Muscle involvement was most frequent (~80 %), followed by skin manifestations (~53 %) and interstitial lung disease (~35 %). Most patients received mRNA vaccines.
Case reports have described anti-MDA5 dermatomyositis, overlap syndromes, and myositis combined with myocarditis following mRNA vaccination.
Symptoms usually onset days to weeks post-vaccine. Workup often reveals elevated CK, MRI muscle oedema, EMG myopathy patterns, and in some cases, myositis-specific antibodies (e.g. anti-MDA5, anti-PM/Scl). Biopsy, when done, shows inflammation, necrosis, and MHC-I upregulation.
Treatment generally involves high-dose corticosteroids, often with IVIG or immunosuppressants (methotrexate, mycophenolate, rituximab). Many patients improve, though anti-MDA5 + ILD cases carry higher risk.

Consent, Payments & Research Limitations

Under UK law and GMC guidance, informed consent must be obtained before vaccination, meaning patients should receive disclosure of benefits, risks, and alternatives.
Many report that full informed consent was not provided, particularly regarding long-term risks, rare adverse events, or ingredient details.
In the UK, GP surgeries are paid £7.54 per COVID-19 vaccine dose (plus £10 for housebound patients) and £9.58 per influenza vaccine, along with reimbursement of vaccine cost.
Because these payments underpin vaccine delivery further independent research may be underprioritised or underfunded, given the conflict between findings that might lower uptake and maintaining vaccine programme revenue.

Historical / Regulatory Notes

COVID-19 vaccination was initially not recommended for younger age groups until safety data were established.
Clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance continued well after roll-out; for example, long-term safety data collection extended into January 2023 and beyond.

Key Takeaways

Myositis after COVID-19 vaccination is documented but rare.
Onset typically occurs within days to weeks of vaccination.
Management with immunosuppressants often yields improvement.
Informed consent is mandated but often reportedly remains incomplete in practice.
GP payment per vaccine (COVID: £7.54 + housebound supplement; flu: £9.58) introduces systemic incentives.
Funding priorities and institutional alignment may suppress or disincentivise independent adverse event research.
Further prospective, independent studies are needed to assess incidence, mechanisms, and long-term safety.

Key References & Research Links

Syrmou V, et al. COVID-19 vaccine-associated myositis: comprehensive review and case report. Immunologic Research, 2023. — PMC article: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10018601/
González D, et al. Anti-MDA5 dermatomyositis after COVID-19 vaccination: a case-based review. PMC article: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9166182/
Bolla E, et al. New-onset anti-MDA5 dermatomyositis following COVID-19 vaccination. PMC article: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11082759/
Ding Y, et al. Inflammatory myopathy following coronavirus disease vaccination. PMC article: europepmc.org/article/pmc/pmc9634642
Klein CR, et al. Anti-MDA5 autoantibodies predict clinical dynamics of dermatomyositis after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination. Rheumatology International (open access) — link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00296-024-05683-5
Camargo-Coronel A, et al. Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies linked to vaccination against SARS-CoV-2: a systematic review. Reumatismo PDF: reumatismo.org/index.php/reuma/article/download/1548/970/7027
Reumatismo editorial / commentary: Myositis after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination occurs more frequently than assumed. (Reumatismo, 2023) — reumatismo.org

Just the Inserts – summary

By kate

In Questioning Science, Self Help

Just the Inserts (www.justtheinserts.com)

Just the Inserts is an independent educational platform designed to help individuals better understand the contents of medical product information sheets—known as inserts—for vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. The site’s stated mission is to promote transparency, informed consent, and patient autonomy by providing direct access to the same data supplied by manufacturers and government agencies, presented in plain language for everyday readers.

The platform was founded by a parent who experienced a negative reaction in their child following a pharmaceutical product and subsequently discovered how inaccessible and complex official documentation could be. Motivated by this, the founder created a space where users could easily find, read, and interpret the original inserts for themselves rather than relying solely on medical summaries or promotional materials.

Key Features

Insert Search & Archive
The website provides a searchable library of drug and vaccine inserts. Users can look up ingredients, side effects, contraindications, and manufacturer warnings exactly as they appear on the official documentation.
Educational Course
A free self-paced course, How to Read an Insert, teaches visitors how to interpret the technical sections of medical product inserts. It walks users through how to recognise warnings, dosage information, and clinical data references.
Vaccine Information Section
The vaccine section compiles inserts for commonly used vaccines and introduces a concept called the Vaccine Perspective Spectrum™, which aims to broaden the discussion beyond “pro-” or “anti-” vaccination labels. The intention is to encourage nuanced, evidence-based conversation about risks and benefits.
Publications and Resources
The platform offers supplementary materials such as Well Considered: A Handbook for Making Informed Medical Decisions and an accompanying podcast and newsletter. It also includes a provider directory featuring practitioners who value informed consent.
Ethical and Educational Approach
Just the Inserts emphasises the principles of transparency, accessibility, and personal responsibility. The site maintains that it does not offer medical advice but provides educational resources for individuals to understand pharmaceutical information independently. Its team states openly that they hold biases toward greater transparency and medical freedom, preferring to make those biases explicit rather than hidden.
Community and Advocacy
The wider aim of the project is to create a community of people who are better informed, confident in interpreting medical data, and empowered to discuss health decisions with professionals on equal terms. It positions informed consent as the cornerstone of ethical medicine and public trust.

Overview

Just the Inserts bridges the gap between dense scientific language and the everyday individual’s need for clear information. It promotes the view that genuine consent can only exist when people understand exactly what they are consenting to, using official documents rather than media interpretations or government summaries.

While critics may question whether the tone of the platform leans toward medical scepticism, supporters argue that it simply restores balance in a system where patient understanding is often secondary to compliance. The platform does not claim to replace professional advice but to enable citizens to ask better questions of their healthcare providers.

Key Summary Takeaways

Purpose: To make medical product inserts accessible and understandable to the public.
Mission: Promote transparency, informed consent, and patient autonomy.
Core Offerings: Searchable insert database, free educational course, publications, and provider directory.
Ethical Stance: Encourages individual responsibility in health choices; critical of one-sided or politically driven narratives.
Audience: Individuals seeking to understand vaccine and pharmaceutical risks directly from official sources.
Tone: Educational, sceptical of corporate and governmental gatekeeping, and rooted in advocacy for medical freedom.

Reference: Adapted summary based on material from www.justtheinserts.com