Dr. Shaun Holt is a health expert – based in the UK and is a regular speaker on cruise ships. His talks cover the science behind natural therapies and wellness, as well as destination topics relevant to the Mediterranean and New Zealand.  With degrees in Pharmacy and Medicine, he has led over 50 clinical trials and authored 200+ publications. Shaun is the founder of HoneyLab, a health company, and the author of 11 books, including the bestseller Natural Remedies That Really Work. His talks blend health insights with travel tips, showcasing how Mediterranean cultures promote well-being.

 

 

Mediterranean Destination talks

1. Mediterranean Medicine – as well as the Mediterranean diet there are so many other foods and health products from this part of the world.

2. Leonardo da Vinci, the scientist – perhaps better known as an artist, da Vinci was also one of the greatest early scientists and inventors.

3. Medicine in ancient Greece and Rome – combined philosophy, observation, & herbal remedies. Influential figures like Hippocrates & Galen emphasized ethics & holistic approaches, laying the foundations for modern medical practices & ethics.

4. Ottoman Empire, Science & technology – this region excelled in science & technology, fostering advancements in astronomy, mathematics, & medicine as well as innovations in architecture, engineering, & navigation.

5. Mediterranean plants that heal & plants that harm – plants such as rosemary and thyme possess healing properties, whereas plants such as oleander and belladonna can be toxic.

Special Interest / Enrichment talks

1 – Natural Products and Therapies: which work, which don’t….and how to tell the difference.

Do you know the difference between a chiropractor and an osteopath? A homeopath and a

naturopath? Whether rescue remedy, ginger, or B vitamins are worth taking? Learn about the evidence behind natural products and therapies, and ask about ones that you use or are thinking about.

2 – Medicines from the Hive – the medical uses of honey and bee venom

Humans have been using honey for medical purposes for at least 4000 years and recent research has shown that it is an effective treatment for many medical conditions. Other products from bees are also effective, including bee venom that can help with pain and remove wrinkles!

3 – Churchills’ ills- Winston’s amazing medical story

Churchill survived multiple health scares to become one of the world’s greatest leaders.  Crashed a plane, thrown from a camel and survived an attempt to throw him under a train….all whilst he was in his thirties!

4 – Omega 3 101

We all know that fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids are good for us. But what is the difference between all the different products you see on the shelves? Should you eat fish or take a supplement? What’s the difference between omega-3 and omega-6, between fish oil and krill oil, between DHA and EPA?

5 – Probiotics 101

Many of us eat yoghurt or take probiotic pills. But do they work? And for which conditions. After this talk you will know why there are billions of reasons to take a probiotic!

6 – The Science of Sips: the Health Benefits of Tea and Coffee

Your favourite cuppa is good for health as well. New research has found that tea can make your brain, muscles, bones and heart stronger. And coffee can make you smarter, thinner and faster, and may reduce your chances of getting diabetes. But like everything, too much can be a bad thing.

7 – Complementary therapies Q&A

Most people take vitamins, supplements or herbal products, or use other forms of natural, complementary or alternative medicines. In this open session you can ask about the science of any that you use, are thinking of using, or are simply interested in.

8 – Alternative Medicine: weird & extreme healthcare practices

Alternative medicines and therapies are healthcare products or practices that are

taken or used instead of standard medical therapies. Some of the most interesting and controversial of these therapies are discussed, including: colonic irrigation, ear candling, cupping, colloidal silver and massive doses of vitamins. This is often a light-hearted and humorous presentation, but with a serious underlying message.

9 – Medical Cannabis

It’s a hot topic in both medicine and business at the moment. What does science say about the possible medical benefits of this widely used plant…and what are potential risks?

10 – Complementary therapies Q&A #2 and quiz

11. Remarkable Research – important and fascinating recent medical studies

There are around 10,000 medical journals published every month, each containing many reports on medical research studies. Cutting-edge medical research is not only fascinating but the findings can also contribute enormously to our health and wellbeing. Many remarkable studies are presented in an easy-to-follow manner, discussed, and the merits of them debated.

 

1. Gidday mate! – whilst all kiwis primarily speak English, the Indigenous language of Māori is also significant. Diverse linguistic heritage reflects rich cultures and histories of the nations

2. New Zealand honey – produced from the nectar of the Manuka & Kanuka trees in New Zealand, it is renowned for its unique antibacterial properties and health benefits, making it highly sought after.

3. Sport – its not just the All Blacks & the Americas Cup. The nation celebrates athletic achievements and values community participation in sports.

4. Highlights of New Zealand – the most spectacular, famous, must-see places in NZ, and also some of the more quirky and off-the-beaten track places to see.

5. Famous people from New Zealand – famous kiwis include Sir Edmund Hillary, pioneering mountaineer; actress Anna Paquin; filmmaker Taika Waititi; singer Lorde & recent Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

6. NZ Flora & Fauna – New Zealand’s flora and fauna are unique, featuring ancient forests, endemic bird species like the kiwi, and diverse plant life including ferns, kauri trees, and alpine flowers.

7. TV, movies & music from NZ – include “The Lord of the Rings” films, musicians like Lorde & Crowded House and Flight of the Conchords’ quirky comedy.

8. A brief history of New Zealand – from Māori settlement around 1300 AD, British colonization in 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi, independence movements, to its unique cultural bicultural identity today.