Category:
Conditions
After
visiting one of your health stores I was given Plantain
tincture.Can you tell how it works as I am suffering from
Sinusitis (tightness in the head behind the eyes and in
the ears like a constant dull ache, my neck is all starting
to ache.
Plantago tincture
has an astringent, cleansing effect on the tissues lining
the ear/nose/throat tract. It is anti-inflammatory and we
tend to find that it reduces the risk of recurrent infections
as it strengthens the membranes. I would also advise you
to reduce the levels of dairy products in your diet, as
this reduces mucus production.
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I
have spots around my eyes but they seem to be under the
skin (bottom of eyes)I have been told that it may be due
to build of toxins in the liver can you suggest anythingI can take for this. The spots get me down and make my otherwise
clear skin look tired and old. I very rarley drink alcohol.
It
depends what type of spot you mean. If they are white, it
may be an indication that your cholesterol levels are not
ideal. In that case garlic caps, Cynara tincture and choline
and inositol tablets would be of use.
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My friend has been diagnosed
with gout in his foot. He is 62 and a teetotaller. His doctor
doesn't seem to have explained exactly what it is /causes
it/ or is there anything that he can do in terms of diet.
He has been given Ibuprofen as an anti-inflammatory.
Gout is caused
by excess uric acid in the system. To counter the uric acid,
use nettle tea or tincture, taken internally 3 x daily.
Foods to avoid are highly processed things such as white
sugar and flour, tea and coffee, dairy products, red meat,
and citrus fruit, as these can all cause excess uric acid.
Devil's Claw tincture can also help with the pain, as it
is an anti-inflammatory herb that you take internally, that
has no side effects.
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My friend always has the sensation that his sinuses
are inflammed and that he can never breath deeply enough,
though he doesn't snore nor does he seem to produce excessive
mucous, his chest and nose are always clear. He is fit and
healthy and in his early thirties, he walks in the countryside
for miles everyday. His only downfall is his love of cheese
and his consumption of dairy products is high, but he does
eat copious amounts of fruit and vegetables. He hardly ever
drinks caffiene but his water intake is low. He wants to
improve his breathing for his hobby which is singing and
he feels that is voice is too nasal as a result of inflammed
sinuses. Do you have any suggestions for this chronic condition?
I think you've
hit the various problem areas already. He needs to cut back
on dairy products and drink 1.5 litres of plain water daily.
He could also try Plantago tincture, which strengthens the
ear/nose/throat tract membranes.
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I suffer
really bad hay fever none of the antihistimines seem to
work. Would reflexology work and when is the best time to
have this done?
I have never tried
reflexology for this problem because there are some very
effective herbal remedies. Try taking nettle tea, Luffa
Complex tincture and a low dose vitamin C from now until
after the 'season'. Also, reduce your intake of dairy products
as they tend to make you more vulnerable to allergic reactions.
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I am 51
years old & have not had a period for about 12 months
now.
I am taking Bioforce Passiflora Complex for anxiety, plus
true food B complex for my nerves, plus a multivitamin &
mineral complex (high absorption).
I am wondering if you could recommend something for my hot
flushes which occur when experiencing any type of stressful
situation however mild it may be, I also can have a hot
flush without any stress, but this in itself will cause
anxiety which makes the flush worse, maybe I need something
for the anxiety? I have suffered this "flushing"
for a number of years (heat within the body & a red
hot face). I am eating 100% organic with no sugar &
very little salt, no caffiene, no red meat, drinking fair
amount of soya, having flax seed oil daily.
You sound as if you are making a huge effort and doing all
the right things - I wish more of my patients were like
you! I would add 2-3 cups of nettle tea or 2 daily doses
of nettle tincture to your routine, make sure you are drinking
2 litres of water daily, and think about adding an adrenal
remedy if your anxiety levels are high. Specialist Herbal
Supplies does a very good adrenal remedy called ADR FE.
Their contact number is 0800 0345 333.
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I
have been travelling in India and since I returned I've noticed
a lot of digestive problems that haven't gone away. My doctor
says that I may have picked up some intestinal parasites.
Are there herbal ways of getting rid of these?
There are various herbal remedies
that will help to expel intestinal parasites. One of the
easiest and most effective to use is an extract of the papaya
plant, called Papayaforce. Papaya contains an enzyme, papain,
that breaks down protein, and for this reason it is often
used by people who find they have digestive problems such
as indigestion, acidity, or flatulence. It is useful if
you have difficulty digesting certain foods, such as wheat.
It is also antiparasitic for the very simple reason that
it dissolves the outer cuticle of the worms.
I
dread the approach of winter as the long, dark nights and
the cold really get me down. I've recently moved to County
Kildare and was horrified to discover that I can?t get Hypericum
here. However will I cope? What can you suggest?
There are no herbs that can really replace Hypericum in
terms of its antidepressant action and benefits for SAD
(Seasonal Affective Disorder) sufferers. There are, however,
supplements that you can use to keep your stress levels
to a minimum, which protect you against stress-induced depression.
Take a vitamin B complex and 150mg magnesium from the start
of the autumn, and use either Passiflora or Avena sativa,
as both herbs are suitable for long term use and both increase
your ability to withstand stress. Passiflora is thought
to have a beneficial effect in depression as it contains
alkaloids that protect serotonin levels. Avoid caffeine,
alcohol and sugar, as they compromise your adrenal glands,
which makes you more susceptible to stress and mood swings.
Make sure that you get out into the fresh air every day
during the autumn and winter, even if it?s blowing a gale
and the skies are grey ? the tiniest bit of natural light
will stimulate your pituitary gland, which helps keep you
emotionally buoyant. Yoga will have a similar effect and
also improve your circulation. Use herbs such as Ginger
to add zing to your blood and keep it moving. It would be
worth your while investing in a light box, which many people
find keep the blues at bay during the dark months.
I
have a harsh, catarrhy winter cough
which leaves me chesty & breathless when I walk very far,
sometimes this can go on for nine months of the year. I've
been given an inhaler by the doctor but this doesn't cure
the cough.
Try Ivy Thyme and Galeopsis, the former until the cough
is gone, the latter for at least 6 months. Take a good antioxidant
and avoid dairy products.
Is
there a remedy for stress incontinence, urgency & a slight
prolapse? I've been told an operation on one could make another
worse, so won't operate.
Galeopsis will sort this out too, but needs to be taken
for 6 months plus, to have an effect.
The
muscles in my upper arms are very painful, so am ltd to movement.
I would like to know what`s causing this problem and is there
anything that can be done?
Suggest you take magnesium, 300mg daily, and avoid dairy
products.
I
am 48 and beginning to get signs of the menopause, as my periods
are less frequent and I've noticed my skin getting drier.
I don't want to take HRT but my mother had osteoporosis so
I am concerned about my bone density. Is there a natural alternative
to
There are many things that you can take to aid your progress
through the menopause naturally. As each woman is an individual
with her own strengths and weaknesses, every case will be
different. In your case, I would take Evening Primrose Oil
(3,000mg daily) to prevent your skin from drying out. Make
sure you drink at least 1.5 litres of plain water daily
and if you smoke, stop! For your bones, do weight-bearing
exercises, eat plenty of green vegetables, dried fruit,
seeds and wholegrains, and take magnesium (300mg daily)
and Urticalcin. This will ensure that your dietary calcium
absorbs properly and gets into the bones, where it?s meant
to be! Avoid undue stress, as this will leave your adrenal
glands free to supply alternative forms of hormones over
the next few years.
Can
you suggest a treatment for lichen planus ?
Stress may be a factor in the evolution of lichen planus
and is linked to the lowering of immune function, so you
could try Passiflora to reduce stress levels and Echinacea
to boost immune function. A sensitivity to gold, such as
from gold fillings, is considered a possible trigger for
the lesions. Please ensure that you have checked with a
med practitioner that these lesions are totally benign.
Since
changing our eating plan to a more healthier option we are
eating more fruit and veg but my husband suffers from severe
and embarassing wind. Can you help me?
There are two herbs, Centaurium
or Yarrow -- both stomach bitters that may help --which
will help to improve digestion and reduce flatulence. It
may also be advisable to take an acidophilus supplement
to balance intestinal flora - as the wrong sort of bacteria
can produce wind. Also don't eat fruit with anything else
as it gets digested very quickly and, if mixed with other
foods, can ferment in the digestive system. Drink plenty
of plain water.
I
have developed frequent urination and occasionally lose urine
when I run or laugh. I don't think I have an infection. I
am age 41.
You will need to check this out with the doctor to make
sure there is no infection present, but otherwise it might
be pelvic floor weakness. You could try pelvic floor exercises
and take Galeopsis tincture for 4 to 6 months, which usually
helps to strengthen the pelvic floor.
At
30+, I have stopped the pill after 10 years, and am suffering
terribly with hormonal acne. It also regulated my periods
and helped with PMS. Could this be an imbalance in my endocrine
system/over production of progesterone? It leaves marks on
my skin.
I would try 3 months on Agnus castus and Milk Thistle Complex,
to balance your hormones and clear your system of toxins.
Drink nettle tea and at least 1.5 litres of water daily.
Avoid refined foods and caffeine. Make sure your bowel is
working every day. This programme is only suitable if you
are not now using hormonal contraceptives.
My
husband and I have been trying to have a baby for four years.
I already have a baby. What can my husband take to help us
have a baby, without taking drugs
Phone Foresight, who do natural fertility planning, on
01483 427839, and they will send you information on improving
your health and fertility.
My
children have had asthma, chest infections and croup. I'm
finding it hard to get the croup cough under control. I've
been using a nebuliser with pulmcort. I have Bioforce Echinacea
Complex. Will anything else other than an anti-histamine help?
I really do recommend that you seek the help of a health
care professional within your area with this, as it is not
a suitable area for self-medication, A qualified Medical
Herbalist would be able to assist you and your children.
Ring 01392 426022 to find your nearest Medical Herbalist.
I
suffer from excessive perspiration, mainly clammy hands and
under my arms. It gets worse with anxiety or stress, but is
there all the time. Can you suggest anything to reduce the
sweating?
I would use Hypericum tincture initially, to see if this
made a difference. If not, I would consult an acupuncturist,
who may be able to help. To find a qualified acupuncturist
near to you, go to www.acupuncture.org.uk.
A
friend has been told by a school councillor that her nine
year old child has the symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder.
He has recommended drugs to help, but is there a natural remedy
that she could give him?
There are several things, such as Essential Fatty Acids,
that have been shown to help. Diet is vitally important
though. Find a Nutritional Therapist near to you to help
you devise a diet and supplement programme for the child.
Ring 0870 606 1284 to find your nearest qualified practitioner.
I
am going through the premenopause and would like to know what
you would recommend for dry, sore and no moisture to the vagina
area.
There is a product called Sylk, which helps to lubricate
the vagina - it's a natural product made from natural ingredients
so it is very gentle. You can order it or ask about it on
01923 285544.
I've
been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, apparently quite
common in women of my age(53). I understand this is sometimes
caused by a deficiency of vitamin B6. Would a supplement help?
My doctor seems to think an operation is the only solution.
A good supplement programme would be Knotgrass Complex,
a vitamin B complex and magnesium. You could also use Urticalcin.
Ask in your local health store for these products, and contact
a craniosacral therapist in your area to get some help with
the soft tissue - a register of qualified craniosacral therapists
is available on 01738 444404.
I
have weak motility of the sperm and a low count. I had varicocele
surgery, which showed poor motility of the sperm. I've tried
3 times "IUI" and twice IVF and ICSI. What can I do to strengthen
the sperm count and enhance the motility of my sperm.
Keep the scrotum cool by wearing loose cotton underwear.
Avoid coffee, alcohol, smoking and highly processed foods.
Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and use dried fruit and
nuts and seeds instead of salty, fatty or sugary snacks.
Drink at least 1.5 litres of still water daily and take
regular exercise. Take a low dose vitamin C (500mg or less)
3 times daily, 400i.u. vitamin E daily, and antioxidant
daily, and 15mg zinc daily. The amino acid l-arginine is
said to improve sperm motility. The herb damiana has a toning
effect on the whole male sexual system.
I
had been taking the pill for two years. Due to sexual problems
I stopped. Since stopping, 18 months ago, I've had no periods.
I always had very irregular periods. I've been referred to
a gynecologist. Are there any herbal products that would help
me?
There are several factors that could be at work here, and
really I would need to know more about your case to make
a useful recommendation. I suggest that you locate a qualified
medical herbalist near to you, and have a proper consultation,
or go to an acupuncturist who can rebalance your endocrine
system (which is in charge of your hormone production).
To find a herbalist, go to www.nimh.org.uk
and for an acupuncturist try www.acupuncture.org.uk
I
would like to know - can drinking water restore vaginal dryness
To some extent it may help: having enough moisture present
in body tissues means they can plump up more. It is the
same with the face: women who drink enough water are less
likely to have dried out wrinkles on their face. With the
vagina, however, some of the dryness may be caused by a
drop in oestrogen levels. Take 200i.u. vitamin E daily along
with the extra water.
I
slipped a disc in my lower back and have had trouble with
a trapped nerve down my left leg. I also have varicous veins
in my left leg and terrible cramp. Can I take Aeculus tablets
as well as taking Magnesium phosphate.
You can take Aesculus as well
as Mag phos, and you could add magnesium citrate and a vitamin
B complex to help with the cramp. Also, consider visiting
a craniosacral therapist to help get your soft tissue back
in place.
What
natural supplement can I take to relieve high blood pressure
There are many natural remedies that will help to stabilise
blood pressure, but it largely depends on the individual
circumstances. For example, are you very stressed, in which
case vitamin B complex and Passiflora Complex will help?
Or are you a junk foodie, in which case drinking lots of
water, no coffee or fizzy drinks, and avoiding salt and
fatty, fried foods will help, as will Hawthorn Garlic Complex?
Or do you have a kidney problem or fluid retention, in which
case Dandelion or Solidago would be good? Generally speaking,
drinking lots of water, avoiding artificial stimulants,
relaxing, gentle exercise, taking magnesium, vitamin E and
the herb Crataegus makes up a good heart programme, but,
as I say, it depends on the person involved. You could consult
a herbalist near to you to make up your individual package.
Go to www.nimh.org.uk to find your nearest Medical Herbalist.
My
doctor says I have rheumatoid arthritis. What does this mean?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, whereby
the immune system gets confused and starts attacking the
body's own cells instead of attacking invading bugs. Tissues
and joints become inflammed and painful and the person may
become stiff and less mobile. Devil's Claw, an anti-inflammatory
herb, is very useful in counteracting the inflammation and
pain in this condition.
My
fingers are starting to become knobbly and stiff, and I'm
worried I'll end up like my mother who had quite deformed
fingers when she was older.
Take Knotgrass Complex for at least 6 months, as it helps
to break down 'knotty' deposits in the joints and tissues.
It will help keep your fingers more supple and less painful.
Be careful as to your diet, as a diet full of red meat,
caffeine, highly processed foods and refined sugar will
promote inflammatory joint problems. Take Urticalcin to
keep your calcium in its proper place in your bones rather
than being dumped in the tissues and joints.
I suffer
with psoriasis, which has really flared up at the moment,
very itchy and sore. Can you recommend any supplements to
help?
You need to work
on your digestive system and liver. Avoid animal fats and
proteins and definitely avoid dairy products of all kinds.
Drink plenty of still water and avoid caffeine. Take a vitamin
B complex, such as Quest Mega-B 50, and a 15mg zinc supplement.
If your bowel isn't working every day then take a mixture
of herbs containing Frangula until it does, then use Milk
Thistle Complex, 20 drops twice daily, until the psoriasis
clears. This combination should make a difference. For external
use, I find Propolis cream is good.
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Please can
you help my husband. For quite some time now he has suffered
from RSI (repetitive strain injury). He has undergone acupuncture, cortisone
injections, periods of rest, anti-inflamatory tablets a course
of cod liver oil capsules and glucosamine. We are at a loss
as what to try next. He is a self employed plasterer and now
feels that a change of job is the only answer. PLEASE, PLEASE
can you offer some advise
Obviously you have
a big obstacle to healing if your job involves pressure on
the areas in question. However, you can help the areas to
heal by supplementing the nutrients they need. The most important
mineral in this case is magnesium, which helps to relieve
pain, loosen muscles and release tension. It also helps with
the breakdown of calcified deposits in joints and soft tissues,
which is often a factor in RSI. I recommend a liquid magnesium
made by Salus Haus, as this absorbs very quickly. Take 1 capful
once or twice daily with food. Another useful remedy is Knotgrass
Complex, which also helps to break up deposits in soft tissue
and joints. Computer operators (who often suffer from RSI)
are very fond of this remedy, which has been very successful.
It needs to be taken for up to 6 months initially, and can
be taken as part of a maintenance programme thereafter (especially
if the same line of work is being followed). Vitamin B is
another useful nutrient, which helps magnesium to work better
and reduces the body's vulnerability to stress, which can
increase muscle tension. Take a B complex (Quest's Mega B
50 is a good one) once daily with breakfast.
Apply Arnica Gel to the painful areas, as it reduces inflammation
in a powerful manner, with no side effects. Also, drink nettle
tea 2 to 3 times daily and avoid coffee and ordinary tea,
as they increase internal acidity, which encourages inflammation.
Nettle tea reduces acidity and in particular uric acid, which
exacerbates RSI. Refined sugar and alcohol are also best avoided
or reduced to a minimum, as they use up magnesium.
My husband
has been told he has Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy and all
the treatments (surgery and drugs) seem to have very unpleasant
side effects such as incontinence, impotence and erectile
dysfunction. Are there any natural treatments he can use instead,
as it seems in this case that the cure is as bad as, if not
worse than, the problem?
Yes, BPH treatments
are notorious for their unwelcome side effects. Luckily there
is a herb called Saw Palmetto that has been used for prostate
problems for many years, and has now been shown to be as effective
as the drug treatments but without the side effects. It will
take down the swelling of the prostate tissue and relieve
the symptoms, but have no disasterous consequences on continence
or the libido. In fact, because it makes the whole area feel
much healthier and more comfortable, it often has a positive
effect on the libido.
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I am 26
and have suffered back pain for four years. I see a chiropractor
once a month for treatment. I have a weakness on the right
hand side of my back and need it clicked back in place, this
is done to prevent pain from a trapped nerve under my left
shoulder blade. I still suffer from general pain. What can
be done for the long term?
I would see a CranioSacral
Therapist who could possibly rectify the underlying problem.
To find a qualified practitioner near you, ring 01738 444404.
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I
am a 60 year old woman who has been on HRT for 8 years. I
came off same and experienced hot flushes, particularly at
night. I was put back on HRT by my doctor for a period of
two months, but then subsequently decided to come off it gradually.
I have now been off same since November and since about the
middle of December have again been experiencing hot flushes
- not sweats - particularly at nights. Any suggestions?
Take Menosan tincture,
15 drops in a little water at lunch time and 30 drops in a
little water at night. Drink 2-3 cups of nettle tea daily,
steer clear of coffee and limit ordinary tea to a couple of
cups daily. Drink lots of plain water. This should ease the
flushes.
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I have
a bloked eustachian tube. the doctor has given me nose drops
etc. The ear now feels more comfortable but it started buzzing
which sounds like tinnitus the drops etc have not helped with
this. I have never had a problems with my ears before and
the only medicaton i take is 75mgs of thyroxine. Can you suggest
anything for this noise in my ear?
Stop all dairy products
for the next 3 months and take Plantago tincture. This should
help relieve the initial congestion and therefore the noises.
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My wife
and I have a trivial complaint - dandruff!
I have tried every shampoo under the sun and am presently
using Nizoral. I think the condition is worsened by eating
chocolate (which I endeavour to avoid).
Is there an effective herbal preparation for a scaly scalp?
Try Bioforce NeemCare
Shampoo, which is usually very helpful. Also try taking Udo's
Choice Oil internally (1 tbsp daily on food or in juice) and
avoiding refined sugar - eat dried fruit instead, which is
very sweet without being bad for your body.
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