| Category:
Remedies
What
are the best herbal remedies for acute hayfever? Itchy, watery
eyes that seal themselves shut and an incessant itching in
my mouth are the primary symptoms.
I have just purchased Luffa Complex in tincture form, based
on the recommendations of the manager of a local health food
shop.
Any advice you may have would be apreciated, and as the hayfever
season is rapidly approching, a speedy reply would be GREATLY
appreciated....
I
have had a great deal of success with Luffa Complex, so I
second your health store's advice. I would add a recommendation
to drink plenty of nettle tea and take a low dose vitamin
C several times daily.
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My son is
15years old and is currently working towards GCSEs. Over the
past month he has been suffering with fatigue which is beginning
to affect his attendance at school. I will be taking him to
the doctors but I just wanted to ask you if there is anything
I could give him.I have started him on a course of multi vitamins.
He has had a growth spurt lately which probably would affect
his energy level as well as the stress of the exams.
Poor thing - I'd
hate to have to do all those exams again! If he is growing,
make sure he is eating enough protein - not just meat, but
pulses and nuts and beans and allsorts to make sure he's getting
a wide spectrum of amino acids. Give him the Floradix that
I mentioned for your daughter, as it is really good for energy,
and see how much zinc is in the multi - he needs about 15mg
daily to help with puberty and brain function. Concentration
Essence (from healthstores) may also help.
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Is there
any herbal remedy to help eyestrain?
Take Eyebright tincture,
20 drops twice daily in a little water. This is to be taken
by mouth - it's an internal remedy that is delivered to the
eyes in the bloodstream. Works really well.
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I've been
taking Agnus castus for my PMS and it has been incredible,
but I've been told it may increase my weight true or false?
I'm also taking Helix Slim and Milk Thistle, as I have a
lot of constipation and bloated stomach. I think one causes
the other. I've stopped taking the agnus castus till I hear
it from someone with the knowledge. Also, I can't take linseed -
any other suggestions?.
Agnus castus cannot
increase your weight - or decrease it for that matter. I don't
know where people get these stories from! but please believe
me, it doesn't affect weight. You are correct that constipation
causes bloating. Try Lepicol instead of linseed, and if that
doesn't work move to a mild laxative such as a mixture of
Frangula and other herbs, as having a daily bowel movement
makes you comfortable and helps you to lose any unfair belly
weight.
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I have
the problem of losing weight. I am obese and have tried everything
I can do to lose weight. Go to gym but it makes me feel embarassed
and that makes me lazy not to go to the gym. If you can give
me some advice and any natural medicine or remedy to loss
the weight.
Telephone 0845 6085858 and ask them to send you my booklet
entitled Weight Control, which should help you.
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I
keep reading in newspapers and magazines that we should all
drink green tea as it is full of anti-oxidants and has anti-cancer
properties. I have tried it and think it tastes vile.
However
a few months ago I discovered yerba mate, which I think tastes
wonderful, and I drink about 6 cups a day. The suppliers claim
a wide range of health benefits for it, but as it comes from
a different plant from the usual green tea I am wondering
if it is inferior in beneficial properties.
Do
you have any views on how the two types compare?
I
totally agree with you about the taste of green tea - it is
quite high in tannins and this gives it the distinctive taste,
which is fine if you like tannin... Personally I drink Rooisbosch
tea alongside a variety of other herbal teas. I'm not convinced
that any of the alternatives such as mate or Rooibosch have
anything over each other. If you like the one you drink, and
it is stopping you from drinking ordinary tea, then go ahead.
Make sure you are drinking plenty of plain water as well though,
as that is more important for your body than any type of tea.
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Can you
tell me if it is OK to take Echinacea for more than a few
weeks at a time? I like to take it all through the winter,
as it keeps me free from colds, but a friend told me that
I shouldn’t do this.
Incorrect information
on the subject of Echinacea abounds! So many people ask me
this question and the answer is a definite YES! It is perfectly
safe to take Echinacea long term. It doesn’t become less effective
if you do so, and there are no adverse effects. The latest
research shows that Echinacea works best as a prophylactic
something that prevents you from getting ill in the first
place. Take a maintenance dose of 15 drops, once a day, throughout
the winter. Take an additional dose if you have been with
people who are ill, or if you feel run down. This way you
are unlikely to fall prey to bugs, but if you do, take 15
drops 3 times daily until the symptoms subside.
Some
time ago I was taking Aesculus tablets to aid the circulation
in my varicose veins. I then restarted my Ginkgo biloba and
stopped taking the Aesculus. The Ginkgo also seems to help
the vein problem. Could I take both products?
Ginkgo and Aesculus are suitable
as companion supplements. Ginkgo helps the circulation by
reducing the tickiness of the platelets in the blood and
is more relevant to arteries than veins. Aesculus strengthens
and tones veins, reducing the action of an enzyme that breaks
down the vein wall, so it will stop varicose veins from
deteriorating further, as well as relieving the symptoms
of tired, heavy, painful legs.
What
is the best thing for insomnia? I have retired early from
work and now have trouble sleeping at night.
One of the most effective remedies
is a combination of Valerian and Hops. You can take 30 drops
half an hour before bed and if you wake during the night,
you can take nother 20 drops. If you are on prescribed
sleeping tablets, please discuss the matter with your healthcare
practitioner before using a herbal remedy.
I
have (I think) over done things on my liver. I have purchased
your Milk Thistle complex in the hope of giving my poor liver
a tonc. However it says that the active ingredients are extracted
in alcohol which is clearly something I want to avoid. How
much
The amount of alcohol in a daily
adult's dose of Milk Thistle Complex is equivalent to the
amount of alcohol in 100g of grated apple. This amount is
only slightly above the amount circulating at any time in
your body due to the process of metabolism, which creates
alcohol as a by-product. Your body can dispose of this (even
with a rocky liver) in about 4-5 minutes. We use this remedy
for recovering alcoholics and people with hepatitis, so
it is definitely not a problem when the liver is inflamed.
I have found it to be one of the best liver tonics around,
as it is very balanced and tends not to trigger huge detox
reactions. Use it for 2-3 months to tone your liver up,
and then again in the spring, when the liver likes to do
a 'spring clean'. Please note that while Alison endeavours
to give the best advice based on the information provided,
it is always advisable to have a face-to-face consultation
with a practitioner about any health matter which is concerning
you.
At
65, I’ve been taken off HRT after 13 years. I‘ve been fine
on HRT with no adverse effects but am now suffering hot flushes
and not sleeping very well. I’m healthy & take cod liver oil
and Selenium ACE daily. Can you recommend anything else to
help?
A lot depends on why you went onto the HRT in the first
place. If it was just 'because you are 45-50' then you will
probably have no problems except the readjustment to lower
oestrogen levels. Lower oestrogen often causes flushes,
mild depression and a rebalancing of fluid in the body.
There are several ways of dealing with the flushes and poor
sleep patterns. Take Sage tincture to counteract the flushes,
and, if you are not on any other medication from the doctor,
take Hypericum Complex to ensure a good, restful sleep.
If you are on other medication, use Passiflora Complex to
achieve the good sleep pattern. Hypericum Complex should
be used for a maximum of 4 months, but usually it works
swiftly and you will not need to be on it for that length
of time. Sage can be taken for as long as needed, as can
Passiflora Complex. Make sure you are drinking plenty of
still water and avoiding coffee and coca cola. Nettle tea
is the best herbal drink for you at the moment, as it reduces
histamine and acts as a blood tonic.
My
daughter suffers badly with PMS. She becomes angry and has
horrendous mood swings. She cuts her arms, at the moment she
is on a prescibed anti depressant. I was wondering what would
be a good mood balance for her, she is 15
Take her to a medical herbalist, as this is too serious
to tackle yourself. To find a properly qualified herbalist
near to you, phone 01392 426022.
I
don't feel sad or depressed but can easily cry for no apparent
reason, especially when discussing my children eg. at parent
evenings, or watching a school play. Is there a herbal remedy
I could take to counteract this?
You could try Mood Essence, which is a Flower Remedy and
works on an emotional rather than a physical level. This
may help to make your emotions less overwhelming. It can
be taken long or short term, as you need.
I
have Crohn's disease. I take Prednisolone, which is being
reduced weekly. The condition of my skin has deteriorated
and my sleep pattern is affected which could be due to continued
steroid use. What supplements can I take to help?
There is a lot you can do with diet and supplements, but
it is best to do it under the supervision of a practitioner,
as getting it wrong can be painful! Ring the British Association
for Nutritional Therapy on 0870 606 1284 and they will let
you know of the qualified nutritional therapists in your
area.
I have a lot of skin tags(warts) around the neck area.
Could you please reccomend something, to remove them.
Thank you.
This isn't an easy problem to deal with but you may find
that applying Echinacea cream will help.
In
Healthy Way magazine there is an article on Jerusalem artichoke
and its benefits for helping weight control. Is there a supplement
of Jerusalem artichoke one can buy/use or does it have to
be the vegetable itself?
It is available as Helix Slim
tincture, found in many health stores. For more information
on Helix Slim visit: www.helixslim.com
I
take 30 drops of Agnus castus and 60 mg Ginkgo biloba daily.
I now want to try the Helix Slim drops and wonder if it is
ok to combine these herbs.
Yes, I find that up to 3 remedies
can be taken quite successfully together. If you take more
than that the effect can be diminished, because your body
is getting too many instructions at once.
I am 41
and in the peri-menopause. My sleep is disturbed. I sometimes
waken feeling warm and then find it hard to get back to sleep
again,thus making me irratible during the day Please suggest
something for me.
Drink plenty of still water and avoid caffeine (including
all forms of coffee, whether decaffeinated or not). Drink
nettle tea (available in teabags in health stores) 2 or
3 times daily and take Menosan, which is a tincture of sage,
at a dose of 15 drops in the morning and 30 drops at night.
HELP!
- I'm looking for a remedy for 'prickly heat' on my chin.
It's so annoying that when the sun is shining these little
blisters start appearing, making my face look unsightly &
me feeling very self conscious.
Take Urtica tincture, 15 drops 3 x daily in a little water
or juice, whenever the sun appears (we don't have this problem
in my part of Scotland!). Also, make sure your vitamin C
intake is high, as it is a natural antihistamine. Drink
plenty of water and make sure that your bowel is working
every day. That should fix it.
A friend
of mine might have MS,she is really worried and that makes
me worry to. Is there anything that could help her in anyway
at all
Yes, there is a lot you can do with nutrition and supplementation.
Also, some manipulative therapies are useful. Go to www.bant.org.uk
to find a nutritional therapist near to you, and phone 01738
444404 to find a CranioSacral Therapist (very good at soft
tissue work and nerve function). Don't panic - put your
energy into pursuing the many avenues available to help.
Whether your friend does or doesn't have MS, following a
better diet, taking supplements and having CranioSacral
Therapy will make her feel miles better.
What
is the best natural remedy for arthritis? I have been on painkillers
from the doctor but they have upset my stomach and I want
to try something natural instead.
If it is wear and tear arthritis (i.e. caused by lots of
sporting activity or a physically demanding job or an injury)
then glucosamine sulphate will help to replace the cartilage
that should line the joint and stop the ends of the bones
rubbing against each other. Glucosamine sulphate takes about
2 months to show its effects, as it is doing rebuilding
work which takes time. In the meantime take Devil's Claw,
which will reduce inflammation and therefore pain whilst
you wait for the glucosamine sulphate to work. If it is
rheumatoid arthritis, use Devil's Claw and Nettle tincture,
and 150-300mg magnesium daily. If it is more of a gouty
type arthritis, use Knotgrass Complex, with extra Nettle
tincture if you get a flare up. In all these cases you can
apply Arnica Gel externally to have an immediate anti-inflammatory,
pain-relieving effect.
My
friend advised me to take Devil's Claw for my arthritis. Is
it safe to take with heart medication? And for how long can
you take it?
A.Vogel Devil's Claw is safe to take with any other
supplement or medication. It is also safe to take for as
long as you wish, and will not cause any side effects.
My
daughter has developed dry cracked hands, her nails are breaking
and the tips of her fingers are sore. She has a one year old
baby. Is there any connection? Can you suggest a remedy?
Sometimes, providing all the nutrients needed for creating
and feeding a baby causes a deficiency in the mother. Your
daughter could take a supplement of Essential Fatty Acids
to revitalise her skin and nails. Udo's Choice is a good
make (take 1 tbsp daily on food or in juice), or she could
just try Flaxseed Oil (from a health store).
I
have a perforated right ear. What might help?
You might try Plantago tincture, as it is anti-inflammatory
for the membranous lining of the Ear, Nose, Throat tract
and promotes healing.
I
have a very dry tickly cough, on-going coughing as if there
was a feather in my troat. What would be the best remedy for
this ? (I have received Cough Linctus Forte from my local
chemist.)
Try Ivy-Thyme Complex, with Santasapina Syrup. The combination
should make you more comfortable quite quickly.
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Is
there a natural deodarant/anti-perspirant I can use as
I am worried by the latest research linking chemical products
to breast cancer?
There
are many natural deodorants available that contain no
harmful contents and are perfectly safe to apply in the
sensitive area under the arm (in close proximity to lymph
glands). Cyrstal Spring is one that will last you many
months, benefitting your wallet as well as your body.
When you apply it to your skin a thin layer of minerals
is deposted and inhibit the growth of the bacteria that
make you smell. The minerals do not, however, clog up
your pores and prevent you from sweating, as this is a
dangerous thing to do: the body needs to be able to eliminate
toxins and waste products through the pores. Crystal Spring
is hypoallergenic and contains no worrying ingredients.
It will not stain your clothes and has not been tested
on animals. Perfect!
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My
problem is 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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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 suffered from mild to moderate acne since my
teens, I am how 22 and still get flare ups. I heard saw
palmetto can help female acne is this correct? and is
it safe?
It
can help with female acne that is caused by excess testosterone.
If this is your problem you may have menstrual disturbances
too and maybe facial hair? Otherwise, acne is often caused
by poor bowel function, so make sure your bowel is moving
daily and drink plenty of water. Dairy products and refined
sugar tend to cause spots in sensitive people.
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What
is the best remedy for chronic candida albicans.
There
is no single remedy, as there are as many answers as there
are people with Candida overgrowth. Some pointers are
as follows.
1) Avoid refined sugar, coffee, alcohol and highly processed
food
2) Chew your food well and don't rush around whilst eating
3) Deal with sources of stress and address causes of unhappiness
as the immune system works better when you're happy
4) Get enough sleep as this also aids immune function
5) Boost immune function with Echinacea and vitamin C
6) Improve digestive power with Centaurium
7) Supplement with prebiotics such as FOS
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My
mum is 83 and has lately become a bit confused. She has
had short term memory problems and can't find items such
as purse chequebook etc. She is also becoming anxious
because she realises that she can't remember certain things.
Would Gingko biloba be helpful to her? She doesn't take
any medication.
It
almost certainly would, as there have been a number of
trials on elderly populations with excellent results,
not just for memory and general cognitive function, but
also on feelings of well-being, because, as you say, it
is upsetting for people if they realise they can't function
quite as well as before.
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My
hair has been excessively shedding for over three months
now. I have been to the doctor had she tested my thyroid
and iron and both were just fine. I know that stress can
cause hair lose, however can it last this long? I've been
trying to think of what else it might be. I was getting
relaxing treatments every 5-6 months on my hair for the
past 10 years (same formula). However I have not had that
done since March. And my hair actually stays very healthy
after these treatments considering the chemicals. I went
though much stress in the beginning of August, but could
it last this long? My hair always used to be very healthy.
Yes,
stress can cause ongoing hair-shedding, past the time
of the stress. And of course the stress of worrying about
the hair-shedding doesn't help! Take vitamin B complex,
Passiflora Complex, and a hair formula such as Florisene
(available in health stores and pharmacies). It takes
3 months for hair to rekeratinise, so be patient.
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Could
you please give a recommendation for clearing up Bacterial
Vaginosis other than antibiotics.
Use
Echinacea internally and Molkosan both internally (1 tsp
in a glass of water or juice daily) and externally (diluted
1:4 with water). Avoid refined sugar, coffee and alcohol
and make sure that the bowel is moving daily. Drink at
least 1.5 litres of still water daily
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Is
it wise not to take Milk Thistle or Artichoke for a prolonged
period of time, particularly in people with high blood
pressure ?
There
is no problem with using either of these remedies with
high blood pressure. Cynara tends to be a long term remedy,
as high cholesterol rarely goes away quickly. Milk Thistle
Complex can be taken long term if it is for high cholesterol,
but usually I would recommend a 2-3 month course to tone
and cleanse the liver.
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I
have been having problem with my feet.The soles get red
and hot also the edges,no matter what kind of footwear
I use,I wear cotton socks.
Try
taking a supplement of vitamin B5, alongside a low dose
vitamin B complex. You may also like to drink several
cups of nettle tea daily
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As
I am planning a trip to Hong Kong at the end of March
I would appreciate any advice you can give me regarding
what supplements I can take ie something for jet lag also
for immune system. My daughter would have problems with
her ears when flying and my husband has
a perforated ear drum.I myself would suffer from homesickness/depression
and I would always get a Spanish tummy when going to the
sun. Your reply would
be appreciated.
Take
Guarana and Vitality Essence once you get to Hong Kong,
if it is day time and you should be awake. Take vitamin
C, Echinacea and plenty of water on the flight, and avoid
alcohol. Keep taking the Echincea and vit C once you are
there and add Milk Thistle Complex to guard against stomach
and other bugs. Your daughter and husband can take Plantago
tincture (internally) for a month before flying, as it
is very healing for the ear drum.
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I
get mouth ulcers on a regular basis. any suggestions ?
This
can be due to a lack of vitamin B, an overgrowth of unfriendly
bacteria, stress, or food allergies. Apply Silicea Gel
to the ulcer, take a vitamin B complex, deal with any
stress (Passiflora Complex is good for helping calm you
down without making you drowsy), and use a supplement
of friendly bowel flora (acidophilus).
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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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I want to restore my sexual health with food.
What kind of food is required to fulfill this purpose.
Also,my penis is small, is there any food or vitamin that
increase the size and strength.
A wholefood diet, with plenty of fresh vegetables and
fruit is best for improving potency. Avoid caffeine, alcohol
and refined sugar, and eat foods that have not been highly
processed. Drink at least 1.5 litres of water daily and
make sure that your bowel is moving at least once a day.
Include seeds, such as sunflower and pumpkin seeds, in
your diet. There are no supplements that can increase
the size of your penis, despite the various adverts for
such things. If your circulation is good, however, you
may have a more effective erection, so you may wish to
try Ginkgo biloba for your circulation. You cannot take
this herb if you are on regular doses of Aspirin or Warfarin.
My
son has really untidy handwriting for a six year old,
and I cannot get him to eat 'proper' foods like jacket
potatoes, pasta etc. Can you shed any light please
Try
Kindervital by Salus Haus to perk up his appetite. Also,
children always want what adults have so enjoy the healthy
foods yourself and he'll be more likely to want what you
are having. If it is just his handwriting that is bothering
you, I would give him time to mature a bit before intervening,
but if it is allied to poor concentration or hyperactive
behaviour then you could think about supplementing fish
oils.
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