Ask Ali
Alison Cullen is a Nutritional Therapist with a special interest in Phytotherapy.
Ali will endeavour to give the best advice based on the information provided. However, it is always advisable to have a face-to-face consultation with a doctor or health care practitioner to obtain a diagnosis of any health matter which is concerning you.
Q I have phlebitis in my leg. My doctor has told me to rest it. I do rest it and hope that the ailment will go. Please can you give me any advice?
A Phlebitis involves inflammation of a vein, and the causes can include obesity, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, a job that involves standing all day, or poor circulation. Rest your legs, as your doctor advises, and make sure that you elevate them (on the foot of the bed or the arm of the sofa) for 20 minutes each day. Wearing support stockings can help reduce the discomfort caused by phlebitis.
Take an extract of Horse Chestnut, a herb that strengthens the veins, for at least three months to see improvements in your vein. It can be taken long term if you are prone to phlebitis. If you have poor circulation generally, once your condition improves it will be beneficial for you to take a gentle 10 to 20 minute walk daily to stimulate the circulatory system.
Q My daughter has a resit to do at college. Could you recommend something for her for concentration and memory and also for the stress she is bound to experience at the time?
A In cases of exam stress, I have found an extract of Avena sativa to be very helpful. This should be taken from now until the start of her exam. It will help calm her and is a good source of B vitamins, which are used by the body for nervous system function.
For the emotional stress I would recommend that she try Emergency Essence for a week before the exam and Concentration Essence and Emergency Essence during the exam. These will help to focus her mind on the task in hand. I wish her every success and hope these recommendations aid a successful result.
Q Could you please give advice on acute sciatica, left side? Should I seek out a physiotherapist?
A I have often found that my patients respond well to CranioSacral therapy for sciatica. This is a form of gentle manipulation and you can find a therapist in your area by calling the Upledger Institute on 01738 444404. I also often prescribe St John’s Wort oil. This is applied externally to the area that is painful.
We regret that it is not possible for us to print answers to all the letters Ali receives. Remember that back issues of Healthy Way articles and Ask Ali are available on this site.
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