A Simple Cure : Homeopathy

Obstacle to Cure

2011-10-19T04:26:00.000-07:00

Alright, I am changing tack with this blog! Homeopathy is not accepted in this country. Despite the age-old debate that it is not scientifically proven and therefore does not work, in many countries today, professional homeopathy commands respect, interest, inspires a great conceptual challenge and provides relief, cure and ease to many patients who never gave up, who had carved a new and healthier life path for themselves.

Working as a homeopath for the past decade had enriched my life in inconceivable ways. One cannot put a price on being able to help oneself, family, friends, one’s animals with every complaint and illness that arises. This is quite apart from one’s professional practice where strangers approach homeopathy to draw help from it. My family have no health bills, we have no veterinary bills. At any time, a member of the extended families or any friend or associate can turn to me for homeopathic help. My personal health has completely transformed from the sick and lack-lustre child that I used to be. My immune system is resilient and strong.

But despite the obvious blessing the practice of homeopathy brings to the health of oneself and others, it is still described as ‘anecdotal’ and must be a quack-medicine. ‘Anecdotal’ is a scientific way of dismissing personal related experience and invalidating it. It is a strange and perverse way of turning reality into its opposite. Mainly on the premise, that it is only what everyone or what the majority experience as true that makes it real. Think Galileo, Leonardo da Vinci. But my intention here is not to get caught up in the conventional discourse around homeopathy.

I want to state that in my capacity as a homeopath, I have encountered scorn, condescension, mockery, laughter, derision, anger, astonishment, bewilderment, ignorance, challenge, apathy, indifference, disrespect and scepticism. I have no problem with healthy scepticism. I can respond to challenging debate if I so choose (there are many times when it serves no purpose other than a clash of egos). Some of my most sceptical patients became the sincerest advocates of the efficacy of this medicine. But I must admit that I have been shocked by attitudes here, which go way beyond the usual opposition to homeopathy which any homeopath hardens themselves to as a matter of course while they get on with their job. I have a problem with the undercurrent of shocking, personal disbelief and mud-slinging that seems to exist here. Perhaps this runs parallel to decreasing faith in all parts of life, and bitter cynicism caused by hardship and despair. People mock anything outside their own experience or belief-system, just because they find themselves justified by the ‘authority’ of current scientific understanding (which of course is always limited by future discoveries that have not yet occurred). It is just as well that science hasn’t yet informed us that love, joy, sorrow and emotional pain do not exist as they cannot be proven by a clinical trial although they have made a good attempt at trying to say these life-experiences are merely explained by chemical reactions in the brain. Some of homeopathy’s greatest detractors were sceptics who happened to be objective and therefore could allow their previous beliefs and knowledge to be shaken by new insights and a higher level of understanding. They were mature enough to do this as their ego diminished in proportion to what they realised they didn’t know as time went on, the deeper they delved into sickness and the more they realised their own personal limitations in their lives.

Homeopathy does not need belief in order to take effect. But to close oneself to it, is to block new possibilities for receiving a different kind of help. The most frustrating and painful obstacle that I have had to endure in this profession is facing the occasions where I know a person could be helped but they are closed to it and will not open themselves to receiving. And therefore my hands are tied. A broken heart can cause a person to avoid love, a person who scorns and repudiates the approach of love can isolate themselves from the very thing they need most in their inner being. A person who has learned not to trust, regards even the most worthy person as having an ulterior motive or a personal agenda which surely can have nothing to do with caring. A person who has not come across much altruism and principle will not hold out their hands to another and make the journey towards a better kind of life.

The lost potential for children to take a different road, for adults to have a different life merely from a simple ignorance due to the prevailing wrong convictions of society around them is the source of my greatest grief as a practitioner. For that there was no training which could prepare me. It is a constant struggle.

Question & Answer?

2011-10-04T06:10:00.000-07:00

I have not been posting regularly to this blog in recent times but want to get back into the swing of it! And also make this more interactive! I have a list of topics related to health for children, Mums and babies but also many other topics. If you have been a regular visitor or are an interested visitor to this blog searching for help or answers on health issues ...why not get in touch with a question you have about how to help yourself with homeopathy regarding a problem that you have had recently? I will publish both your question and my answer. All queries will be treated with care and understanding. Perhaps you may also wish to get in touch privately with your query. I look forward to hearing from my visitors!

The Mystery of the Blood

2011-10-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered why drugs can make you feel 'not yourself'? Or why some drugs can cause side-effects like depression? Have you ever wondered why it is that your diet can have such a dramatic impact on your life and your sense of well-being and how you feel?
You are welcome to come along to this free lecture given by Swiss Naturopath Christopher Vasey on the Mystery of the Blood. This is more than just a discussion of physical health because as well as incorporating an explanation of how the proper functioning and health of the physical blood affects our health , this topic expands to deepen one's understanding of how healthy blood also affects also the mind and spirit. Christopher Vasey's recent book entitled "The mystery of the Blood" is part of Grail World Edition Book Series . For more info see : http://www.grail-uk.org/

When: 22nd October 2011 @ 2.p.m.
Where: Dublin Writers Museum, Parnell Square, Dublin 1. Ireland.
Admission Free- All welcome.

Constipation in Babies

2011-07-01T03:41:00.000-07:00

Many babies suffer from this complaint. So much so that it is often considered quite 'normal' . But there is always a reason why and it is better to solve the underlying problem rather than giving regular symptomatic relief .

What do I mean by constipation?

Constipation does not only refer to being in pain, having a distended abdomen, or being in pain producing a bowel movement. It can also refer to painless infrequency of bowel movements and general inactivity of the bowel, even when it seems not to bother your baba.

A healthy bowel is one which eliminates waste matter regularly!

There is a difference between breast-fed babies and bottle-fed babies when it comes to frequency of bowel movements as it is more common for breast fed babies to have less movements. However, Mum should note in the case of an infrequent bowel movement, whether the baby's abdomen is soft, their appetite remains healthy and has not reduced in any way (it is easy to attribute a reduced appetite to teething and other complaints), whether there are any noises, gurgling, gas or fermentation in the baby's belly, and whether the consistency of the stool remains soft, and whether there is any straining when the baby does have a bowel movement. If none of these symptoms are present, it is probably okay.

Here are some suggestions of homeopathic remedies to use if your baby becomes constipated:

Silica 6x/ 6c/ or 1 dose only if 30c. Use this if baby's poohs are hard and small and dark and are produced with much strain and effort. Also if you notice that the stool does actually recede after baby has tried to go (if you catch baby poohing!) . Use if the constipation starts up coinciding with difficult and slow teething. And particularly if your baby's appetite is poor and they are not gaining weight satisfactorily.

Calc-carb 30c. This is useful if your baby seems to be not bothered at all in any way by being constipated and the bowel just seems inactive. This baby is a placid type, who gets a bit sweaty round the back of the head, is pudgy with chubby cheeks and contented. The constipation may accompany teething as well or not. And they may have trouble digesting milk or be sensitive to lactose or milk protein.

Lycopodium 30c. This is where the baby will be irritable with the constipation, and very 'gassy' lots of burping and/or farting alongside the complaint. Instead of having a poor appetite, they seem to never get enough to satisfy them and particularly get hungry at night-time. They will also be clingy and fussy in general from the discomfort and their abdomen will be distended or hard as a rock.

Nux-vomica 30c. Give this to an impatient, determined baby! Who can be irritable but is fiercely independent rather than clingy and who is experiencing alot more frustration with developmental milestones than other babies. Give this also where the baby has had any conventional medicines that have upset the system or where the baby has had to have had laxative to produce a bowel movement. This baby will be trying to go the loo and will strain and push but nothing will come out and all their efforts will be in vain.

Also, if your baby is constipated and has had a number of antibiotics use Infant Probiotics (I find the Udo's Choice Brand excellent) to restore the friendly bacteria in the bowel and aid bowel health. But only give the probiotic after an antibiotic rather than during their treatment. It is always a waste of money to take probiotics while taking an anti-biotic - the antibiotic kill the probiotics off as fast as they go in. The infant probiotics are perfectly safe and can be mixed in with yoghurt for older babies on solids.

Breast-feeding Mums remember to check your own diet and make sure your baby doesn't have a cow's milk sensitivity and make sure you, yourself are not dehydrated and drink plenty of water and eat fruit. Do not over-do the fibre in your own diet though.

When babies are on solids as well as milk feeds - this is an obvious one, I know...but give them fruit ( not too much banana) and remember to give them water as well.

Constipation can have an overall effect on depressing immunity, toxifying the body, holding back development, preventing assimilation of nutrients and contributing to poor growth and picky eaters; so it is not a 'small' complaint in relation to your baby's overall health and well-being!

There are many other natural remedies and tips for alleviating constipation as well as homeopathy but that is for another day!

Teething Rash

2011-06-29T05:31:00.000-07:00

A long time since posting - busy with motherhood !
If your baby is dribbling and drooling so much that it becomes excoriating and they develop a rash around the mouth and chin, use the following to soothe and relieve: Aloe Vera Gel, Weleda Calendolon / Calendula Ointment and or Nelsons Hypercal. You could also apply a little Lavender Oil neat to the skin.
as well as that try using a cotton bib with a reinforced, thicker neck which can absorb alot of liquid before it gathers on the skin. Tesco supply these and the o+ months bibs do fit older babies. The principles are the same as for nappy rash. Try to keep them as dry as possible.

Homeopathic Calpol

2011-04-14T05:59:00.000-07:00

What to do when your baby gets a high fever? A very worrying time for any Mum. There is a homeopathic remedy called Belladonna which is very effective at lowering temperatures. Symptoms that indicate it are flushed cheeks, dry lips, very hot to touch, heat around the head ( heat tends to be dry with not much sweating) but cold feet (as all the energy is drawn up to the head during the fever). The pupils will be dilated and there will be a 'staring' look in the eyes. Belladonna is also really useful for ear infections where the right ear is affected. Belladonna also helps sore throats - fiery red inside sometimes accompanied by inflamed tonsils and other above-mentioned symptoms.

All Belladonna complaints come on suddenly without warning or build-up especially at night time. And funnily enough children who are particularly susceptible to a sudden temperature may get sick after getting their hair wet or after having a hair-cut. Use the 30c potency as that is more effective. If you acquire the remedy in pill form - dissolve in a glass of water, give a teaspoon for each dose. Keep the glass covered and stir vigorously before administering each teaspoon. 1 teaspoon = 1 dose. Give between 1-3 doses over a 12-18 hour period. It works wonders. Because it is a natural remedy you will notice your child's appetite and good form will return very quickly alongside the temperature disappearing. Which does not always happen with the use of Paracetamol-containing products. Belladonna is a staple remedy to have in the house for families: for sudden high fevers, ear infections and sore throats. It may also be used for teething if your baby has a high fever and red cheeks with the pains.

In suspected Meningitis cases, give Belladonna on your way to the hospital. Belladonna may also be used for any adverse reactions to MMR or the meningococcus vaccines if the symptoms start with a high fever.

I wouldn't be without it. Why not give it a try next time you reach for the Calpol?

Homeopathy & Baby's 1st Year

2011-04-09T05:30:00.000-07:00

For all Mums who have worries about their babies' health, especially during the first year of life- homeopathy is for you. For 1st time Mums, where the anxiety is even more challenging to cope with due to lack of experience - homeopathy is for you. How can it help? In recent times I have seen babies, who have just been given a brand new body to work with, with brand new organs, a perfect little bundle with new systems all functioning seamlessly, being plagued with snotty noses, ear infections, skin complaints, chest infections, repeated bouts of antibiotics, digestive trouble such as colic, reflux, vomiting, chronic constipation. This plethora of health problems in newborns and slightly older babies has begun to be considered perfectly normal. Mothers swap little tit bits of info about what to do in all these situations. The fact that it happens to lots of babies makes them feel a bit better, despite the niggling anxiety over whether this should be happening at all. When babies go to creche and start picking up lots of different infections from other babies - that is also considered something to be tolerated and sure what can you do? It is awful to feel you have no choice but to administer antibiotics because nothing else works. It's not that you want to - but you can't let an ear infection carry on. What if the fever goes too high and they have a febrile convulsion? And forget those guilt-trips about not having passed on your own immunity to your baby because breast-feeding didn't work out. Some Mums do everything 'right' - that doesn't guarantee your child's health even when you thought it would.

Homeopathy cannot be ignored any more. It is safe and gentle. It can be given to a baby of any age from newborn infanthood up to older ages. It is simple to administer with no bad taste, in a granule form that dissolves directly in the mouth and does not have to be digested or managed with food and will not cause side-effects. You can learn about how to use homeopathy yourself and have great success in dealing with everyday ailments - so it does not always involve seeing a professional. This 'cuts out the middle-man' so to speak, making you more empowered and feeling less helpless, more confident and less anxious when your child gets sick. Your own ability to deal with and confront sickness vastly improves - you no longer feel paranoid about germs, guilt feelings about what your child has been exposed to. Instead, you know your child will only contract an illness if they are susceptible and you don't fuss about germs and hygiene as much any more, or fuss about who visits your house, fuss about the creche or whether you can take your baby with you, if you have to visit someone in hospital etc etc. Finally, you have a medicine that lowers high temperatures instead of Calpol. This medicine does not cause your baby to be woozy, drowsy or off-form. You can help your friend's children and your relatives' children. You can relax at work instead of having to rush home and be forced to go the GP straightaway rather than nurse your child because you can't afford to have time off-work. The reason for this, is that you will know straightaway whether the homeopathic remedy is working, and it does not take long to establish an improvement.
Did you know you can consult a homeopath when your child is healthy? That your child's family history and history of pregnancy, birth, health to date can be recorded so that when your baby gets sick, you call your homeopath and get an alternative solution straightaway? Did you know it is entirely possible and realistic to bring your child up without using antibiotics except in exceptional circumstances? Did you know that you can claim back costs of consultation fees with homeopaths from your health-insurance?
So, why not find out about it? Buy a book, buy some homeopathic remedies, learn how to use them, consult a homeopath so you have more options for the health and well-being of your family. Try it. Your life as a mother will be eased and soothed, less to worry about, less guilt, less feeling trapped and frustrated. I know - as a Mum myself. My knowledge of homeopathy has meant my family never has to attend the GP, my animals are virtually never at the vets and the health and vitality of us all cannot have a price put on it. For that, I am grateful. As a homeopath, I wish every Mum could feel the same peace of mind.

Make a start with the following:

1. Inform yourself with a couple of books: Miranda Castro's Mother and Baby is an excellent start or try her The Complete Homeopathy Handbook. It explains everything.

2. Buy some remedies. There are 'First-Aid' Kits available which contain 36 remedies and an explanatory booklet explaining how to use the remedies. The kit will last you for years and each vial can be refilled.This kit is like a mini-homeopathic pharmacy at your finger tips, at home in your cupboard - it will handle most everyday ailments common in babies. Nelsons Homeopathic Dispensary in Dublin stock them and they are available online from Helios.

3. Consult a professional homeopath for your baby. Get support and direction if you feel too apprehensive about trying it yourself. I work in Leitrim but there are homeopaths country-wide. If you want to locate one in your area go to 'Find a Homeopath' section of the website of the Irish Society of Homeopaths. If you are in another country, research your own country's professional society as they will have a Register of approved practitioners.

4. Then relax! When someone asks you "How come your child seems to be so healthy? It's been one thing after the other with mine" - tell them "I discovered homeopathy - it was such a relief and helped our whole family" and then pass the word on.

Teething in Babies

2011-04-05T03:06:00.000-07:00

Just when a parent is beginning to catch up on the intense sleep deprivation of the first few months of their newborn , suddenly night-times turn into a full-time job and you are dragging yourself round by day trying to soothe and comfort! But really the natural remedies for teething are so effective and so gentle and safe, that when Bonjela and biting-down on refrigerated toys just seem to achieve nothing there is still hope.

1. Most parents have heard now of Nelsons Teetha granules. It consists of the homeopathic remedy Chamomilla 6c. The granules are so tiny and like powder can be sprinkled out of a sachet directly into the mouth. They dissolve there and have an immediate effect. They are also safe to dissolve in formula. Symptoms that might indicate Chamomilla being the right remedy to try are as follows: wanting to be held and carried all the time, being clingy and yet when you hold your darling, he/she tries to push you away but just as soon asks to be picked up again. Red cheeks, irritable, whiny and sometimes may even have diarrhoea or greenish poohs.

2. New Era Tissue Salts do a Combination remedy that is effective and can be given to the baby throughout months of teething. If yo child is slow to teethe, give New Era Tissue Salts : Silica. If your child develops a teething cough, give New Era Tissue Salts Calc-Phos.

3. Rub Essential Oil of Clove directly onto the gums which has an analgesic effect.

4. There are other homeopathic remedies for teething problems especially where the teething seems to activate other health issues or dampen the baby's immunity somewhat making them vulnerable to colds, coughs or ear infections. One of these is Calc-carb 6c. Your baby may be a bit constipated (but not be too bothered by this),a chubby baby with a large head and who sweats at the back of his/her head and neck at night-time. Your child may be slow to cut teeth and find it difficult. This type of baby has a beautiful placid, calm and happy nature. This is the 'picture' of a baby who needs Calc-carb.

Colic in Babies

2010-02-25T03:34:00.000-08:00

Colic can be the scourge of the first few months of babyhood - really distressing both mother and infant! But there is so much can be done to give complete relief!

Here are three popular homeopathic remedies for colic to give the baby, whether the baby is being breast-fed or bottle-fed. In fact, if the baby is being breast fed- the mother can take the remedy in order to pass it onto the baby. Alternatively, get hold of the remedy in granule form. The granules are very tiny- Mum can wet her finger, place a few granules on top and gently slip her finger with the granules into the baby's mouth. Another way is just to simply dissolve a few granules in a teaspoon of water and give directly into mouth or add to formula. (For busy Mums of very small babies who are not out and about shopping etc. yet, remember that many heath-food shops and homeopathic phaacies do mail-order and can send you help by post!)

1. Colocynthis 30c. Give this if the baby is bending double and folding or curling up his/her knees against her tummy with the pain.

2. Dioscorea 30c - this is if the baby squirms around and keeps arching his/her back with the pain.

3. Chamomilla 30c - give for colic that is intensely painful causing the child to shriek and scream. A baby who is in a 'Chamomilla' state will want to be carried, but when you pick baby up - he will push you away. Nothing pleases and nothing you can do will soothe the baby.

Now. there are other fantastic remedies for colic but these would be the most commonly used ones. If none of these work, consult with your homeopath for an individual prescription.

Also, useful if you try New Era Tissue Salts Combination E. They are very tiny tablets that melt immediately in the mouth. Mum can also try drinking Fennel or Chamomile or Peppermint teas to relieve her own digestion and pass to a breast-fed baby.

All of the above-mentioned are safe, and effective and without any side-effects. Very gentle solutions - perfect for beloved babies.

Baby massage can also be very useful to learn as this may help with digestion and winding. Look up baby-massage classes in your area. You can also try massaging Rescue Remedy Cream onto the baby's belly to give some relief.

What causes Colic?

In my experience, many babies are sensitive to cow's milk. That is, if the breastfeeding mother is drinking and eating alot of dairy productswhile breastfeeding. Some babies can be completely intolerant of Lactose - a milk-protein which may also be found in baby formula. If you are not sure whether this is the cause, then the simplest way to find out is to cut out dairy products in the diet of the breastfeeding mother and if the colic improves or stops then you know what has been happening. Do not worry - remember there are many other and even far betteer food sources of Calcium e.g. leafy greens (spinach, cabbage, salad leaves), sesame seeds (also Tahini - sesame seed paste), Calcium-enriched replacement-dairy Soya products, to mention a few. Alternatively, the mother can take a Lactase supplement - this is the digestive enzyme that helps to efficiently digest the milk protein. This can also be given to baby in small amounts.

Alternatively, switch baby formula. There is a wonderful alternative baby-formula on the market (UK & Ireland only) called Nanny Goat - it has all the nutrients necessary for the baby's health and growth only minus the milk-allergen as it is made from Goat's Milk. This is also useful to give babies with eczema who are allergic to milk.

It can be a very stressful time managing and looking after a new baby - so, try to remember there is much help on hand, and you have choices over what to give your darling. And try to keep in mind - this too will pass!

Nappy Rash

2010-02-15T08:42:00.000-08:00

Nappy rash in some babies can be pretty sore and look very inflamed and uncomfortable. If the skin becomes too excoriated then even doing a pee can also be uncomfortable and make your little one cry! Luckily, there are effective natural solutions to this: simple and gentle for baby!

Try a cream or ointment made from Calendula. Weleda do a great Nappy Rash Cream but there are also other good brands on the market. Nelsons Calendula Cream is another one. If the Nappy Rash is severe - try a water-based cream rather than a heavy oil-based one. Massage in when changing and hey presto! Better looking skin and quickly too. Calendula is a miracle skin healer. It reduces redness, inflammation and soreness. It heals and restores the skin.

Alternatively, you can add drops of Calendula Tincture to the baby's bath. It also comes in the form of a massage oil.

Sweet Almond Oil is a nice, light oil that can be rubbed in gently. You can then add some aromatherapy essential oils of your choice to this if you like. Such as Lavender which is soothing and antiseptic at the same time.

Avoid Vaseline (which may block airflow) and also Sudocreme.

Another natural remedy you can use is Aloe Vera Gel. Be careful though as some brands can be ever so slightly drying. If you have your own plant at home, break off a leaf and squeeze onto your palm and rub gently in.

Some babies suffer from pretty bad nappy rash and no amount of topical applications seem to get rid of it. If the rash is that severe, fiery red and stretches all around the bottom and is associated with other skin ailments - cradle cap, a touch of eczema or other things - then you might want to try just 2 or 3 doses (1 tab/pill = 1 dose) of Sulphur 6c , once daily over 2-3 days. If this does not work, ask your homeopath for an individual recommendation to solve the problem. Homeopathic remedies are safe and effective in the treatment of infants, babies and children without any adverse side-effects! However, any repeated dispensing of internal homeopathic medicine should be supervised and directed by a qualified professional homeopath.

How do you raise low blood pressure naturally?

2010-02-09T05:15:00.000-08:00

High blood pressure is a hot topic but one does not hear overly much about low blood pressure. Some people do suffer low blood pressure and in general unless it is severe and associated with a specific illness such as heart complaints, it will remain untreated as it is not considered life-threatening. Low blood-pressure can be as a result of shock or injury or severe acute illness. It can be associated with low blood-sugar as occurs in people with diabetes. It also is associated with burn-out or adrenal-insufficiency. This state can arise in a person who has been 'stressed out' over a long period of time. However, many people with untreated low blood pressure will have vague symptoms of unease and it may help to know that there are simple natural solutions which are effective and will help you manage it, radically improving how you feel on a day-to-day basis.

What are the signs and symptoms from low blood-pressure?

* Feeling generally fatigued, drained and washed out

* Sudden light-headedness and dizziness when rising from bed, getting up from a chair or any sudden movement - this is called "postural hypotension". This can be in the morning time or after a sleep or rest.

* Or ongoing dizziness and lightheadedness

* Feeling close to fainting or actually fainting

* Anxiety or nausea and weakness in the body

* Clammy coldness

Do make sure to consult your G.P. if you have any of these symptoms but have not had it checked it out. Alternatively, you may want to consult your alternative healthcare practitioner to have this addressed.

What can you do?

1. If you have eliminated all salt from your diet and drink a large amount of water every day, you may find that your blood pressure drops. I always recommend that people improve their general level of hydration these days by drinking water, but am aware that many people are drinking too much water. ( They do this to improve their skin, suppress appetite and because they live in air-conditioned, centrally heated atmospheres which dry one out. But if done in excess, it can cause harm. Also, many people's diets are too low in food that has high water-content such as fruit). If your water/salt levels unbalance within the body, your blood pressure will drop. Increase the amount of salt you imbibe and reduce marginally the amount of water you drink (the latter refers to people who are drinking in excess of 1-1.5 litres of wtater a day). It is better if the salt is natural sea-salt, or salt crystals (for example, Maldon Salt. Herbamare is also a good brand.) rather than the refined table-salt you find in supermarkets. To this end, taking the Cell Salt of Nat-mur 6x will help sort out the imbalance and make a difference to your blood pressure.

2. I recommend you take Mistletoe (in supplement or tincture form) , the Latin name of which is Viscum Album, for a number of weeks to raise the B.P. You can also acquire it in 'x' potency in the form of tablets or pills from a homeopathic dispensary. It is very effective.

3. Take Ginseng and/or Liquorice Root combined with Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) to support the Adrenal Glands.Take these in a situation where you are contstantly running on adrenaline and pushing yourself to the limit.

4. Keep a careful watch over your blood sugars. This means do not eat only 3xdaily but eat a small amount of protein or complex carbohydrate (wholegrain only) or even a piece of fruit every couple of hours. You may need to eat 6-7 times a day to prevent a drop in your blood sugar. This will improve your Adrenal Gland function which will improve your blood pressure.

5. Take only gentle or moderate exercise with slower movements. Do not do any vigorous or high-impact exercise such as aerobics or jogging.

6. Avoid taking very hot baths and showers and extremes of temperature.

7. If your blood -pressure is very low, you may need to actually increase the intake of caffeine by drinking some coffee and tea which act as diuretics and lower the amout of fluid your body is carrying. I rarely recommend this however, as it is not a particularly healthy approach. Only a short-term approach. (This does not apply if you already are taking daily cups of tea or coffee).

8. Many people who have just undergone surgery, experience a huge and sudden drop in blood-pressure. This is because they may become over-hydrated from the application of a saline drip. It tends to heppen in people with a history of naturally low-blood pressure. In this situation, take the homeopathic remedy of Nat-mur 30c: 2-3 times over a period of about 12 hours. Nat-mur may also be taken by people who are not in this situation, but who do exsperience a sudden drop. Nat-mur is also indicated if the drop in blood pressure is due to emotional upset.

9. Find a way to de-stress. Just to BE, and not to do. Remember, you are a human be-ing not a human do-ing! Relaxation, moments of inner peace and contentment - these are the stuff of true presence, being and wellness. Try to turn inward and become quiet. Experience silence or you may want to just laugh! If you have been 'under pressure', get support and help. Take care of yourself - try not to live constantly in 'crisis'. If you feel you have no control over circumstances, I understand, but remember there is help and loving kindness to avail of. Just Ask.

"The great omission in ...life is solitude, that zone of time and space, free from outside pressures, which is the incinerator of the spirit" Marya Mannes

The Common Cold

2010-02-03T06:21:00.000-08:00

Colds as you know are quite common! But they can be very uncomfortable and make it impossible to function normally for a few days. For some people, they turn nasty and travel downwards causing a sore throat and in vulnerable people, what began as a cold ends in a chest-infection.

A cold has a cleansing effect. It is when the immune system kicks into action throwing off bacteria, bugs, and viruses. It often happens when the seasons are changing. Summer to autumn, autumn to winter, winter to spring etc. So many people get a cold twice yearly, most usually in the spring or autumn. When this is the case, it can be likened to a preparation, the laying of a foundation the immunity needs to start defending itself against more serious illness. For this reason, the cold should be supported not suppressed. And handled naturally so that the immune system gets the boost it is looking for.

It is true that some colds, especially if experienced frequently, may not indicate heightened immunity but instead a lowered immunity from stress, poor nutrition, and becoming quite simply 'run down'. If you are getting them frequently, you need to look at your lifestyle alongside your overall health to solve the recurring problem. This might involve consulting an alternative medicine therapist for example including homeopaths.

So what can you do to beat it? Here are some tips for how to handle a cold.

* If your cold has come on from catching cold or becoming chilled from either being outside in cold weather with insufficient clothing or being exposed to a dry, cold wind or if the cold comes on suddenly out of the blue. Try the homeopathic remedy of Aconite 30c. This very often will stop it mid-track. In this situation, it is important to warm the whole body to get rid of the chill, and keep warm. It really is true that sometimes a 'hot toddy' does the trick - a bit of brandy or whisky with hot water and a slice of lemon and a spoon of honey. Go to a warm bed and you may wake up the next day feeling alright.

* Beware, all Paracetomol-containing products and Aspirin too. My advice is NOT to take these. What happens here is that the Paracetomol does help to dry up symptoms of congestion and make you more comfortable. But it also suppresses your body's natural response-mechanism . The body produces mucus and makes you feel incapable of anything but rest - for a reason. The mucus builds up in order to surround and absorb bacteria, and it becomes so congested so that you have to blow your nose, spit up mucus and phlegm thus ridding the body of the germs. If you dry up the mucus, then your body will have no protection (you will literally have disarmed it) and the bacteria can establish themselves more completely in your system. You will find that suppressing your head-cold will lead to sore throats, coughs, chest infections and a build up of mucus lower down your body. It moves from your head downwards.

* Instead, take things designed to help support your immune system in what it is doing.

Take Vitamin C - 1000mg once or twice a day. (Beware, juicing citrus fruits in order to get Vitamin C as they tend to cause acidity and will increase your mucus congestion)

Take Vitamin C and Zinc lozenges.

Drink plenty of water.

Take the herb Echinacea. This has natural anti-viral properties and fights infection. Echinacea is safe for children- you can buy specifically tailored children's Echinacea in the shops, which tend to be preserved with Glycerine as opposed to alochol and so taste less strong.

Another remedy for children is Sambucol (Elderberry Extract) . It is flavoured nicely and works very well.

You may also want to try Bee Propolis. A very strong substance that will fight infection. It comes in a liquid tincture or in a handy mouth spray. (The liquid does taste foul but you can add a little fruit juice to temper the taste)

Eat plenty of raw garlic. But if you cannot stand the smell - take a capsule or tablet instead.

Fill a bowl with hot steaming water, add some drops of Pine or Euclayptus Essential Oil to the bowl. Place your head over the water and inhale, and cover it with a towel. This will help to clear the airways. (Note that some essential oils may interfere or antidote homeopathic remedies. So do not do this at the same time as ingesting remedies)

Try making up the following tea: Fill your teapot with boiling water. Grate some fresh ginger into it, add some slices of lemon, add 2-3 tablespoons of honey (MANUKA honey is the best). Drink regularly throughout the day.

* What homeopathic remedies can you try?

1. Nat-mur 30c. Take this remedy if the cold is accompanied by a cold sore. If your sinuses flare up with the cold and you have a bad headache. If you are very thirsty and worried about your health, weepy and fed -up. Take if the cold comes on at the beginning of your period. You will have clear,watery mucus and sneezing.

2. Try Allium Cepa 30c if your nose is running constantly like a tap and the end of your nose gets red and sore from blowing your nose. Your eyes may be watering and your head will have a stuffed feeling and you won't be able to concentrate.

Homeopathic remedies are very effective but there are many common-cold remedies. If you have tried Aconite, Nat-mur and Allium Cepa without success - you may need to ask homeopath to decide for you and prescribe.

If you follow these guidelines, it would be unusual for you not to recover. In cases like this, you need extra support from a practitioner to prevent anti-biotic use and a more prolonged episode of being sick.

Taking Iron to resolve Anaemia

2010-01-29T04:14:00.000-08:00

I will discuss anaemia in further detail later but first a quick word about iron supplements. Many people dislike taking them or find them impossible to digest as they are known to cause constipation. This can vary from mild to severe constipation. This is unacceptable to a large number of people as they may have underlying digestive problems including symptoms of Iritable Bowel Syndrome. So here are some suggestions about different forms of iron supplementation designed to bring up your haemoglobin levels withut causing nasty side-effects.

1. Try taking Spatone. This is water from a natural spring in the UK which has high levels of iron. It is very gentle and the fact that it is merely 'water' means it is free from artificial ingredients and certain chemicals which can cause stomach upset. Many midwives recommend this particular product during pregnancy. You can dissolve it in more water or fruit juice. It has a slightly metallic taste but is not unpleasant and comes in convenient sachets to take daily.

2. You may be aware that increased amounts of Vitamin C can sometimes aid in the digestion and assilimation of iron. One reason for this is that Vitamin C in a medium to large dose (1000mg upwards), can act as a natural laxative. Many fruits are rich in fibre and water content, taking a good amount of this on a daily basis will counter-act constipation.

3. Most iron tablets or capsules contain Ferrous Sulphate. The ingredient of Sulphur is a major contributor to constipation. Sulphur is a mineral in the body and necessary. But Sulphur in supplement form can be very tough to digest - the liver has terrible trouble with it as it exists naturally in the body and in foods, only in trace amounts not concentrated amounts. Switch your iron supplement and look for Ferrous Gluconate instead, which is far easier to digest and assimilate. I often recommend one excellent product Salus-Haus Floradix. Salus-Haus also do an Iron tonic that is yeast-free (suitable for women who suffer Candida) as well as an Iron tonic suitable for women who are breastfeeding. It also in liquid form and has other vitamins and nutrients added in.

4. Some people may even feel nausea after taking iron. For people who cannot digest iron at all - I recommend the Cell Salt Ferrum-phos 6x. These little tablets are made of milk sugar and are taken by dissolving in the mouth, on or under the tongue and are ingested through absorption over the mucous membranes and not the stomach. You take them 2-3x daily (or follow directions on container). They assist the body in making use of and assimilating any iron already included in one's diet. In other words, the uptake and procesing of iron which has been already digested, improves and becomes more efficient. Thus raising haemglobin in the blood. This method may not be as fast or as strong for some people with very low iron levels which need to be addressed immediately but it is a solution over time for people who have given up on the usual recommendations. If a person suffers from congestion and constipation- part of their underlying condition anyway is connected with poor assimilation of nutrients (for whatever reason) and taking this simple remedy is right for them.

5. Many people with reduced blood haemoglobin levels are deficient in B12. And when iron supplementation does not work, B12 injections are offered as a treatment. Having an adequate supply of B-vitamins nourishes many different bodily functions. Taking iron but being low in B-Vitamins will affect how quickly you recover from anaemia. Another common accompanying deficiency is Copper. Supplementation with this mineral can help raise iron levels. How to tell if you may be low in Copper? You sometimes get electric shocks when touching metals and surfaces.

6. If you have assimilation problems and digestive issues - this affects all uptake of nutrients. Without addressing these issues, you may continue to suffer bouts of anemia and all iron supplementation acts only as a temporary solution. One important factor in anaemia is to avoid tea and coffee in your diet which deplete iron in the body.

7. What are your food sources for Iron? The best solution is often to look to your food. Dried fruits such as apricots, raisins and sultanas. This is a good source for people keeping an eye on weight-loss and who experience severe bloating as a result of constipation as a result of iron supplementation. Also leafy green vegetables such as spinach, cabbage, lettuce. Nuts and seeds (in particular pumpkin seeds). And wholegrains such as wheat and millet.

8. Some cases of anaemia also have accompanying health issues such as decreased blood pressure,and low energy as well as poor digestion and chronic underlying illnesses. Homeopathy can provide solutions in the treatment of anemia while at the same time addressing issues leading to its development. I would recommend seeking out help from a professional homeopath if all else is failing.

More for Insomnia Part III

2010-01-19T04:42:00.000-08:00

There are natural medicines that can be used as sleep-aids and which have a sedative effect. The following can help you to fall asleep:

1. Tincture of Scutellaria or Skullcap.
Take 10-15 drops in a little water before going to bed.

2. Avena Sativa Tincture (Wild Oats). This has a relaxing effect on the nervous system. It also has mild anti-depressant effects. Take 5 drops in a little water 2-3xdaily and especially before sleep.

3. Valerian-Hops Herb Tincture. Many people use this particular combination which works very well. Take drops in water before bed. for nervous or highly-strung people I would not especially advise you to take Valerian as it may stimulate rather than calm.

4. I would also recommend taking a Calcium tablet before bed, at nighttime rather than in the morning. Calcium helps the nervous system as well as strengthening the bones.

5. Try burning the essential oil of Lavender in your bedroom. or placing a few drops on your pillow for you to inhale as you drift off to sleep. Alternatively, you could add to some Sweet Almond Oil and massage into your temples.

There are many herbs in different combinations and brands available as sleep aids on the marfket in health food shops. Try experimenting with these. Some examples are Natrasleep, Natracalm, Weleda Sleep Compound etc.

Most of the above will provide some help and may even solve the problem for you. But as mentioned previously, it is better to uncover the reasons for sleeplessness and tackle these, as well as availing of temporary helps. For those with chronic sleeplessness, you must look at stress in your life and build strength and resilience to this on every level with the right support. Emotional and physical.

If you have tried everything and still the problem persists then the issue of sleeplessness goes much deeper and you may need help of a different kind- for that help, I can recommend homeopathy and consulting a homeopath in order to get help tailored to your individual form of insomnia. It works.

Other relevant posts:
Grief causing sleeplessness
Sleep interrupted by night-sweats

More tips regarding sleep (Part II)

2010-01-13T05:17:00.000-08:00

In order to fall asleep more easily, what can you do before bedtime?

* Have a relaxing hot bath. Use Lavender or Rose or Chamomile. Drop: Vervain, White Chestnut and Olive Bach Flowers into the bath.

* Do not watch TV and most especially any violent films. It is not relaxing and it over-stimulates the mind. It is difficult to filter and choose images when your mind is tired and there are so many images coming your way. It is better to use your own imagination as You are the one who chooses what to experience.

* Do not fall asleep watching TV. Remove the TV from your bedroom.

* Never work in your bed, make calls from there. Your own associations with this place should only involve rest, relaxation, safety, protection, inner life.

* Do not eat after 6pm. Do not eat heavy meals in the evening. Otherwise, your body will need to use energy for digestion rather than rest and repair and refreshment. If you wake around 4 am or after, your liver may need support.

* Do not let yourself get dehydrated during the day to the extent where you become thirsty in the evening time.

* Do nor drink alcohol. Although alcohol sends some people to sleep - it does not make for refreshing sleep. And it will affect the morning of the next day as your body goes into detox instead of refuelling for activity and being ready for it. Some people are over stimulated by alcohol in their thoughts. If you are one of those take Coffea 30c (the homeopathic remedy)

* Try to have or experience silence as you wind down at night time. Potter around with nothing except your own thoughts, conversation with loved ones, family activities and NO background radio, TV etc.

* Do not have an overheated airless room to sleep in. Make sure that the window has at least been open during the day re-circulating fresh air. It is better to have a cool room and warm covers.

* Make sure you are warm in the bed. Coldness will keep you awake but you may not even identify it!

* Read if you like, as this can relax and tire at the same time before falling asleep. But read something good.

* Have low lighting, pastel colours, a good quality mattress. Be careful of plants, fluroescent lighting in the room. Do not place your bed opposite the door if you can help it. Never lie so that your feet point towards the door. Try to minimise electrical equipement in the bedroom including alarm clocks. Do not store things under your bed (depending on the space available to you).

* Never sleep with a mirror opposite the bed

* Take a glass of water and place beside you on a bedside locker.

* Rub Bach Rescue Remedy Cream on your forehead over the top of your nose.

* Place an Amethyst crystal under your pillow.

* 'Day-dream' or visualise nice things, special memories, retreat to something favourite inside yourself.

* Even your breathing. Make sure your in-breath is the same as your out-breath. become aware of your body and how it feels.

If you have any tips or tricks to add - why not post them below?

Insomnia & Sleeplessness Part I

2010-01-09T05:55:00.000-08:00

It is hard to understand the consequences of insomnia in one's life. It affects everything - your thoughts, feelings and mood, ability to function, your work, your happiness. It wears you down making all problems seem larger and more unmanageable than they actually are. It affects your relationships as the 'negative' side of one's personality emerges because of this 'overwhelm'. Of course, sleep deprivation has always been considered a good method of torture - as the thought processes become disturbed and the unconscious blends with and bursts into conscious life, changing one's perspective on 'reality' and revealing deep vulnerability.

"I reached for sleep and drew it round me like a blanket muffling pain and thought together in the merciful dark"

Mary Stewart

Imagine if you can't do what Mary Stewart said?

What are the different types of insomnia?

Sleeplessness can be mild or severe. Mild sleep disturbance can involve frequent waking. The waking can be as a result of physical symptoms such as the need to go to the toilet, from body temperature- coldness or overheating, thirst, hunger, or pain, or conditions such as arthritis for example. When a person wakes too often, the length of time experiencing quality sleep is reduced. Falling asleep after waking may be difficult. So a full night's rest becomes impossible. And of course all those mothers out there with small or older children often have interrupted nights when their children come in needing company, because they are frightened or simply because they are early wakers!

Sometimes people are able to fall asleep with no problems but wake later in the night as a result of anxiety, stress or an overactive mind and racing thoughts - making plans for the next day, going over conversations in their minds, pondering a life problem. Once wide awake, they do not sleep again.

Some people cannot get to sleep no matter how they try and they lie for hours trying to relax but becoming more and more tense, imagining what it will be like to go through yet another day- unrested.

Insomnia can come in phases - it can last a week or three weeks. For some people, it is not a constant in their lives just a temporary guest. For others, it is more serious and chronic an always an issue.

What causes it?

There are as many different causes as there are sufferers! But to name a few: poor indigestion, kidney and bladder problems, pain, illness, stress (a broken down nervous sysem) , anxiety, grief, parenting, interrupted circadian rhythms from shift work, travel, over-tiredness and exhaustion, back problems, cold and heat, night sweats, nightmares, excessive dreaming or lack of REM sleep, poor mattress and bad quality bed, geopathic stress (e.g. poor bedroom layout , furnishings and too much electrical equipment), disharmony with sleeping partner, pregnancy and the list goes on..............

What help is there?

Conventionally - for severe insmonia, the help has consisted of sleeping tablets. Or for mild insomnia the advice "get on with it - it's not that bad" seems to suffice (usually given by a person who has never had the experience)! I actually am not completely against sleeping tablets in emergencies but it is not a cure nor is it a long-term solution. Sleeping tablets are addictive. Also, you will never dream during sleeping-tablet-induced-sleep; it shuts off a particular part of your psyche. Many people report unrefreshing sleep (which means they do not feel as though they had slept properly) and many other side -effects such as being generally slowed down the following day, unable to concentrate etc.

In the world of alternative medicine and natural health - there are so many potential solutions.These have no side-effects, are safe to use, and address the causes rather than the symptoms .That way, you know that it is a more permanent solution. Insomnia is the end-result, not the original problem. Be aware of the uniqueness of your particular experience and choose what is right for you, and understand why you have insomnia. And do not lose hope.

Here are some tips to start with, from my experience. Bear in mind, that I have divided this topic into several posts, as it is so comprehensive. Stay connected for the upcoming posts - follow me or subscribe to this blog. If you have a question or wish to describe your particular form of insomnia, I may be able to give you more individualised advice! Feel free to comment.

1. For over-tiredness from a build up of exhaustion, mainly physical, try taking the homeopathic remedy of Arnica before sleep. You will know you need this one in particular, if you have the sensation your bed is too hard at night-time. Take this if you have returned from a long journey (this is good for jet-lag) or have pains and aches in your body preventing sleep. It can relax muscles. Take this if you can't sleep as a result of injuries.

2. If you have exhaustion from travelling through time zones, try the homeopathic remedy Cocculus Indicus. Cocculus also helps people who are Carers. If you are a person who has been either caring for an elderly person, or a sick family member and as a result have been very fequently up at night, this will help you. If you are a therapist or counsellor suffering from burn-out, you should consider this. If you are a nurse working night shifts this will also be useful. This remedy is for people who consider others' needs before their own and are now running out of steam. If your job involves shift work and you cannot readjust to normal hours -then try this.

3. If you have weak kidneys which involve getting up at night to urinate ad thus interrupting your sleep, there are a number of options homeopathically (especially regarding women). So I will give you some herbal recommendations instead. To strengthen your kidneys and reduce the frequency of urging: try taking Berberis 6x 1-2xdaily for a month. Alternatively, use Bioforce Solidago every day. For men whose sleep disturbance from needing to urinate is a result of prostate problems - take the herb Saw Palmetto. This is very effective.

4. If you find it difficult to sleep from an over-active, over alert mind, with many thoughts jumbling around take the homeopathic remedy made from coffee - Coffea Tosta. You know how you feel after drinking coffee? Well some people feel this way after lying down in bed! This will also come in handy if you feel over-stimulated in your thoughts by alcohol, or have had an adrenaline rush from being excited about work or any projects, or over-stimulation as result of being happy and excited. And most obviously, this remedy will help people who have drunk alot of coffee during the day just to keep going but find then they cannot then relax and are caught in a vicious cycle.

Another remedy for too many thoughts keeping one awake is the Bach Flower Remedy: White Chestnut. Measure 4 drops into a glass of water and drink before bed and during the night if necessary. (Have a look at my bookshop for suggestions of how to educate yourself and self-prescribe Bach Flower Remedies. It is easy and you need no qualifications except the wish to help yourself!)

My heart goes out to anyone whose life is affected by insomnia and I hope you will find this useful and reassuring. More to come........

"Oh Sleep! It is a gentle thing

Beloved from pole to pole "

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

What to do when you have a fall?

2010-01-07T05:20:00.000-08:00

The whole of Ireland is experiencing a cold snap not seen for over 50 years. Snow and ice everywhere. And also many injuries from slipping and falling. The A&E departments are under pressure. Some people can take a fall (young people, fit people). Despite bruising and soreness. Others, however, who are elderly, or who have had broken bones before or who have some struggle with walking and balance - to these people it is traumatic. One can lose confidence, be very uncertain and have to pick out one's steps going forward. For the elderly it can be a disastrous happening. Say you have a hip replacement and then have a bad fall? What if you have brittle bones, more easily fractured? If you are overweight and fall badly then you will be more likely to be injured as well. For some people the fear of falling is a tangible and horrible fear.

So homeopathy provides a miracle remedy for just these scenarios. Don't ever go around without it!

ARNICA MONTANA. This remedy will help you with the effects of a bad fall, blow to the body, injury of any kind. It heals bruising, relieves pain, relieves shock. Sometimes the shock and upset from a previous fall can almost leave you predisposed to experiencing another one. Taking Arnica will prevent the susceptibility to the same event. have you ever thought is strange that sometimes people experience injury in exactly the same spot from a previous incident? Have you ever seen someone fall really badly and then get up and claim they are fine, they don't need any help and they hardly feel the pain? That is the shock speaking. It is only later that they will feel the pain. Especially after a night's sleep. All their muscles, all of their body will protest. However a few doses of Arnica prevents the bodily outcry! Take 30c or take 200c tablets. Arnica will help give complete pain relief even if a bone is broken. It speeds healing and recovery.

You can also use Arnica Cream to alleviate bruising - it works wonders!

For people who break a bone or several after falling. Take Arnica. Then wait until the bone is properly set by a medical expert. Beware though of a cast that extends over too large an area. Unnecessary coverage will add to muscle wastage and lengthen recovery of the whole part. Beware too of over-long periods of time spent with a cast on. Medics set one standard parameter for healing and everyone is expected to take the exact same period of time to recover despite individual differences in bodily health.

Once the bone has been set in place, you can take the following to speed the mending and repair:

Symphytum 30c. The common name for this remedy is Boneset - and that is because this will help the bone tissue to knit together very fast indeed. It can halve recovery time, in my experience. Take one or two doses a day for 10 days up until 3 weeks. Depending on the severity. with multiple fractures - you will need to take a good bit. However, remember only after the bone is set , otherwise the tissue will knit back in the wrong place.

Cell Salts: Calc-phos. This speeds healing of bones and strengthens them.

If the fracture has been at the site of a joint - take Cell Salts Calc-fluor every day.

If in the past, you have been slow to heal, whether it is from a small cut or a larger injury then you will need to support your body's healing capacities. Take Cell Salts Silica to achieve this.

By the way, if you are interested in learning more about how these simple remedies can help you in daily life- why not have a look at this book: Homeopathic Cell Salt Remedies: Healing with Nature's Twelve Mineral Compounds

If after a bad fall, you have alot of fear of the same thing happening again and are anxious and afraid, and you have lost your confidence; take Aconite 30c.

Sometimes, there are other complications after a bad fall that have long-lasting effects beyond the specific injury. A shock to the body can activate latent illness, ready to appear as a result of genetic predisposition and heredity. You develop a complaint that seems unrelated to the event and which you have never before experienced, but which seems here to stay - like an illness. It's a "Never well since..." scenario. For situations like this, consult a homeopath for individualised treatment.

So be careful as you go, and go lightly ...but remember there is help on hand to minimise the damage as a result of falling. A secure footing gives us alot in life.

Giving up Smoking

2010-01-05T04:41:00.000-08:00

A popular New Year's resolution - this one! And for many people it is difficult to achieve. I have spoken to some smokers who said it was easy to give up once they had made a conscious decision and through a single act of will they stopped and never went back smoking. I have also spoken to people who have done this and who resumed smoking again even years later. Many ex-smokers cannnot bear the smell of smoke and are less tolerant to smoking than people who have never themselves smoked before. But many people have a serious nicotine addiction which is a physical craving. In my experience, smokers have several things in common.

A certain lack of confidence
Stress, but most especially a build up of suppressed anger
A potentially addictive personality. Smoking seems to allay the dangers of choosing other substances.

I usually recommend Allen Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking. Most people find it good but not all.

What can you use to help yourself, if you have decided to give up?

To support the body you will need to do several things.

1. Feed the nervous system so that one is more resilient to stress and less adrenaline is needed :

Take a Vitamin B Complex from 50mg upwards +.

Take Calcium. Although mostly know for use in connection with strengthening the bones it also has a large role to play in aiding healthy nerves.

2. Support the Adrenal Glands:

Take a Vitamin B5 or Calcium Pantothenate/Pantothenic Acid.

Take Licorice Root. This will help your adrenals but also deals with cravings for sweet things.

Take Ginseng - this will give you an energy boost as well as soothe the adrenals.

3. Detox the lungs and clear the airways of a build up of mucus and congestion:

Take Bioforce Ivy-Thyme. this will help you to cough up all mucus and clear the lungs. Another good one is a herbal tincture of Lobelia (many homeopaths use this as a lung support)

Another good product to ease breathing and aid expectoration is Herbetom-Pulm.

4. Alleviate cravings for nicotine: Now, this is where homeopathy can really help you. Take Caladium Seguinum 6c 2-3xdaily in tablet or pill form. Available from any homeopathic pharmacy or your own homeopath. This reduces if not kills the cravings.

Another homeopathic remedy that is useful is Tabacum 6c. A homeopathic remedy made from tobacco. This deals with all physical symptoms arising from tobacco poisoning, which many smokers are experiencing in their bodies.

5. Alleviate irritability and other emotions that resurge once the smoking which suppressed those feelings is stopped. A homeopathic remedy that will give you tremendous relief from irrabitility a short fuse , becoming angry and over sensitive is Nux Vomica 30c. Take as often as you need. But try to sense when you don't need it as no homeopathic remedy should be taken routinely. This remedy has a special affinity with the liver and the nervous system.

Why not take all the three above-mentioned homeopathic remedies of Nux Vomica, Tabacum and Caladium Seg in combination, in either a 6c or 30c potency. Use the 30c potency if you are a serious long-term smoking addict. Take 2-3 daily for 2-3 weeks.

Another solution is to see a homeopath for constitutional treatment. So many times in a homeopathic consultation people have confessed with a guilty look that they are a smoker! I usually do not pay too much attention initially, as I know that when people get the right support, an energy boost and start to feel really well - they also feel an inclination to make changes. Giving up smoking is one of the first changes to make. I find that many patients have given it up, without it ever even having been discussed. For some where the smoking is connected to emotion and stress, unhappiness or addictive patterns then when we focus on addressing and providing healing in these areas , the smoking gets naturally targeted too. Incidentally, there is a Bach Flower remedy for self-reproach combined with guilt feelings called Pine. I recommend that, as these feelings are part of the package sometimes and somertimes not at all!

Good Luck because it is really worth the endeavour. Smoking does affect you in ways as yet unrecognised. Giving it up permanently is a step towards freedom.

Airport and Travel Stress during the Holidays

2010-01-03T08:37:00.000-08:00

I just returned from my Christmas travels - generally they passed off very well but not without the usual bodily stress of many hours spent in the airport, on buses, trains and trams. Hours spent in air-conditioned, centrally heated atmospheres with no fresh air and nothing green. Time spent under the continual glare of fluorescent lighting, not to mention engine and equipment noise. Hours spent on one's feet, crowded amidst many strangers.

So, any tips for feeling better? How do you remain at ease while travelling ? Jet-lag, aching muscles, stress.....

Drink plenty of water and water juices. Avoid drinking coffee which will dehydrate you. Get fresh air whenever you can. Do not go hungry.
Bring a small bottle of water with you combined with Lavender and Rose Essential Oils and spray your face and hair regularly. When you get to your hotel room, rub a drop or two of your favourite essential oil onto the surface of a light bulb. When you switch the light on, the fragrance will diffuse throughout the room.
Try the Bush Combination Travel Essence or the Space Clearing Spray if you feel crowded and fatigued.
Have the Bach Flower Rescue Remedy on hand for feelings of tension, anticipation or anxiety about the journey.
Have cleansing wipes with you for refreshing yourself and for when toilet or bathroom facilities are unclean.
Bring ear-plugs with you to cope with noise during take-off and landing or any other noisy areas
If you are a sensitive person, try to focus in on one preoccupation such as reading or listening to your own music. Or close your eyes and drift into your own thoughts. But do not people-watch or observe others. And try to reduce eye-contact as much as possible during the day.

For jet-lag take regular doses of Arnica 30c. This will ease fatigue from physical over-exertion which plane travel is, as it is so unnatural. It helps aching muscles and tiredness all over. If you want, you can bring Arnica tincture with you to drop into the bath at your destination. Arnica also helps if you cannot sleep from over-tiredness.

Bring a peppermint foot cream for aching feet an obviously wear comofrtable well-ventilated shoes.

For sleeplessness as a result of the time-change, especially if accompanied by any dizziness and exhaustion, try taking the homeopathic remedy Cocculus Indicus 30c.

If you are apprehensive about the journey or have a fear of flying then take Arg-Nit 30c. This may also cover physical symptoms coming from anxiety such as diarrhoea, butterflies in your stomach, sore throat and heart palpitations when the anxiety is severe.

For panic attacks, take Aconite 30c. Panic may mean feeling very disorientated, the heart beating fast or pounding, pale face, cold sweat or burning and tingling sensations. At its worst, panic may involve a feeling that one is going to die.

If you are worried about germs and infectious illness, take the herb Echinacea a week before, during the holiday or vacation and a week after your return. This will stimulate the immune system and has naturally anti-biotic properties. Takeing Tea Tree Essential Oil with you is also helpful. Apply a couple of drops to a tissue and inhale regularly while on the plane to prevent bacteria being absorbed. Try to breathe through your nose as much as possible and keep hydrated. Being hydrated means all the mucuous membranes are moist and you are less vulnerable to bacteria penetrating your body.

You do not need to be the first in every queue. Observe seasoned travellers; they have learned to wait in a relaxed way. There is no need to be too early out of anxiety and neither a need to be late out impatience.

Travel light. Easier said than done! Never carry a heavy bag slung over your shoulder. Try to understand the difference between needs and luxuries. Simple pleasures are always better than quantities of goods.

Ask for help if you need it. Don't be too independent. There will always be someone to direct you on your way if you feel unsure. Although travel sometimes has its vulnerabilities and you need to be always alert - remember to trust in the essential goodness of people.

Travel can be an adventure - the journey is important as well as the destination. Notice your approach - you may learn alot about your approach to the journey of life. The earth is very much like an airpot where fellow travellers have different goals in mind.

Grief at Christmas Time

2009-12-24T03:31:00.000-08:00

For those who are in grief, whether this is fresh and acutely painful or whether that pain has sunk a bit deeper inside and merely echoes its tears in surges – there is help. And there is concern about you. Your hurt is not forgotten. There are helps available to you to cope with powerful emotions and sadness. It is so natural that Christmas being about love, reminds you of the love that seems no longer to reach you from a person that was always present in your life but now is elsewhere.

Here are some things you can do.

The homeopathic remedy Ignatia Amara is the remedy for you to take. If you know a homeopath you will be able to get hold of it in higher strengths which are more immediate in their effects. If not, then buy it in a health food shop over the counter and take it regularly as it will be slightly lower in strength (30c). These are some of the feelings and symptoms that merit its use:

Deep sadness. An emotional feeling of pain in your heart. Feeling a powerful need to cry or sob but not being able to. A lump sensation in your throat; or developing a sore throat or infected throat from the emotional stress and needing treatment. Sleeplessness and agitation. Feeling snappish, irritable and angry, perhaps bitter; especially when others are celebrating and seem to be unaware either of the person’s death, or your sadness over it. Feeling angry but not knowing why. Feeling disappointed and not knowing why. Having heart palpitations. Feeling angry with the person who died. Feeling guilt, remorse and regret over what was left unsaid in your relation with the one who has gone.

If you have just been bereaved and are in deep shock take Aconite. 1m is the best potency; next best is 200c, and the next best 30c. Beware this will help the shell-shocked state you’re in. But it may suddenly bring you out of coping, automatic pilot-mode to experiencing powerful emotions. Then you must take Ignatia mentioned above. Shock is protective and does help you to manage practicalities but it is not good for you if it lasts too long.

A Bach Flower Remedy mixture to take if you are feeling sad, lonely, guilty, lost and despairing about the future and if you are not confiding or revealing yourself to others and feel unable to turn to them for help. Try a combination of Water Violet, Gorse, Gentian, Pine, Star of Bethlehem and Holly.

Otherwise take Rescue Remedy. Take 4 drops 4xdaily. Or take it more frequently. You can add it to tea or you can add it to a bottle of mineral water and drink from it all day long.

Try to avoid alcohol if you are grieving. It is okay to have a brief drink of brandy or whisky or sherry. But do not have more than a little. Alcohol will cause your feelings to surge but not in a productive, healing way. And it can make you very depressed.
Do not go hungry. Low blood sugar will make you feel much worse. Eat little and often.
Do not numb yourself out through stimulants and painkillers. As painful and exhausting as grief is, it tends to come in waves like the sea. And when the sea of emotion ebbs, peace and sleep follow. Trust it, and do not be afraid of the pain. It is true that the pain fades. When the pain does fade it does not mean you love the person less or that you will forget them either. The memories remain, but the effect of separation is less severe.

At times of grieving, the floodgates inside you open up. Many things flood in. But you will find that many kindnesses flood in. Tenderness and caring come from people who knock on the door, and ask you to talk and who actually care about you. Share it. Grief is overwhelming when experienced alone. If you are a person keeping company with a bereaved person and don’t know what to say, say this “I don’t know what to say to you” and then hug them, or put out a hand. Just be with them. Sometimes the bereaved do not know what to say or do either. At times when people are open to pain, they are at the same time aware of any loving acts. They notice people they didn’t think would be there for them and are surprised. Grief is a good measure of your friends. And people surprise you. Let yourself be surprised. Let yourself be drawn by anyone who is kind and aware of you. Don’t stay in the corner, by yourself. Even if it is years since the death, you are entitled to time spent thinking of the one who died. There are no rules about getting over death. No statutes of limitation.

Talk about the person you miss so much. Write them a letter. Get them a gift. Talk to them. Honour them by speaking well of them to others. Bring their presence to you by telling a loving anecdote about them. Be grateful they were in your life and wish them well wherever they may be now, this Christmas. And love yourself and your own life, which you are still in possession of. Remember when you came into the world, you were welcomed. Somebody’s hands caught you. The same happened to your loved one when they died.

Christmas Tip: Have a bath!

2009-12-21T07:03:00.000-08:00

Recently, I have been relishing the help and relaxation I get myself from a lovely hot bath! Bathing has always been known to provide a cure for centuries. Whole towns were built around bathing all over Europe and became known as spa-towns. Think of Bath in the UK, and Bad-Salzuflen in Germany. Towns were either by the sea or a lake, or were known to have some curative water-source. People still feel the benefits of being beside water, bathing in water, and make it an automatic feature of their holidays/vacations every year. Water will always play an essential role in health, relaxation and healing. In Ireland, known water-cures came from Holy Wells which prior to Christianity were Sacred Sites. And the practice of attending a sweat-house for relief of one's ailment dates back at least ten centuries in this country. The highest concentration of sweat-houses in Ireland exists in county Leitrim, where I live today. And of course, the uniqueness and efficacy and healing properties of homeopathy reside in its mystery use of dilution in water. There will be more posts on the topic of water in healing later on, but I want to give you some practical tips for your own self, within your own home, to do during Christmas time!

When you feel stressed or emotional or just tense from the hectic pace of work and preparations for the Christmas celebrations HAVE A BATH.

There are various types of baths you can have to address whatever is going on for you. You can use essential oils, bath salts, Bach Flower remedies and homeopathic remedies to achieve your aim and you may also need to adjust the temperature of the water in your bath accordingly

For those with pains and aches in muscles and joints:
Use Epsom salts or Dead Sea Bath Salts. Bathing with salts containing Magnesium will ease your pains. Magnesium is a natural muscle-relaxant and works against muscle spasms. Minerals are absorbed into the body through the skin.
Use Essential Oils such as Clary Sage or Rosemary or Peppermint to relax and ease muscles.
One of the best things to try is to add drops of Arnica Tincture directly into the bath. Arnica is the homeopathic remedy that deals with the consequences of over-exertion or strain of any kind. It has anti-inflammatory properties, pain relieving properties and it aids exhaustion and fatigue. An Arnica Bath is one of the best baths you can have if you have been working out, over-exercising, involved in fitness of any kind. But it is also extraordinary for those with pain and inflammation anywhere in the body.
Even though many people adore hot baths, if you suffer from rheumatism be careful not to have the water too hot. Especially if your house is not well heated. Some people's health does not bear adjustments from cold to hot, and from hot to cold. It is important to avoid a rebound swing to the opposite temperature and avoid all chills. Warm bathing as opposed to hot bathing is more suitable for people who are sensitive to temperature changes.

For those who are stressed and tense, try a Rescue Remedy Bath! Add drops from Bach Rescue Remedy into your bath. The effects are wonderful. Other possibilities are to pick a Bach Flower appropriate to whatever mood or emotion you are caught in.

For relaxation, try Essential Oils as well; either Lavender or Chamomile.

If you are feeling very anxious, try adding the homeopathic remedy of Aconite 30c or Arsenicum Album 30c to the water of your bath. Aconite will also help you if you have just received any bad news or are frightened or nervous. Arsenicum Album will help you if you have many worries, most especially regarding your health and finances.

Do not forget the candles, the scents, and a little drink! An inspiring book will complete the experience.

Make the bath time a ritual. Allow plenty of time, shut yourself off from other people and use it as time-out. Do not have any background noise, radio, television, or even music necessarily. The sound of your breathing and the splash of the water will quieten you down. For women, I recommend bringing a Rose Quartz crystal with you. Place it either in the water or right beside.

Focus on your breathing and imagine that there is light in the water around you.Take your time; only emerge when you are good and ready!

Indigestion and heartburn

2009-12-18T03:52:00.000-08:00

This is a time when many people may over-eat, over-indulge or simply eat much richer food than and drink much more than they do usually. The symptoms of heartburn can range from slight discomfort, acidity, reflux back into the mouth with subsequent increased salivation and a slightly nauseous feeling, or pain mild to severe or burning. It has even been known for the pain to be so severe that it can be confused with a pain in the heart. Many people experience the heartburn either directly after eating or several hours later. And many people suffer it at night but in particular pregnant women. Most people have to resort to the use of over the counter antacids such as Rennie for relief. Long-term use however is not recommended. And women who are pregnant may have to just put up with it as best they can. What can you do to avoid heartburn over Christmas and at all other times? .....

These are some of the natural remedies available to you:

1. Stomach HCL. Stomach acid is needed in abundance to properly digest food and there is a supplement (Biocare HCL& Pepsin) which may improve indigestion.

2. Digestive Enzymes. These come in supplement form. You take them before a meal. Or if you have a Dairy allergy , take Lactase.

3. Peppermint Oil and herbal teas. Peppermint Oil Capsules are very effective. Also, drink peppermint tea after a meal.

4. New Era Tissue Salts Combination C. These have both a preventative and relieving effect. Follow directions on container. Vary dosage according to your needs. (These are safe to take in pregnancy and gentle and effective as well)

5. Dietary controls: balance acidic foods with alkaline. Take note of the following foods which can increase acidity in the body. (Unfortunately these may be all the ones you like!)

All pig-meats : bacon, rashers, pork, sausage.

Red wine.

Cheese.

Too much wheat and dairy.

Onions.

Tomatoes,

Citrus Fruits.

Coffee

Sugary Foods

Eat bland foods, avoid rich dairy sauces as much as possible and too many spices and condiments.

6. Take Apple Cider Vinegar to balance pH in digestive tract. 1 tablespoon 3xdaily in a little warm water. (Safe and gentle in pregnancy)

7. Bioforce Centaurium Complex. A herbal mixture designed to give relief.

8. Take Swedish Bitters. Anything with a bitter taste/element can stimulate digestion. One reason why people do drink coffee after a meal. Swedish Bitters is an old-fashioned liver tonic which has always been used to improve digestion. Available in selected chemists and health food shops.

9. The homeopathic remedy Nux Vomica. One of the most effective reliefs against heartburn. Especially if made worse from over-indulgence and coffee. Try either a 6c (lower strength) or a 30c. For heartburn in pregnancy, try Pulsatilla 30c. For people who have heartburn related to anxiety and stress with stomach ulcers , try Phosphorus 6c.

In the long-term, indigestion and heartburn may accompany an underlying pattern of symptoms of illness and malfunction of the digestive system. For that reason, all relieving medicines whether natural or conventional act temporarily, but do not permanently resolve the problem. In such cases, it is best to pursue homeopathic treatment with a practitioner or consult another alternative therapist.

Raynaud's Syndrome

2009-12-14T11:30:00.000-08:00

Many people dread the winter cold, and for good reason. They have Raynaud's and it will worsen over these winter-months in the more extreme seasonal temperatures. Raynaud's Syndrome is a condition where the circulation to the extremities; mainly the hands and feet, is severely restricted; causing symptoms such as discoloration of the fingertips (white, blue, purple, red), pain and soreness, tingling and itching, and numbness and deadness. Raynaud's may accompany other conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis or it may occur without there being an underlying diagnosed condition. The main causes of this are poor circulation and inelasticity/constriction of the blood vessels not allowing them to expand in order to allow greater blood supply to that particular part and thus heat and colour.

People tend to tolerate it in misery, while doing their best to always keep their hands warm in order to prevent the fingers being severely affected.

Luckily there are quite a few natural helps in existence. So, what are they?

From your local-health food store or natural pharmacy :

Boost your circulation:

The No.1 Herb for this purpose is Ginkgo Biloba. Almost all its capacity to help certain health conditions is based on its ability to boost circulation and blood supply to any affected part. Please note that for people resident In the Republic of Ireland, this herb is not available in retail outlets. Although it is freely available in the UK and in Northern Ireland.
Also, use the Schuessler Cell Salts. I recommend Kali-mur and Ferrum-Phos. For the chilblains themselves use Calc-Fluor. The New Era Tissue Salts brand does a combination remedy mixture called Combination M designed for circulatory disorders. the label on the box also mentions that it helps Varicose Veins, but even if you do not suffer from those, you can still use this combination.
Take Vitamin E which will imrove your circulation and has a natural blood thinning effect. It also helps stress, skin, hormones - you can't lose. But be mindful not to take more than 400 iu a day max.
Exercise more

2. Improve the elasticity of the blood vessel walls.

To improve the elasticity of the blood vessel walls. Take Vitamin C. Also, take Rutin. How will you know if that is a factor in your case ? It may be, if you tend to bruise easily and bruising takes a while to heal. Also if you have easily burst blood capillaries that are visible on the skin. And the most obvious sign of all is varicose veins.

If you have Raynaud's and you are a smoker, I strongly advise trying to give it up as this is not helping you at all. More on giving up smoking later......

If you have Raynaud's, extremes of temperature will affect you badly. Although you will be tempted to place your hands and feet on radiators and heaters to bring them back, do not. The best thing you can do is try to keep a balanced lukewarm temperature all day whether you are indoors or outdoors. If it becomes extremely cold and your fingertips deaden and become white, do not heat them immediately afterwards. Either place them in cold water or do nothing. Although placing them in cold water is the exact opposite of what you might like to do , it is both homeopathic and effective. Believe me, it will restore the circulation without the rebounding painful after-effects. Usually, if you heat them too much after having been exposed to cold, as soon as you get all the blood back into them you may then get swelling, or pain and soreness.

Avoid very hot baths and showers. Keep the temperatures when bathing more even.

I would recommend constitutional homeopathic treatment to resolve it permanently and prevent it recurring. But if you are not in a position to see a homeopath or do not feel like pursuing this method and are suffering from chilblains associated with Raynaud's, try getting hold of the homeopathic remedy Tamus 6c. Take only one tablet a day for a short period. And see if that helps. There are of course many other homeopathic remedies that deal with Raynaud's but individualised remedy prescriptions get the best results.

There is also a good topical cream for relief of associated chilblains by Nelsons simply named: Nelsons Chilblains Cream. Try that.

Hangovers!

2009-12-11T10:34:00.000-08:00

What can you do to beat a hangover?

Hangovers occur for two main reasons: dehydration and loss of nutrients. And as most people are aware, the liver is the main organ implicated in making you feel ill after drinking. Symptoms of a hangover can be : feeling exhausted, drained, unable to concentrate, headache (with sensitivity to noise), nausea, bloating, loss of appetite, thirst, weakness, frequent urination etc.

The main solution is obviously not to drink so much that it makes you ill!

However, when you do drink:

Drink soft drinks and water in between alcoholic drinks.

People suffering from Candida and yeast intolerances, beware of beer and red wine. Also, remember white wine has alot of sugar in it. Drink spirits instead.

If you are a wine drinker, try to drink organic. Many chemicals and preservatives are also what constitute the very nasty after-effects of drinking.

Drink with food or after eating. Never drink on an empty stomach.

Ladies, alcohol will affect you more strongly while you have your period. So drink less, if anything at all during this time.

However, in the case where you have had a few too many. Here are some tips:

Most obviously drink plenty of water. But the best time to do this is before you go to sleep after drinking, rather than just the next day.

Take both Vitamin C and a B-Complex vitamin before sleeping and after drinking. The liver uses nutrients it has stored, to do the work of detoxing. Replacing these will help the liver process alcohol faster. (You can buy handy soluble hangover packs containing these at till counters in health food shops)

Take a liver herb such as Milk Thistle Complex. Do this especially if you are feeling nauseous and unable to eat the next day.

Eat crystallised ginger for any waves of nausea.

Drink Peppermint tea to soothe your stomach and also heartburn, and you may also take Peppermint Oil capsules.

Homeopathic remedies work a treat!You do not need to have all the below-mentioned symptoms listed for each one but see which fits you the best: Nux-vomica 30c if you are irritable, nauseous, impatient (queues or road rage or snappiness), senses acute or generally nervy and agitated with heartburn, bloating and constipation or cramping pains. China 30c if you are just wiped out, exhausted and faint accompanied by alot of trapped wind or bloating and possible diarrhoea and your mind is in the clouds. Arnica 30c if you are absolutely wrecked and worn out but with no real stomach symptoms. More a generalised aching all over your body. This state will arise if you have been overdoing it before going out drinking. If your main symptom is a headache and you are like a bear with a sore head; you want to be left alone, and are thirsty for large quantities of water, then try Bryonia 30c.

Electric Shocks

2009-12-10T02:12:00.000-08:00

Have you ever received electric shocks when you touch something? For example, a car door handle, the button on a lift or escalator, some metal surface? It is strange, isn't it? Some people seem to conduct electricity more than others. A lady I once spoke to, asked me did I have any suggestions for receiving electric shocks. She had a serious incident of suffering an actual heart attack when one particular electric shock travelled to her heart and she ended up in hospital. I was mystified as to whether there would be any solution apart from ongoing homeopathic treatment (as this was a casual request and she did not really want to see a homeopath). So I looked up the symptom in my homeopathic repertory ( a book homeopaths use as an index of a huge variety of symptoms and complaints) and there was only one remedy listed: Cuprum Metallicum.

Now, I would never prescribe a remedy unless I knew there was an overall match with the whole person's health rather than just a correspondence to one isolated ailment. So I did not give her the homeopathic remedy. But how interesting! I suggested she take a Copper supplement instead, in case levels were low in her body. The electric shocks ceased. Since then, I have suggested this small measure to people and it has always been effective. I have also observed that people who are low in iron often are low in copper. There is a proportionate relationship between the two. And so, suffering from regular electric shocks can be a pointer to taking an Iron tonic as opposed to taking a Copper supplement to reduce the susceptibility to electric shocks.

To summarise: if you get regular electric shocks - take either Copper or Iron.

Teeth Grinding or Bruxism

2009-12-07T10:08:00.000-08:00

Teeth-grinding can cause tension and pain in the jaw and face especially on waking in the morning. This can lead to constant headaches and face pain. Obviously, it is also bad for your teeth as it can damage them.

For many people, the only solution is to wear a mouth guard to prevent them from grinding their teeth unconsciously during their sleep at night.

Bruxism is also very common in children though sometimes less noticeable unless it gets quite bad and the child complains. You may not notice your child is doing this unless you have looked in on them while they are sleeping.

In my experience, there are two main factors related to or accompanying bruxism:

1. Worms.

2. Stress.

1. People who gnash and grind their teeth may have worms. This means that it is quite easy to solve the problem. Deal with the worms and the bruxism will cease. The majority of children who grind their teeth are doing so for this reason.

Other signs of worms apart from teeth-grinding, are:

Peevish, whining and complaining behaviour – nothing you do for the child or adult satisfies.
Temper tantrums.
Pale face, with dark circles under the eyes.
Ravenous appetite and always hungry. Where does it all go?
Worms visible in stools and the stools are ‘loose’.
Itchy bum most especially when becoming warm in the bed at night.

What to do?

The homeopathic remedy Cina 30c is excellent for solving this problem. Take 1 tab/pills twice daily for 2-3 days.

2. Stress is less easy to deal with than worms as it usually tends to be ongoing. And not all circumstances that cause stress are under a person’s control. There are large life-events and then there are work and other stress-related issues. However, that said, a person’s reaction and response to stress can change and be made more resilient, less difficult with less impact on the person’s life. My best tip (I am not biased!?) is to see your homeopath for an in-depth comprehensive support.

But, here are some things you can do to alleviate stress:

Exercise, good food and fresh air

Switch off mobile, TV, telephone, computer and have more ‘QUIET’ time in your life

Take B-Complex Vitamins but particularly Pantothenic Acid. A fantastic food for your nerves.

Take Ginseng herb – this supports the fight-or-flight stress reaction of your Adrenals

Take a Calcium supplement. Not many people realise that Calcium has a big effect on frayed nerve endings and can add to relaxation. Take before sleep at night.

Take Bach Flower remedies. Choose which flowers most represent your experience.

Take Bush Flower Combination Calm and Clear. This will help you to focus your mind and problem solve instead of worry about problems.

Take Kali-Phos Cell Salts- an excellent tonic for the nervous system usually providing a mood uplift as well. Helpful to soothe a disturbed sleeping pattern.

About Supplements

2009-12-05T04:04:00.000-08:00

It is so wonderful to have a wide range of supplements to support the health of individuals.

Remember though when you take a supplement – it is to supplement your body with extra nutrients. It is not a replacement for proper nutrition and healthy, balanced eating. Only take a supplement for short periods of time. If you are still experiencing ailments, it is best to turn to a healthcare practitioner to look at underlying causes.

Many people’s diets are inadequately balanced and suffer from varied nutritional deficiencies as a result. These can be helped tremendously by using supplementation while redressing the balance in one’s diet.

How will you know if you have a nutritional deficiency?

You will have signs and symptoms. Every symptom you experience in your body is usually pointing to a problem. But many people seem to think – how on earth would they know if they didn’t get a test?

Try reading up on nutrition. You know, Gillian Mc Keith has a list of ailments which correspond to possible nutrient deficiencies. Read Patrick Holford’s stuff as well. There is a vast multitude of information out there.You can figure it out yourself, rather than spend a fortune on allergy testing.

Factors which prevent absorption of nutrients in the body:

Allergies and food intolerances affect the body’s capacity to take in nutrients and make use of them. Also, digestive system disturbances or illnesses affect nutrient absorption. These are topics for another time.

Bear in mind, this also affects a person’s ability to make use of vitamin supplements as well as food. Many people are not experiencing the uptake they ideally should from supplements. This means that supplementation will not help as much as anticipated. Addressing assimilation is a fundamental aspect of health and should be done in a therapeutic setting with a qualified healthcare practitioner. There are some risks associated with taking supplements but not being able to absorb them. Not all vitamins and minerals are easily digestible.

Some supplements have known side-effects. For example, Iron. If you take iron, try to take Ferrous Gluconate as opposed to Ferrous Sulphate . Take with additional Vitamin C to avoid constipation. I highly recommend Spatone or Salus-Haus Floradix as these brands usually do not cause any trouble.

For those who are have assimilation problems, consider Foodstate supplements or Liquid supplements, which are more easily absorbed and have a look at the Schuessler Salts which aid assimilation and balance minerals on a cellular level. Always take your supplement with food and never on an empty stomach. People with Candida, must check that supplements are yeast free. Vegetarians must check supplements are suitable for vegetarians. Follow your own instincts – if you feel unwell, stop taking it. If you feel well again, the supplement is not right for you.

Many non-organic vegetables and salads have lesser nutrients due to farming practices. Chemical sprays and fertilisers and non-organic farming affect the goodness of fresh fruit and vegetables. There are many toxins in our environment, the extra stress of which can cause the body to lose nutrients. The recommended daily allowances cited on packaging are based on the body already having adequate levels of nutrients. The RDA’s do not deal with actual nutritional deficiency.This is one reason why you should consider taking a supplement and why food is sometimes not enough.

B-Vitamins and Vitamin C are soluble in water. This means if you take too high a daily amount, they will be excreted in your urine which means there is less risk of overdosing on these two in particular. At the same time, be careful of overdoing the amounts you take though, as this puts pressure on your kidneys. When you take B-Vitamins it is best to take them together in a Complex as they are synergistic in nature and work best in combination with each other.

Generally speaking, I am in favour of using a wide variety of supplements to improve health but not in the medium to long-term. People should be aware that even if taking Vitamins helps them with one problem or another, if their problems return once they cease supplementation – there is still something wrong with the way in which their body is functioning. Taking supplements may relieve symptoms but symptoms are a sign and indicator of problems. To mask a problem is to allow it to progress. This should be avoided. Homeopathy works to stimulate the body to function on its own, without help and using its own innate resourcefulness, as the body well knows how to do. All the supplements and herbs in the world cannot replace the body’s own powers.

When my patients do not come to see me because they can manage by themselves without taking remedies – then I know I have done my job well. Life does throw things our way – but we learn to be resilient. Knowledge is power, so education is a significant part of my work.

When dependence ceases – on advice, on remedies, on healing helps from any perceived expert (outside of one’s own knowledge and expertise and one’s own body’s healing powers), then one is free. Free to get on with life, with no anxiety and certainly no need for a remedy or a medicine cabinet.

About Cold Sores

2009-12-04T06:03:00.000-08:00

The more you treat them with unnatural medicines, the more they will recur. Also, you may have noticed that when you get very run down, they arrive!

Take an Amino Acid called L-Lysine. This acts as a good preventative. While you have a cold sore you can take this 3-6 times a day. To take preventatively, take 1 or 2 a day or follow directions on the container. Do not, however, take this supplement indefinitely i.e. longer than a couple of months. I never advise ongoing supplement usage as a way of managing any ailments. The underlying problem should always be resolved.

Apply Rhus-tox Cream topically, instead of Zovirax.

Apply Lavender Essential Oil neat, directly onto the skin. Do not use Tea Tree Oil – although it is very good it can be drying and irritate the skin. Lavender has antiseptic properties but is much gentler on the skin. Plus it has a lovely scent!

One of the most effective homeopathic remedies for cold sores, is Nat-mur 30c. Take 1pill 2xdaily while you have the cold-sore. If after only one tablet/pill, the cold-sore starts to clear up do NOT carry on taking the remedy. In homeopathy, the opposite principle of conventional medicinal dosage applies : when it works, STOP taking it. Once the body responds well, you do not need to stimulate it with further doses but instead leave it alone, to complete its good work. There are other homeopathic remedies for cold-sores as well. If Nat-mur does not work for you, consult a homeopath or a person in-store in a health food shop for individual prescriptions. Homeopathy can treat cold-sores and get rid of them permanently. So I would highly recommend you get an individualised, tailor-made prescription for yourself. This will also better your health in general.

Do you find that when you get stressed a cold sore is inevitable? Consider taking a Vitamin B-Complex which feeds the nervous system and acts as a type of stress tonic. A cheaper way to manage stress is to take New Era Tissue Salts Kali-phos which is a nerve soother.

The best way to deal with being run down, is through excellent nutrition, exercise, fresh air and a balanced lifestyle. All easier said than done, of course! Stress will be discussed in more detail later.

Lowering your cholesterol

2009-12-04T05:56:00.000-08:00

Have you been stressed out, running on empty for a while to cope with life circumstances, eating a high fat diet including rich foods, large amounts of meat and rich sauces (such as travelling business people or people who don’t have time to cook), have you had constipation for years, been using anti-perspirants instead of deodorants, not eating fruit and not exercising? Are you irritable, likely to fly off the handle and often feel exhausted? If you have 3 or more of these factors you may be a high-cholesterol personality!

Here are some tips to help you lower your cholesterol:

1. Take LECITHIN. This is a fat emulsifier. It comes in granule form which you can sprinkle over salads and porridge etc. Or it comes in the form of a supplement in capsule form.
2. Take a LIVER TONIC. Go to your health food shop and request a recommendation of several different herbs for supporting the liver. The gall bladder is what stores fat and produces bile to break down fat. High functioning of the gall bladder is also dependent on an efficient liver. A liver tonic will help it work better and detox your system.
3. Consider CLEANSING and clearing out the BOWELS. Constipation is a big factor in high cholesterol and often ignored. Quite a bit of cholesterol gets deposited in the bowel. Clear it out first, then try and find help for constipation. What I mean by help is NOT laxatives. Even if you use natural herbal laxatives – this is bad for your system, you will become dependent and need more laxatives to achieve the same effect as time goes on. Your constipation will worsen. Try seeing a herbalist, an acupuncturist and many other therapists that can help. Obviously, see a homeopath to solve chronic constipation.
4. In general, the better you ELIMINATE WASTE MATTER from the body the clearer your system will be and the less clogged it will be. That means the kidneys must work well, the bowels, and the sweat glands must not be suppressed through anti-perspirants etc
5. If you don’t want to go through the process of homeopathy just to lower cholesterol – then consider merely asking A PROFESSIONAL HOMEOPATH for a short prescription of some therapeutic remedies they use as a specific cholesterol- lowering help. Many homeopaths will be unlikely to agree to this though (I warn you!). The reason being that any one symptom is connected with the whole body, its inherited predisposition towards certain complaints and many individual factors. Homeopaths find their best results come from treating the whole person and not just one aspect of their health.
6. Control your DIET. There is no getting away from this. A diet high in saturated fats will raise your cholesterol if you are predisposed. Consider giving up dairy products (Another topic for discussion!) Beware, intentionally designed low-fat products are not actually that good for you.
7. Take B-VITAMINS to cope with increased stress levels. Believe me, stress plays a huge role.
8. Take VITAMIN E as well. Vitamin E and B-Vitamins support the ‘Stress-Glands’ or the adrenals. The adrenals are the glands that produce sterols in the body – of which Cholesterol is one.
Remember, Cholesterol does not only arise from your intake of food but is actually produced in the body, by the body. Some people have an inherited tendency to have high levels of cholesterol. And some people who have this may have controlled their diet very well in order to minimise the intake of cholesterol and yet still have raised levels detected by a blood test. They are flummoxed – how could I still have high cholesterol ? I am eating so well! See your homeopath if nothing else is working.

Perspiration

2009-12-03T05:45:00.000-08:00

Sweating is an important function of the skin in your body. Sweating detoxes your whole body, cleanses it, and purifies it. The skin is an organ of elimination and very important as such. Perspiration also has a cooling effect on the skin and body necessary during exercise and during a fever. Efficient perspiration is necessary when you are ill.

Some people do not sweat much. They may not have much to sweat out and are very well. Well, in the sense of proper nutrition, exercise and minimal intake of toxins.

However, some people do have a large build up of toxins in their bodies but are not getting the chance to eliminate properly through perspiration.

Here are some signs of suppressed perspiration or toxicity in the body:

- Complete absence of perspiration
- Offensive perspiration.
- Drenching night sweats
- Foul and offensive perspiring on the feet (in other words, smelly socks!)
- Intense perspiration of one part e.g. hands only, without perspiration anywhere else on the body.
- Perspiration stains clothes and sheets and coverings.
- Little cysts or lumps in concentrated areas of sweat glands most commonly under the arm, in the arm pit or in the groin area (there may be other reasons for these, if in any doubt consult your doctor).

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Never use anti-perspirants. These suppress and interfere with your sweat glands. Additionally, many contain Aluminium. A known toxin. In the long-term, using these is not good for your body at all. Go to your local health food shop and enquire about natural deodorants. A natural deodorant neutralises any odour associated with sweat but does not prevent sweating. The solid crystal deodorants which have water applied to them and are then used just like a roll-on are very effective. Never choose any deodorant which contains Aluminium.
Try taking a supplement to help detox heavy metals in the body. Enquire in your local health food shop for suitable recommendations. Also try taking Chlorella or Blue-Green Algae.
Do a generalised whole body detox. (Stay tuned for more on detoxing) There are so many wonderful herbal combination detoxes on the market. One is called Essiac. My favourite method of detoxing is to use a liver herb. These herbs support the functioning of the liver, which then does its job of detoxing much more efficiently. Another detox that is excellent is made by Heel. A German Complex Homeopathic Medicine Manufacturer. They make a specific detox for the lymphatic system called Lymphosomat.
See your homeopath, who will give you an overall remedy to stimulate better functioning of all your bodily systems. Homeopathy can deal with the causes and consequences of suppressed perspiration.
Once you have detoxed, limit your intake of toxins. Your perspiration will be less offensive and less profuse. These are the obvious ones: alcohol and cigarettes. People who have allergies or food intolerances will have a toxic build up as their system is prevented from efficient assimilation of nutrients.
Exercise more in order to eliminate better. This will mean you will lessen the amount of perspiring you do in general. Exercising must be vigorous enough to cause you to break out in a sweat.
Remember one of the easiest and most pleasant of ways to detox, is to eat plenty of fruit. The enzymes in fruit aid elimination. Eat fruit frequently during the day. If you only eat fruit once a day – the best time is to eat it in the morning, on an empty stomach. Fruit pulls toxins out of the body.
Also, drink plenty of water every day. Alternatively if you do not experience much thirst – eat plenty of food with high water content instead.
If you focus on these things, you will notice a big shift in the way you perspire.