The Apothecary - an A-Z of natural remedies
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Hay Fever

Yet another malady I suffer from :-(

I have the usual anti-histamine reaction i.e. I become a zombie.  And when I started having migraine attacks, as a result of using them, I decided to look for a natural cure.

First of all I used New Era's Hay Fever tissue salts with great success.  Unfortunately, however, this "cure" lost its effectiveness for me over the years, so I now use another homeopathic remedy called Euphrasia and this works for me, to a great extent, but I also find, and for those of a nervous disposition I suggest you look away now, that coating my nasal passages with vaseline first thing in the morning is a great help. My niece thinks it's a disgusting idea!  Homeopathy has a number of medicines to choose from, just use the one that seems suited to you.

I have used Butterbur before to great effect, but for some reason had forgotten about its benefits.  As you can see from the site I have used there is scientific evidence for butterbur's efficacy.  It is also recommended for migraine
and asthma sufferers. Perhaps where there is a suspected allergy problem, this plant could be a useful weapon in the armoury?

The vitamins A, C and E are thought to be important in controlling the condition, so if you feel you do not get sufficient intake from your diet supplements maybe useful.

Also try the following herbs, all noted for their efficacy in this condition: 
chamomile, elderflower, nettle leaf (a natural anti histamine), eyebright (see euphrasia above), plantain, thyme; and try sage tea as a gargle for a tickly throat.

Heart & Blood Pressure

All we can really effectively do here is talk about preventing problems arising in the first place.  There are dangers in ignoring medical advice and seeking alternative "cures" when a problem already exists.  However, if you read about something that may be of help where a condition does exist then as long as medical advice is sought by the sufferer, we should be on safe ground.

Diet and exercise, yes those two old favourites, are the key to prevention in most cases, and presumably a doctor will explore both where a condition exists.   Four 20 minute aerobic exercise sessions a week is the medically recommended aim for everyone.  No you don't have to do aerobic classes, four brisk walks will do.

Onions, garlic, soya, oats, cinnamon and walnuts are all highly recommended for reducing cholesterol levels and garlic has been noted for its ability to prevent blood clots developing.

No doubt you are all aware of the reports of how good red wine is.  Alcohol increases the level of high density lipoproteins (HDLs). These take away cholesterol from artery walls.  However, there's always too much of a good thing and like everything in life moderation is the key. Too much alcohol increases blood pressure and can cause irregular heart rhythms.  I have read that red grape juice is as effective as red wine.

Eskimos are well documented as having low levels of coronary heart disease, which has been attributed to their high in-take of fatty acids from eating oily fish (it is recommended to keep consumption to twice a week).  The Mediterranean diet is also highly praised, olive oil being a chief reason for this.

  • Pomegranates - according to research in Israel, they help prevent blood clots, lower blood pressure and improve the amount of oxygen reaching the heart.
  • Pectin -  apparently reduces cholesterol absorbtion, slows the production of cholesterol in the liver, lowers insulin resistence and slows the absorbtion of sugar into the blood stream.  Citrus fruit, blackberries, apples, peaches, plums and redcurrants have high pectin levels.
  • Celery - a compound from the vegetable apparently relaxes the muscles of the arteries regulating blood pressure.
  • Nattokinase is an enzyme found in a cheese like food, natto, made from fermented soybeans.  There are strong claims made for its properties. Apparently it quickly lowers blood presure, controls choleterol levels, and prevents and even breaks up blood clots.  If you are using medication, talk to your doctor before considering its use.
Cayenne pepper, ginkgo and hawthorn are also noted for their properties in helping protect the heart and circulatory system.  Hawthorn is prescribed by doctors in Europe for treating heart conditions.  Ginkgo is noted for its anti-inflammatory attributes and cayenne can help reduce cholesterol and clot formation.





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Copyright © 2009 by Philip Bailey.  All rights reserved.  theapothecary™ is a trademark of Philip Bailey.
Last updated: 16 April 2009.



Anyone suffering from a serious, or what they suspect to be a serious, health problem, should consult a qualified medical practitioner immediately.  Any "recommendations" made on this site are made purely as helpful suggestions and you accept that they may not work for you.  We all know from experience that what might work for one person may not necessarily work for someone else, but hopefully this site will be used by all in the spirit it is meant to convey.