Napiers - Herb and Plant Remidies

The first few weeks of April signal the beginning of the hay fever and allergy season. Every year I see more and more people, who have never had any allergy problem, suddenly develop symptoms. The usual symptoms are itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, even sore throats and headaches. More recently I have been seeing a big increase in skin related allergies developing in the spring.

I have a lot of theories on why this is happening. On why our immune systems are being more challenged and on why they are breaking down more regularly. Everything from our diet (with the increased use of pesticides, fertilizers and chemicals in food production) to the chemicals in our home, all challenge our immune system. When an already challenged immune system is faced by further hurdles such as high pollen counts (made worse by city pollution and over production of certain crops such as oil seed rape) there can be a breakdown and allergy symptoms develop. This often happens to people who have never suffered from any allergy symptoms in the past.

Once an allergy situation has developed it can be difficult to treat and you are often left trying to manage the situation, rather than cure it. Allergy has a domino affect on the body. You often find that you start off sensitive to one thing and, before you know, it you are sensitive to a whole range of things. If you are a hay fever sufferer the best way to get on top of the problem is to start treatment before the problem actually develops.

Over the last few years I have developed a three part allergy/hay fever battle plan that can reduce, if not stop your symptoms.

1: A few weeks before your symptoms would usually develop, plan to cut dairy products out of you diet. Dairy can make any allergy you suffer worse and will cause mucus production, making runny noses and blocked sinuses worse. Try and be very strict, cutting out all cows milk products and using goats and sheep’s cheese, soya milk and dairy free spreads instead. Remember that milk chocolate is a dairy product, and dark chocolate is dairy free!

2: Start taking a teaspoon of local honey each day. Honey, which is made from pollen, almost acts homoeopathically by helping your body to build up a resistance to pollens and grasses. Local honeys will be specific to the pollens and grasses in your area.

3: Simple herbal remedies can be used to ease allergy symptom. Nettle has anti-histamine like action and will cut down the bodies response to allergy, Chamomile will soothe mucus membranes and Eyebright has an anti-allergy action. Available pre-blended as Napiers Nettle Blend or buy the dried herbs and make up your own herbal tea. Often you can take these as herbal tea and drunk regularly they will help to control symptoms. If your eyes are itching try using a cold chamomile tea bag as an eye compress.

If you suffer from skin allergies or heat rashes (also a form of allergy) try cutting dairy products out of your diet for a few months to see if it helps. A tea made out of dandelion leaf will ease heat rash and swollen ankles and reduce skin allergies. Make sure you only use unperfumed products on your skin and try moisturising with Starflower Cream.

DEE ATKINSON, MNIMH, MCPP

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This is not a new problem! For centuries people have felt low energy and low mood in the winter months. This is especially so in our northern climates, with long nights and the sun low in the horizon. Traditionally herbalists have made up lotions and potions to keep the spirits up in the form of herbal tonics, uplifting oil blends and comforting herbal drinks.

Herbalists have used herbs such as
Scullcap used for centuries to relieve anxiety and moodiness
Passionflower to aid sleep and uplift the mood
Lemon balm can be drunk as a refreshing and uplifting tea.
Oats were used (especially in Scotland) both as a food (porridge) and as a medicine. Oats act as a tropho-restorative to the nervous system. This means that they help to restore it back to the original state.
St John’s wort is one of the best known herbs to beat the winter blues. Clinical trials have shown that this herb relieves mild to moderate depression. Available in tincture (liquid) and tablet form, this herb has become one of the UKs best selling herbal products.

The product that used most in Napiers Clinics was developed in 1860 by Duncan Napier. He prescribed it to deal with stress and depression. We have access to his sales records and he sold double volume of this product in the winter months. And as he said, in his turn of the century mail order catalogue, ‘when the whole world seems dull, and you just want to sit down and cry, when the stresses and strains of modern living get on top of you’… that was the time to take his Nerve Debility Tonic, now known as Scullcap, Oat and Passionflower Compound.

Scullcap, Oat and Passionflower Compound contains over 20 different herbs, including Scullcap, Oats, Passionflower, Jamacian dogwood, Limeflowers and Valerian.

Other products that can help:

Vitamin B Complex: This is the vitamin that the body needs in times of stress.

Essential Oils: Some uplift the mood, especially Bergamot, Lemon, Orange. These can be used in the bath or in an oil burner.

Other Tips: Begin each day by standing in front the lightest window in the house and allowing as much light as possible to reach you. Get out at lunch time each day and have a half hour walk – this is when there is the most light available and you can get maximum benefit.

DEE ATKINSON, MNIMH, MCPP

Medical Herbalist and director of Napiers has been named as one of Tatler Magazine’s top 250 private doctors in the UK.

Dee currently practices in Napiers Edinburgh clinics – call Bristo Place on 0131 225 5542 or Hamilton Place on 0131 315 2130 to book an appointment with her.