A Little Herbal Advice from Dee

In the last few weeks I have been making the most of the sunshine and that summer feeling. Gardening, swimming in the sea (it was cold) and learning to sea kayak. I have had more than my fair share of opportunities to try out our first aid products. Falling asleep on a Dorset beach in the mid day sun led straight onto an Aloe vera & seaweed gel rescue and after all that kayaking, Arnica Cream was a savior, helping to ease my sore muscles.

It is good to know where your products are coming from and to know that they contain natural ingredients, are made in the UK and support a lot of small industries from growers to the small manufacturers who make some of our tinctures. I hope you all get some out door fun this year, and I really hope you don’t have to make too many trips into the First Aid Kit.

First Aid

Here at Napiers we know how important it is to keep a first aid kit handy, especially if you have adventurous children. With this in mind we have put together our must-haves for this summer. Having supplies gathered ahead of time will help you handle an emergency at a moments notice

Our Herbal Remedy Kit contains:

• Napiers Organic Bug Buster Skin Cream
• Lavender Organic Essential Oil
• Arnic Skin Cream
• Chamomile & Peppermint Skin Cream
• Aloe Vera & Seaweed Gel

Our Bugbuster skin cream has been reformulated into a lovely, gentle Soil Association certified organic cream containing the ‘original formula’ tested against the Scottish midge, as well as more exotic mosquitoes and gnats! The best natural solution for preventing insect bites on children and adults.

We’ve also included our Chamomile & peppermint skin cream one of my personal favourites to aid in soothing and reducing skin rashes, but most specifically heat rash which typically occurs during the summer. The cooling properties of peppermint combined with soothing chamomile means this cream is brilliant for fast acting relief from itchiness. Ps if you suffer from heat rash, try taking Dandelion tincture, half a teaspoon three times a day, also useful for the swollen ankles one gets from long flights.

Aloe vera gel is our natural equivalent to an aftersun lotion. Containing soothing aloe vera and seaweed in a cooling gel base this product is useful for sunburn, shaving rash, eczema and other hot, itchy skin problems. Remember to try an avoid sunburn in the first place with regular applications of sun block and covering up in the heat of the day.

Last but not least, our two favourites, Arnica skin cream and Lavender Essential Oil. No First aid kit is complete without these two well known, traditional remedies for scrapes, bruises and minor burns. The healing properties of lavender have been well known for centuries. Topically applied to the temples it can help cure headaches, soothe minor burns and its gentle properties mean it is suitable for all ages.

I took our Arnica cream with me on my last Amazon adventure, and it healed a badly bruised ankle in no time. Not to be used on broken skin, but perfect for those everyday knocks and bumps.

You can now purchase our Herbal Remedy Kit at the introductory offer of £26 at our online shop.

Battling the Bugs

NEW FORMULATION! Our Organic Bugbuster cream is an all-natural insect repellent, which can be applied as often as required to exposed areas of the skin for a bug-free day in the great outdoors. Also useful for skin irritations associated with insect bites.

This cream includes insect repellent herbs such as Citronella, Lavender and Eucalyptus as these plants have natural insect repellent qualities – they don’t like insects any more than we do! And mindful of the fact that summer skins are often sunburned, and young skins are sensitive we have also added soothing Chickweed oil and cooling Aloe vera.

This is a very popular product here in Scotland and many a traveller stops off at our shops in Edinburgh & Glasgow to pick up supplies before heading up into the highlands.

Our Organic Bugbuster cream is now 10% off at our Online shop.

Magnificent Marigold

Napiers Marigold Compound is my most used antiseptic, anti microbial mix. I gargle with it for sore throats and gum problems, use it diluted on spots and acne and as a face rinse, dab it on fugal nails, or athletes foot and use it as a wash for cuts. An all-round must for a busy summer

Marigold Compound is now 10% off at our Online shop.

Download our free Skin Advice Leaflet here.

Thank you for reading our newsletter. If you would like additional help or advice call our great mailorder team on 0131 343 3292.

People respond to the stress of exams in different ways, some people relish the thought of doing the test, whilst others experience full blown panic attacks leading up to the event, and in between these extremes, most people feel a little jittery, find it hard to concentrate on their studies, and maybe suffer from a lack of sleep.

Herbal medicine can help to support your body and mind through exam periods. Napiers Study Blend can be used in an oil burner, or simply sniffed from the bottle to aid you. This stimulating blend contains the essential oils of Mint, Basil and Rosemary – these herbs help the mind to focus, whilst also exerting a gentle calming effect on the nervous system.

Ginkgo Biloba, whose common name is ‘The Memory Tree’, is a key herb for exams. Ginkgo is traditionally used for its supporting effect on the adrenal glands, (which are involved in the stress response), whilst also stimulating blood flow to the brain, optimising cognitive function and thereby aiding concentration and memory – perfect.

Another key exam herb is Ashwaganda (Withania), another adrenal tonic, providing energy and support to the nervous system, whilst also having a stimulating effect on the brain. Ashwaganda and Ginkgo make a very good partnership, the overall effect being increased concentration and memory, coupled with a gentle calming effect on the mind and body.

Duncan Napier himself in 1860 originally formulated one of the most popular stress remedies recommended today in our Napiers Clinics. Scullcap, Oat and Passionflower Compound contains over 20 different herbs, including Scullcap, Oats, Passionflower, Jamaican dogwood, Limeflowers and Valerian.

Try to get good nights sleep. Don’t OD on coffee or caffeine based drinks during the day. Leave at least a half hour gap between putting your revision down and going to bed to let your mind calm. Sleep is important for concentration, memory formation and helps the repair of damage to your body’s cells during the day. Napiers Sweet Dreams is a traditional herbal remedy to help you sleep.

Don’t get run down, boost your immune system
Many students fall prey to coughs and colds and it can be really helpful to boost your immune system over this period. Napiers Elixir of Echinacea is a licensed herbal remedy, formulated to help the body fight back against infection.

Take regular exercise
Whilst studying for exams it is very important to take regular breaks and to take regular exercise.  A brisk half hour walk will really help restore your energy levels and help de-stress and freshen your mind. Take time out to let your body and mind relax!

At Napiers Clinics I see an increasing number of patients with digestive problems.   No matter how good your diet is, if the food you eat is not properly broken down and absorbed, your body will lack the building blocks it needs for the best health and vitality.

One of the digestive problems we now regularly encounter is Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS). IBS is a blanket term for a wide range of symptoms including abdominal cramping, alternating diarrhoea and constipation, wind and bloating. The most common triggers can be stress, anxiety and food intolerance and sensitivity. It is important to identify which are the triggers for your symptoms and then to avoid these where possible.

One of the major factors in many digestive orders is often stress. The release of adrenaline as part of the body’s response to stress causes a reduction in blood flow to the digestive organs, which can lead to digestive problems. If you think this may be an issue for you, I have put together a FREE information sheet on dealing with stress.

However there are a number of herbs which are traditionally used to relieve digestive problems and these include:

Peppermint – this is my herb of choice where there is spasm, wind or bloating. Traditionally used as an after dinner drink, Peppermint Tea is refreshing and also helps aids digestion.
Fennel also helps relieve colicky pain whilst supporting the digestive processes and combines well with the peppermint.
If there is discomfort or mild constipation try taking licorice. This helps to regulate bowel movements, and is also very soothing

Bloating and wind can be very uncomfortable and embarrassing side effects of digestive problems and Gentian Bitters can be taken to increase appetite, reduce flatulence, gurgling and bloating and promote good digestion.

Slippery Elm is used traditionally to treat any inflammation or irritation of the lining of the digestive tract.  It is a soothing nutritious powdered bark and is particularly useful for IBS and heartburn and can be taken as powder made into a warm drink.

Constipation is also a common problem. The bowel is one of the major routes for ridding the body of waste products and if blocked can contribute to major health problems and general lack of vitality.
Pysillium husks can be used as a bulking agent to help promote regular bowel movement.  Slippery Elm also combines well with Psyllium in Psyllium and Slippery Elm Powder which is used to tone the bowel and gently ease constipation and is often also used by herbalists for help with diverticular disease and mild constipation as well as IBS.

Causes of chronic constipation include a low fibre diet, lack of exercise, dehydration, stress and poor muscle tone.  It is very important to address these lifestyle issues as well.  Take regular exercise, drink plenty of water and take time out to let your body and mind relax!

The first few weeks of April normally signal the beginning of the hay fever and allergy season.  However, due to the very harsh winter, it is likely the plants will be flowering approximately 3 weeks late and the signs are that there will be an explosion of plants flowering all at the same time giving rise to high pollen levels.  Not good news for hayfever sufferers and I recommend preparing early to minimise the symptoms!

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. Everything from our diet to the chemicals in our home, all challenge our immune system. When an already challenged immune system is faced by further hurdles, such as a high pollen count, there can be a breakdown and allergy symptoms develop, even to people who have never suffered from any allergy symptoms in the past.

The best way to get on top of the problem is to start treatment before the problem actually develops
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. Over the last few years I have developed a three part allergy/hay fever battle plan that can reduce, if not stop your symptoms.

Stage1: Start 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!

Stage 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 honey will be specific to the pollens and grasses in your area.

Stage 3: Simple herbal remedies can be used to ease allergy symptom.
Nettle has anti-histamine like action and will cut down the body’s response to allergy, Chamomile will soothe mucus membranes and Sinus Rub can ease sinus pain and congestion. These herbs are available pre-blended as Napiers Nettle Blend or you can also buy the dried herbs and make up your own herbal tea.  Napiers Summertime Blend Herbal Tea is rich in the herbs traditionally used for their soothing and anti-allergy properties and contains eyebright, chamomile, liquorice, elderflowers and nettle. Drunk regularly these teas will help to control symptoms. For those sufferers who don’t like liquids, I use Napiers Nettle and Chamomile Capsules.  Napiers Sage and Garlic Catarrh Remedy can help relieve the symptoms of nasal and bronchial catarrh and any infections associated with allergies.  Red sage is an antiseptic and astringent and the Liquorice encourages expulsion of mucous. Echinacea and Elderflower can also help relieve symptoms. This traditional mixture containing anti-catarrhal and expectorant herbs has a stimulant effect on the immune system. If you are suffering hot, itchy eyes, you can also try using a cold chamomile tea bag as an eye compress.

Relief for summer skin allergies
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 soothing Starflower Cream and our acclaimed Infant Starflower Cream for facial use.

Herbal Health and Body Care for Men

One of the principle health related issues facing many men is their reluctance to talk about their problems. Men are less likely than women to seek help for problems such as depression, stressful life events, and even lingering health problems that can sometimes be a warning sign of something more serious.  I see this from my own experience in my clinic.  Only 1 in 7 of the patients I see are male, and often they have been persuaded to come in by their wife or partner. In this newsletter

I want to share some of the recommendations I do make on a regular basis to the men attending my clinic.

You may find this useful and interesting to read for yourself or to pass on to a friend or partner.

Herb and plant remedies have been used for thousands of years to support men’s health. In the past they would have been used to increase ‘vitality’, increase ‘potency’ and to ward off the winter ailments. Herbs were even used to treat wounds and heal bones. Plants medicine was used for both physical and the emotional healing.

Many of the men’s health problems I see in clinic originate in the emotional spectrum and then develop into the physical.

One of the big underlying issues is stress. Stress is part of many people’s daily lives and this is especially true in our modern fast pace of life and with the stresses caused by the economic downturn. Short-term stress can be useful in achieving goals and overcoming challenges but long term and prolonged stress can be damaging to your health.  It challenges your immune system leaving you prone to colds, flu and allergies but also is implicated in more serious health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, mental illness, stroke and adrenal gland exhaustion. There are however many ways to minimise the negative effects of stress, using a combination of diet, herbal medicine, relaxation and exercise and I have outlined this in my free stress management leaflet.

A balanced, nutritious diet based on wholegrains, fresh fruits, vegetables and good quality protein is very important. Many people find it is helpful to avoid too many stimulants such as tea, coffee and sugar as these can lead to irritability and insomnia. Try drinking herbal teas instead, there are many new brands and flavours on the market now.  I regularly recommend my clients to make sure they include oats in their diet.  Oats were used (especially in Scotland) both as a food (porridge) and as a medicine. Oats act as a tropho-restorative (meaning to restore back to the original state) to the nervous system and are also included in Duncan Napiers original Nerve Debility Tonic.  Today we now know this as Scullcap, Oat and Passionflower Compound. Scullcap, Oat and Passionflower Compound contains over 20 different herbs, including Scullcap, Oats, Passionflower, Jamaican dogwood, Limeflowers and Valerian.

Another side effect of stress can be sleepless nights. To help break the cycle of stress and sleep loss I recommend Passiflora (Passionflower). This is the traditional remedy to aid sleep and uplift mood and is the main ingredient of Sweet Dreams, which is my sleep mix formulation. It’s an easy to use formula and a great alternative to capsules and tablets.

Regular exercise is also a great way to control stress levels and keep blood pressure and cholesterol down. You don’t need to join an expensive gym – a brisk 30-minute walk everyday will improve your sense of wellbeing.  Swimming, yoga, stretching and cycling are all great ways of taking exercise.  It is important to take a break.  Get out of the house or office. Setting time for you to relax can also be a bit of a challenge.  But many of us do really need this time to charge our emotional batteries and it is equally important for men.  Go to see a film, read a book, and take a long relaxing herbal bath.

One of the big issues for men as they get older is prostate health.

Little symptoms such as difficultly stopping and starting the urine flow can indicate prostate problems. It is essential that anyone who has any of these symptoms, or any pain in this area should seek medical help. Often a simple painless examination can put ones mind at rest. A traditional remedy for the prostate and one, which is still recommended today, is Saw Palmetto. This is a available as Saw Palmetto Tincture and can also be effectively combined with Nettle Root Tincture, Research has shown that nettle root is beneficial in the treatment of benign prostatic enlargement, particularly the early symptoms. If you have problems and your health care practitioner has decided to just keep an eye on the situation, Saw Palmetto and Nettle Root could help to maintain your prostate health. Managing prostate problems should only be under the advice of a practitioner.

Skin problems are a common reason for men to come into the clinic, often suffering from Eczema or Acne and very often Psoriasis.

All of theses problems are made worse stress.  Psoriasis for example is characterised by itchy, scaly pink patches commonly appearing on the elbows, knees, shins and scalp, and often appears after a stressful time.  Napiers Pokeroot ointment is specific for easing psoriasis and combines well with stress reducing herbs such as Napiers Skullcap, Oat and Passionflower. It is noticeable that when many of the stress management ideas above are adopted there is often an improvement in the condition of the skin. Due to the sensitivity of the skin in both eczema and psoriasis, it is a good idea to use only unperfumed soaps and a non-biological washing powder. Fabric conditioners should be avoided. Protect the skin from chemicals and detergent as much as possible.  In some cases of psoriasis, salt water as in sea swimming improves the condition of the skin. To help soothe some of the symptoms associated with psoriasis or dermatitis of the scalp I recommend using Napiers No2 Hair Lotion.  This can be used for psoriasis, allergy or just dryness. It contains calendula, which is both soothing and healing to irritated skin.

Many men experience thinning of the hair as a result of stress and advancing years.

My suggestion is try Napiers Eucalyptus Hair Tonic. This is a traditional hair tonic, known in the past as Eucalyptus Hair Restorer and can be used to reduce  dandruff and other dry, itchy scalp conditions. It also helps to stimulate circulation to the scalp and promote hair growth. Nettle and Sage have been used for centuries to enhance shine and to condition of ones hair. Nettle stimulates the scalp and encourages hair growth, while gentle plant based foaming agents and pure organic herb extracts to cleanse the hair and scalp. We have now combined these in our New Nettle and Sage Shampoo and Conditioners.

Herbs have been successfully used in the treatment of many health problems, including skin conditions, stress, high blood pressure, prostate problems and many more. Ideally, you should consult a qualified medical herbalist who can work out a specific prescription to suit your needs. Alternatively, we strongly recommend that you ask our Dispensary assistants for advice.

Wishing you the best of natural health

Dee

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 traditionally have used herbs such as Skullcap used for centuries to relieve anxiety and moodiness, Lemon balmcan 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 Wortis 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.

Duncan Napier developed the remedy that is used most in Napiers Clinics, in 1860. 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 Duncan Napier 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. Today we now know this as Scullcap, Oat and Passionflower Compound. Scullcap, Oat and Passionflower Compound contains over 20 different herbs, including Scullcap, Oats, Passionflower, Jamaican dogwood, Limeflowers and Valerian.

Another side effect of low mood and stress can be sleepless nights. Passionflower is the traditional remedy to aid sleep and uplift mood. This is the main ingredient of Sweet Dreams, which is my sleep mix formulation. It’s an easy to use formula and a great alternative to capsules and tablets.

What you eat during the day can also affect how you feel. You might think you are boosting your mood and energy levels by eating high carbohydrate foods such as white bread, potatoes and pasta, but it usually has the opposite effect. These foods give an instant boost, but they also trigger the release of a large dose of insulin to counterbalance the effect. The result is that you are left feeling lethargic and drained of energy. Brown rice and salad, wholemeal or granary bread sandwiches with hummus or peanut butter are great mind boosters at lunchtime. Try to include some oily fish, rich in the omega-3 fatty acids that help to maintain the health of brain cells and regulate neurotransmitters. A range of vitamins is vital too, so try to make lunches as varied as you can. Avoid sugary sweets, biscuits and highly processed snacks, fizzy drinks and sweetened juices or cordials because they are the worst offenders on energy levels and your mood.

Other things I find that can help to uplift your mood are Essential oils. These can be perfect in the bath or in an oil burner. Try soothing Lavender or Rose to aid relaxation and ease muscular tension. Also I recommend try to begin each day by standing in front the lightest window in the house and allowing as much light as possible to reach you. It also very important to get out of the house or office and move around. Go out at lunchtime each day and have a half hour walk – this is when there is the most light available and you can get maximum benefit.

Wishing you the best of natural health
Dee

To Detox or not Detox?

It’s that time of year again! The papers are full of the best books to buy to help you detox, after the Christmas eating and drinking fest. But do you really need to detox?  How does detoxing help and why? And does it really have to be so demanding?

Detoxing is not a recent ‘new fad’. It is, in fact, something that we have been doing since the Middle Ages except we used to call it fasting! In the past, detoxing has always been at the end of the winter, the time to clear out your system, a time to help the body make the transition from winter into spring and then summer. Before we all had fridges and freezers, we tended to eat salted and pickled foods during the winter. There were few vegetables and people did much less exercise. The first new growth of the year in the garden – the “spring greens” – include many of the herbs used to detox the body;

Nettle ,  Dandelion and Cleavers also known as Goosegrass.

These herbs were traditionally used to help the body to recover from heavy, fatty foods. These spring herbs were also made into meads or weak beers, the drinks of choice in the Middle Ages. Country folk knew the benefit of herbs to encourage elimination and the herbs they used were often blood cleansers.

Detox does not have to mean fasting or going on faddy diets. It is a time for eating healthily, allowing the body to rest from excess (this is often alcohol, caffeine and fatty processed foods), and giving the whole body support. If you do this gently and follow a sensible plan you should quite easily achieve a weight balance, a reduction in fluid retention and puffiness, and a wonderful healthy feeling.

Following on from the herbal detox tradition I have designed the Napiers 10 Day Detox Plan to be effective and easy to follow, helping you to get into better shape for the year ahead.

FREE 10 Day Detox Plan

Click here to download your copy.

This gentle regime of herbs, diet, and exercise will help you break unhealthy habits and form healthy new ones that you can sustain throughout the year, bringing you optimum health, greater energy, clearer skin, balanced mood, and easier weight management.

The program supports your body’s natural detoxification processes using a diet of tasty, easy-to-digest and highly nutritious foods alongside the herbal Detox Formula and other ways to boost cleansing.

Getting Started

I recommend you download this FREE leaflet and read the information carefully. Start your detox on a weekend to give you time in the first few days to relax and get a good start on the Detox Plan. Ask a friend or family member to join you and make it a time of fun and discovery.

Keep Up The Good Work!

At the end of 10 days of detox you should be feeling fitter and healthier than you were 10 days ago. We hope you have discovered many new ways to help yourself feel great, that you will continue the new, healthier eating habits you’ve formed and that you will leave behind the unhealthy ones.

Remember to eat a variety of fresh and whole foods daily, never skip meals, limit tea, coffee and alcohol, and to take time out to relax and unwind.

Wishing you the best of natural health       Dee

(posted Jan 2010)

Do you ever long for a good night’s sleep?

There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to sleep at night.  Most people will have periods in their life when they find sleep difficult, but for others it can turn into a long and stressful nightly battle and I want to share with you some of my top recommendations for helping break that cycle.

Before you start taking remedies for sleep problems I always recommend a few simple, practical steps to check off your list.

In winter it is important to make sure that your bedroom is not too warm at night. Getting too hot in bed may be causing you to wake up in the night.  Try turning off the radiators in the bedroom.  In the summer months lighter mornings trigger early wakening and it is important to make sure your bedroom is dark enough. Try a black out blind and heavy curtains, or if this is not possible use an eye mask.

If you find that all of this fails and you are still waking early then I recommend taking a nightly dose of Passiflora capsules for five consecutive nights to try and re-establish your sleep pattern. The common name passionflower comes from the supposed resemblance in the centre of the blossoms to the Crown of Thorns. As with many plants passionflower has been used medicinally for centuries.

Passionflower is considered to be mildly sedative, helping the body to relax. When people are stressed and tense, they often hold the tension in their shoulders, resulting in neck and shoulder pains, and here Passionflower can really help out.  I also recommend it to help manage restless leg syndrome.

In my practice I use it wherever there is stress and anxiety. Some problems such as menopause always have an element of stress involved, and menopause patients respond well to Passionflower.

Passionflower is the main ingredient of Sweet Dreams which is my sleep mix formulation. It’s an easy to use formula and a great alternative to capsules and tablets.

I find chamomile also works effectively as a bedtime tea for sleep. a cup of chamomile tea will help promote relaxation and help with sleep that night.

I also recommend using a lavender pillow inside your pillowcase; the lovely, calming scent of Lavender has a direct effect on your nervous system, aiding relaxation.

Wishing you the best of natural health

(posted Dec 2009)

Why is Echinacea so special?

Echinacea is possibly one of the best-known medicinal plants in the UK. From its humble origins in Eastern and mid-North America, this plant with its beautiful purple flowers has travelled and become an important part of all herbal dispensaries.

The story goes that the American Indians observed that Echinacea was effective against the bite of a rattlesnake, and that it is was eaten by elk that were sick or wounded. It was widely used by the American Indians and was adopted by the settlers. By the 1930s it had become a popular remedy in European herbal medicine.

Like many plant drugs, the medicinal actions of Echinacea can’t be attributed to one specific constituent, but rather to the complex interactions between all the ingredients.

The popularity of Echinacea has meant that it is one plant that has undergone a number of clinical trials. Echinacea has been shown to protect against a number of viruses and to improve the outcome when used to treat colds and flu. In 2007 a meta-analysis of 14 different clinical trials was published in The Lancet and it concluded that Echinacea reduced both the length and incidence of the common cold.

I am delighted to tell you that  Napiers new highly concentrated and potent Elixir of Echinacea is now available as a  Licensed Remedy. I have been using this formula with my patients and the combination of practitioner strength Echinacea with Indigo and Fumitory make this an important winter remedy. This traditional blend gives us the best practice of blending of herbs to create a synergistic formula that acts on the whole person. Practicing herbalists always use blends of herbs, and in my experience this is an exceptional formula.

I use Echinacea to treat all types of infection, especially where there is a bacterial or fungal element, for example in upper respiratory infections, where there is a possible bacterial infection. I have prescribed it for patients with sinus infections, catarrh, inner ear infections and bronchitis as well as to help boost immunity.

I also use Echinacea as a preventive measure when there are colds or a winter flu bug doing the rounds. I recommend patients and their families take it regularly as it does seem to help reduce susceptibility to infection.

I am also really delighted to tell you that at Napiers we are celebrating 150 years of herbal health!

We opened our first shop and clinic, in Bristo Place Edinburgh on 25 May 1860. In celebration we have put together a range of our herbal inspired treats in beautiful anniversary gift boxes to share the pleasure of giving.  We think they are fabulous, we hope you do too!

Wishing you the best of natural health   Dee

(posted Dec 2009)