I hear many people talking about sleep these days – or rather lack of it!!  Difficulties in getting off to sleep, racing thoughts they cant switch off, and/or waking in the small hours seemingly wide awake yet knowing they need more rest.  Most of us cope with the odd disturbed night, but if insomnia persists it can put a real strain on the body weakening our immune system making us more susceptible to all sorts of infections and illness.  Never mind what it does to our mood!!

I see lots of people in clinic who are having problems sleeping, and funnily enough, that isn’t always what they initially come to see me for.  I often find if I can sort out the sleep then many other symptoms are helped too.  The herbs I use depends on many factors (decided best during consultation); whether someone has difficulties getting off or staying asleep, whether they have a lot of stress/anxiety or sometimes their adrenal glands may have problems switching off due to underlying problems?  I often use herbs such as valerian root, chamomile, lime flowers, lavender, california poppy or skullcap to help gently encourage the mind to quieten and support the nervous system enough for sleep to improve.  I might consider passionflower or borage if staying asleep is the problem.  Passionflower may also be helpful if pain contributes to the insomnia.  I would always encourage you seek advice from a medical herbalist before taking herbs intended for children or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking pharmaceutical medication or suffering from other health conditions – most times there are herbs you can take safely, its just important to make sure!  Please don’t hesitate to contact me should you require a consultation or an informal chat about herbs for insomnia or any other medical condition.

Lynda Jones BSc(Hons) MNIMH Dip BER Medical Herbalist

01303 242838 jones.lynda@yahoo.co.uk

www.lyndajoneskent.co.uk

Many people wouldn’t class Allium cepa (onion) and Allium sativum (garlic) as herbs, but any plant substance that has medicinal value is classified as such by Medical Herbalists.  Onion and garlic, belonging to the onion family, share some common properties useful at this time of year; both are expectorant and antibacterial, helpful for stubborn chesty coughs.  A traditional recipe for winter coughs can be made by steeping sliced onion in honey for 48 hours in the fridge.  Half a dozen garlic cloves can be added for extra potency if you don’t mind the smell!!  The syrup is ready to use after 24 hours but best to leave for the full 48 before you strain it into a sterile bottle.  Although not strictly a herb, the honey has its own soothing action to the chest and throat and has anti bacterial action too! The syrup can be kept refrigerated for a couple of weeks and a teaspoon taken up to 6 times daily. As garlic and onion both have hypoglycaemic actions and properties to support the circulatory system, a teaspoon or so taken daily can be a good all round tonic too.

Berries from the Sambucus nigra (elder) tree have been used traditionally at this time of year.  Elderberries are proven to be active against the flu virus, are nutritive, have immune modulating properties and are diaphoretic (induce sweating). This can be helpful for chills and fevers.  They are anti-viral, anti-oxidant and have been used by herbalists to treat winter coughs, colds and, of course the flu!  You can collect your own berries (if you are confident with identification), juice and freeze them to keep a stock at hand.  Otherwise bought juice or tincture can be used.    Elderberry preparations can be made more palatable (they are sometimes fairly tart!) by adding some warming spices.  Heating herbs such as Cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon), Eugenia caryophyllus (cloves), Eletarria cardamomum (cardamom) and Zingiber officinalis (ginger)            are all useful for warming up the body to fight the effects of a winter cold.  They have the added advantage of being carminative to the digestion too.  Try a tasty decoction (simmered infusion) of these warming spices using fruit juice and a little elderberry – you may be surprised, it’s like a non-alcoholic mulled wine – and its good for you too!!!

Mrs. Grieve, writing in the early 20^th Century tells us how the rose was likely first cultivated in Northern Persia (now Iran) and there is written account in surviving ancient Anglo-Saxon medical manuscripts detailing the rose being using for some conditions it is still employed for today.  It was known in days gone by as a traditional “cordial” a term which then described a pleasant tasting and cheerful drink, reviving to the heart.   Nowadays there are many thousand varieties of rose, cultivated for their appearance and aroma, although it is thought that Rosa gallica officinalis and Rosa centifolia are the main source for todays medicinal varieties.  The wild, or dog rose, Rosa canina also has a valued use in Herbal Medicine practise today.

So, what can you do at home to make use of the very special rose?  First and foremost when using any plant material you need to make sure that your source is 100% reliable, if your plant identification is not brilliant (and believe you me you wont be alone!) then its best to buy rose preparations from a reputable outlet for medicinal herbs.  There are more and more cropping up on our high streets, others online; some run by Medical Herbalists, others not.  If you are unsure of the best place to source quality herbs contact a qualified Medical Herbalist who will be only too happy to point you in the right direction.   It is also vitally important to point out that if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or receiving medicine from your doctor, you should seek advice before taking herbs.

The simplest way to try rose would be to make an infusion (herbal tea), steep a teaspoon of dried petals in boiling water for 10-15 minutes, strain and then drink hot or cold.  Ideally keep a lid on during infusion to prevent those lovely fragrant essential oils from evaporating off.  Rose petals are astringent and anti-inflammatory so may help with mouth and throat disorders especially as they have local anaesthetic properties too.   Digestive problems can also benefit, the astringency helps stabilise excess stomach acidity, tones the tissues of the gut and may help balance the flora that live there.  Give rose a try for children’s diarrhoea – perhaps mixing the infusion with some of their regular drink until they get used to the taste!

Rose petals are also mildly sedative, have an uplifting effect, and are considered as a cooling tonic for the mind in Ayurvedic medicine.  Because of its restorative effects to the nervous system in general, try a cup of rose tea when you are having a frazzled day – we all get plenty of those nowadays!  It also makes a nice warm bedtime drink, with not a sniff of stimulating caffeine in sight.   In my Herbal Medicine Practise I might consider using loose rose petals or tincture as part of a prescription of herbs, traditionally it’s seen as a sweet and cooling remedy and I might use this if I felt someone was suffering from hot emotions such as sadness, grief and anger.

The rosehips from Rosa canina are also a really useful medicine.  They are a fabulously rich source of vitamin C, and also contain vitamins A, B1, B2 and K.  It wasn’t too long ago that most households had a bottle of rosehip syrup put by in their cupboard – it was highly regarded (and even rationed) during wartime Britain to support the immune systems of our children.    Rosehips also have diuretic properties and may help prevent kidney and gallstone formation and can help maintain healthy collagen in the body (important for holding tissues together) making it a remedy useful for all ages!   You can make a decoction by simmering rosehip shells for 20-30 minutes on the hob before drinking with a teaspoon of honey.  Use about a teaspoon per mug of water.    Otherwise, if you want something to keep really handy why not try making your own Rosehip Syrup…

Put 125g dried rosehip shells into a litre of water in a heavy based pan with tight fitting lid.  Bring to the

boil, cover, and turn down to a gentle simmer for 30 minutes.

Next, allow to cool then strain liquid into another pan pressing the rosehips against the sieve with a spoon to make sure all the goodness is extracted.    Discard the used rosehips.

Simmer the remaining liquid very gently without the lid until its reduced to around 200mls then add 450g of sugar or honey, keep stirring and simmer until a syrup consistency is reached.  Don’t overdo this stage as it will become too thick.  Put the bottle into a sterilised jar and keep in the fridge.

Typically an average adult could take up to 10 teaspoons of this syrup daily.

So, on Valentines Day this year, when your loved one presents you with a single red rose (or a beautiful fragrant bunch if you’re very lucky), give a thought to all the other uses for natures own Symbol of Love.

Herbs have been used to help women with pregnancy and childbirth since the beginning of time.  It is widely recognised that women as far back as the Anglo-Saxon period (and before) made use of the properties of the herbs around them.  I would not, however, advocate that nowadays pregnant women begin searching their local hedgerows for herbs they have heard about!!

By far the most effective way to ensure a smooth pregnancy and birth is plenty of forward planning.  Most people are familiar with the pre, and during pregnancy advice of  taking folic acid, giving up smoking and alcohol, replacing refined foods with natural wholefoods, eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables (preferably organic) and making sure your body is hydrated with lots of water.  It is also important to include adequate protein (again organic is best if your budget permits) – poultry and fish; dairy and soya products; nuts and seeds; beans, pulses and grains are all good sources.   Not to forget the EFAs (essential fatty acids) we all hear so much about these days.  The seeds of Linum usitatissimum, commonly known as linseed or flaxseed, are a good natural source of EFAs and have the added advantage of being a gentle bulk laxative – very useful if you are suffering from constipation too. Some other simple and safe remedies can be taken to help alleviate minor but niggling problems:

*  Chamomilla recutita (german chamomile) tea is a  digestive herb with anti-emetic

properties,  and thus may help with both morning sickness and heartburn.  Its relaxant

action may be helpful for those stressful moments too!!

*   The distilled water of Hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) is anti-inflammatory,

cooling and astringent.  This can be used topically to alleviate the pain and itching

associated with hemorrhoids.

Now back to forward planning as this is particularly important when taking herbal remedies too. Rubus idaeus (raspberry leaves) are a commonly recommended uterine tonic.  Not just Medical Herbalists, but many midwives and doctors suggest this tea to their patients. Its astringent tonic effect helps to tone the uterine muscle in preparation for the birth.  It will have the maximum benefit if taken during the last two to three months of pregnancy.

There are many other herbs that can help during pregnancy and childbirth.  Both common and not so common symptoms may be alleviated by the correct use of herbs – I have mentioned such things as digestive problems, hemorrhoids and constipation but more complicated complaints such as kidney infection, fluid retention, and symptoms associated with stress and anxiety can all be helped after consultation with a fully qualified Medical Herbalist.  Frequently I get asked for specific herbs like Mitchella repens (squaw vine) or Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh). Both these, and many others, are effective herbs but it is absolutely vital they are used correctly – the dosage and timing of introduction for these herbs is paramount to their safety, so, always get professional advice.

Whilst the liver is busy recovering from an overdose of rich foods and alcohol its attention is taken away from its role in the body’s immunity.  This can leave us more open to picking up the coughs and sneezes associated with the winter months.  You can help protect your body and combat the symptoms with herbs.  Echinacea spp. (echinacea), Sambucus nigra flos. (elderflowers) and Sambucus nigra fructus (elderberries) all help assist the immune system.  Cynara scolymus (globe artichoke), and Carduus marianus semen (milk thistle seeds) are both stimulant and protective to the liver aiding detoxification and digestive processes.  Achillea millefolium (yarrow) and Eupatorium perfoliatum (boneset) are diaphoretic (sweat promoting) herbs which can be helpful to reduce fever in colds and flu.  The latter helps the body fight viral and bacterial infections as well as loosening and expectorating phlegm.

And, on another note…  I have been asked lately about the small number of news stories published recently questioning the efficacy of herbal remedies.  It is helpful to understand the distinct difference between buying herbal remedies “over the counter” from health shops, supermarkets and online and receiving herbal medicine following advice from a Medical Herbalist.  If you want to buy herbs “over the counter” it is vital to seek proper, professional advice from a fully qualified Medical Herbalist.  Medical Herbalists are the recognized experts in prescribing herbs and have Batchelor of Science degrees (at least!) in Herbal Medicine (or Phytotherapy).  We have a full understanding of how the body works, which herbs are suited for use alongside pharmaceutical drugs, and which herbs are contra-indicated in particular health conditions.  Just as importantly, Medical Herbalists fully understand dosage.  I often find that patients say they have taken an “over the counter” remedy with no effect only to find that the preparations dosage suggestion to be totally inappropriate.  Herbal medicine is very safe, and very effective when advice is sought from a fully qualified Medical Herbalist.

Pediculosis capitas, otherwise known as head lice, are common amongst primary school children, especially those with long hair.  The lice are transmitted from head to head contact and the females lay their eggs (nits) close to the hair shaft.  A balm containing natural insect repellents and insecticides will help destroy living lice without the use of chemicals. Examples of such oils would be Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), Lavendula officinalis (lavender), Pelargonium graveolens (geranium) and Eucalyptus spp. (eucalyptus).  It is important not to use essential oils undiluted so always seek professional advice on appropriate preparations.  Regularly rinsing the hair with a cold infusion of Picrasma excelsa cortex (quassia bark) may also act as a deterrent to re-infestation.

Coughs and colds are an inevitable part of a child’s first years at school.  The immune system is still developing and it can seem that some children have an endless cold, cough or runny nose.  Whilst the immune system needs to deal with these bugs so that it gets plenty of practice, herbal medicine can help it on its way, making it more efficient and stronger.  Many people already use Echinacea spp. (purple coneflower) which is a proven support for the immune system. Medical Herbalists know that there are many other suitable alternatives available, protecting the most overused herbs like Echinacea from becoming endangered.  Both the flowers and berries of the native Sambucus nigra (elder) tree are useful.  Elderflowers are diaphoretic (induce heat dispersion via sweating), immune stimulant, anti-inflammatory and anti-catarrhal so can be useful for high temperatures, infections, colds and sneezes.  Elderberries have been proven to be effective against the flu virus!  A gentle tasty syrup, made from Thymus vulgaris (thyme) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) with its expectorant and soothing properties may help ease a tickly cough.  Tussilago farfara (coltsfoot) also has these properties and immune enhancing action too.

We all want our children to learn to swim, but young, or compromised immune systems may lead to verrucas from frequent visits to the swimming pool.  Verrucas are caused by the same papova virus that causes warts and an efficient immune system will deal with the problem itself.  Stubborn, or multiple outbreaks are much better treated under consultation with a fully qualified Medical Herbalist, who can create an individual prescription of herbs aimed at supporting the immune system, considering the patient’s unique medical history/family history/symptoms/diet etc. Simpler cases may respond to frequent use of an emulsion made from Thuja occidentalis (arbor-vitae) which is anti-viral and has a long tradition of use against warts and verrucas.  Similarly, the latex of Chelidonium majus (greater celandine) contains a protein dissolving enzyme which breaks down warts.  Greater celandine, however, is only available through a qualified Medical Herbalist.

For further information or advice please contact:-

Lynda Jones BSc(Hons) MNIMH, Medical Herbalist.

What is migraine?  It is a very particular type of headache, typically affecting one side of the head or eye.  The word migraine originates from the Latin hemikrania, literally meaning “half skull”.  Classical migraine is preceded by an “aura” often involving visual disturbances and altered sensations.  This is due to the blood vessels within the brain constricting.  Dilation of blood vessels in the brain that follows causes the intense pain.  Sometimes the digestive system is involved producing nausea, and/or vomiting and photophobia (light sensitivity).  Migraine attacks can last for hours and, on rare occasions, days.  Not everybody who suffers from migraine gets all the symptoms and some people are affected more severely than others.

So, what causes migraine?  Well, that is unclear.  What is clear is that a number of factors seem to be involved.  Diet can play an important part; cheese, chocolate, coffee and certain types of alcohol are typical culprits. Allergy testing may help identify problematic foods.  Constipation, stress and overwork also play a part too.  Interestingly, the majority of women who suffer from migraine do so during menstruation or ovulation, indicating that hormones play a significant role.

How can Herbal Medicine help with migraines??? The most effective way is to treat the person under consultation and address the causes in their specific, individual case.   The main aim is to prevent the migraine from occurring in the first place.  Often supporting the liver in its role as detoxifier of the body can have brilliant results.  This helps to underpin the theory that migraine attacks can result from toxic overload. What’s more, the liver is strongly involved in hormone clearance so this approach is often useful for those who have hormone related migraines.  A qualified Medical Herbalist may use liver supporting and relaxing nerve tonic herbs such as Verbena officinalis (vervain), Lavandula officinalis (lavender) and Stachys betonica (wood betony).  If hormones are involved then maybe Vitex Agnus castus (chasteberry), Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh) amongst many others may be considered.

There are a number of remedies available “over the counter” which have a reputation for helping prevent and treat migraine.  The most well-known is Tanacetum parthenium (feverfew) which helps by controlling constriction and dilation of blood vessels.  Gingko biloba (maidenhair tree) also has a positive effect on the blood vessels, particularly those in the brain.

For advice on herbal medicine, both “over the counter” and under consultation please contact a fully qualified Medical Herbalist.  Please seek advice before taking any herbal medication, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, very young or the elderly.

Whilst many people know the culinary uses of commonly sold fresh herbs I thought it would be good this month to talk about their medicinal qualities too.  A word of warning though, do please ensure you have the specific variety to which I am referring – simply check the labels just to make certain.

In the 1500s parsley (petroselinum crispum) was introduced into Britain as a renowned diuretic, digestive tonic and menstrual flow stimulator.  Nowadays, Medical Herbalists still use it in these ways for their patients.  Its also a very nutritive herb containing marked amounts of Vitamin C and Iron.

Sage (Salvia officinalis purpurascens/rubia) has many uses making it an excellent herb to have to hand.  Take a few fresh leaves and rub directly onto bites and stings as a quick anti-inflammatory first aid treatment.  Make an infusion and use hot or cold – its antiseptic and astringent qualities may help as a gargle/mouthwash for throat and gum problems.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is another tasty common garden herb with medicinal actions.  Its antiseptic and astringent properties make it a suitable accompaniment or alternative to sage in problems associated with the mouth and throat.  Thyme is particularly renowned for its antiseptic, antispasmodic and expectorant properties explaining its use in coughs and other problems related to the lungs and respiratory system.  It also has an anti-fungal action which may help such things as athlete’s foot, ringworm and thrush.

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) is recognisable to most of us and smells brilliant fresh!!  Many people are surprised to hear it has medicinal value beyond its reputation for helping sleep.  It is definitely worth trying the flowers infused as a tea, its taste is delicate and has a number of actions beneficial to health.  The essential oil that gives lavender is wonderful scent has antiseptic, antibacterial and analgesic properties.  Fresh flowers are calming to the nerves and are antispasmodic, helping with spasm and tension, both muscular and in the digestive system.

Finally Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – a hardy woody herb with characteristic fragrant spiky leaves.  Rosemary has antidepressant properties, is a circulatory stimulant and nerve tonic which means an infusion can be quite uplifting to the spirits.  A pleasant tasting and caffeine free alternative to coffee perhaps?  Its essential oil is carminative and antispasmodic, useful qualities again for digestive or muscular pain and spasm.  Traditionally speaking, a rosemary infusion is used externally to help hair growth – understood maybe by its ability to improve circulation to the head and scalp.  This may also explain its use for memory and concentration.  Overall, it makes a pleasant drink hot, cold or luke warm – especially if you are feeling in need of uplifting and restoring.

As with all herbal remedies please be sensible.  2 – 3 cups of an infusion per day using a teaspoon of herb should be sufficient for most peoples needs.  If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking any other medication then please take advice from a Medical Herbalist prior to taking any remedies.  Should you have any questions, or require a private one to one consultation then please do contact me.

Tincture and/or cream of Calendula officinalis flowers (marigold).  Marigold flowers are extremely versatile – they help promote the healing of tissues they come into contact with, both externally and internally making them a handy remedy for cuts, grazes, and mouth ulcers.  Marigold is also antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal and may be considered for a variety of ailments – ringworm or other fungal related conditions, bites and stings, spots, abscesses, sore nipples for nursing mums, whitlows, burns (including sunburn), dry and sore skin following gardening or heavy household chores.   The tincture can be diluted with cooled boiled water and applied with cotton wool.

A cream made from Symphytum officinalis leaves (comfrey) is also a good addition to the emergency cupboard.  It may be useful to have a stock of the dried leaves kept in a cool dark place too!  The cream is handy to use in a hurry – comfrey is anti-inflammatory, it infuses right through to the deep tissues and bones, it was used for fractures long before plaster casts were heard of!!  Any inflammation and pain of the joints and bones may be helped by application of comfrey.  It is also a powerful healer of cuts and grazes but one has to take more care than when using marigold – it can heal so quickly you need to make sure there is no infection in the wound to be addressed first.  When you have more time available, a compress can be applied to aching joints – brew up some tea and soak a bandage in it to provide a longer acting soothing and anti-inflammatory action.

Tincture of Valeriana officinalis root (valerian) is always handy to have at home.  Valerian is anxiolytic (a substance that alleviates anxiety).  I may well suggest this to people (after a short chat) to try for most short term nervous states – exam nerves, before their driving test, and any excessive nervous states causing irritability.  It has sedative, carminative, relaxant, anti-spasmodic and mild analgesic effects too.  It has been used for centuries for its calming effects and may also help headaches and pain involving spasm – both musculoskeletal and digestive in origin.  Valerian is a true tranquilliser, what this means is that it will not send you to sleep if you don’t need to, however, at night in bed when your thoughts are racing and keeping you awake it may help calm the mind enough to allow the body to sleep.  I would definitely recommend talking to a qualified Medical Herbalist though, before you try valerian – it is a very gentle remedy but doesn’t suit everyones needs.

Lynda Jones BSc (Hons) MNIMH Medical Herbalist

Hayfever is caused by the body’s immune system reacting abnormally to the pollen in grass, certain types of plants and trees. Some weather conditions make it worse as the pollen is held or carried through the air.  The body produces antibodies to pollen which triggers histamine release causing the uncomfortable symptoms.

A Medical Herbalist’s approach to Hayfever is to treat the ‘whole’ person with extra focus on the immune system.  So, rather than attacking the histamine release alone, the issue of why the body is reacting abnormally is the primary concern.  There may be considerations such as diet, family history and other medical conditions – past and present, to take into account.  The most successful Hayfever treatment is started early, so the body is prepared in advance of the ‘Hayfever Season.’

Some herbs can be useful in many cases of Hayfever.  Both Urtica dioica (Stinging Nettle) and Chamomilla recutita (German Chamomile) have anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties – supporting the immune system and relieving inflammation in the eyes and nose.  Euphrasia officinalis (Eyebright) relieves eye inflammation and attacks the liquid mucus often accompanying Hayfever.   Sambucus nigra (Elder) flowers have anti-allergic, anti-catarrhal and anti-inflammatory properties.  Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) is a wonderful herb for hayfever, it gently supports and restores health to the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract.

Other allergies may contribute to the development and symptoms of hayfever.  It’s possible there are unidentified intolerances making the hayfever worse.  It’s often useful to have an allergy test to identify other sensitivities.  If those are addressed on many occasions the hayfever symptoms improve.

For further information regarding Hayfever, or any other aspect of your health and how herbs may help then please contact me