Many of us are eager to see the sunshine appearing through the dark clouds of winter. It’s a welcome break when the bulbs start to sprout and once again, the ground is covered in wonderful vibrant flowers, and the blossom starts to appear on the trees. However, for those who suffer from Hayfever, Spring and Summer are accompanied by the dread of sneezing, itchy and watery eyes and that awful feeling of congestion.

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.

Lynda Jones BSc (Hons) Medical Herbalist

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 haemorrhoids.

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, haemorrhoids 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.

Lynda Jones BSc (Hons) Medical Herbalist

Herbal Medicine Can Often Help

Allergies, intolerances or hypersensitivities are big news lately. It is reported that never before have so many people been sensitive to environmental and food allergens. If you, or someone you know, suffers from hayfever, rhinitis (hayfever-like symptoms all year round), persistent cough, itchy throat, skin problems (including persistent nappy rash), digestive or appetite disturbances, asthma, itchy eyes, thrush or recurrent infections you may have become ‘hypersensitive’.

The advice from many health professionals is to completely avoid the allergenic substance. In some cases, such as severe peanut allergy involving anaphylactic shock, this may be the only way. But, is there an alternative? As a Medical Herbalist and Allergy Therapist, I prefer to take a two-pronged approach to allergies. Allergy testing, which I carry out using some simple and painless equipment which gives immediate results, can be a helpful way of identifying the substances to which a person has developed intolerance.

But what of the sensitivity within the person as a whole – why has this allergy manifested, and why now? There may be a number of factors contributing to the hypersensitivity. Firstly a person`s constitution, which can often have a hereditary aspect to it: people from families with a tendency to asthma, bronchitis, hayfever and eczema often have a higher than usual incidence of allergies. People can be devastated to find that they are allergic to a much loved family pet, or to invisible environmental moulds in their beautiful home. Avoidance in these cases may be a difficult option.

An alternative solution to avoidance is to take an in-depth look at the patient and establish what changes can be made to decrease their hypersensitivity. The body has the capacity to tolerate a certain amount of substances to which it is sensitive, but then it may reach a point where the load becomes too great and the symptoms appear: this is simply the body`s way of bringing something to our notice that needs attention! You will often hear people say that they `used to have` hayfever or a food intolerance, but now they no longer do: if you think about it, this means that their own bodily functions have improved, because the substances they used to have reactions to have not changed! A well-functioning digestive and immune system will effectively clear these substances from the body without causing any uncomfortable symptoms. A qualified Medical Herbalist may prescribe medicines depending on a personal assessment of the individual, to address hypersensitivity by improving those functions in the body which are involved in allergies and intolerances. Examples of commonly used herbs include Urtica dioica (stinging nettle), Chamomilla recutita (german chamomile), Sambucus nigra flos (elderflowers), Taraxacum officinalis radix (dandelion root) and Stellaria media (chickweed).

Any number of factors affecting the functioning of the body may impact on the body’s ability to cope with allergens rendering it hypersensitive. Examples may include a recent change in diet or lifestyle, a sudden or sustained stress, a change in the demands on the body such as puberty, childbirth or menopause: all these and more put extra demands on the body. This may help explain why allergies seemingly ‘appear from nowhere’. For further details please contact me.

Lynda Jones BSc (Hons) 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.

Lynda Jones BSc (Hons) Medical Herbalist

I am often asked about which remedies, creams and potions people should keep handy for emergencies in the home.  It can be quite confusing and you risk ending up with lots of different products forgetting which one should be used when! The trick is to keep it straightforward so this month I will talk about a few simple yet very versatile herbs.

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

Many people these days know the reputation of Chamomilla recutita (chamomile) tea to help relax the body and mind. Chamomile tea bags are commonplace now on all supermarket shelves. Whilst chamomile does indeed have calming, relaxing and gentle sedative properties it is a herb with many more uses too.

At this time of year chamomile is particularly helpful. It has immune stimulating properties and is anti-inflammatory so can often be useful in combination with other herbs for both strengthening the immune system against hayfever and helping with the symptoms.

Chamomile is a slightly bitter herb which helps stimulate normal digestion, it is also carminative due to the essential oil it contains. Both these properties make chamomile an ideal choice if you have had a tummy bug or indigestion after a heavy meal.

Medical Herbalists may use chamomile in combination with other herbs in eczema. Eczema is often associated with the body getting too hot and chamomile helps cool and calm thus addressing the root cause. Chamomile can also be applied topically to hot, itchy skin conditions – creams and bathing herbs are an ideal way to reduce inflammation and relieve itchiness. Chamomile has topically moisturising and healing properties too!

Because chamomile also helps reduce feelings of nausea it can be useful for pregnant women suffering from morning sickness. Experiment drinking it hot, lukewarm or cold to see which you prefer. Make sure, however, that you brew the tea with a lid on the pot or a saucer on top of the cup to help preserve the essential oil.

As a Medical Herbalist I often get asked about ideas to help young babies sleep – we have to be so careful what we give our young ones! Chamomile is a lovely gentle herb for children. Try making a strong infusion of organic chamomile then adding to the baby’s bath to relax them before bedtime. If a mother is breastfeeding then drinking plenty of chamomile tea will ensure it will come through the breast milk and help relax baby too. The added carminative properties may also help with any digestive upsets in baby too. Once children are old enough to drink things other than milk try introducing weak chamomile tea. If started early then most babies will take to the taste of herbs – a bit different to trying to get a fussy five year old to suddenly try herbal tea!! Speaking of digestive upsets in babies, and fussy five year olds do please consult a qualified Medical Herbalist if you need help, its always worth speaking to an expert if you’re not sure.

Lynda Jones BSc (Hons) MNIMH Medical Herbalist

February, and Valentines Day in particular are long renowned for romance, affection and love, often symbolised to our beloveds by the giving of roses! Roses are fine looking flowers, full of beauty, colour and fragrance brightening our senses, hearts, minds and countryside!  The Rose, however, is much more than that and is commonly used by modern day Medical Herbalists continuing age old traditional use for its medicinal virtues.

Mrs. Grieve, writing in the early 20th 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 rose-hip syrup put by in their cupboard – it was highly regarded (and even rationed) during wartime Britain to support the immune systems of our children. Rose-hips 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 rose-hip 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 Rose-hip Syrup…

1. 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.
2. Next, allow to cool then strain liquid into another pan pressing the rose-hips against the sieve with a spoon to make sure all the goodness is extracted. Discard the used rose-hips.
3. 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.

Lynda Jones BSc(Hons) MNIMH

Drinking hot water with lemon and honey added can give your immune system a boost; a slice of fresh, or pinch of dried ginger added is tasty and helpful to boot!!  Using plenty of garlic and other hot spices helps prevent the body from getting too cold.  Try ginger tea or use it in cooking along with other heating spices such as cinnamon, black pepper and chilli. So, the best thing to do if you feel yourself coming down with something is to eat something as hot (spicy heat not just temperature heat) as your taste allows – chilli or curry perhaps and make sure you get lots of sleep. Echinacea spp (purple coneflower) is well known these days for helping to boost the immune system.  It certainly does do that, supporting the body to do what it needs to do to fight winter infections and viruses.  As well as helping prevent infection, Echinacea may reduce the duration too!!  Another helpful herb is Sambucus nigra fructus (elder berries).  These rich berries also have antioxidant properties and have been proven to support the immune system and help fight the flu virus.

You might also be interested in my previous blog post Winter Herbs for some other great tips how to stay healthy in the winter.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you need more information, and remember, seek professional advice from a Medical Herbalist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking any medication.

Lynda Jones BSc(Hons) MNIMH

With the new year festivities behind us we are forever being reminded what a good idea it is to ‘detox’.  Many expensive and branded so called ‘health’ products, as well as juices and smoothies, are sold to us to ‘aid detox’.  How many of us actually understand what ‘detox’ means?

Well, we all know how our bodies feel when we have over-indulged – tired, heavy, bloated, digestive problems.   Some  may develop skin problems or aches and pains.

If you are generally healthy and normally look after yourself your body will ‘detox’ itself given a little time – it is perfectly designed to do this.  Return to your healthy diet including low fat protein, essential fatty acids, wholegrain carbs and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.  Drink plenty of water and your liver and kidneys will take care of the rest.  Alcohol, pharmaceuticals, caffeine and rich foods are first to be broken down by the liver as they are identified as being more damaging to the body than its own naturally occurring waste products of metabolism.  So, the more of these detrimental elements there are in your diet, the less effective the liver will be at reducing the backlog from a period of over-indulgence; and the longer it will take to return to a state of balance and good health.

Herbs known to support the liver and eliminatory organs may help alongside a healthy diet.  Taraxacum officinalis radix and herba (dandelion root and leaf) help support the function of the liver and kidneys respectively.  Cynara scolymus (artichoke) may help support metabolism, the liver and gall bladder whilst Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) can help break down certain acids that may accumulate in joints and help the kidneys do their job too.  Galium aparine (cleavers) and Calendula officinalis (marigold) both help the lymphatic system cleanse the body of toxic build up.  These herbs have a number of other actions in the body, so for advice concerning which of these may be best for you contact a qualified medical herbalist.

If you have any pre-existing health problems, are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking any medication then please contact a qualified medical herbalist for appropriate and professional advice.

Lynda Jones BSc(Hons) MNIMH

Well, here we are at the beginning of 2012, a new year and a new start!  With the festivities behind us often people feel sluggish and generally over-indulged.  The body is still working hard to deal with the animal protein and fat rich foods we all love to eat over Christmas and the New Year.  Not to mention the alcohol!!  From a Medical Herbalists point of view, the sharp increase in illnesses such as coughs and colds we see at this time of year comes as no surprise.

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 Bachelor 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.

Lynda Jones BSc(Hons) MNIMH