Bilberry Health Dictionary

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  2. Bilberry

Bilberry: From 1 Different Sources

Huckleberry. Vaccinum myrtillus L. French: Petit Myrte. German: Echte Heidelbeere. Italian: Baceri mirtillo. Fresh berries, rarely leaves.

Action. Anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrhoeal, antemetic, astringent, diuretic, refrigerant, strengthens blood vessels, vein tonic. Inhibits growth of certain bacteria. Contains Vitamins A, C, P. Gather before fruit ripens.

Uses: Dropsy, gravel, violent irritable bowel, diverticulosis, nausea or vomiting, sore throat (gargle), leucorrhoea (douche), scurvy, Vitamin C deficiency. Popular in Russian Folk Medicine for gastro- enteritis and to reduce insulin intake in diabetes. Cleansing wash for old ulcers (decoction). Pharyngitis (gargle). Leukoplakia of the mouth, vagina and urethra – improvement reported. Crohn’s disease. Bacillus Coli infections. By stimulating production of visual purple improves vision, especially night vision. Varicose veins. Piles. Cystitis.

Preparations: Thrice daily.

Decoction: 1oz to 1 pint water, remove vessel when boiling point is reached. Wineglass freely.

Liquid Extract, dose: 2-8ml.

Home tincture. Handful bilberries to 1 pint Vodka. Cork or cap. Shake daily for 1 week. Filter. Wineglass freely.

Formula. Combines well with Meadowsweet and Horsetail (equal parts).

Powder, capsules: 280mg. 2 capsules thrice daily between meals. (Arkocaps)

Diet. Cooked fresh berries are a popular dessert. Equal parts leaves of Wild Strawberry, Thyme and Bilberry substitute for domestic tea.

Fresh berries. Chew 1-3 teaspoons daily. 

Health Source: Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
Author: Health Encyclopedia

Tea For Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a digestive tract affection that contains of often liquid (sometimes even bloody) stools. This can be triggered by a number of causes, such as intestinal parasites, an unbalanced nutrition, menstrual and menopausal symptoms, uterine problems. Generally, doctors prescribe a diet and a medical treatment, but alternative medicine practitioners consider that diarrhea is not a severe health condition and that you should take an herbal treatment in order to protect your liver from the traditional drugs. The truth is that nowadays more and more doctors would rather prescribe a Tea for Diarrhea than a bottle of pills. The main inconvenience is that, even if teas are as effective as drugs, they have a slow response and you need to be patient before noticing an improvement. How Tea for Diarrhea Works Diarrhea appears mostly when your digestive tract enzymes are produced in a high quantity. A Tea for Diarrhea’s main goal is to decrease the enzymes production and get your organism on the right track. Their action is astringent and they work as a great inhibitor. However, this doesn’t mean that you don’t have to be on a regime. Drinking a Tea for Diarrhea while eating unsanitary food will not improve your condition. You may want to avoid sweet and greasy foods and try a diet based on rice. Efficient Tea for Diarrhea When choosing a Tea for Diarrhea, you must keep in mind the fact that is must be both efficient and one hundred percent safe. If you don’t know which those teas are, here is a list to choose from: - Peppermint Tea – thanks to its astringent constituents, this Tea for Diarrhea will improve your general health by inhibiting a negative response from your body. You can also use it if you’re suffering from colds, flu, anxiety, headaches and migraines, menstrual and menopausal pains. It has a pleasant taste and it’s one hundred percent safe. If you’re thinking about giving up coffee, Peppermint Tea might be the right alternative. - Chamomile Tea – of course, the world’s greatest panacea should never be forgotten! Take it if you are also suffering from diabetes, sore throats or experiencing unusual episodes, such as vomiting or nausea. Some say that it is also a good remedy for blond hair. - Bilberry Tea – although is very rich in vitamin C and it is generally used for auto-immune disease, this Tea for Diarrhea will give you enough strength to resist during the treatment. It will also bring relief if you’re suffering from conditions like pleurisy, pulmonary edema or colds. Tea for Diarrhea Side Effects When taken properly, these teas are generally safe. However, don’t exceed the number of cups recommended per day in order to avoid other health complications. When in doubt, always talk to your doctor or to a specialist in order to gather more information. Do not take an herbal treatment based on a Tea for Diarrhea in case you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on blood thinners, anti coagulants or preparing for a surgery. Since these teas have a diuretic and purgative property, it may cause uterine contractions. If you have your doctor’s approval and there’s nothing that could interfere with your treatment, choose a Tea for Diarrhea that fits you best and enjoy nature’s great benefits!... tea for diarrhea

Vaccinium Myrtillus

Linn.

Family: Vacciniaceae.

Habitat: UK, Europe and North America. (About 21 species of Vaccinium are found in India.)

English: Bilberry, Blueberry.

Action: Astringent, diuretic, refrigerant.

Key application: Fruit—in non- specific,acute diarrhoea; topically in mild inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat (German Commission E); anthocyanine enriched extracts of the fruit, in symptomatic treatment of problems related to varicose veins, such as heavy legs. (ESCOP.) Cranberry (Vaccinium sp.) is used in urinary incontinence and for UTI prevention. (Sharon M. Herr.)

The main constituents of the Bilberry fruit are anthocyanosides 0.5%. Other constituents include tannins, hy- droxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids, flavonol glycosides, flavan-3-ols, iridoids, terpenes, pectins and organic plant acids. (ESCOP.)

In India, V. symplocifolium Alston, syn. V. leschenaultH Wight, known as Kilapalam in Tamil Nadu, is abundantly found in the mountains of South India up to an altitude of 2,400 m V. neil- gherrense Wight, known as Kalavu in Tamil Nadu and Olenangu in Karnata- ka, is commonly found in the hills of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu at altitudes of 600-2,000 m.... vaccinium myrtillus

Tea For Edema

Edema is an affection in which the fluid gets trapped between the cell walls and which causes chronic pains and joint weakness. Edema may be caused by a number of things, such as standing too long or having an unhealthy diet, based on salty foods mostly. This is a common problem among pregnant women and, although in folklore there are many remedies, the traditional medicine advices against them. However, alternative medicine practitioners think that you shouldn’t avoid them and, on the contrary, give them a try and, if they don’t work, rush out to the pharmacy. How Tea for Edema Works A Tea for Edema’s main goal is to make all of your cells improve their action and flush away the unnecessary fluid. Of course, this requires ingesting a tea that has diuretic and purgative properties. If you’ve tried a tea to induce sweat or a decoction for constipation, you may want to take it again. The difference is that edema is a much serious condition and therefore needs to be treated more seriously. Efficient Tea for Edema When choosing a Tea for Edema, you must keep in mind two things: it must be safe and it must be one hundred percent safe (edema is a mild affection and you don’t want unnecessary complications). However, if you’re suffering from pulmonary edema (which is a water retention in your lungs), it’s best to ask for medical assistance right away. But if you don’t know which Tea for Edema fits best your condition, here’s a list to choose from: - Garlic Tea – it has a rather unpleasant taste and it doesn’t smell prettier either. You may want to add ginger, mint, lemon or honey to make it more adequate. This Tea for Edema will absorb all unwanted fluids and calm the affected areas. Don’t take more than 2 cups per day in order to avoid digestive tract complications. - Dandelion Tea – has purgative and diuretic properties thanks to which your body will be able to eliminate the water surplus and restore your original health. You can also take it to treat diarrhea, constipation or to induce sweat. - Bilberry Tea – not as popular as the other Teas for Edema, this wonderful decoction is very efficient, but not very safe. It’s true that you can see the results within days, but it’s best to talk to your doctor before making any move. Bilberry Tea is rich in acids and therefore it may cause uterine contractions. - Green Tea – in small dosages, Green tea can treat almost any affection. Be careful, though. It’s not recommended if you are experiencing some menstrual or menopausal symptoms. Green Tea is also a good remedy for asthenia, anemia, sore throats and general weakness. Tea for Edema Side Effects When taken properly, these teas are generally safe. However, exceeding the number of cups recommended per day may cause diarrhea, headaches, vomiting and nausea. If you’ve been taking one of these teas for a while and you’re experiencing some unusual reactions, talk to your doctor immediately. Do not take a treatment based on a tea for Edema if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on blood thinners or anticoagulants. The same advice if you’re preparing for a surgery. Once you have your doctor’s ok on the matter, choose a Tea for Edema that fits you best and enjoy its wonderful benefits!... tea for edema

Diuretics

Agents that increase the flow of urine from the kidneys and so excrete excess fluid from the body. As well as elimination of fluid, diuretics cause potassium to be expelled. To restore the chemical balance, potassium is often prescribed. The advantage of some herbal diuretics is their ability to make good the loss without the use of synthetics, i.e., Dandelion root contains an abundance of potassium (three times as much as some). Liquorice reduces the action of a diuretic by causing fluid and salt retention.

Demulcent diuretics (Marshmallow root, Corn Silk, Couch Grass) protect the delicate parenchyma of the kidneys against irritation by gravel, stone or inflammation. All detoxifying prescriptions, as given for such chronic diseases as rheumatism, arthritis, etc, would include a diuretic to ensure complete excretion of by-products and metabolism.

Diuretics are prescribed for high blood pressure, water retention, inflammation of kidneys or bladder and oedema. They are usually combined with ‘heart’ remedies (Hawthorn, Lily of the Valley, Broom, etc) for dropsy of cardiac origin. Best taken cold on an empty stomach.

The possibility of diuretic abuse should be borne in mind when women and sportsmen seek to lose weight by such means. The following is a selection from over 300 herbs known as diuretics.

Agrimony, Bearberry, Bilberry leaves, Blue Flag root, Bogbean, Boldo, Boneset, Broom, Buchu, Bugleweed (cardio-active diuretic to increase force of the heart beat), Burdock, Celery seed, Clivers, Corn Silk, Couchgrass, Dandelion, Devil’s Claw, Elder, Fennel seed, Gravel root, Heather flowers, Juniper berries, Kava Kava, Kola, Life root, Lignum Vitae, Lily of the Valley, Lime flowers, Marshmallow, Mullein, Pai Shu, Parsley Piert, Pellitory, Pumpkin seed, Sarsaparilla, Saw Palmetto, Sea Holly, Stone root, Vervain, Wild Carrot, Yarrow, Yerba Mate tea, Garden Nasturtium.

See: POTASSIUM. DANDELION. ... diuretics

Bleeding

Haemorrhage. Bleeding from arteries is bright red, escaping in jerks; from the veins it is darker; steadier from the capillaries. There is an oozing of bright red blood from a cut. In an extravasation blood pours into lax tissues beneath the skin; the part becoming swollen with the appearance of a bruise.

To strengthen veins – Gentian. To enhance resistance – Echinacea. To counter failing strength – Ginseng. To promote granulation – Comfrey. To restore lacerated nerves – St John’s Wort. Nettles are a well-known traditional anti-haemorrhagic.

If bleeding is serious, control with firm finger pressure. Any one of the following may be used in the form of teas, tinctures, powders, etc.

Bowels. Ladies Mantle, Avens, Horsetail, Shepherd’s Purse, Tormentil, Raspberry leaves, Yarrow, Cranesbill, Bilberry.

Gums. Tea. Equal parts: Horsetail, St John’s Wort. (Maria Treben) Or:– Paint gums with Tincture Myrrh, Blood root, Goldenseal or Marigold.

Post-partum. (After child-birth) Goldenseal BHP (1983); Lady’s Mantle BHP (1983).

Lungs. Haemoptysis. Blood spitting. Blood root, Beth root, Lungwort, Mullein, Horsetail, St John’s Wort, Cranesbill. Bur-Marigold. Sage. Mouse Ear, Bugleweed. Nettle tea is a good stand-by.

Post-menopausal bleeding: Internal: Raspberry leaves, Ladies Mantle, Shepherd’s Purse. Plantain tea as an injection. Plugs of cotton wool saturated with Witch Hazel. To be investigated by a competent authority.

Mucous surfaces: tongue, mouth, throat, gullet. Marigold, Yarrow, Rue, Clematis erecta, Life root.

Blood root (tincture: 10-15 drops in water). Ice to suck.

Nose. Witch Hazel. Nettles. Vinegar water: to snuff into nostrils. Apply sponge soaked in cold water to back of the neck. Or: plug nose with Witch Hazel saturated cotton wool.

Hymen. See entry.

Skin. Superficial. Buckwheat, Marigold, Daisy, Tormentil, Witch Hazel, Blood root (tincture),.

Stomach. Haematemesis. The vomit of blood has the appearance of coffee grounds and is a symptom of gastric ulcer. Teas: Avens, Meadowsweet, Yarrow, Bur-Marigold, Cranesbill, Mullein.

Decoctions: Cranesbill root, Beth root, Oak bark.

After Surgery. After tissue excisions, blood clotting or wound-healing disorders for safe haemostasis: Beth root, Cranesbill root, Lady’s Mantle, St John’s Wort.

Blood in the urine. See: HAEMATURIA.

Bleeding of menses: See: MENSTRUATION.

IUD bleeding. Bleeding from intra-uterine devices: Injection: teas – Lady’s Mantle, Cranesbill, Tormentil, Marigold.

Vitamin E supplementation (International Journal of Fertility, Vol 28. 1983) Suggested dose: One 500iu capsule morning and evening.

Retinal haemorrhage. Buckwheat tea. Vitamin C: 1-3g daily. Evening Primrose oil.

Red cell stimulators: Yellow Dock root, Red Clover, Gentian.

White cell stimulators: Liquorice, Ginseng (Siberian) and Korean, Goldenseal, Echinacea.

Vitamins. C. D. K. P.

Minerals. Calcium, Iron, Selenium, Zinc.

Note: Any new episode of bleeding (rectal, gastric, etc) in those 45 and over should be investigated in hospital. Alteration of bowel habit, with bleeding, in young people should lead to referral to a doctor. ... bleeding

Gingivitis

Inflammation of the gums. Chiefly caused by build-up of plaque or bacterial invasion from the teeth.

Etiology. Poor dental hygiene, diabetes, pregnancy, leukaemia, Vitamin C deficiency, drugs, debilitating diseases. The condition has spread rapidly due to oral sex. Untreated, teeth may loosen and fall out. Symptoms. Bleeding gums, pain, swelling, possible ulceration (Trench mouth). Breath reminiscent of stale cabbage.

Alternatives. Formula. Equal parts tinctures Goldenseal and Myrrh: dose – 5-10 drops in water thrice daily.

Tablets/Capsules. Echinacea – dosage as on bottle; plus Blue Flag root on retiring.

Old Dorset, combination of herbs. Equal parts: Marjoram, Chamomile, Garden Sage. Mix. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water. Infuse 15 minutes in a covered vessel. Dose – half-1 cup freely. Used also as a mouth wash.

Topical. Mouth washes: Avens, Bayberry, Black Catechu, Echinacea, Goldenseal, Ladies Mantle, Myrrh, Poke root, Rhatany root, Sage, Silverweed, Tormentil, Wild Indigo.

Tea Tree oil, mouth wash. 1 drop to each cup of warm water. May be diluted many times yet still be effective.

Bilberry tea. Special reference to this condition. Good results reported.

Aloe Vera. Brush gums with fresh juice, or gel, to firm-up loose teeth.

Diet. Avoid sugar, refined foods, dairy products and hot spicy foods. Low-salt.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin C 1-2g, Vitamin Q10 60mg, Vitamin E 200iu, Selenium 50mcg, Zinc 15mg. ... gingivitis

Diabetes, Mellitus

 Sugar diabetes. Chronic disorder of fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism. A decrease of insulin by the pancreas gives rise to high level blood sugar (glucose) which is eliminated in the urine by the kidneys. With low insulin production the body cannot convert food into energy. In Britain over 30,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. One in five people go blind because of diabetes. The genetic factor is important; it may run in families due to defect in the immune system. Women who have German measles during the first three months of pregnancy can have a child who develops diabetes during adolescence.

Etiology. The more severe form, in younger patients, needs insulin treatment, without which ketosis and diabetic coma are possible. The milder form in older patients can be managed with diet and hypoglycaemic agents. Now considered due to auto-immune attack on Islet of Langerhams cells in pancreas which secrete insulin. “The Pill” often raises blood sugar. Lack of trace minerals (chromium and zinc). Zinc is a component of insulin and Chromium produces enzymes to stimulate metabolism of sugars. Diabetes can cause heart attack, stroke, hardening of arteries, blindness. It is the leading cause of kidney failure and gangrene.

Symptoms. Great thirst. Urine of high specific gravity. Weakness, emaciation, skin ulcers, loss of tactile sensation in the fingertips (Vitamin B6). In men there may be inflammation of the glans penis and in women, itching of the vulvae. Boils are common. In spite of large appetite there may by severe weight loss. Magnesium deficiency.

Diabetics are subject to glaucoma and detachment of the retina. There is a high incidence of cataract of the eye. While surgery may be necessary, effective supportive herbal treatment can do much. Regular visits to the Hospital Specialist help detect in time future eye, kidney and circulation damage.

High fibre, low fat, high carbohydrate. To help control blood sugar a diabetic must avoid sweets.

Exercise lowers blood sugar.

Agents used with some success: Alfalfa, Damiana leaves, Fenugreek seeds, Aloe Vera juice, Dandelion, Fringe Tree, Guar gum, Garlic (anti-diabetic action shown by Dr Madaus, West Germany, 1967), Bilberry berries, Goat’s Rue (dried aerial parts reduce blood sugar BHP (1983), Olive leaves, onions, Nettles, Pipsissewa, White Horehound, Sweet Sumach, Jambul seeds rapidly reduce sugar in the urine. Karela. Gurmar, (Gymnema sylvestre) leaves are chewed in India to reduce sugar in the urine (mild cases). Balsam pear. Bitter melon (Momordica charastia).

Hypoglycaemic herbs can be effective where the pancreas still functions. Type 1 diabetes, suffered by children whose insulin-producing cells have been destroyed and who produce no insulin at all will always require administered insulin. Maturity-onset diabetes (Type 11) occurs in middle life, insulin- production being insufficient. This form is usually associated with obesity for which herbs are helpful.

Diabetics are specially prone to infections; a course of Echinacea at the onset of winter is beneficial. Coronary artery disease is common in diabetics (especially women) who may develop atherosclerosis at an early age. High blood pressure places undue strain upon kidneys which may excrete too much protein (Yarrow, Lime flowers, Hawthorn). Lack of sensation in the feet exposes the subject to unconscious bruising and injury from which septic ulceration may arise (Chamomile foot baths).

Alternatives. Liver herbs work positively on the pancreas. Diabetic cases should receive treatment for the liver also, Dandelion and Fringe Tree being a reliable combination. Dr John Fearn, California (Ellingwood) used Fringe Tree for all his cases of sugar in the urine: 10 drops, Liquid Extract, 4-5 times daily.

Tea. Equal parts: Peppermint leaves, Dandelion leaves, Goat’s Rue leaves. 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water infuse 5-15 minutes. Cup 2-3 times daily.

Teas from any one of the following: Bilberry berries or leaves, Nettles, White Horehound, Alfalfa, Olive leaves.

Decoction. Fenugreek seeds. 2 teaspoons to each large cup water simmered gently 5 minutes. One cup daily, consuming the seeds.

Powders. Equal parts: Sweet Sumach, Jambul seeds, Dandelion. Dose: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon) thrice daily.

Tinctures. Formula. Equal parts: Jambul, Fringe Tree, Goat’s Rue. Dose: 1 teaspoon thrice daily and at bedtime.

Tablets. Dr Alfred Vogel: tablet containing: Bilberry, Kidney Bean, Tormentil, English Walnut leaves, Alfalfa leaves, Cuckoo flowers.

Karela (Momordica Charantia) Hypoglycaemic action gave good results in clinical trials. Daily dose: 50/60ml fresh juice.

Evening Primrose. See entry.

Guar Gum. 5g unit dose sachets (Guarina) containing dispersible granules. This gum has shown beneficial effects for insulin-dependants.

Hypoglycaemics (second degree). Allspice, Bugleweed, Burdock, Ginseng, Lily of the Valley, Wormwood, Nettles.

Diabetic gangrene. Tinctures: equal parts, Echinacea, Thuja. Internally and externally. Internal dose: 30- 60 drops.

Diabetic neuralgia. Cayenne pepper (Capsicum). Frequently successful.

American traditional. It is claimed that 500mg Bayleaf, Cinnamon, Cloves and Turmeric halve the need for insulin in diabetics.

Diet. Dietary treatment has changed over the past few years. Patients are now advised by the British Diabetic Association to eat food rich in complex carbohydrates (starches) and high in fibre as in wholemeal bread, oats and wholegrain breakfast cereals, wholewheat pasta, brown rice, beans and lentils, vegetables and fruit. Fat intake should be carefully watched (lean meat); skimmed milk, polyunsaturated or low-fat cheeses and salad dressings. Certain foods are known to encourage the pancreas to produce more insulin: banana, barley, cabbage, lettuce, oats, olive, papaya, turnip, sweet potato.

Coffee intake should be limited to prevent hypoglycaemic symptoms.

Barley. A study has shown that the use of barley flour as a substitute for wheat in bread helps to control diabetes, in Iraq. (Naismith D, et al, ‘Therapeutic Value of Barley in Management of Diabetes’: Annals Nutr Metab, 35, 61-64 1991)

Supplementation. Vitamins A, B-complex, C, D, E, F. Vitamin B6. Brewer’s yeast. Minerals: Chromium 50mcg; Manganese 15mg; Magnesium 300mg; Zinc 25mg; to normalise glucose metabolism.

Note: Over 400 traditional plant medicines have been documented for diabetes, but few have been evaluated for efficacy. In the undeveloped countries they are chiefly used for non-insulin dependent diabetes. (Diabetes Care, 1989, Sept 12, p553)

Insulin dependents. Whether adults or children, insulin dependents should under no circumstances discontinue insulin injections.

Treatment by or in liaison with general medical practitioner.

Information. British Diabetic Association, 10 Queen Anne Street, London W1M 0BD, UK. Send SAE. ... diabetes, mellitus

Diarrhoea

The world’s biggest killer of children. Inflammation of the bowel by production of too much mucous secretion.

Causes: faulty absorption of fats, bacterial or viral infection, nervous bowel, anxiety or psychosomatic disturbance, malfunction of the thyroid gland, etc.

Looseness of the bowels may sometimes occur as an acute cleansing eliminative effort by Nature to expel wastes and impurities. Dehydration can be serious in children. For presence of mucous or blood in the stool refer to DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS.

Differential diagnosis. Crohn’s disease, Gastroenteritis, Diverticulosis, Ulcerative colitis, Dysentery, Salmonella.

Travel diarrhoea: ‘blight of holiday and business trips abroad’ due to E. Coli. Acute, usually non- persistent self-limiting condition. Ginger, crystallised or powder in capsules or tablets is known to reduce the incidence in high risk areas.

Imported bloody diarrhoeas – salmonella, shigella or amoebic infections should receive special investigation by a competent authority, a consultant in infectious diseases. First-aid until the practitioner comes: 2-5 drops oil of Peppermint in water.

Children’s diarrhoea. Re-hydration after severe loss of fluids – glass of water containing 1 teaspoon salt and 2 teaspoons sugar.

Over 13,000 children die from this preventable disease every day, many in the developing countries. This simple combination of sugar and salt prevents dehydration, the most common cause of death from acute diarrhoea, and has helped save tens of thousands of lives.

Alternatives. Rest. Avoid caffeine and alcohol drinks. Plenty of astringent herb teas to reduce the associated hyperperistalsis. Children – half-dose.

Teas. Any one of the following: Agrimony, Avens, Burmarigold, Black Walnut leaves, Burnet (greater or garden), Ground Ivy, Ladysmantle, Hops (nervous bowel), Plantain, Peppermint, Periwinkle (vinca major), Meadowsweet, Silverweed, Shepherd’s Purse, Tormentil. Sage. Formulae: (1) equal parts; Raspberry leaves, Agrimony, Avens. Or (2) equal parts; Raspberry leaves, Plantain, Silverweed. 2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes. Half-1 cup freely. For nerve exhaustion: add a sprinkle of Valerian.

Seeds. Coriander, Caraway or Fenugreek. Half a teaspoon to each cup water, brought to boil; vessel removed as soon as boiling point is reached. Half-1 cup freely.

Decoctions. Any one of the following: Bayberry, Cranesbill (American), Rhatany root, Sweet Chestnut leaves, Oak bark, Wild Yam, Iceland Moss.

Powders. Any one: Calamus, Bayberry, Oak bark, Cinnamon, Black Catechu, Wild Yam. Add pinch of Ginger.

Tinctures. (1) Combine Bayberry 2; Ginger 1. Or (2) Combine Bayberry 1; Raspberry leaves 2. One to two 5ml teaspoons thrice daily after meals.

Tincture, or spirits of Camphor: 5-10 drops in water every 3-4 hours for severe depletion of body fluids. Adults only.

Aloe Vera. Scientific papers confirm efficacy.

Dr Finlay Ellingwood. Castor oil: 5 drops every 2 hours.

Bilberry juice. Half-1 cup freely.

Goldenseal. Antibacterial. 5-10 drops, tincture, 3-4 times daily. Adults only.

Diet. Avoid cow’s milk. 3-day fast on fruit juices and herb teas alone, followed by gruel made from Slippery Elm, Oatmeal or Arrowroot. Yoghurt. Bilberry fruit. Carob bean products: chocolate or other preparations. Ensure adequate fluid intake.

Supplementation. Vitamins A, B12, C, D. Minerals: Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc. Preventative. 2 drops oil of Peppermint morning and evening. ... diarrhoea

Haemorrhoids

Varicose veins around the anus and low bowel due to poor local circulation. First degree haemorrhoids, remain inside the rectum, but may bleed. Second degree haemorrhoids, bleed and protrude beyond the anus but return after defecation. Third degree haemorrhoids, remain outside the anus and have to be pushed back manually. Blood is bright red.

Causes: constipation, sluggish liver, grumbling appendix, pregnancy, etc. Underlying cause must be treated. Pilewort and Stone root are key remedies.

Alternatives. Teas from any of the following: Butcher’s Broom, Balmony, Bilberry, Beth root, Bistort, Comfrey, Cranesbill, Figwort, Ground Ivy, Horsechestnut, Ladies Mantle, Nettles, Oak bark, Pilewort, Plantain, Silverweed, Stone root, Tormentil, Wild Yam, Witch Hazel, St John’s Wort.

Alternative formulae. Tea. (1) Equal parts, Yarrow, Witch Hazel leaves, German Chamomile. (2) Equal parts, Yarrow, Pilewort, Mullein. (3) Equal parts, Plantain, Figwort, Pilewort. 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Half-1 cup thrice daily before meals.

Tablets/capsules. Pilewort. Cranesbill. Wild Yam. Blue Flag root.

Powders. Formula. Equal parts, Pilewort 1; Figwort 1; Stone root half. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) thrice daily.

Tinctures. Formula. Butternut 1; Figwort 1; Cascara quarter. One 5ml teaspoon in water thrice daily. Alternative: Combine Hawthorn 2; Stone root 1. Dose: 30-60 drops in water thrice daily.

Enema. Strong infusion of Raspberry leaves: 2oz to 2 pints boiling water. Steep 20 minutes, strain. Improves with addition of 5 drops Tincture Myrrh.

Suppositories. 1 part Liquid Extract Witch Hazel or German Chamomile to 5 parts Cocoa butter. Ointments: Pilewort, Chickweed, Figwort, Aloe Vera, Horse Chestnut, Houseleek.

Psyllium seeds (light) (Ispaghula) increases bulk of the stools making them softer and easier to pass.

To alleviate itching and assist healing: insert into the anus fresh peeled Aloe Vera or Houseleek. Alternatives: make a paste of quarter of a teaspoon of any of the following powders with few drops of milk: Comfrey, Pilewort, Stone root and apply externally, holding in position with a binder.

Vitamin E capsules. Piles that had resisted all other forms of treatment rapidly cleared. Insert one capsule into rectum night and morning.

Diet: Low salt, low fat, high fibre.

Supplements. Vitamins A, B-complex, B6, C, and E. Calcium. Zinc.

Supportives. Sitz bath. Sponge anus with cold water. ... haemorrhoids

Glaucoma

Expressionless eye with pinpoint pupil (pupil constriction). The iris is compressed against the cornea thus arresting fluid circulation and raising intra-ocular pressure. Medical emergency. Two kinds: acute (closed angle) and chronic.

Acute. Eye is brick red and brick hard. Agonisingly painful, vision much reduced, pupil dilated and oval, the cornea steamy and the iris greenish, sees rainbow rings around lights, misty vision, pain in head and eyes, colours appear dull, can read for only short periods, unable to walk confidently downstairs, damage to retina and optic nerve from build-up of fluid.

Etiology: Damage from past inflammations, high blood pressure, steroids, stress, diet deficiencies, injury. Develops more in far-sighted people.

Ocular emergency requiring immediate hospital specialist treatment. If admission to hospital is delayed Pilocarpine may save the day: 1 drop of 1 per cent solution to each eye to constrict the pupil and open the drainage angle. This lasts 4-5 hours. Apply 1 drop 4 times every 24 hours. In the absence of Pilocarpine, a practitioner may prescribe Tincture Gelsemium BPC 1963, 5 drops in water not more than thrice daily.

A history of eyelids that are stuck down in the mornings reveals blockage from inflammatory exudate, tension rises and may precipitate glaucoma.

Chronic (gradual and long-continued). Usually in the elderly. Sometimes genetic. Chronic rise in painless intra-ocular pressure arrests blood supply to the optic discs thus disrupting bundles of retinal nerve fibres. ‘Deeply cupped discs’. Condition usually unsuspected. A sight destroyer.

Symptoms: bumping into objects and people. As above.

Treatment. Surgical drainage incision through the iris relieves tension. The object is to contract the pupil and focussing (ciliary) muscle which promotes the escape of watery fluid from the eye. Agents which contract the pupil are Pilocarpine, Adrenalin. Promotion of the body’s own supply of Adrenalin is mildly assisted by Ginseng. All cases should receive Echinacea to enhance resistance. Herbal medicine often stabilises the condition, with remedies such as Pulsatilla.

Alternatives:– Maintenance anti-inflammatory. Tea: fresh or dried herbs. Equal parts: Nettles, Marigold petals, Horsetail. Mix. 2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Dose: half-1 cup thrice daily.

Traditional. It was common practice in the South of France to douche the eye with dilute lemon juice, doubtless because Vitamin C has an osmotic effect, drawing away fluid.

Rutin (Buckwheat). 20mg thrice daily. Tablets, powder, etc.

Canasol. A non-hallucinogenic alkaloid of the marijuana plant (cannabis) has been used with success. Blood Tonics. See entry. Healthy blood contributes to healthy eyes and common blood tonics have been responsible for some cures in the early stages.

Bilberries. Mr Eric Wright suffered from glaucoma for many years. At 74 he was nearly blind, walked with a white stick, and couldn’t read or write. Improvement was impressive after taking Bilberry extract. His specialist agreed that his sight was at its best in three years since surgery to reduce intra-ocular pressure.

Diet. Begin 3-day fast, followed by 3 days on fruit and vegetable juices. Wholefoods thereafter. Increase protein intake. Repeat fast every 3 months. Fresh Bilberries as desired. Dr Rolf Ulrich links coffee with glaucoma. (Clinical Physiology)

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin A 7500iu, Vitamin B1 15mg, Vitamin B2 10mg, Vitamin B6 10mg, Vitamin C 3g, Vitamin E 500mg, Zinc.

Notes. Stress automatically raises intra-ocular pressure for which relaxation techniques are indicated. Tobacco worsens by causing constriction of blood vessels supplying the optic nerve. Abstain alcohol. Glaucoma becomes more prevalent in an ageing population. Patients with a strong history and with high blood pressure and diabetes should be screened.

To be treated by a general medical practitioner or hospital specialist. ... glaucoma

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (ibs)

Previously known as “mucous colitis”, “spastic colon”. Believed to be associated with psychomatic rather than allergic phenomena. Food is said to be responsible for one-third cases. X-ray fails to reveal evidence; prostaglandins implicated. Females more susceptible than men. Cow’s milk and antigens in beef can precipitate.

Symptoms. Spastic colon: colon held in spasm. The two main symptoms are abdominal pain and altered bowel habit. Pain relieved on going to stool or on passing wind. Diarrhoea with watery stools on rising may alternate with constipation. Sensation that the bowel is incompletely emptied. Flatulence. Passing of mucus between stools. The chronic condition may cause anaemia, weight loss and rectal blood calling for treatment of the underlying condition.

Indicated: astringents, demulcents, antispasmodics.

Treatment. If possible, start with 3-day fast.

Alternatives. Teas. (1) Combine equal parts; Agrimony (astringent), Hops (colon analgesic), Ephedra (anti-sensitive). (2) Combine equal parts; Meadowsweet (astringent) and German Chamomile (nervine and anti-inflammatory). Dose: 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup freely, as tolerated. Bilberry tea. 2 tablespoons fresh or dried Bilberries in 1 pint water simmered 10 minutes. Half-1 cup freely.

Note: Old European: Chamomile and Caraway seed tea. 1 cup morning and evening.

Decoction. Formula. Tormentil root 2; Bistort root 2; Valerian root 1. Dose: 2 teaspoons to each cup water simmered 20 minutes. Half-1 cup 3-4 times daily.

Tablets/capsules. Calamus. Cramp bark. Goldenseal. Slippery Elm, Cranesbill.

Formula. Cranesbill 2; Caraway 2; Valerian half. Dose: Powders: 750mg or half a teaspoon). Liquid Extracts: 1-2 teaspoons. Tinctures: 2-4 teaspoons. Thrice daily.

Practitioner. RX tea: equal parts herbs Peppermint, Balm and German Chamomile. Infuse 1-2 teaspoons in cup boiling water and add 3 drops Tincture Belladonna.

Formula. Tinctures. Black Catechu 2; Cranesbill 1; Hops quarter. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons in water or honey, thrice daily.

Psyllium seeds (Ispaghula). 2-5 teaspoons taken with sips of water, or as Normacol, Isogel, etc. For pain in bowel, Valerian.

Fenugreek seeds. 2 teaspoons to cup water simmered 10 minutes. Half-1 cup freely. Consume seeds. Cinnamon, tincture or essence: 30-60 drops in water 3-4 times daily.

Menstrual related irritable bowel. Evening Primrose.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, with neurosis. Treat thyroid gland (Bugleweed, Kelp, etc).

With severe nerve stress: add CNS (central nervous system) relaxant (Hops, Ladies Slipper, Roman Chamomile)

Oil of Peppermint. A simple alternative. 3-5 drops in teaspoon honey, or in enteric-coated capsule containing 0.2ml standardised Peppermint oil B.P., (Ph.Eur.)

Intestinal antispasmodics: Valerian, Chamomile, Balm, Rosemary.

Diet. “People with IBS should stop drinking coffee as it can induce a desire to defecate.” (Hallamshire Hospital Research Team)

Dandelion coffee. Fenugreek tea. Carrot juice. Bananas mashed into a puree with Slippery Elm powder. Yoghurt. Gluten-free diet.

Supplements. Calcium lactate tablets: 2 × 300mg thrice daily at meals. Floradix. Lactobacillus acidophilus to counteract toxic bacteria. Vitamin C (2-4g). Zinc. Linusit.

Note: Serious depression may underlay the condition. Anti-depressants sometimes relieve symptoms dramatically.

Chronic cases. Referral to Gastrology Outpatient Department. ... irritable bowel syndrome (ibs)


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