Catarrh Health Dictionary

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  2. Catarrh

Catarrh: From 7 Different Sources

Inflammation of the mucous membrane (lining membrane) which becomes boggy and discharges excessive mucus. Aetiology: infection, allergy or toxaemia. May arise from lack of fresh air, stagnant atmosphere, irritation by dust, inflammation of the middle ear, tonsils or nasal sinuses, but chiefly from auto-toxaemia when it is a natural reaction to toxic matter – an effort to expel through the mucous membrane wastes that would otherwise leave the body via the skin, kidneys or bowel. Constipation worsens the condition.

It is often caused by a heavy intake of starches, salt, sugar, white flour products, and especially dairy products including milk. Some cases are due to poor diet, low blood calcium, vitamin and mineral deficiency. May manifest as catarrh of the nose, throat, stomach, bowels, bronchi or bladder. Alternatives:–Teas made from any of the following: Angelica, Avens, Coltsfoot, Comfrey leaves, German Chamomile, Elderflowers, Eyebright, Garlic, Ginseng, Gotu Kola, Ground Ivy, Hyssop, Marshmallow leaves, Mullein, Mouse-ear, Parsley, Plantain, Marsh Cudweed, White Horehound, Yarrow.

Garlic. Good results reported.

Traditional combination. Equal parts, herbs: Angelica, Eyebright, Yarrow. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup of boiling water.

Fenugreek seeds. 2 teaspoons to each cup water simmered 5 minutes; 1 cup thrice daily. Or grind to a powder in a blender to sprinkle on salads or cereals.

Tablets/capsules. Garlic, Iceland Moss, Lobelia, Poke root, Goldenseal (Gerard). Horseradish and Garlic (Blackmore).

Tinctures. Alternatives. (1) Goldenseal: 3-5 drops. Formulae: (2) Angelica 2; Ginger 1. (3) Lobelia 1; Goldenseal 1; Juniper 1. One teaspoon – thrice daily.

Tincture Myrrh, BPC 1973. 3-5 drops in water thrice daily.

Tea Tree oil. 2-3 drops on teaspoon honey, or in water, thrice daily.

Heath and Heather Catarrh pastilles. Squills, Menthol, Pine oil, Eucalyptus oil.

Antifect. (Potter’s) Germicidal for blocked sinuses, etc.

Eric Powell. Liquid extracts: Angelica 1oz; Juniper 1oz; Peppermint half an ounce; Root Ginger half an ounce. 1-2 teaspoons in water thrice daily.

BHP (1983). (Bronchial) Irish Moss, Cinnamon, Liquorice.

Gargle. 3 drops Tincture Myrrh in half glass water.

Inhalation. Small handful Chamomile flowers or Eucalyptus leaves to 2 pints boiling water in washbasin. Cover head with towel and inhale 10 minutes. Or – see: FRIAR’S BALSAM.

Aromatherapy. Essential oils, diluted with 20 parts water, as injection for nasal catarrh: Eucalyptus, Thyme, Pine, Garlic, Hyssop, Tea Tree.

For catarrh of the womb and vagina: see LEUCORRHOEA.

Diet. Refer: GENERAL DIET. Commence with 3-day fast.

Supplementation. Vitamins A and D as in Cod Liver oil. Vitamins B-complex, C and E.

General. Cold sponge-down, deep-breathing exercises. Sea-bathing. Smoking promotes congestion.

Note: However inconvenient, catarrh has one useful protective role – it helps prevent bacteria and toxins reaching tissue. For instance, when present in the nasal organs it may prevent mercury vapour from teeth- amalgam reaching the brain. 

Health Source: Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
Author: Health Encyclopedia
Excessive secretion of mucus by the mucous membranes lining the nose (see rhinitis), sinuses (see sinusitus), or upper air passages, due to inflammation.
Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
Inflamed mucous membranes, an older term that usually implied excess secretions, particularly with congestion.
Health Source: Herbal Medical
Author: Health Dictionary
A condition in which the mucous membranes of the nose and breathing passages are inflamed, often chronically
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary
In?ammation of the mucous membranes, particularly those of the air passages, associated with a copious secretion of mucus. Commonly the result of infection or local allergy, catarrh can affect the nose, middle ear and sinuses.
Health Source: Medicinal Plants Glossary
Author: Health Dictionary
n. the excessive secretion of thick phlegm or mucus by the mucous membrane of the nose, nasal sinuses, nasopharynx, or air passages. The term is not used in any precise or scientific sense.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Anti-catarrhals

Agents that reduce the production of mucus. Angelica, Avens, Bayberry, Bistort, Blood root, Cayenne, Chamomile (German), Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Elderflowers, Elecampane, Eyebright, Fenugreek, Garlic, Ginger, Goldenseal, Gotu Kola, Ground Ivy, Hyssop, Iceland Moss, Irish Moss, Juniper, Liquorice, Marsh Cudweed, Marshmallow, Mountain Grape, Mouse Ear, Mullein, Myrrh, Parsley, Plantain, Poke root, Senega, Skunk Cabbage, White Horehound, Wild Cherry bark, Wild Indigo, Witch Hazel, Yarrow. Successful treatment of catarrh is often dependent upon efficient kidney, skin and bowel function which may require also, diuretics, alteratives and laxatives. ... anti-catarrhals

Jaundice, Catarrhal

 Now usually termed VIRAL HEPATITIS. Swelling of liver cells obstructs drainage. Plugged mucus in the bile duct; often caused by gluten foods. Aftermath of chills and colds or from excess milky or starchy foods. Congestion may be dispersed by speeding elimination of waste products of metabolism via the bowel (Blue Flag), the kidneys (Dandelion), and the skin (Devil’s Claw). Anti-catarrhals with special reference to the liver: Gotu Kola, Plantain, Goldenseal, Mountain Grape, Barberry.

Alternatives. Teas. Agrimony, Boldo, Balmony, Dandelion, Plantain, Gotu Kola.

Cold infusion. 2 teaspoons Barberry bark to each cup cold water; steep overnight. Half-1 cup every 3 hours.

Tablets/capsules. Goldenseal, Dandelion, Blue Flag, Devil’s Claw.

Formula. Equal parts: Dandelion, Devil’s Claw, Barberry. Dose – Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid Extracts: one 5ml teaspoon. Tinctures: two 5ml teaspoons. Every 3 hours. ... jaundice, catarrhal


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