Floradix Health Dictionary

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Floradix: From 1 Different Sources

A biological food supplement providing organic iron, extracts of carefully selected herbs, fruits, vitamins, specially cultured yeast and ocean kelp. In addition, contains extracts of wheat germ and rose hips. For women (including expectant and nursing mothers), men, growing children and persons whose diet is lacking in natural iron and vitamins.

Important components of Floradix preparations are herbal extracts of various medicinal plants. Those rich in iron include: Stinging Nettle, Couch grass roots and algae Macrocystis pyrifera and Spinach. Extracts to aid digestion and metabolism (as well as strengthen the system) include: Hawthorn for heart function; Fennel, Angelica root and Wormwood for digestion; and Juniper berries to aid metabolism. See: SALUS-HAUS. 

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

Anaemia: Aplastic

Failure of the bone marrow to produce red cells because of infection, also neutropenia and depletion of platelets in the blood through chronic disease (TB etc) elsewhere in the body, or through chemicals in food and medicine. Other causes include food preservatives, X-ray radiation, fluoride in water supply and environmental pollution. The condition is serious.

Possibility of mercurial poisoning. A 59-year-old man employed filling thermometers with mercury developed aplastic anaemia and died. His urine contained 1.01mg mercury per litre. (D.R. Ryrie. Brit. Medical Journal, i/1970, 499. A similar report D.R. Wilson, ibid., ii/1966, 1534)

Symptoms. Headache, dizziness, pallor of skin, loss of weight and appetite, sore or burning tongue, jaundice, bruising, nose-bleeds. A low state of the immune system exposes the subject to infection. Treatment. Hospital supervision. Necessary to identify the causative toxic agent and eliminate it. Condition fails to respond to usual preparations of iron taken by mouth. No specific exists but supportive adaptogen herbs sustain and raise haemoglobin levels, marginally increasing red cells.

To facilitate elimination of toxic chemicals:– Teas: Alfalfa, Red Clover, German Chamomile, Ground Ivy, Milk Thistle, Gotu Kola, Nettles, Fennel.

Tea. Formula. Equal parts: Dandelion, Nettles, Alfalfa. 1 heaped teaspoon in each cup boiling water, infuse 10-15 minutes. One cup freely.

Decoction: Gentian – 1 teaspoon in cup cold water. Steep overnight; drink on rising.

Tinctures. To stimulate bone marrow. Formula: equal parts, Echinacea, Prickly Ash bark, Horsetail. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons thrice daily, taken in water or cup of one of the above teas.

Tincture Cinnamon BP (1949). Dose: 2-4ml (30-60 drops).

Powders. Combine: Gentian 1; Yellow Dock 1; Echinacea 2; Cinnamon quarter; Cayenne quarter. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon), before meals.

Liquid Extracts: Combine Echinacea 2; Black Cohosh half; Damiana 1; Ginger quarter. Dose: 1 teaspoon in cup Red Clover tea, before meals.

Diet. Dandelion coffee, high fibre, low fat, low salt, molasses, lamb’s liver. Foods containing Vitamin B12.

Supplements daily. Vitamin B12. Folic acid 400mcg, Vitamin C, Floradix. ... anaemia: aplastic

Anaemia: Haemolytic

A blood condition due to abnormal destruction of red blood cells in the spleen.

Causes: hereditary background with deficiency of cell enzymes or cell membrane weakness; wrongly matched blood transfusion, environmental chemicals, food additives, colourings, drugs, infections. Symptoms. Pale face, sore tongue, headache, dizziness, palpitations, breathlessness, angina, weakness, loss of weight and appetite, jaundice (yellow skin), feverishness, vague aches and pains, enlarged spleen and pain under left ribs.

Treatment. Under hospital supervision.

Echinacea has a long reputation for regeneration of red blood cells: experience shows it beneficial for this type of anaemia. To assist control of symptoms: Gentian, Motherwort, Mugwort, Barberry, Hops, Saw Palmetto.

Bitter herbs stimulate the stomach, liver and pancreas. By increasing the appetite they benefit digestion and are given half an hour before meals by tea or decoction: Hops, Quassia chips, Angostura, Feverfew, Bogbean.

Formula. Tea. Milk Thistle 2; Betony 1; Hops 1. Mix. 1-2 teaspoon to each cup boiling water. Infuse 5-15 minutes. 1 cup, thrice daily.

Decoction. Echinacea 1; Sarsaparilla 1; Peruvian bark half; Saw Palmetto half. Mix. 2 teaspoons to 2 cups water, simmer gently 20 minutes. Half a cup, cold, thrice daily before meals.

For weak heart add one part Hawthorn; neurasthenia (Ginkgo); swelling of ankles (Lily of the Valley); loss of hormonal balance (Ginseng).

Prognosis. Surgical removal of spleen may be necessary.

Diet. Dandelion coffee, molasses, desiccated or fresh calves’ liver. Green leafy vegetables, dried beans, apricots. Shellfish, milk, eggs, Soya, meats. Supplements. Daily. Vitamin B12 1mg; Vitamin C, 1g; Folic acid 400mcg; Floradix. ... anaemia: haemolytic

Anaemia: Iron Deficiency

An estimated 15 per cent of the female population suffers from this form of anaemia. A deficiency of nutritional iron is responsible for oxygen starvation of the blood due to insufficient haemoglobin. Number of red cells is reduced.

Aetiology: heavy menstrual loss, feeble constitution from hereditary weakness, poor diet, hidden or known blood loss from gastric ulcer, pregnancy, bleeding piles or insufficient food minerals: iron, copper, calcium, etc, chronic liver or kidney disease, worms, anorexia nervosa, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis. Symptoms. Tiredness, dizziness, breathlessness, palpitations, pale face and mucous membranes. White of eyes may be blue. Enlarged flabby tongue often bears impression of teeth marks. Hair lifeless, fingernails brittle and ridged. There may be angina, tinnitus and general reduced efficiency.

Treatment. The object is to achieve absorption of iron to raise normal haemoglobin levels and increase red cells. Echinacea has a reputation for regeneration of red cells. Herbs used with success: Echinacea, Gentian, Motherwort, Mugwort, Barberry, Hops, Nettles, Saw Palmetto, Chaparral, Red Clover, Dandelion.

Bitter herbs stimulate absorption of vital nutrients from the stomach, toning liver and pancreas, increasing the appetite; usually given half hour before meals. See: BITTERS.

Gentian. 1 teaspoon fine-cut chips to 2 cups cold water steeped 8 hours (overnight). Dose: Half-1 cup thrice daily before meals.

Tea. Formula. Combine: Agrimony 1; Barberry bark 1; Nettles 2; White Poplar bark half. Place 1oz (30g) in 1 pint (500ml) cold water and bring to boil. Simmer 10 minutes. Drink cold: Half-1 cup thrice daily, before meals.

Powders. Formula. Echinacea 2; Gentian 1; Kelp 1; pinch Red Pepper. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) thrice daily, before meals.

Liquid extracts. Formula: Echinacea 1; Queen’s Delight 1; Ginseng 1; Ginger quarter. Dose: 30-60 drops in water, thrice daily, before meals.

Infusion Gentian Co Conc BP (1949). Dose: 30-60 drops.

Diet. Dandelion coffee, as desired. Molasses. Desiccated liver.

Floradix. A pre-digested iron preparation. Readily assimilable by the body. Compounded by Dr Otto Greither (Salus Haus). Iron is fed onto yeast which breaks down the metal and absorbs its cells. Other tonic ingredients include extracts of nettles, carrots, spinach, fennel, Vitamin C plus supplements;

Angelica root, Mallow, Horsetail, Yarrow, Juniper and Rosehips. Not chemically preserved.

Avoid chocolate, egg yolk, tea, coffee, wheat bran.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin C (1g morning and evening). Vitamin B12, Folic acid 400mcg. Vitamin C is the most potent enhancer of iron absorption. Multivitamin containing iron.

Note: Iron absorption is decreased by antacids, tetracyclines, phosphates, phytates (phytic acid from excessive intake of wholewheat bread), and excessive calcium supplements. Lack of stomach hydrochloric acid impairs iron absorption, especially in the elderly. ... anaemia: iron deficiency

Anaemia: Pernicious

A form of anaemia following a deficiency of Vitamin B12. Usually occurs middle life, 45-60.

Symptoms. Skin of yellow tinge, failing eyesight, swollen ankles, feeble heart action, numbness of feet and legs, dyspepsia, tingling in limbs, diarrhoea, red beefy sore tongue, patches of bleeding under skin, unsteadiness and depression.

Treatment. Hospitalisation. Intramuscular injections of Vitamin B12. Herbs known to contain the vitamin – Comfrey, Iceland Moss. Segments of fresh Comfrey root and Garlic passed through a blender produce a puree – good results reported.

Alternatives:– Teas: Milk Thistle, Hops, Wormwood, Betony, White Horehound, Motherwort, Parsley, Nettles, Centuary.

Formula. Combine Centuary 2; Hyssop 1; White Horehound 1; Red Clover flower 1; Liquorice quarter. 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water, infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup thrice daily.

Decoction. Combine Yellow Dock 1; Peruvian bark quarter; Blue Flag root quarter; Sarsaparilla 1; Bogbean half. 1 teaspoon to each cup of water, or 4oz (30 grams) to 1 pint (half litre) water. Simmer gently 10-15 minutes in covered vessel. Dose: Half-1 cup, thrice daily.

Decoction. Combine Yellow Dock 1; Peruvian bark quarter; Blue Flag root quarter; Sarsaparilla 1; Bogbean half. 1 teaspoon to each cup of water, or 4oz (30 grams) to 1 pint (one-half litre) water. Simmer gently 10-15 minutes in covered vessel. Dose: Half-1 cup, thrice daily.

Tablets/capsules. Echinacea, Dandelion, Kelp.

Powders. Formula. Equal parts: Gentian, Balm of Gilead, Yellow Dock. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon), thrice daily before meals.

Liquid Extracts. Combine, Echinacea 2; Gentian 1; Dandelion 1; Ginger quarter. Dose: 15-30 drops in water thrice daily.

Gentian decoction. 1 teaspoon dried root to each cup cold water.

Diet. Dandelion coffee. Calves’ liver. Absorption of nutritious food may be poor through stomach’s inability to produce sufficient acid to break down food into its elements. Indicated: 2-3 teaspoons Cider vinegar in water between meals. Contraindicated – vegetarian diet.

Supplements. Vitamin B12, (in absence of injections). Iron – Floradix. Desiccated liver. Vitamin C 1g thrice daily at meals. Folic acid. 400mcg thrice daily. ... anaemia: pernicious

Anaemia: Sickle Cell

A form of anaemia growing into an acute social problem, affecting people of African, Asian, and Mediterranean origin. Thalassaemias are caused by defects of a gene that produces the globin part of haemoglobin. Such defects in the DNA can now be detected in the womb before birth. The name derives from sickle-shaped cells instead of circular red blood cells. Few sufferers survive beyond their 40th year.

Symptoms. Unhealthy pallor, listlessness, sore tongue, dizziness, vague aches and pains, rapid pulse and breathing, tinnitus, palpitation. The skull may be disproportionately large, resistance to infection feeble, chances of survival poor. This form of anaemia is linked with defective colour vision. Impaired liver function. Stunted growth, great pain. Sufferers have a higher risk of infection.

Malaria. Sufferers are less likely to die of malaria because their red cells do not support the growth of malaria parasites very well.

Carriers: Carriers of the sickle-cell gene can now be identified by a simple blood test.

Treatment. No specifics exist but supportive herbal treatment has been known to increase output of red cells and raise haemoglobin levels:– Red Clover flowers, Yellow Dock, Echinacea, Burdock, Wild Indigo, Gentian, Nettles, Birch leaves, Sage, Walnut leaves, Centaury, Gota Kola (Indian Pennywort). Alternatives:– Tea. Mix equal parts: Iceland Moss, Nettles, Red Clover flowers. 2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes; 1 cup morning and evening.

Decoction. Mix equal parts; Echinacea, Walnut leaves, Balm of Gilead buds; 1 teaspoon to each cup water gently simmered for 20 minutes. Half-1 cup, cold, 3 times daily, before meals.

Tablets/capsules. Sarsaparilla. Ginseng. Iceland Moss. Red Clover. Echinacea. Gentian.

Powders. Formula: Echinacea 1; Fringe Tree half; Ginseng half; White Poplar bark 1. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) thrice daily before meals.

Liquid extracts. Formula. Echinacea 2; Dandelion 1; Oat Husk (avena sativa) 1. Mix. Dose, 1-2 teaspoons before meals, in water or one of the above teas or decoctions.

Tinctures. Same combination. Dose: 2-3 teaspoons.

Dong quai. See entry.

Pollen. Claimed to be of value.

Diet. Dandelion coffee. Molasses. Desiccated liver. Calf liver, fresh. Green leafy vegetables contain chlorophyll, iron and folic acid. Cider vinegar. Dried beans, apricots and shellfish. Dandelion leaves in salads. Milk, eggs, meats, Soya. Carrot juice to increase red cells.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin B12. Vitamin C, 1g; Folic acid 400mcg, Floradix. Of particular value: Vitamin E 400iu. Zinc.

Note: Those at risk should submit themselves for screening. The disease cannot be cured but can be controlled largely by orthodox measures and sometimes by natural medicine. ... anaemia: sickle cell

Chlorosis

Simple iron-deficiency anaemia in teenagers; with sickly greenish grey or yellowish complexion.

Tea. Mix, equal parts: Agrimony, Lemon Balm, Raspberry leaves. 2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup freely. Honey for sweetening. Or: Burdock leaves, hot tea.

Tinctures. Formula: Black root 1oz (30ml); Echinacea 1oz (30ml); Peruvian bark half an ounce (15ml). 5ml teaspoon in water before meals thrice daily.

Cider Vinegar. 2 teaspoons to glass water, morning and evening.

Floradix Formula Food supplement (Salus). ... chlorosis

Fibroids

Myoma of the womb. Non-malignant, non-painful growth of smooth muscle tissue enlarging into a mass on the wall of the womb. Accounts for most hysterectomies. Women may have them without knowing. Responsible for heavy menstruation and clots. Surgical removal is known as myomectomy.

Fibroids depend on oestrogen for their growth. High levels, as in The Pill, are believed to increase their size. Low levels cause shrinkage. Size: anything from a marble to a turnip, producing a sense of fullness. After the menopause when oestrogen declines they may shrink and finally disappear. When enlarged, they cause frequency of urine and constipation, sometimes resultant anaemia. A common cause of infertility. Not all are removed by surgery. Women with fibroids should not take steroids.

Alternatives. Anti-mitotics – Damiana, Motherwort, Helonias, Goldenseal, Life root, Prickly Ash, White Pond Lily, Thuja, Violet leaves (wild), Blue or Black Cohosh.

To arrest bleeding: add Shepherd’s Purse or Beth root.

For pain: Cramp bark. Goldenseal has a mixed success record and can constipate.

Tea. Formula. Equal parts: Corn Silk, Shepherd’s Purse, Violet. 2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes; dose, one cup thrice daily.

Decoction. Formula. Equal parts: Violet leaves, Clivers, Yellow Dock. 1 teaspoon to each cup of water simmered 20 minutes. Half-1 cup thrice daily.

Tinctures. Alternatives:

(1) Combine Cornsilk 3; White Pond Lily 2; Goldenseal quarter. Dose: 15-30 drops in water thrice daily. (Edgar G. Jones, MNIMH)

(2) Yellow Parilla, 60 drops; Yarrow 1oz; White Pond Lily 60 drops; Tincture Goldenseal 60 drops. Water (preferably distilled) to 8oz. Dose: 2 teaspoons in water after meals. (Arthur Barker, FNIMH) Powders. Formula. Blue Cohosh 1; Poke root 1; Goldenseal half. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one- third teaspoon) thrice daily.

A.W. & L.R. Priest. Combination: Goldenseal, Balmony, Galangal. (Oral and local suppository) Douche. 1 litre boiled water. Allow to cool. Add 30-40 drops Liquid Extract Goldenseal, Bayberry or Thuja. Castor oil packs over affected area. Three thicknesses cotton wool or suitable material soaked in Castor oil. Cover with an electric heating pad. Apply 3-4 nights a week for 6 months. Disappearance of fibroid reported. ARE Journal, Vol 19, May 84, p.127

Note: Correction of anaemia, if present. Simple iron deficiency – Nettle tea. Floradix. Special care during pregnancy. ... fibroids

Iron

Mineral. Essential for production of haemoglobin (see entry). Haemoglobin absorbs oxygen from the lungs from which it is borne throughout the body by the red blood cells. Iron is a component of enzymes that play a vital role in oxidation of food and release of energy. As the metal is not produced in the body it has to be obtained from external sources. Iron is also conserved by the body following breakdown of old red blood corpuscles. RDA 10mg (men), 12mg (women), 13mg (pregnant women), 15mg (nursing mothers).

Deficiency. Iron-deficiency anaemia is the most common deficiency disease in the world. Children require adequate level for cell growth and healthy development. Senior citizens may have inability to absorb. Sportspeople carefully watch their iron levels.

Studies reveal that iron absorption is reduced by coffee consumption. A single cup of coffee can effect a reduction of 30 per cent when consumed at the same time iron or iron containing foods are taken. (American Journal of Clinical Medicine, 1983)

Sources. Red meat, liver, kidney, almonds, dried fruits (especially figs), All Bran, spinach, watercress. Herbs. All seaweeds. Burdock, Devil’s Claw, Couch Grass root, Meadowsweet, Mullein, Rest Harrow, Nettles, Toadflax, Wild Strawberry leaves, Yellow Dock, Gotu Kola, Parsley, Silverweed.

Floradix Herbal Iron Extract: absorbable iron in a yeast extract dietary supplement. Contents include Nettles, Fennel, Angelica root, Horsetail, Spinach, Yarrow, etc. ... iron

Menorrhagia

Abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding; more than normal flow and lasting longer. Causes: iron deficiency, shock, thyroid gland disturbance, ovarian insufficiency, prolapse, polypi, fibroids, congestion of the womb, or failure of the blood to coagulate – for which coagulants and Vitamin K are indicated. Hormone imbalance. Use of intra uterine devices (IUD).

Symptoms: legs and hands cold, pale face, alternate heats and chills, loss of appetite, nervous exhaustion, pain in the back and loins.

General use. Uterine astringents.

Alternatives. Bayberry bark, Beth root, Black Haw, Blue Cohosh, Broom, Cranesbill (American), Goldenseal, Lady’s Mantle, Life root, Periwinkle (greater), Raspberry leaves, Rhatany root, Shepherd’s Purse, Yarrow. For reduction of menstrual flow without arrest.

Raspberry leaves. A gentle astringent tea for mild cases.

Agnus Castus. Heavy bleeding between periods.

Formula. Tea. Equal parts: Lady’s Mantle, Raspberry leaves, Shepherd’s Purse. 2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup freely.

Formula. Powders. Black Haw 3; Bayberry bark 3; Cinnamon 1. Dose: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon) 3-4 times daily.

For the severe case. Formula. Bur-marigold 2; Lady’s Mantle 2; Beth root 1. Dose: Liquid Extracts: 1-2 teaspoons; Tinctures: 2-3 teaspoons; every 2 hours.

Prophylactic: Mistletoe, taken at least 14 days before period. For prolonged heavy loss, refer patient to a gynaecologist.

Diet. Vitamin K foods. Iron foods. Prunes. Kelp. Irish Moss.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin A, 7,500iu, Vitamin C, 1g. Vitamin E, 200iu. Vitamin K, 5mcg. Bioflavonoids. Calcium. Iodine. Iron – Floradix.

Sitz bath. Has a toning effect upon the pelvic organs, arresting high blood loss. See: SITZ BATH. ... menorrhagia

Gout

Acute gouty arthritis. A disturbance of protein metabolism in which production of uric acid is increased, resulting in deposits of uric acid crystals around joints, especially fingers and toes. Uric acid is a breakdown product of nucleic acid and found in all living tissue. Excess amounts are usually excreted in the urine but any hold-up may cause crystals to be formed. Untreated, it affects the arterial system. Male preponderance 20-1.

Etiology. May be hereditary. Excess alcohol, meat or starchy foods without adequate fresh vegetables and fruit. Alcohol increases synthesis of urates and inhibits secretion. High beer intake. There is a link between gout and the good life.

Symptoms. Joints hot, painful, inflamed, shiny and swollen. Temperature rises in acute cases. Urine strong-smelling, but little passed. Urate deposits (tophi) present a ready diagnostic sign on elbows or lobes of ears. Swollen big toe common. Joints normal between attacks.

Autumn Crocus (Colchicum) is the oldest and still one of the most effective plant medicines for relief and appears to act by inhibiting prostaglandin activity.

The symptoms of pseudo-gout are similar, focus of pain mostly in the knee. Instead of uric acid, pyrophosphoric acid crystals are laid down and calcium salts deposited in cartilages. For this, Colchicum is of little value, though reportedly good results follow use of White Willow.

Influenza vaccination injections may trigger acute gout in some patients.

Alternatives. Autumn Crocus (Colchicum), Black Cohosh, Boldo, Burdock root, Celery seeds, Gravel root, Guaiacum, Meadowsweet, Sarsaparilla, Valerian, White Willow, Wild Lettuce, Yarrow, Devil’s Claw.

Alternatives for acute conditions:– Tea. Equal parts: Boldo, Celery seeds, Meadowsweet. Mix. 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup every 2 hours.

Decoction. Black Cohosh 1; Gravel root 1; White Willow 2. Mix. 1-2 teaspoons in 2 cupfuls water gently simmered 20 minutes. Half a cup every 2 hours.

Tablets/capsules. Boldo, Black Cohosh, Celery, Garlic, White Willow, Devil’s Claw, Prickly Ash. Colchicine USP, one 0.5mg tablet every 2 hours.

Powders. Formula. Black Cohosh 1; White Willow 3. Guaiacum quarter. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) every 2 hours.

Tinctures. Formula. White Willow 2; Celery 1; Black Cohosh quarter; Guaiacum quarter; Liquorice quarter. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons every 2 hours in water.

Cider vinegar. Traditional. (Vermont, USA)

Colchicum. Extract Colchici Liquid, dose: 2-5 drops. Tincture Colchici; 5-15 drops. In water as prescribed by a practitioner.

Topical. Cider vinegar as a lotion. Warm potato poultice for pain. Lotion: 1 part Oil of Sassafras to 20 parts Safflower seed oil. Slippery Elm poultice: mix well 2-3 teaspoons powdered Slippery Elm into 1 pint (500ml) equal parts Cider vinegar and water. Epsom salts bath. Comfrey ointment. Chamomile soaks. Aromatherapy. Wipe affected parts with any one diluted oil: Sage, Burdock, Bryony, Rosemary, St John’s Wort.

Diet. Low protein, fat, salt. Nettle tea. Plenty of water. No tea, coffee or alcohol. Reject: purine foods – organ meats, kidney, liver, brain, sweet-bread, red meat, meat extracts. Accept: bananas for potassium – 3 daily, and oily fish. For gout, a vegetarian diet has much to commend it.

Supplements. Daily. Bromelain 200mg. Folic acid 30mg. Vitamin C 3g. Vitamin E 200iu. Iron – Floradix. Magnesium.

General. Reduce acidity. Gout is a rewarding condition for the phytotherapist. Rest affected parts. Good responses with Guaiacum. For kidney involvement add Wild Carrot. For prevention, an older generation of physicians advised quarter to half a teaspoon Glauber Salts in breakfast tea, or cup of Nettle tea. Cradle affected joint against pressure from shoes or bedclothes. ... gout

Nettles

Urtica dioica L. German: Grosse Brandnetel. French: Grande ortie. Spanish: Ortiga. Italian: Grande ortica. Part used: dried herb.

Constituents: Chlorophyll (high), vitamins including Vitamin C, serotonin, histamine, acetyl-choline, minerals including iron, calcium, silica.

Action: blood tonic, hypoglycaemic, antiseptic, tonic-astringent (external), diuretic, haemostatic (external), expectorant, vasodilator, hypotensive, galactagogue, splenic, circulatory stimulant, amphoteric (can increase or reduce flow of breast milk, making its own adjustment). Strengthens natural resistance. Re-mineraliser, antirheumatic. Eliminates uric acid from the body. Anti-haemorrhagic. Mild diuretic. Uses: iron-deficiency anaemia, gout (acute painful joints – partial amelioration). First stage of fevers (repeat frequently), malaria. Uvula – inflammation of. Foul-smelling sores. To stimulate kidneys. Detoxifies the blood. Pregnancy (Nettle and Raspberry leaf tea for iron and calcium). To withstand onset of uraemia in kidney disease; chronic skin disease, melaena with blood in stool, splenic disorders, high blood sugar in diabetes, burns (first degree), feeble digestion due to low level HCL; bleeding of stomach, bowels, lung and womb. Has power to eliminate urates; expulsion of gravel. On taking Nettle tea for high blood pressure passage of gravel is possible and should be regarded as a favourable sign. For women desiring an ample bust. Lobster and other shell-fish allergy, strawberry allergy. Nettle rash. Hair – fall out – tea used as a rinse.

“No plant is more useful in domestic medicine.” (Hilda Leyel)

Frequent drinks of Nettle tea often allay itching of Hodgkin’s disease. Preparations. Thrice daily.

Tea: 1oz herb to 1 pint boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup.

Liquid Extract: 3-4ml in water.

Tincture BHP (1983): 1 part to 5 parts 45 per cent alcohol. Dose, 2-6ml in water. Powder: 210mg capsules, 6-8 capsules daily. (Arkocaps)

Floradix Herbal Iron Extract contains Nettles. (Salus-Haus)

Nettle shampoo and hair lotion.

Diet. Nettles cooked and eaten as spinach. Fresh juice: 1-2 teaspoons. ... nettles

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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