Gelsemium Health Dictionary

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Gelsemium: From 1 Different Sources

Yellow Jasmine. Gelsemium sempervirens L. German: Gelber Jasmine. French: Gelse?mie luisante. Spanish: Gelsomina. Italian: Gelsomino della Carolina. Chinese: Hu-wan-ch’iang. Dried root and rhizome.

Constituents: alkaloids, coumarins, tannins, iridoids.

Action: powerful relaxant to the central nervous system, vasodilator, analgesic; to calm down physical violence in hysteria and reduce a dangerously high pulse rate. Antispasmodic, hypotensive (transient). Tranquilliser. Combines well with Hawthorn for cardiac arrhythmias. No evidence of dependence in clinical use.

Use s. Pressive nervous headache (constrictive migraine). Facial neuralgia, cramp, intermittent claudication, pain in womb and ovaries, temporal arteritis. Pain in tail bone at base of the spine (coccydynia). Spasm of the osteopathic lesion. Great restlessness, convulsions, contracted pupils and circulatory excitement.

Avoid in heart disease and low blood pressure. Practitioner use. Tincture Gelsemium, 2-5 drops, 2-3 times daily. Pharmacy only sales.

A weaker tincture may frequently be used with good effect: 5 drops to 100ml water – 1 teaspoon hourly. (Dr Finlay Ellingwood) 

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

Self Medication

The Government and health authorities of the UK and Europe express their desire that citizens take more responsibility for their own health. Also, the public’s disquiet towards some aspects of modern medicine leads them to seek alternatives elsewhere. As a generation of health-conscious people approach middle age, it is less inclined to visit the doctor but to seek over-the-counter products of proven quality, safety and efficacy for minor self-limiting conditions. This has the advantage of freeing the doctor for more serious cases. Intelligent self-medication has come to stay.

Prescriptions. While specimen combinations appear for each specific disease in this book, medicines from the dispensary may be varied many times during the course of treatment. The practitioner will adapt a prescription to a patient’s individual clinical picture by adding and subtracting agents according to the changing basic needs of the case. For instance, a first bottle of medicine or blend of powders may include a diuretic to clear the kidneys in preparation for the elimination of wastes and toxins unleashed by active ingredients.

The reader should never underestimate the capacity of herbal medicine to regenerate the human body, even from the brink of disaster.

Acknowledgements. I am indebted to my distinguished mentor, Edgar Gerald Jones, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England, to whom I owe more than I could ever repay. I am indebted also to the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, and to the British Herbal Medicine Association, both of which bodies have advanced the cause of herbal medicine. I have drawn heavily upon the British Herbal Pharmacopoeias 1983 and 1990, authentic publications of the BHMA, and have researched major works of ancient and modern herbalism including those pioneers of American Eclectic Medicine: Dr Samuel Thomson, Dr Wooster Beach, Dr Finlay Ellingwood and their British contemporaries. All made a vital contribution in their day and generation. I have endeavoured to keep abreast of the times, incorporating the latest scientific information at the time of going to press. For the purposes of this book I am especially indebted to my friend Dr John Cosh for checking accuracy of the medical material and for his many helpful suggestions.

A wealth of useful plants awaits further investigation. Arnica, Belladonna and Gelsemium are highly regarded by European physicians. It is believed that these plants, at present out of favour, still have an important role in medicine of the future. The wise and experienced clinician will wish to know how to harness their power to meet the challenge of tomorrow’s world.

Perhaps the real value of well-known alternative remedies lies in their comparative safety. Though largely unproven by elaborate clinical trials, the majority carry little risk or harm. Some have a great potential for good. The therapy is compatible with other forms of treatment.

The revival of herbal medicine is no passing cult due to sentimentality or superstition. It indicates, rather, a return to that deep devotion to nature that most of us have always possessed, and which seems in danger of being lost in the maze of modern pharmacy. It is an expression of loyalty to all that is best from

the past as we move forward into the 21st century with a better understanding of disease and its treatment. I believe the herbal profession has a distinguished and indispensible contribution to make towards the conquest of disease among peoples of the world, and that it should enjoy a place beside orthodox medicine.

Who are we to say that today’s antibiotics and high-tech medicine will always be available? In a world of increasing violence, war and disaster, a breakdown in the nation’s health service might happen at any time, thus curtailing production of insulin for the diabetic, steroids for the hormone-deficient, and anti-coagulants for the thrombotic. High-technology can do little without its specialised equipment. There may come a time when we shall have to reply on our own natural resources. It would be then that a knowledge of alternatives could be vital to survival. ... self medication

Alkaloids

Alkaloids are basic organic substances, usually vegetable in origin and having an alkaline reaction. Like alkalis they combine with acids to form salts. They are natural amines, contain nitrogen and have a direct action on body tissue, chiefly of blood vessels and nerves. Some are toxic. All have a bitter taste. Most are insoluble in water but soluble in alcohol. Many herbs yield alkaloids, notably Comfrey (pyrrolizidine a.), Mistletoe, Butterbur, Blue Cohosh, Lobelia, Greater Celandine, Barberry, Boldo, Blue Cohosh, Betony, Colchicum, Ephedra, Gelsemium, Horsetail, Passion flower, Turkey corn. Some alkaloids stimulate the liver while others may be toxic. ... alkaloids

Anti-asthmatics

Herbs that relieve the symptoms of asthma. According to the case the remedy may be an expectorant, antispasmodic, bronchodilator or a combination of each. A large group including:– Belladonna, Black Haw bark, Comfrey, Ephedra, Elecampane, Euphorbia, Evening Primrose, Gelsemium, Irish Moss, Lobelia, Mullein, Senega, Storax, Stramonium, Wild Cherry bark and Wild Yam are all of practitioner use. ... anti-asthmatics

Glottis – Spasm Of

May be caused by a reflux from the stomach. Cramp bark.

Formula. Liquid Extracts: Goldenseal 1 drachm, Gelsemium 1 drachm, Stone root 2 drachms, Burdock 4 drachms. Water to 4oz. Dose: 1 teaspoon after meals, thrice daily. (W.W. Fraser, MD). Practitioner use. ... glottis – spasm of

Hyperventilation (hv)

Breathing at an abnormally rapid rate while resting. Diverse causes range from psychiatric disorders, asthma or unsuspected lung disease, hyperthyroidism, habit disorders, heart disease, hiatus hernia, phobia. May precipitate tetany. Air-swallowing (aerophagia) may occur when a person both eats and talks when at food.

For serious cases requiring medication: Lobelia, Gelsemium. A cup of Lime flower tea may reduce the breathing rate.

Elecampane decoction: good results reported.

Supportive: instruct patient to swallow when exhaling. Magnesium supplementation. ... hyperventilation (hv)

Analgesics  - Pain-relievers - Anodynes

Herbs taken orally for relief of mild pain. May also be applied externally. An analgesic may also be an antispasmodic, relieving cramp (Cramp bark etc.). Throughout history, Opium Poppy has always been the most effective analgesic, but must be given by a qualified medical practitioner except applied externally as a poultice. The same rule may apply to Aconite, Arnica and Belladonna.

Mild analgesics:– Black Cohosh, Black Willow, Catnep, Chamomile, Cowslip root (Bio-Strath), Cramp bark, Devil’s Claw, Gelsemium, Guaiacum, Hops, Jamaican Dogwood, Ladyslipper, Lobelia, Passion flower, Rosemary, Skullcap, St John’s Wort, Skunk Cabbage, Valerian, White Willow bark, Wild Lettuce, Wild Yam, Wintergreen, Yerbe Mate tea, Poke root, White Poplar.

Skullcap, Mistletoe, Valerian and Feverfew are herbs of choice. All four are believed to have an anti- prostaglandin effect, the first three given in combination; the latter (Feverfew) appearing to work best singly. ... analgesics  - pain-relievers - anodynes

Angina

(Angina pectoris). A condition where the demand for oxygen by the heart exceeds supply. A syndrome, not a disease entity. Common cause is narrowing of the coronary arteries by atheroma limiting the flow of blood in the heart muscle.

Condition also caused by a spasm in the coronary circulation. ‘Strangling pain in the chest’, lasting 2 to 10 minutes. Aggravated by diabetes, anaemia, goitre, high blood pressure and stress.

Is it angina? Important evidence is the association of the pain with exercise and its relief by rest. Pain is similar to intermittent claudication (pain in the calf muscle). Sense of constriction in front of chest: may radiate to the jaw or left arm.

Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) is caused by cholesterol deposits hindering blood flow. It is the work of the practitioner to unclog blocked arteries where possible.

Phytotherapy may increase exercise capacity, reduce the number of angina attacks, and is known to enjoy a low incidence of unwanted side-effects.

Alternatives. Teas. Chamomile, Hawthorn, Motherwort, Lime Flowers, Hops, Oats (avena), Orange Tree leaves.

Tablets/capsules. Cayenne, Hawthorn, Lobelia, Prickly Ash.

Powders. Formula. Equal parts: Hawthorn berries, Opuntia (Cactus flowers), Mistletoe, Motherwort. Dose: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon) thrice daily.

Liquid extracts: Formula: Equal parts: Cactus, Hawthorn, Prickly Ash. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons. Thrice daily.

Tinctures: Formula. Hawthorn BHP (1983) 30ml; Motherwort BHP (1983) 30ml; Prickly Ash bark BHP (1983) 20ml; Tincture Capsicum Fort BPC 1934: 0.25ml. Dose: 5ml in water thrice daily.

Practitioner. Alternatives:–

1. Tincture Aconite, BPC 1949 : 2-5 drops (0.12 to 0.3ml) when necessary.

2. Liquid extract: Lobelia BHP (1983): 10-30 drops every 20 minutes when necessary.

3. Formula. Tincture Selenicereus grand (preferably fresh plant) 1oz; Tincture Ginger quarter of an ounce. Dose: 15-30 drops every 15 minutes.

4. Formula. Liquid extract: Prickly Ash bark 20ml; Liquid extract: Cactus 20ml. Mix. Dose: 5-20 drops when necessary. (A. Barker, FNIMH)

5. Emergency. Tincture Gelsemium BPC 1973. Dose: 5 drops (0.3ml).

Diet: See: DIET – HEART AND CIRCULATION. Vitamin E reduces the risk of angina. ... angina

Arteritis

Inflammation of an artery. Chiefly refers to temporal arteritis (giant cell) from which blindness may develop. Over 60s at risk. Associated with polymyalgia rheumatica.

Symptoms. Frontal headache – single or double-sided. Forehead tender to touch. Red line on forehead may confirm temporal arteritis. Feverishness. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is always high and should be frequently checked in a Haematology laboratory. Steroids may be sight-saving but should only be resorted to until effective phytomedicines are discovered.

Alternatives. Teas. Cactus, Feverfew, Ginkgo, Meadowsweet, Nettles, Parsley, Rutin, Skullcap.

Tea, formula. Combine equal parts: Hawthorn, Ginkgo, Valerian. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup water gently simmered 5 minutes. Dose: Half-1 cup thrice daily.

Tablets/capsules. Bamboo gum, Ginkgo, Hawthorn, Prickly Ash, Rutavite, Wild Yam.

Practitioner. (1) Liquid extracts: Lily of the Valley 10ml; Hawthorn 15ml; Valerian 5ml. Tincture Capsicum 0.3ml (5 drops). Dose: 15-60 drops in water thrice daily.

(2) Lily of the Valley, tincture BPC 1934: dose 0.3-1.2ml.

(3) Tincture Gelsemium for severe headache.

Diet. See: DIET – HEART AND CIRCULATION. Pineapple juice.

Supplements. B-complex, Vitamin E (500-1000iu daily). Evening Primrose oil, Maxepa, Glanolin. Iodine, Magnesium, Selenium, Zinc. ... arteritis

Asthenia

See: WEAKNESS.

ASTHMA. Spasmodic contraction of the bronchi following exercise, emotional tension, infection, allergens, pollens, house dust, colds.

Symptoms. Obstruction of airways with wheezing, rales or whistling sounds with a sense of constriction. Often related to eczema – ‘eczema of the epithelium’. Infantile eczema treated with suppressive ointments may drive the condition ‘inwards’ and worsen asthma. “My son’s eczema has got better, but he now has asthma” is a common observation.

Causes: hypersensitivity to domestic animals, horses and pet birds. Common salt. Red or white wine allergy. An older generation of practitioners recognised a renal-bronchial asthma encouraged by faulty kidney function. With addition of a relaxing diuretic (Dandelion, Buchu or Parsley root) to a prescription, respiratory symptoms often abate.

Broncho-dilators such as Ephedra and Wild Thyme are widely used by the practitioner. To relieve spasm: Lobelia, Pleurisy root. White Horehound, Ammoniacum, Cramp bark, Garlic, Grindelia, Hyssop.

Anti-cough agents serve to remove sticky sputum: Coltsfoot, Garden Thyme, Slippery Elm bark, Maidenhair Fern, Linseed, Bayberry bark.

For the chronic asthmatic, bacterial invasion spells distress, when Echinacea or Balm of Gilead should be added. Where an irregular pulse reveals heart involvement, add: Hawthorn or Lily of the Valley.

Lobelia is of special value for the anxious patient with spasm of the bronchi. Should be tried before resorting to powerful spray mists which frequently produce gastro-intestinal disturbance.

Alternatives. Teas. Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Horehound (White), Mullein, Skullcap, Marshmallow, Thyme, Valerian, Wild Cherry bark, Elecampane, Plantain. Formula: equal parts herbs Coltsfoot, Mullein, Valerian. 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 10-15 minutes; dose, 1 cup twice daily and when necessary.

Antispasmodic Drops. See entry.

Practitioner. Ephedra, Lobelia, Gelsemium, Grindelia, Euphorbia (pill-bearing spurge), Skunk Cabbage, Senega, Pulsatilla, Lily of the Valley (cardiac asthma), Thyme. Formula. Equal parts, Tincture Lobelia simp; Tincture Belladonna; Tincture Ephedra. 5-10 drops thrice daily (maintenance), 10-20 drops for spasm.

Cockayne, Ernest, FNIMH. Hyssop tea for children throughout childhood to avoid respiratory disorders. Dr Finlay Ellingwood. Gelsemium 3.5ml; Lobelia 3.5ml. Distilled water to 120ml. One 5ml teaspoon in water every 3 hours.

Dr Alfred Vogel. Ephedra 20 per cent; Ipecac 15 per cent; Hawthorn berry 10 per cent; Blessed Thistle 5 per cent; Burnet Saxifrage 5 per cent; Garden Thyme 5 per cent; Grindelia 1 per cent. 10-15 drops in water thrice daily.

Dr Wm Thomson. 1 teaspoon Ephedra herb to cup boiling water; infuse 10-15 minutes. Half-1 cup 2-3 times daily.

Traditional. 2 teaspoons shredded Elecampane root in cup cold water; stand overnight. Next day, heat to boiling point when required. Strain. Sips, hot, with honey: 1 cup 2-3 times daily.

Potter’s Asthma & Bronchitis Compound 32. 40g medicinal teabags. Ingredients: Clove BPC 4.84 per cent; Elecampane root 17.24 per cent; Horehound 26.20 per cent; Hyssop 17.24 per cent; Irish Moss 17.24 per cent; Liquorice 17.24 per cent. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons when necessary.

Chinese Medicine. Decoction or extract from the Gingko tree widely used, as also is Ephedra, Garlic, Liquorice and Bailcalensis.

Tablets/capsules. Lobelia. Iceland Moss, (Gerard). Euphorbia (Blackmore).

Powders. Formula. Lobelia 2; Hyssop 1; Elderflowers 1; Grindelia quarter; Liquorice quarter: pinch Cayenne. Dose: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon) 2-3 times daily.

Aromatherapy. 6 drops Rosemary oil in 2 teaspoons Almond oil for massage upper chest to relieve congestion.

Inhalation. See: INHALATIONS, FRIAR’S BALSAM.

Nebulizer. A germicidal solution is made from 5 drops oil Eucalyptus in one cup boiling water. Use in nebulizer for droplet therapy.

Ioniser – use of.

Cider Vinegar. Sips of the vinegar in water for whoop.

Supportives. Yoga. Singing. Cures have been reported of patients on taking up singing. “During singing, up to 90 per cent of the vital capacity may be used without a conscious effort to increase tidal volume.” (Dr M. Judson, New England Journal of Medicine)

Diet. Low salt, low fat, high fibre, cod liver oil, carrots, watercress, Soya beans or flour, lecithin, sunflower seed oil, green vegetables, raw fruit, fresh fish. These foods are valuable sources of antioxidant vitamins and minerals essential for the body’s defence mechanism. A diet deficient in these reduces ability of the airways to withstand the ravages of cigarette smoke and other air pollutants.

Foods that are craved are ones often causing sensitivity. Among problem foods are: milk, corn, wheat, eggs, nuts, chocolate, all dairy products, fat of meats. Check labels for tartrazine artificial colouring.

Salt intake. Linked with chest diseases. “Those who eat a lot of salt had more sensitive airways than those with low salt intake . . . excess salt tended to cause most pronounced symptoms.” (Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Oavia, Italy)

Asthma mortality could be significantly reduced by sufferers lowering their salt consumption, an epidemiologist predicted.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin B6 50-100mg. Vitamin C 500mg. Vitamin E 400iu. Magnesium, Zinc. Cod liver oil: 2 teaspoons.

Anti-allergic bedding. Provides a protective barrier against the house dust mite on mattresses and bedding. Droppings from the tiny pests are worse in the bedroom. ... asthenia

Atrial Fibrillation

Arrhythmia. Heart flutter. Disorderly uncoordinated contraction of atrial muscle wall, the ventricles responding irregularly.

Causes: thyrotoxicosis, valvular or coronary disease. Present in mitral stenosis and myocarditis. Precursor of heart failure. Carrying a bucket of coal upstairs may be sufficient to precipitate an attack. Symptoms. Pulse irregular in time and force, breathlessness, visible pulse in neck, excessive heart beats of sudden onset or permanent, with breathlessness often from emotional excitement.

Treatment. Patient should avoid excessive physical exercise or give way to anxiety and depression. Alternatives:– Tea. Equal parts: Hawthorn (berries or blossoms), Broom, Valerian. 1-2 teaspoons in each cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes; dose – half-1 cup thrice daily.

Tablets/capsules. Hawthorn, Valerian, Motherwort.

Formula. Hawthorn 2; Passion flower 2; Broom 3. Mix. Dose: Powders: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. In water or honey thrice daily. Practitioner. Tincture Gelsemium (BPC 1973): 2-5 drops. Tincture Lily of the Valley: 0.5-1ml.

Undue violence. Tincture Gelsemium 1; Tincture Cactus 2. Mix. Dose: 5-10 drops. Where heart muscle is damaged, add 1 part Liquid Extract Black Cohosh.

Broom. Spartiol Drops, 20 drops thrice daily. (Klein)

Diet. See: DIET – HEART AND CIRCULATION. ... atrial fibrillation

Barberry Bark

Berberis vulgaris L. French: Vinettier. German: Berberize. Italian: Berberi. Indian: Zirishk. Stem bark.

Action. Liver stimulant, cholagogue, antiseptic, alterative. Tonic to spleen and pancreas, antemetic, digestive tonic. Hypotensive. Mild sedative and anticonvulsant. Uterine stimulant. Anti-haemorrhagic, Febrifuge, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-diarrhoeal, Amoebicidal, Bactericidal.

Uses: Sluggish liver, jaundice, biliousness, gastritis, gallstones, itching anus, ulcerated mouth, malaria, sandfly fever, toxaemia from drugs and environmental chemicals. Shingles, bladder disorders, leucorrhoea, renal colic. Old gouty constitutions react favourably. Cholera (animals). Leukopaenia due to chemotherapy.

Combinations. With Yarrow for malaria. With Gelsemium for pain in the coccyx (tailbone). With Fringe Tree bark for skin disorders.

Contra-indications: pregnancy, diarrhoea.

Preparations: Thrice daily.

Decoction: 1 teaspoon to each cup cold water left to steep overnight. Half-1 cup. Liquid Extract: BHP (1983) 1:1 in 25 per cent alcohol. Dose (1-3ml).

Tincture: BHP (1983) 1:10 in 60 per cent alcohol. Dose (2-4ml).

Powdered bark, dose, 1-2g. ... barberry bark

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy

BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY (BSE)

Scrapie. Notifiable disease. Fatal disease in the nervous system of cattle, unknown before 1985. Microscopic holes appear in the brain giving a spongiform appearance, but with little inflammation. Can spread from one animal to another: sheep, goats, deer, mules, mink, hamsters, mice, pigs and monkeys. Cause: not a virus. Animals itch and scrape themselves against trees or posts for relief. May spread from animals to humans, with brain infection after the character of polio.

Symptoms. (Human). Speech impairment, short-term-memory-loss, difficulty in controlling body movements. Zinc deficiency.

Treatment. Hospitalisation.

Suggested treatment for human infection, unproven.

Tinctures. Echinacea 5; Black Cohosh 3; Yarrow 2; Senna leaf 1.2-3 teaspoons in water (or cup hot Yarrow tea) 3-4 times daily. For headache: Gelsemium.

Supplement: Zinc.

To be treated by a general medical practitioner or hospital specialist. ... bovine spongiform encephalopathy

Brain Disorders

Usually associated with some loss of sensation and power in another part of the body. Taste, smell, hearing, sight and movement may be affected. The following are some of the disorders that may affect the brain. Each has a separate entry in this book.

Abscess, Alzheimer’s Disease, anoxia (oxygen starvation), coma, concussion, haemorrhage, Down’s syndrome, epilepsy, tumour, hydrocephalus (water on the brain), meningitis, multiple sclerosis, stroke (rupture of blood vessel), spina bifida, syphilis (general paralysis of the insane), sleepy sickness.

Poor circulation through the brain due to hardening of the arteries: Ginkgo, Ginseng. Ginseng stimulates the hypothalmic/pituitary axis of the brain and favourably influences its relationship with the adrenal glands.

Congestion of the brain – Cowslip (Boerwicke). Irritability of brain and spine – Hops. Oats. Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) as in viral infection, poliomyelitis, rabies, sleepy sickness, etc: Echinacea, Passion flower, Skullcap and Lobelia. Gelsemium acts as a powerful relaxant in the hands of a practitioner: Tincture BPC (1973): dose 0.3ml.

Brain storm from hysteria, locomotor ataxia, etc – Liquid Extract Lobelia: 5ml teaspoon in water when necessary (Dr Jentzsch, 1915, Ellingwood) Supplement with Zinc, Vitamins C and E.

Blood clot, thrombosis: Yarrow. Neurasthenia: Oats, Basil, Hops.

Brain fag and jet-lag: Chamomile, Skullcap, Oats, Ginseng, Ginkgo.

Tumour may be present years before manifesting: Goldenseal.

Mental state: depression, anxiety, schizophrenia.

Tea. Formula. Skullcap, Gotu Kola and German Chamomile; equal parts. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup water gently simmered 10 minutes. Strain. 1 cup thrice daily.

Unspecified tensive state. Formula. Tinctures. Hops 1; Passion flower 2; Valerian 2. Dose: 2 teaspoons thrice daily until diagnosis is concluded.

Unspecified torpor. Formula. Tinctures. Ginseng 1; Kola 1; Capsicum quarter. 2 teaspoons in water thrice daily until diagnosis is concluded.

Brain weakness in the elderly: Ginkgo. See: ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE.

Fluid on the brain: see HYDROCEPHALUS.

Abscess of the brain: see ABSCESS.

Brain restoratives. Black Haw, True Unicorn root, Galangal, Oats, Oatstraw, False Unicorn root, Kola, Hops. Vitamin B6. Magnesium.

Cerebral thrombosis. See entry.

Note: Cold water may help victims to survive: rapid loss of body heat protects the brain. (Child Health Department, University of Wales)

Treatment by or in liaison with general medical practitioner or hospital specialist. ... brain disorders

Buerger’s Disease

(Thromboangiitis obliterans). An inflammatory condition of blood vessels of the legs, tobacco said to be the causative factor. Confined to men, especially Jews.

Symptoms. Intermittent claudication. Affected parts of the leg are much paler than others, the condition regressing to ulceration and possible gangrene. Inflammation of nerves, veins and arteries may lead to clot formation (thrombosis).

Treatment. Stop smoking. Vasodilator herbs.

Alternatives. Cayenne (minute doses), Bayberry, Lime flowers, Lobelia, Prickly Ash, Wahoo bark, Mistletoe, Skullcap, Cactus.

BHP (1983) recommends: Angelica root, Hawthorn berry, Wild Yam.

Decoction. Formula. Equal parts: Hawthorn, Mistletoe, Valerian. 2 teaspoons to two cups water gently simmered 10 minutes. Dose half-1 cup thrice daily, and when necessary.

Tablets/capsules. Alternatives. Prickly Ash 100mg. Hawthorn 200mg. Wild Yam 200mg. Dosage as on bottles.

Powders. Formula. Equal parts: Hawthorn, Wild Yam, Prickly Ash. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) thrice daily.

Tinctures. Formula. Equal parts: Bayberry, Hawthorn, Prickly Ash. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons thrice daily. Practitioner. Tincture Gelsemium BPC (1973). 0.3ml (5 drops) when necessary for relief of pain.

Diet. Low fat, low salt, high fibre.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin E 1000-1500iu. Vitamin B-complex. Magnesium, Calcium.

Exercise. Physiotherapy exercise. From the sitting position raise legs to horizontal; rest for a few minutes. Lie down and raise legs to 45 degrees; rest for a few minutes. Reverse movements resting each time to equalise the circulation. (Brenda Cooke FNIMH) ... buerger’s disease

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (cts)

Compression of the median nerve between the transverse carpal ligament and the carpal bone. May cause damage to the sensory and motor nerves and manifest as teno-synovitis or ganglion. Affects chiefly middle-aged women.

Symptoms. Numbness or tingling in first three fingers which feel ‘clumsy’. Worse at night. Muscle wasting of palm of the hand.

Diagnostic sign: the ‘flick’ sign – shaking or ‘flicking’ of the wrist when pain is worse and which is believed to mechanically untether the nerve and promote return of venous blood. (J. Neural Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, 1984, 47, 873)

Differential diagnosis: compression of seventh cervical spinal nerve root (osteopathic lesion) has tingling of the hands when standing or from exaggerated neck movements.

Treatment. Reduction of spasm with peripheral relaxants (antispasmodics). Also: local injection of corticosteroid or surgical division of the transverse carpal ligament.

Alternatives:– Tea. Equal parts. Chamomile, Hops, Valerian. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup 2-3 times daily.

Tablets/capsules. Cramp bark. St John’s Wort. Wild Yam. Lobelia. Prickly Ash. Passion flower. Black Cohosh. Hawthorn.

Powders. Formula. Cramp bark 1; Guaiacum half; Black Cohosh half; Pinch Cayenne. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) 2-3 times daily.

Bromelain, quarter to half a teaspoon between meals.

Turmeric. Quarter to half a teaspoon between meals.

Tinctures. Formula: Cramp bark 1; Lobelia half; Black Cohosh half. Few drops Tincture Capsicum. Mix. 1 teaspoon in water when necessary. To reduce blood pressure, add half part Mistletoe.

Practitioner. For pain. Tincture Gelsemium BPC 1963 5-15 drops when necessary.

Topical. Rhus tox ointment. Camphorated oil.

Lotion: Tincture Lobelia 20; Tincture Capsicum 1.

Supplements. Condition responsive to Vitamin B6 and B-complex. Some authorities conclude that CTS is a primary deficiency of Vitamin B6, dose: 50-200mg daily.

General. Yoga, to control pain. Attention to kidneys. Diuretics may be required. Cold packs or packet of peas from the refrigerator to site of pain for 15 minutes daily. ... carpal tunnel syndrome (cts)

Cervix

Erosion of. A gynaecological problem of infection of the cervical crypts with a reddened area from the cervical os to the vaginal surface of the cervix. Cervicitis may be due to chemical irrigations and contraceptive creams or to the mechanical irritation of pessaries.

Symptoms: mucopurulent vaginal discharge, sometimes blood-stained. Backache. Urinary problems. Diagnosis confirmed by smear test, biopsy or swab culture.

Alternatives (also for cervicitis).

Teas, decoctions, powders or tinctures:– Agnus Castus, Black Cohosh, Echinacea. Myrrh. Pulsatilla. Practitioner: Tinctures. Mix, parts: Black Cohosh 3; Gelsemium 1. Dose: 10-20 drops in water, morning and evening.

Lapacho tea (Pau d’arco tea). Soak gauze tampons with extract, insert, renew after 24 hours.

Douche: German Chamomile tea, or Lapacho tea.

Tampons: saturate with paste of equal parts Slippery Elm powder and milk. Or: saturate tampons with Aloe Vera gel or fresh juice. In event of unavailability refer to entry: SUPPOSITORY.

Diet. Lacto-vegetarian.

Vitamins. A. B-complex. C (1g daily). E (400iu daily).

Minerals. Iron, Zinc.

Note: Women who have an abnormal cervical smear should be tested for chlamydia. ... cervix

Coccydnia

Pain in the ‘tail bone’ at the base of the spine. Cause usually ascribed to referred pain from lumbar disc tissue, neurosis or spasm of muscles of the pelvic floor. May be due to osteoporosis, old fractures, bony spurs or necrosis of blood vessels. The coccyx receives its blood supply from the median artery, damage to which contributes to avascularity of the coccyx.

Treatment. Osteopathy or plaster jacket immobilisation.

Alternatives. Ladyslipper, Barberry, Valerian, St John’s Wort, Cramp bark.

Powders. Mix, equal parts: Barberry, Valerian, St John’s Wort. 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) thrice daily.

Tinctures. Formula. Equal parts: Hops, Valerian, St John’s Wort. One 5ml teaspoon thrice daily, in water. Practitioner. Tincture Gelsemium: 3-5 drops in water when necessary. For pain. ... coccydnia

Colds

The common cold. A virus droplet infection of the air passages.

Symptoms: Red itching eyes, clear nasal discharge progressing to yellow and thick, slight sore throat, sneezing, mild fever, headache, blocked or running nose, malaise.

The alternative school of medicine believes a cold should not be suppressed with popular drugs of the day but allowed to run its course. That course may be dramatically reduced by use of herbs. A cold is sometimes an acute healing crisis in which Nature expels accumulated wastes and toxins. Diaphoretics promote sweating, aiding this process.

Alternatives. Teas may be made from any of the following: Elderflowers, Peppermint, Catmint, Bayberry, Boneset, White Horehound, Feverfew, St John’s Wort.

Alternatives. Formulae:– Equal parts:– (1) Elderflowers and Peppermint. (2) Yarrow and Peppermint. (3) White Horehound and Hyssop. 1 teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-15 minutes. 1 cup freely. A trace of Cayenne Pepper enhances potency and stimulates circulation.

Decoction. Prepared from Horseradish, Pleurisy root, Prickly Ash, Bayberry. Teaspoon, of any one, to two cups water gently simmered 20 minutes. Half-1 cup freely. Pinch of Cayenne enhances action.

Irish Moss. 1 teaspoon to 2 cups water simmered gently 20 minutes. Do not strain. Eat with a spoon with honey.

Powders. Composition. 1 teaspoon to cup of tea, or hot drink.

Powders. Formula. Bayberry bark 2; Ginger 1; Pleurisy root 1. Cayenne quarter. Sift. 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) thrice daily.

Tablets/capsules. Lobelia. Iceland Moss. Vitamin C. Feverfew.

Essence of Cinnamon. Popular traditional herbal expectorant to help relieve symptoms of cold and flu. Composition essence and Elderflowers and Peppermint. 2 teaspoons in hot water or cup of tea every 3 hours. Children less according to age.

Life Drops. See entry.

Practitioner. Colds with fever, cardiac excitability and distress out of all proportion to the infection: Tincture Gelsemium, 3-5 drops.

Laxative. A mild laxative may be advised (5-7 Senna pods, infused in cup of boiling water, or Senacot). A healthy bowel movement may cut short a cold by assisting elimination.

Aromatherapy. Few drops of any of the following antiseptic oils added to a bowl of boiling water, head covered with a towel, steam inhaled: Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Marjoram, Thyme, Niaouli. Oil of Camphor is most effective, but as it antidotes all other medicaments, should be used alone. Oil of Scots Pine (5-10 drops) used in bath. Tiger Balm. Olbas oil.

Diet. 3-day fast; no solid food, herb teas and fruit juices only. Citrus fruits (Vitamin C) in abundance. Hot lemon and honey.

Supplementation. Daily. Vitamin A (7500iu), B-complex (50mg), C (3 grams at onset: 2 grams every 3 hours thereafter).

Prophylaxis, winter months. Daily: Vitamin C (Rose Hip, Acerola, etc), Echinacea. 2 Garlic capsules at night to build-up body’s resistance. ... colds

Convulsions

Seizure, fit. Muscular spasms with alternate contraction and relaxation of muscles arising from brain disturbance. Epilepsy. Occurs when serum calcium, serum magnesium, or blood sugar is low. Feverish conditions are responsible for most convulsions in children. This is where herbal anti- febrile agents are helpful: Chamomile, Peppermint, Catnep, etc. Many parents unwittingly help to provoke a febrile convulsion.

Treatment would depend on diagnosis which may be one of a number of conditions: alcoholism, toxic drugs, meningitis, epilepsy, diabetic coma, dentition, expanding brain tumour, excessive crying or coughing – as in whooping cough, bowel irritation, emotional upset.

Symptoms. Aura, crying out, heavy breathing, loss of consciousness, rigidity, incontinence of urine and faeces.

Treatment. Cause the body to lose heat. For insulin coma give glucose, honey, or something sweet. Remove tight clothing. If the case is a child, lay on its side; sponge with cold water. If available, insert Valerian or other relaxant herb suppository. Catnep tea enema brings relief (Dr J. Christopherson).

Teas. Any one: German Chamomile, Hops, Lobelia, Motherwort, Passion flower, Skullcap, Wood Betony.

Decoctions. Any one: Cramp bark, Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Skunk Cabbage, Valerian, Lady’s Slipper.

Tinctures. Any one: Cramp bark, Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Lobelia, Valerian, Wild Yam, Lady’s Slipper. OR: Formula – Equal parts: Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Valerian. Dose: 1 teaspoon in hot water, every half hour.

Camphor, Tincture or spirits of: 2-5 drops in honey or bread bolus offers a rapid emergency measure for adults. Inhalant also.

Peppermint, Oil. 1-2 drops in honey or milk.

Practitioner. Tincture Gelsemium BPC 1983. Dose: 0.3ml in water.

Supplements, for prevention: Calcium lactate 300mg 6 daily. Magnesium. Vitamin B6. ... convulsions

Epilepsy

An epileptic fit is a temporary spasmodic disturbance in the brain of sudden onset caused by a spurious discharge of electrical energy by brain cells. Can be sparked off by an excess of zinc. Loss of consciousness signalled by an aura and a fall to the ground with a cry. Breathing is noisy, eyes upturned. General causes: hereditary, severe head injury (even before birth), chronic disease, stroke, tumour, hardening of the arteries, drugs, lack of oxygen. An attack may be triggered by the flickering of a television or computer screen. Screen-addicted children may develop photosensitive epilepsy, suffering fits while using electronic games.

Three forms: major (grand mal); temporal lobe; and minor (petit mal). In petit mal the period of unconsciousness consists of brief absences lasting less than 15 seconds.

Treatment. Orthodox medical: Carbamazepine, phenytoin and many other drugs.

Alternatives. BHP (1983) recommends: Grand mal: Passion flower, Skullcap, Verbena. Petit mal: Hyssop. Standard central nervous system relaxants are Hops, Lobelia, Passion flower, Vervain, Valerian, Skullcap. Wm Boericke used Mugwort. Peony leaf tea had a long traditional use. In nearly all epileptics there is functional heart disturbance (Hawthorn, Lily of the Valley, Motherwort). Mistletoe can help in the struggle to control seizures and improve the quality of life.

Two important remedies are Skullcap and Passion flower. Both work quickly without risk of respiratory arrest. If dose by mouth is not possible insert gelatin capsules containing powders, per rectum, child or adult lying prone. This method is particularly suitable for feverish convulsions or Grand mal.

Repeat after 5 minutes if patient continues in convulsion. Where neither of these powders are available, Chamomile, Valerian or Mistletoe may be used.

“The remedy I have relied on most,” writes C.I. Reid, MD (Ellingwood’s Journal) “is Passion flower. Use this alone or in combination with Gelsemium – more often alone. I cannot say I obtain an absolutely curative effect, but the spasms disappear and do not return while the remedy is continued. It has none of the unpleasant effects of other medicines. I give the liquid extract in doses from 25-30 drops, 3-4 times daily, for continued use. It may be given more frequently for convulsions.”

Alfred Dawes, MNIMH. Green tincture of Mistletoe, 3-5 drops. Or, combine equal parts: Liquid Extract Skullcap, Valerian and Black Horehound.

Finlay Ellingwood MD combines White Bryony, Prickly Ash, Skullcap and St John’s Wort.

Samuel Thomson MD. Lobelia 2; Cayenne 1; (antispasmodic drops) given at the premonitary stage. 1-2 teaspoons.

Edgar Cayce. Passion flower tea. Hot Castor oil packs.

Excess acidity and intestinal toxaemia. There is considerable opinion that these trigger an attack. Combination: Liquid Extracts – Skullcap 15ml; Mistletoe 10ml; Meadowsweet 10ml; Elderflowers 10ml. Two 5ml teaspoons in water thrice daily.

West African Black Pepper. (Piper guineense) is used by traditional Nigerian healers to good effect. Associated with imperfect menstruation. Liquid Extracts, single or in combination: Black Cohosh, Life root, Lobelia. Dose: 5-15 drops thrice daily.

Associated with mental weakness. Liquid Extract Oats (avena sativa). 2-3 teaspoons in water thrice daily.

Aromatherapy. (Complex partial seizures) Massage with essential oils found to be beneficial. (The Lancet, 1990, 336 (8723) 1120)

Diet. Salt-free lacto-vegetarian. Oatmeal porridge. A cleansing 8-day grape juice fast has its advocates. Vitamin E. In 24 epileptic children refractory to anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) with generalised tonic- clonic and other types of seizures, addition of Vitamin E 400iu daily to existing AEDs was accompanied by a significant reduction in 10 of 12 cases. (Epilepsy 1989; 30(1): 84-89)

Supportives: osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments.

Note: A number of Italian physicians linked a salt-rich diet with epileptic fits. Number and violence diminished when discontinued and did not recur for weeks. Dr W.P. Best found that, in children, circumcism made a valuable contribution.

Drug-dependency. Herbal medication may offer a supportive role to primary medical treatment. Under no circumstances should sufferers discontinue basic orthodox treatments except upon the advice of a physician.

Information. British Epilepsy Association, 40 Hanover Square, Leeds LS3 1BE, UK. Send SAE.

To be treated by or in liaison with a qualified medical practitioner. ... epilepsy

Haematuria

Blood in the urine. From the bladder – bright red. From the kidneys – smoky dark brown but not in clots. May not be long-lasting, clearing up without incident. Some food dyes and confectionery dye the urine red.

Symptoms. Where due to kidney: pain in the back on same side as affected kidney. May indicate tumour. Professional help should be sought. The main symptom of nephritis. Should not be confused with blood of the menstrual flow.

Alternatives. BHP (1983) recommends: Bur-Marigold, Horsetail, Sea Holly, Common Plantain, Beth root. HAMDAD recommends Grape seeds.

Cinnamon oil. Long traditional reputation in Malaysia for blood in the urine – 5-10 drops oil (or half a teaspoon powder) to control until medical attention is available or other measures adopted.

Formula. Sea Holly 3; Bur-Marigold 2; Beth root 1. Mix. Dose. Powders quarter of a teaspoon (375mg). Liquid Extracts 30-60 drops. Tinctures 1-2 teaspoons. In water thrice daily. Acute cases: every 2 hours. Dr Finlay Ellingwood. Formula. Liquid Extracts: Black Cohosh 20ml; Hydrangea 10ml; Chimiphila 5ml; Gelsemium 0.5ml. Mix. 20-40 drops in water every 2 hours, acute cases.

John Wesley (evangelist). Copious draughts of Yarrow Tea.

Note: Small stone or gravel are a common cause of blood in the urine. Rhubarb favours formation of stone, being able to induce oxaluria. Where drinking water has a high degree of hardness and rhubarb is eaten, calcium oxalate stones may be formed between the action of the water and the oxalic acid in the rhubarb.

Treatment by or in liaison with a general medical practitioner or hospital specialist. ... haematuria

Gall-stones

Any obstruction to the free flow of bile causes stagnation within the gallbladder. Deposits of bile pigments form (bile sand). Under chemical change, these small masses become encrusted with cholesterol and converted into gall-stones. Common in overweight middle-aged women, “fair, fat and forty”. Fifteen per cent of the world’s population are affected. Pain may be mistaken for heart disorder.

Stones are of two main types: cholesterol and bile pigment. Cholesterol stones are composed of about 70 per cent cholesterol. Bile pigment stones are brittle and hard and brown or black. Stones cause gall duct obstruction, inflammation of the gall bladder and biliary colic.

Biliary colic can be one of the most excruciatingly painful conditions known.

Symptoms: extreme tenderness in upper right abdomen, dyspepsia, flatulence, vomiting, sweating, thirst, constipation. Prolonged obstruction leads to jaundice. Pain should be evaluated by a competent authority: doctor or hospital. Large stones will require surgery.

Alternatives. Combinations should include a remedy for increasing the flow of bile (cholagogue); to disperse wind (carminative); and for painful spasm.

BHP (1983) – Barberry, Greater Celandine, Balmony, Wahoo, Boldo, Chiretta, Dandelion.

Indicated: Cholagogues, Bitters to meet reduced secretion of bile. To prevent infection – Echinacea. Preventative measure for those with tendency to form stone – 2 Blue Flag root tablets/capsules, or half a teaspoon Glauber salts in morning tea, or 420mg Silymarin (Milk Thistle), daily.

Teas. Boldo, Black Horehound, Horsetail, Parsley Piert, Milk Thistle, Strawberry leaves, Wood Betony. Dr Hooper’s case: “An Indian Army officer suffered much from gall-stones and was advised to take Dandelion tea every day. Soon the symptoms left him and he remained free from them for over 20 years.” (John Clarke, MD)

Decoction. 1oz each: Milk Thistle, Centuary, Dandelion root, in 3 pints water. Bring to boil. Simmer down to 2 pints. Strain. One cup 3 times daily an hour before meals.

Tablets/capsules. Cramp bark (acute spasm). Wild Yam (spasmolytic and bile liquifier).

Powders. Equal parts: Cramp bark, Wahoo, Dandelion. Dose: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon) every 2 hours for acute cases.

Study. Silymarin 420mg daily on patients with a history of gall-stones. Results showed reduced biliary cholesterol concentrations and considerably reduced bile saturation index. (Nassuato, G. et al, Journal of Hepatology 1991, 12)

Captain Frank Roberts. Advises Olive oil and Lemon treatment (see below) followed by his prescription: Liquid Extract Fringe Tree 1oz (30ml); Liquid Extract Wahoo 1oz; Liquid Extract Kava- Kava 1oz; Liquid Extract Black root 1oz; Honey 2oz. Dose: teaspoon after meals – minimum 3 meals daily – in wineglass tepid water.

Liquid Extract Barberry: 20-60 drops in water every 2 hours.

Finlay Ellingwood MD. Liquid Extract Fringe Tree bark 10ml; Liquid Extract Greater Celandine 10ml; Tincture Gelsemium 5ml. Dose: 10 drops in water half hourly for acute cases.

Alfred Vogel. Suggests Madder root, Clivers and Knotgrass have solvent properties.

Juices believed to have solvent properties: Celery, Parsley, Beet, Carrot, Radish, Lemon, Watercress, Tomato.

Olive oil and Lemon treatment. Set aside a day for the operation. Take breakfast. No meals for the rest of the day. About 6pm commence by drinking 1 or 2 ounces of the oil. Follow with half-1 cup fresh Lemon juice direct from the fruit in a little warm water. Dilute no more than necessary. Alternate drinks of Olive oil and Lemon juice throughout the evening until one pint or more Olive oil, and juice of 8-9 Lemons been consumed. Drink at intervals of 10 minutes to half an hour. Following 3 days pass stools into a chamber and wash well in search for stones and ‘bile sand’.

Practitioner. For spasm on passing stone: Tincture Belladonna: 20 drops in 100ml water: 1 teaspoon hourly.

Compresses: hot wet. Castor oil packs, or hot water packs over painful area.

Enema. Strong Catmint tea – 2 pints.

Diet. Commence with 3 day juice-fast: no solid food. Turmeric used at table as a condiment. Avoid cheese, sugar. Vegetarian diet. Studies show those who eat meat are twice as likely to develop stone. Less saturated fat and more fibre. Vegetable margarine instead of butter. Dandelion coffee or juices in place of caffeine beverages. High vegetable protein; high carbohydrate; high fibre. Oats. Artichokes, honey, molasses, unrefined cereals. Vegetable oil in cooking.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin C, 2-3g. Vitamin E, 500iu. Choline 1g.

Note: Subjects with a sensitive skin who enjoyed sunbathing are at a raised risk of having gallstones. (Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health)

Gall-stones may form if weight is lost rapidly when on a low calorie diet. ... gall-stones

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

Headache, Common

 Usually due to muscular tension. Where persistent the underlying cause should be treated. Causes are many and varied including fevers, infected sinus cavities, kidney disorders, dental problems, thrombosis, neuralgias, nasal congestion, arteritis, pressure within the eyes, spread of pain from bones, etc.

See separate entry for migraine.

As indicated: relaxants, antispasmodics, hepatics (liver agents), laxatives. BHP (1983) recommends: Betony, Hops, St John’s Wort, Yerba Mate, Catmint, Passion flower, Jamaican Dogwood, Pulsatilla, Rosemary. A diuretic may release excess body fluid and surprisingly relieve headache as in pre-menstrual tension.

Frontal headache: Agnus Castus.

From eyestrain: Rue, Witch Hazel.

After heavy physical work: Ginseng.

Neuralgia of the skull: Gelsemium.

Low blood pressure: Gentian.

High blood pressure: Lime flowers.

Depressive conditions: Cola.

Pain, back of the head: Oats, Ladyslipper.

Pre-menstrual: Cramp bark, Agnus Castus.

Excess mental exertion: Rosemary.

Following anger: Sumbul.

In children: see CHILDREN’S COMPLAINTS.

Pain, top of head: Pulsatilla, Cactus.

Throbbing headache: Chamomile.

Sick headache: Blue Flag.

Tension headache: Skullcap, Betony, Passion flower.

Cluster headache, associated with shingles: Vervain, Skullcap.

Menstrual headache: see entry: MENSTRUAL HEADACHE.

Alternatives. Tea. Combine equal parts: Skullcap, Betony, Chamomile. 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Half-1 cup when necessary.

Decoction. Combine equal parts: Valerian, Blue Flag, Barberry bark. 1 teaspoon to each cup water gently simmered 20 minutes. Half-1 cup whens necessary.

Tablets/capsules. Blue Flag, Valerian, Chamomile, Passion flower.

Powders. Formula. Equal parts: Skullcap, Rosemary, Valerian. 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) when necessary.

Tinctures. Combine equal parts: Mistletoe, Valerian, Skullcap. One to two teaspoons in water every 3 hours as necessary.

Tincture Rosemary. 15-30 drops in water as necessary.

Practitioner. Tincture Gelsemium 5 drops to 100ml water (half cup) – 1 teaspoon hourly.

Traditional combination: Skullcap, Valerian, Mistletoe.

Topical. Hot footbaths. Cold compress to head.

Aromatherapy. Anoint forehead with few drops: Lavender, Chamomile, Rosemary, Mint, Balm, or Tiger Balm essential oils.

Diet. Low fat. Low salt. Avoid meats preserved in sodium nitrite (bacon, ham, red meats, etc). Supplementation. Vitamins A, B-complex, B6 (50mg), B12, C (up to 1 gram), E (up to 1000iu). Magnesium, Zinc. ... headache, common

Gonorrhoea

A venereal infection that may be acute or chronic. Affects the mucous membrane of the urethra in the male or the vagina in the female. Almost always the result of sexual contact. One million cases are reported in the United States annually and perhaps as many as two million go unreported. Causative organism: Neisseria Gonorrhoeae.

In the initial attack in the male bacteria produces inflammation, with pus, which spreads to the prostate gland and other organs. In women there may be a painful abscess at the opening of the vagina, with characteristic yellowish discharge. It is particularly destructive to the lining of the womb, Fallopian tubes and ovaries, producing sterility or miscarriage. A notifiable disease.

Symptoms occur from two to eight days with scalding pain on passing water; urgency, frequency, and irritation of the urethra. A profuse discharge sets in and the urine contains visible yellowish threads of pus as the bladder is affected. Inflammation is followed by fibrosis producing urethral stricture; narrowing of the canal makes the passing of water difficult in men and swelling of the prostate gland may result in acute retention of water. Glands in the groin may enlarge, suppurate. Abscess formation in various parts of the body. Infection of the eyes and pharynx possible through transferred infection.

If severe, valves of the heart may be affected (endocarditis). The chronic form is accompanied by rheumatic pains in the joints, especially knee, ankle and wrist. Untreated patients may remain anonymous carriers months before detection.

Alternatives. It was observed that on South Sea Islands where Kava Kava (piper methysticum) is a popular native remedy, gonorrhoea was rare. It was claimed that, used by the native doctors, it was capable of curing the disease in visiting sailors. Once given in combination with Black Cohosh and Marshmallow root.

Tincture Thuja. 5-10 drops thrice daily.

Sandalwood oil. 5-10 drops thrice daily.

Formula. Hydrangea 10; Black Cohosh 5; Gelsemium 1. If headache follows, reduce dose. Dose: 20 drops in water 2-hourly. If discharge does not lessen within 3 days give external douche: 10 drops Goldenseal in an ounce of Witch Hazel distilled extract, or rosewater to bladder and urethra. If a thin discharge prevails on the fifth day, add to each dose 5 drops Liquid Extract or 10 drops tincture Kava Kava. (Dr G.A. West, Ellingwood’s Physiomedicalist)

“I used Echinacea for gonorrhoea, both internally and by injection” writes Dr A.G. Smith, Washington, claiming success in recent and chronic cases.

Early Australian settlers used: Tea Tree oil internally (drop doses) and as a douche: 3-5 drops in half a pint boiled milk allowed to cool.

Powders. Formula. Kava Kava 2; Hydrangea 1; Cinnamon half. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one- third teaspoon) thrice daily.

Elderflower tea. If fever is present give abundant Elderflower tea. OR: 5-15 drops tincture Aconite BP. 2-3 times daily.

Diseases due to suppressed gonorrhoea (arthritis, etc): Liquid Extract Thuja, 5 drops thrice daily.

Eye infections from gonorrhoea, Great Celandine. (Priest)

For genital lesions, Tincture Myrrh and Goldenseal lotion: (20 drops each) to 1oz Evening Primrose oil. Thoroughly mix by shaking before external use.

Diet: Avoid alcohol, condiments and hot spicy foods, curries, etc which worsen the irritation.

Exercise: Avoid all violent exercise.

To be treated by STD specialist only. ... gonorrhoea

Heart – Nervous

Condition with no specific organic lesion present, but one in which palpitation or cardiac distress may be precipitated by nervous or emotional stimuli.

Alternatives. Neuralgia of the Heart: Lobelia.

Palpitation with sense of suffocation: Pulsatilla.

From physical exhaustion: Ginseng.

With rapid heart beat: Lily of the Valley, Gelsemium.

Tea. Equal parts, Valerian, Motherwort, Lime flowers. Mix. 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water allowed to cool. Drink cold 1 teacup 2 or 3 times daily.

Decoction. Equal parts, Valerian, Hawthorn, Mistletoe. Mix. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup water simmered gently for 20 minutes. 1 teacup 2 or 3 times daily.

Tablets/capsules. Hawthorn, Mistletoe, Motherwort. Valerian. Passion flower. Lobelia.

Formula. Equal parts: Hawthorn, Lily of the Valley, Mistletoe. Dose: Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures 2 teaspoons. Thrice daily.

Practitioner. Formula. Tincture Hawthorn 2; Tincture Gelsemium 1. Dose: 15-30 drops 2-3 times daily. Alternative formula. Tincture Valerian 2; Strophanthus 1. Dose: 15-30 drops thrice daily.

Diet. Oats (oatmeal porridge), low fat, low salt, high fibre. See also: DIET – HEART AND CIRCULATION. ... heart – nervous

Heatstroke

Sunstroke. Should not be confused with heat exhaustion.

Symptoms: skin hot, dry and flushed. High temperature and high humidity dispose. Sweating mechanism disorganised. Delirium, headache, shock, dizziness, possible coma, nausea, profuse sweating followed by absence of sweat causing skin to become hot and dry; rapid rise in body temperature, muscle twitching, tachycardia, dehydration.

Treatment. Hospital emergency. Reduce temperature by immersion of victim in bath of cold water. Wrap in a cold wet sheet. Lobelia, to equalise the circulation. Feverfew to regulate sweating mechanism. Yarrow to reduce temperature. Give singly or in combination as available.

Alternatives. Tea. Lobelia 1; Feverfew 2; Yarrow 2. Mix. 2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Half-1 cup freely. Vomiting to be regarded as favourable.

Tinctures. Combine: Lobelia 1; Pleurisy root 2; Valerian 1. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons in water every 2 hours. Decoction. Irish Moss; drink freely.

Practitioner. Tincture Gelsemium BPC (1973). Dose: 0.3ml (5 drops).

Alternate hot and cold compress to back of neck and forehead. Hot Chamomile footbath.

Diet. Irish Moss products. High salt. Abundant drinks of spring water.

Supplements. Kelp tablets, 2 thrice daily. Vitamin C (1g after meals thrice daily). Vitamin E (one 500iu capsule morning and evening).

Vitamin C for skin protection. Increasing Vitamin C after exposure to the sun should help protect against the sun’s ultra violet rays, as skin Vitamin C levels were shown to be severely depleted after exposure. (British Journal of Dermatology 127, 247-253) ... heatstroke

Herpes Zoster

Shingles. An acute inflammatory virus infection of one or more posterior root ganglion of the spine, or of the trigeminal nerve. Caused by a DNA virus (varicella zoster). May be due to re-activation of the chicken-pox virus which lies latent in the ganglia of sensory and somatic nerves and present in the body from childhood infection. Severe in the elderly. Should be distinguished from herpes simplex. Shingles cannot be re-activated by close proximity of a case, but may be caught by direct contact with a burst blister.

Symptoms: Two-to-four-day fever precedes a red rash which develops into clear blisters. Blisters dry up to form scabs that drop off leaving scars. Lesions and pain follow the path of the infected nerve. Pain described as intense, burning, itching: may persist for months as post-herpetic neuralgia. When virus affects the fifth cranial nerve vision will be impaired. In the elderly it may reveal some underlying malignancy. Patients having chemotherapy or radiotherapy are at risk.

Alternatives. Specific anti-viral therapy. Remedies in general use: Asafoetida, Jamaica Dogwood, Marigold, Mistletoe, Nettles, Passion flower, Poke root, Queen’s Delight, Valerian, Wild Lettuce, Wild Yam. St John’s Wort plays a role in reducing the long-lasting neuralgia. Echinacea imparts strength to endure the ordeal. The addition of a stomachic remedy (Gentian) to a prescription may prove beneficial. Mild short-term analgesics include: Oats, Valerian, Asafoetida, Passion flower, Wild Lettuce, Hops.

Tea. Formula. Equal parts: Oats, Nettles, St John’s Wort.

Decoction. Formula. Echinacea root 2; Valerian half; St John’s Wort 1.

Tablets. Formula. Hops BHP (1983) 45mg; Passion flower BHP (1983) 100mg; Extract Valerian 5:1 20mg. (Gerard 99)

Powders. Combine: Echinacea 2; Jamaican Dogwood 1; Gentian root 1. 500mg (two 00 capsules or one- third teaspoon) thrice daily.

Tinctures. Alternatives. (1) Formula. Equal parts Goldenseal and Lupulin (Hops). Or, (2) Formula. Queen’s Delight 1; Valerian quarter; Goldenseal quarter; Asafoetida quarter. Dose: 1 teaspoon in water thrice daily.

Practitioner. Tincture Gelsemium: 5 drops (0.3ml) in water, as indicated, for pain.

Formula. Liquid Extract Hops, half an ounce; Liquid Extract Echinacea, 1oz; Tincture Goldenseal, 30 drops; Tincture Rhubarb BP, 1oz. Essence of Peppermint 20 drops. Water to 8oz. Dose: 2 teaspoons in water after meals. (Arthur Barker, FNIMH)

Topical. Aloe Vera. Houseleek – fresh juice or pulp. Evening Primrose oil. Wash with decoction of seaweed (Bladderwrack, Kelp): follow with Zinc and Castor oil cream or ointment. Slippery Elm made into a paste (powder mixed with few teaspoons of milk): apply after cleaning with Olive oil. Castor oil compress. Dilute Tea Tree oil. Ice-cube – 10 minutes on, 5 minutes off.

Russian study. Liquorice powder ointment.

Diet: Oatmeal porridge. Muesli with oats. Yoghurt. Wholefoods.

Supplementation. One high potency multivitamin daily. Anti-herpes amino acid L-lysine; one 500mg tablet, twice daily. Vitamin B12, 10mg daily. Upon relief, reduce L-lysine to one daily. (Dr L. Mervyn) Minerals: Calcium, Selenium, Zinc.

Self-Care. Resist temptation to touch sores. No sharing of face cloths, towels, etc.

Note: The chicken-pox virus is believed to lie dormant in nerve cells around the spine for many years, after people catch the childhood infection. Virgorous massage of the spine may trigger an attack by activating the dormant virus.

Information. Herpes Association, 41 North Road, London N7 9DP, UK. Send SAE. ... herpes zoster

Homoeopathy

A medical doctrine teaching that drugs capable of producing disease symptoms in a healthy person can, in infinitesimal doses, cure the same group of symptoms met in a particular disease.

Hippocrates was aware of the universal law similia similibus curentur (like cures like). He taught that some diseases were cured by similars, and others by contraries. Stahl (1738) was also aware of this law of healing: “diseases will yield to and be cured by remedies that produce a similar affection”. But it was Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843) who proved to the world this doctrine held the key to the selection of specifically acting medicines. His early experiments with nux vomica, arnica, ignatia and veratrum showed how the medicine which cured produced a similar condition in healthy people.

While no one has yet discovered the ‘modus operandi’ of the science, it has grown up largely through empiric experience, especially during certain historical epidemics in different parts of the world. For example, in 1836 cholera raged through most of the cities of Austria. Orthodox medicine could do little.

Out of desperation, the Government commissioned the aid of homoeopathy. A crude hospital was hastily prepared and patients admitted. Results convinced the most hardened sceptics. Physician-in-charge, Dr Fleischman, lost only 33 per cent, whereas other treatments showed a death rate of over 70 per cent.

It is said that reduction of inflammatory fevers by homoeopathic Aconite, Gelsemium, Baptisia and Belladonna played no small part in reducing the practice of blood-letting in the early 19th century.

Since Hahneman, homoeopathy has been the object of intense professional bitterness by its opponents but since the 1968 Medicines Act (UK) provision has been made for homoeopathic treatment on the “National Health Service”. Conversion of medical opinion has been gradual and today many registered medical practitioners also use the therapy.

“It is the general theory that the process of dilution and succussion (a vigorous shaking by the hand or by a machine) “potentises” a remedy.

“To prepare. A remedy is first prepared in solution as a “mother tincture”. In the decimal system of dilution a small quantity is then diluted ten times by the addition of nine parts by volume of diluent – either alcohol or water and then shaken vigorously by hand or machine (succussion). A small quantity of this is then diluted to one tenth and succussed a second time; this process is repeated again and again, producing solutions identified as 3x, 6x, 30x according to the number of times diluted. It may even be continued a thousand times (1 M). The resulting solutions are adsorbed on to an inert tablet or granules, usually of lactose, and in this form it is claimed that they remain therapeutically active indefinitely.

“For higher dilutions the centesimal system is used, when each dilution is by 1 in 100. The resulting solutions or tablets are referred to as 3C, 6C, 12C etc according to the number of times diluted.

“When dealing with a remedy which is insoluble, e.g. Carbo Veg, the first three dilutions and succussions are done in powder form, i.e. to “3x” beyond which the remedy is sufficiently soluble for further dilutions to proceed in liquid form.

“In homoeopathy a remedy may in some cases be given in a dilution so great that no single molecule of the original substance remains. The concept of “memory laden” water implies that the effect lies in a pattern impressed on the water molecules and that this is carried over from one dilution to the next.” (John Cosh MD., FRCP)

Homoeopathic medicines can stand most tests for safety, since it is widely held that they are completely safe and non-addictive, with no side-effects. ... homoeopathy

Hypotensive

Hypotensor. A herb used to reduce blood pressure. Ganglionic blocking agent. There is no clear demarcation between normal and abnormal blood pressure. It varies widely in any individual under different circumstances such as cold, emotion and food. Arterial pressure rises with age. It is now shown that ‘resting pressure’ decides risks of complications, or a fall in life expectancy. Insurance companies have ruled the limits of normal blood pressure as 140mmHg systolic, and 90mmHg diastolic pressure, approximately. Hypotensive drugs may be responsible for cardiac risks of potassium loss. The herbal clinician discovers that herbs used for high blood pressure usually conserve potassium and that heart failure due to potassium loss is reduced, with no known side-effects.

Black Haw, Buckwheat, Chervil, Garlic, Gelsemium, Hawthorn, Lime flower, Mistletoe, Valerian, Yarrow. ... hypotensive

Hysteria

A mild form of neurosis which cannot be defined as mental illness. Often related to an individual’s personality and which may manifest as physical illness. Children may demand attention and display exaggerated behaviour. Sometimes a person may have ‘hysterics’, usually in the presence of others. Unresolved sexual tension may predispose (Agnus Castus).

Symptoms. May be many and varied; acute outbreaks of temper tantrums (Valerian); episodes of self-pity, paranoia; apparent paralysis; preparing for examinations. Subjects may be in constant need of reassurance. May be associated with loss of speech, muscle weakness, migraine, backache, ‘pain-in-the- neck’. Painful menses (Raspberry leaves, Motherwort).

Alternatives. General practice: Asafoetida, Betony, Cowslip, Hyssop, Lime flowers, Passion flower, Pulsatilla, Rosemary, Skullcap, Valerian, Vervain BHP (1983). Blue Cohosh, Oats, Ladies Slipper, Mistletoe. (Priest)

Combination: Blue Cohosh, Squaw Vine, Wild Yam. (Priest)

Tea: Mix, equal parts: Betony, Skullcap, Lime flowers. 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup freely.

Traditional. Equal parts, Skullcap, Valerian and Mistletoe. Mix. 1-2 teaspoons to each cup water. Bring to boil; remove vessel when boiling point is reached. Half-1 cup thrice daily.

Formula. Black Cohosh 2; Liquorice 1; Asafoetida quarter. Doses: Powders: 375mg (quarter of a teaspoon). Liquid Extracts: 15-30 drops. Tinctures: 30-60 drops. In water or honey, thrice daily. Antispasmodic Drops.

Serious cases: Lobelia tea enema.

Practitioner: Liquid Extract Gelsemium, 1-3 drops, in water, when necessary.

Local. Hot foot bath. Cold water to head. Loosen tight clothing. Divert blood from the brain. Electric blanket. ... hysteria

Influenza

La grippe. An acute contagious viral infection. There are three distinct antigenic types, A, B and C. Droplet infection. Incubation period 48 hours.

Symptoms: chill, shivering, headache, sore throat, weakness, tiredness, dry cough, aching muscles and joints, body temperature rise, fever. Virus tends to change, producing new strains.

Influenza lowers the body’s resistance to infection. For stomach influenza, see: GASTROENTERITIS. Effects of influenza may last for years.

Treatment. (Historical) One of the most virulent strains of history was during the outbreak after World War I. The American Eclectic School of physicians treated successfully with: 5 drops Liquid Extract Lobelia, 5 drops Liquid Extract Gelsemium, and 10 drops Liquid Extract Bryonia. Distilled water to 4oz. 1 teaspoon 4-5 times daily.

Bedrest. Drink plenty of fluids (herb teas, fruit juices). Hot bath at bedtime.

Alternatives. Teas. Elderflowers and Peppermint, Yarrow, Boneset, Pleurisy root.

Tablets/capsules. Lobelia, Cinnamon.

Potter’s Peerless Composition Essence.

Powders. Cinnamon, with pinch of Cayenne.

Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) every 2 hours.

Formula. Lobelia 2; Pleurisy root 1; Peppermint quarter; Valerian half. Dose: Liquid Extracts: one 5ml teaspoon. Tinctures: two 5ml teaspoons. Acute cases: every 2 hours in hot water. On remission of temperature: thrice daily.

Nurse Ethel Wells, FNIMH. Half an ounce each: Elderflowers, Yarrow, White Horehound, Peppermint, Boneset. Infuse 2 tablespoons in 1 pint boiling water in a clean teapot. Drink teacupful at bedtime and the remainder, cold, in teacupful doses the following day.

Inhalant. Aromatherapy: 5 drops each, Niaouli, Pine and Eucalyptus oils in bowl of hot water; inhale steam with head covered. See also: FRIAR’S BALSAM. 4 drops Peppermint oil in bath.

Diet. 3-day fast, where possible, with herb teas and fruit juices.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin A 7,500iu. Vitamin C 3g. ... influenza

Insomnia

Inability to sleep. During sleep the central nervous system is at rest. One-third of every day should be spent in this form of recovery.

Causes: these are many and varied, including low blood glucose levels, excessive tea, coffee, Cola or other stimulants, cold, heat, cough, anxiety, depression. Sleep tends to decline with age, and is a cause of restless leg syndrome.

Alternatives. Transient insomnia: Roman Chamomile, Betony, Cowslip flowers, Hops, Balm, Passion flower, Skullcap, Vervain, Valerian. Ginseng. Lime flowers.

Chronic insomnia: Jamaica Dogwood, Ladyslipper, Valerian. Wild Lettuce, Mistletoe, Californian Poppy.

Tea. Any one of the above. Teas, medicines, etc may be sweetened with honey.

Maria Treben tea. Combine parts: Cowslip flowers 10; Lavender 5; St John’s Wort 2; Hops 3; Valerian 1. 1 heaped teaspoon to cup boiling water; infuse 3 minutes. Sip, warm, before sleep.

Dr A. Vogel. (Dormeason) sleeping drops; parts: Balm 40; Oats 38; Passion flower 10; Hops 9; Valerian 2; Hop grains (lupulin) 1. Dose: 10-15 drops.

Insomnia from wind. Tea: Equal parts, Lime flowers, Passion flower, Spearmint. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water: infuse 15 minutes. Half-1 cup freely.

Tablets. Motherwort formula. Pulverised Passiflora BHP (1983) 90mg, Pulverised Extract Motherwort 4:1 50mg, Pulverised Extract Lime flowers 3:1 67mg. (Gerard House)

Lobelia: 2 tablets at bedtime.

Tinctures. Formula. Equal parts: Passion flower, Valerian, Jamaica Dogwood. 1 teaspoon in warm water at bedtime, and again for restlessness during the night. OR:– Skullcap. 1:1 in 25 per cent alcohol. 15-60 drops in water at bedtime.

Tincture. 1oz Passion flower herb steeped in 1 pint white wine 14 days. Shake daily. Filter. Dose: 1 wineglassful when necessary. On failure to sleep, repeat after half hour of dose.

Aromatherapy. Hot bath to which 10 drops oil of Lavender is added.

Insomnia from pain: Jamaica Dogwood.

Insomnia from nervous excitability: Chamomile, Vervain, Valerian.

Practitioner: desperate cases: equal parts Tinctures Gelsemium and Valerian. 10 drops hour before retiring.

Diet. Breakfast porridge oats. Avoid caffeine-containing drinks: tea, coffee, cola, cocoa and heavy meals in the evening. Honey drink at bedtime: 2 teaspoons honey in hot milk.

Supplementation: Vitamins, B-complex, B6, B12, Niacin, C, D. Calcium.

Complementary: Hot bath.

Notes. No caffeine drinks at bedtime. Deep-breathing exercises. Ensure bedroom is not too hot or cold. Keep regular hours for sleeping periods. A quiet room and a warm bed. If after one week sleep is still absent, a practitioner should be consulted. ... insomnia

Jamaica Dogwood

Fish poison bark. Piscidia Erythrina L. German: Kornelbaum. French: Cornouiller. Spanish: Corniro. Italian: Corniola. Part used: root bark.

Constituents: piscidin, calcium oxalate, isoflavones, organic acids.

Action: sedative, antispasmodic, nerve relaxant, mild analgesic, hypnotic, antitussive, anti-inflammatory. Synergy: action resembles Wild Yam, Black Haw, Pulsatilla, Bryonia, Black Cohosh and Gelsemium regarding nerve symptoms.

Uses: Infantile hyperactivity, brain excitability, nervous instability, neuralgia, insomnia from excess coffee or mental activity, toothache, spasm of the womb, migraine.

Combines well with Valerian and Hops for over-excitability and sleeplessness. Preparations. Thrice daily.

Dried root bark. 2-4g or in decoction.

Liquid extract BPC 1934. (1:1 60 per cent alcohol). Dose: 2-8ml.

Tincture. 1 part to 5 parts alcohol (45 per cent). Dose: 5-15ml.

Tablets/capsules. The remedy is frequently combined with Valerian, Skullcap, Black Cohosh and Cayenne for nerve weakness and tension.

Not given in pregnancy or weak heart. ... jamaica dogwood

Labour

If the mother has avoided over-eating heavy rich foods, an excess of meat, alcohol, domestic tea and coffee; and if she has drunk Raspberry leaf tea with Squaw Vine drops for the last three months, her delivery is likely to be easy and without incident. When labour commences let cupfuls of warm Raspberry leaf tea with a little Composition, Red Pepper or Ginger, be taken every 20 minutes. If contractions are strong, the stimulants Composition, Red Pepper and Ginger may not be needed.

Oxytocic herbs for sustaining vigorous contractions are effective and may be used when necessary. Chief among them is Goldenseal (which is never used during pregnancy); dose, Liquid Extract 5 drops in water, or honey, every 20 minutes. A number of Indian tribes including the Potawatomis, held Blue Cohosh in high esteem, as an effective parturient. Dose: same as for Goldenseal.

False labour pains: Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Black Horehound, Cramp bark, Motherwort, Helonias, Valerian, Wild Lettuce, Wild Yam.

Premature labour pains: Black Horehound, Blue Cohosh, Motherwort, Black Haw bark BHP (1983). Prolonged labour: to relax os. Feverfew, Lobelia, Ladyslipper, Blue Cohosh.

Practitioner use: Tincture Gelsemium 5 drops.

Labour contractions alarmingly inefficient: Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh.

Post partum haemorrhage. To be given before completion of delivery: Marigold, Witch Hazel, Bayberry, Goldenseal. Dr T.J. Lyle strongly advises Beth root. ... labour

Liver – Cirrhosis

A disease of the liver with hardened and fibrotic patches. Scar tissue obstructs the flow of blood through the liver, back pressure causing damage. As they wear out liver cells are not renewed.

Causes: damage from gall-stones, aftermath of infections, drugs; the commonest is alcohol. Usually made up of three factors: toxaemia (self-poisoning), poor nutrition, infective bacteria or virus.

Symptoms. Loss of appetite, dyspepsia, low grade fever, nosebleeds, lethargy, spidery blood vessels on face, muscular weakness, jaundice, loss of sex urge, redness of palms of hands, unable to lie on left side. Mechanical pressure may cause dropsy and ascites. Alcohol-induced cirrhosis correlates with low phospholipid levels.

Treatment. Bitter herbs are a daily necessity to keep the bile fluid and flowing. Among other agents, peripheral vaso-dilators are indicated. Regulate bowels.

Teas. Balmony, Milk Thistle, Boldo, Bogbean. Dandelion coffee. Barberry tea (cold water). Tablets/capsules. Calamus, Blue Flag, Wild Yam.

Formula. Wahoo 2; Wild Yam 1; Blue Flag root 1. Dose: Liquid Extracts: one 5ml teaspoon. Tinctures: two 5ml teaspoons. Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Thrice daily.

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum). Based on its silymarin contents: 70-210mg, thrice daily.

Practitioner. For pain. Tincture Gelsemium: 5-10 drops in water when necessary.

Enema. Constipation may be severe for which warm water injection should be medicated with few drops Tincture Myrrh.

Diet. High protein, high starch, low fat. Reject alcohol. Accept: Dandelion coffee, artichokes, raw onion juice, turmeric as a table spice.

Lecithin. Soy-derived lecithin to antidote alcohol-induced cirrhosis. (Study: Bronx Veterans Affairs Medical Center & Mount Sinai Hospital School of Medicine, New York City)

Supplements. B-complex, B12, C (1g), K, Magnesium, Zinc.

Treatment by or in liaison with a general medical practitioner or gastro-enterologist. ... liver – cirrhosis

Lumbago

Low back pain is responsible for loss of millions of working hours. Acute or chronic persistent pain in the sacroiliac, lumbar or lumbo-sacral areas.

Causes: referred pain from a disordered abdominal organ, displacement of pelvis, lumbosacral spine, slipped disc and lumbar spondylosis. See: LUMBAR INTERVERTEBRAL DISC PROLAPSE.

Paget’s disease or lumbago not associated with sciatica (radiating pain down the back of the leg via the sciatic nerve).

Symptoms. Local tenderness, reduced range of movement, muscle spasm. Usually better by rest; worse by movement.

Differential diagnosis: exclude other pelvic disorders such as structural bony displacements, infection from other organs, carcinoma of the womb or prostate gland. Pain in the small of the back may indicate kidney disease or stone. See: KIDNEY DISEASE, GYNAECOLOGICAL PROBLEMS.

Frequent causes: varicosities of the womb and pelvis. These are identical to varicose veins elsewhere, venous circulation being congested. Pressure on a vein from the ovaries may manifest as lumbago – treatment is the same as for varicose veins.

Root cause of the pain should be traced where possible. As most cases of backache defy accurate diagnosis the following general treatments are recommended. For more specific treatments, reference should be made to the various subdivisions of rheumatic disorders. See: RHEUMATIC AND ARTHRITIC DISORDERS, ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS, etc.

Alternatives. Barberry (commended by Dr Finlay Ellingwood), Black Cohosh, Bogbean, Buchu, Burdock, Celery, Devil’s Claw, Horsetail, St John’s Wort (tenderness of spine to the touch), White Willow, Wild Yam (muscle spasm).

Celery tea. Barberry tea. See entries.

Decoction. Formula. White Willow 3; Wild Yam 2; Juniper half; Valerian half. Prepare: 3 heaped 5ml teaspoons to 1 pint (500ml) water; simmer gently 15-20 minutes. Dose: 1 wineglassful (100ml or 3fl oz) thrice daily.

Tablets/capsules. Black Cohosh, Celery, Devil’s Claw, Wild Yam, Ligvites.

Formula. Devil’s Claw 2; Black Cohosh 1; Valerian 1; Juniper half. Mix. Dose: Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. Action is enhanced where dose is taken in cup Dandelion coffee, otherwise a little water.

Practitioner. Tincture Black Cohosh 4; Tincture Arnica 1. Mix. Dose: 10-20 drops, thrice daily. Black Cohosh and Arnica are two of the most positive synergists known to scientific herbalism. Both are specific for striped muscle tissue. Common disorders of the voluntary muscles quickly respond. (James A. Cannon MD, Pickens, SC, USA)

Practitioner: alternative. Tincture Gelsemium. 10 drops to 100ml water; dose, 1 teaspoon every 2 hours. Topical. Castor oil pack at night. Warm fomentations of Lobelia and Hops. Warm potato poultice. Cayenne salve. Camphorated, Jojoba or Evening Primrose oil. Lotion: equal parts tinctures: Lobelia, Ragwort and St John’s Wort; mix: 10-20 drops on cotton wool or suitable material and applied to affected area. Arnica lotion. Wintergreen.

Chiropractic technique. Ice and low back pain. Patient lies on his stomach with two pillows under abdomen, the low back in an arched position. Apply ice-bag or packet of peas from the freezer on top of lumbar area; pillow on top to hold ice firm. Patient not to lie or sit on ice-pack.

Diet. Oily fish.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin B-complex, Vitamin C (500mg); Vitamin D 500iu; Vitamin E (400iu). Dolomite. Niacin.

Supportives. Bedrest in acute stage. Diathermy. Spinal support. Relaxation techniques to reduce muscle tension. ... lumbago

Malaria

Notifiable disease. The world’s No 1 public health enemy. Affects 108 nations. Still kills millions of people each year. Probably has claimed more lives than all the wars of history. In the 1960s was believed to have been eradicated but has made a dramatic reappearance due to the malaria-carrying mosquito’s resistance to insecticides. Few modern drugs have proved a match for malaria; quinine drugs of proven reliability still used. Quinine (Peruvian bark) has a history of safety and efficacy.

The disease is transmitted by the anopheles protozoa. Old cases present with fever, jaundice, diarrhoea and confusion.

Symptoms: incubation 2-5 weeks. Onset sudden, with shivering and high fever (104°F), headache, vomiting. Symptoms recur every 2-3 days. Blood sample examination confirms.

Treatment. Drugs once useful in the fight against malaria are losing their effectiveness. Drug resistance becomes a major problem; in which case the remedies of antiquity have something to offer.

Alternatives. Yarrow was once regarded as the Englishman’s Quinine. Nettle tea (Dr Compton Burnett). Prickly Ash (Ellingwood). Barberry, Chiretta, Peruvian bark BHP (1983). Mountain Grape (Berberis aquifolium) (Ellingwood). Wild Indigo, cases of extreme prostration (Dr Wm Boericke).

Sweet Wormwood. The Chinese Qing Hao (Artemisia annua) proved beneficial for millennia before Quinine arrived on the scene. Its re-discovery by Professor Nelson is declared ‘very effective’.

Formula. Liquid Extracts: Boneset 1; Yarrow 1; Barberry half; Valerian half. Few drops Tincture Capsicum. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons every 2 hours.

Malaria was rife in parts of America, especially Arkansus. During the Civil War it was difficult to obtain Quinine and various alternatives were tried. Where symptoms of chills and intermittent fever presented, Gelsemium gained considerable reputation as a substitute, also as a preventative. A favourite prescription was three drops tincture in a little brandy every 2-3 hours before the chill, and repeated every hour.

Dr M.H. Grannell, Sinaloa, Mexico. “I do not doubt that I treat more malaria than any other five physicians in the United States. My sole remedy, unless other indications present themselves, is Gelsemium. I give the following with never-failing results: 30 drops Tincture Gelsemium in 4oz water. Dose: 1 teaspoon hourly.” (Ellingwood, June 1920)

Thomas Nuttall, botanist. In 1819, when on tour in Arkansus, relieved a malarial attack with decoction of Boneset.

David Hoffman, MNIMH. 1 teaspoon Peruvian bark in each cup boiling water; infuse 30 minutes. Thrice daily.

Diet. 3-day fast.

Treatment by or in liaison with a general medical practitioner. ... malaria

Meningitis

Cerebrospinal fever. Inflammation of the pia mater and arachnoid covering of the brain and spinal cord. A notifiable disease. Hospitalisation. Diagnosis is difficult without a lumbar puncture. Caused by a wide range of virus, bacteria, protozoa and fungi. Three most common bacterial causes in England and Wales are N. Meningotidis, H. influenzae and streptococcus-like infection with sore throat; then fever, vomiting, headache and mental confusion; half-open eyes when asleep, delirium, sensitive to light, possibly drifting into coma. Sometimes onset is gradual over 2-3 weeks. Treatment by hospital specialist.

Poor housing and passive smoking suspected. Its association with non-germ meningitis, and inflammatory drugs is well recognised. Also caused by injury or concussion.

Commence by cleansing bowel with Chamomile enema.

Cerebrospinal relaxants indicated: Passion flower (cerebral), Black Cohosh (meningeal), Ladyslipper (spinal meningeal). (A.W. & L.R. Priest)

If patient is cold, give Cayenne pepper in honey to promote brisk circulation.

Aconite and Gelsemium. “For irritation of the meninges of the brain and spinal cord Aconite is indispensible. Combined with Gelsemium for restlessness it is an exceptional remedy. Tincture Aconite (5-15 drops) with Gelsemium (3-10 drops) hourly. Also used in combination with other agents as may be dictated by the course of the disease. (W.W. Martin MD., Kirksville, Mo., USA)

Crawley root. Decoction: 1 teaspoon to half a pint water, simmer 20 minutes. Dose: 1 teaspoon or more 3-4 times daily for children over 6 months. A powerful diaphoretic and sedative. (Dr Baker, Adrian, Michigan, USA)

Lobelia and Echinacea. Equal parts, Liquid Extract 30 drops in water every 3 hours. (Dr Finlay Ellingwood)

Lobelia, alone. Hypodermic injections of Lobelia in five cases of epidemic spinal meningitis, with complete recovery in every case. Dose: 10 drops hourly until symptoms abate, then twice daily. (Dr A.E. Collyer, Ellingwood Therapeutist)

Ecclectic School. Echinacea commended.

Before the Doctor comes. As onset is rapid, often less than 5 hours, an anti-inflammatory is justified. Teas or decoctions from any of the following: Catmint (Catnep), Prickly Ash berries, Pleurisy root, Boneset, Wild Cherry bark, Bugleweed (Virginian), Ladyslipper. When temperature abates and patient feels better: Chamomile tea or cold Gentian decoction with pinch Cayenne.

Hydrotherapy. Hot baths make patient feel worse. Sponge down with cold water.

Protective throat spray: equal parts, Tincture Myrrh and Tincture Goldenseal.

Protective gargle: 10-20 drops Tincture Myrrh and Goldenseal to glass of water.

Garlic. Dr Yan Cai, Department of Neurology, Ren Ji Hospital (affiliated to Shanghai Second Medical University), China, referred to the extensive use of Garlic in Chinese folk medicine and his hospital’s experience with Garlic products – diallyl trisulphide in particular – to treat viral infections including crypotococcal meningitis for which disease results were impressive.

Garlic appears to be a reliable preventative.

Diet. Fast as long as temperature is elevated; with fruit juices, red beet juice, carrot juice or herb teas. Note. GPs and other practitioners may help stop meningitis claiming lives by giving massive doses of Echinacea before they are admitted to hospital.

Note: The infection is often difficult to diagnose. At the end of each year (November and December) when the peak in cases approaches, every feverish patient with headache should be suspected, especially where accompanied by stiff neck.

The above entry is of historic interest only; more effective orthodox treatment being available. ... meningitis

Migraine

Recurring headache commencing with constriction of blood vessels of the brain, followed by expansion which allows engorgement of vessels. Single or double-sided. With nausea, vomiting, speech difficulties, visual disturbances, emotional stress, tension.

“Half of all migraine patients suffer from anxiety, and one in five experiences depression,” according to a study carried out at Manchester University. (Dr Jennifer Devlen)

Causes: many and varied. Alcohol, excess coffee and caffeine stimulants, gluten food allergies, dairy products, chocolate, citrus fruits. Related to carbohydrate metabolism. May be associated with menstruation or emotional disturbance, nervous or physical fatigue; liver, stomach or kidney disturbance, or The Pill.

Symptoms: temporary blindness, or sight may be only half the visual field. Flashing lights, throbbing headache, loud noises worsen, nausea, vomiting, depression.

Treatment. In the initial (constrictive) stage any of the following simple teas may resolve: German Chamomile, Betony, Skullcap, Wild Thyme, Valerian.

Where the condition has progressed to vasodilation (engorgement of cerebral blood vessels) give any of the following alternatives. Whilst the requirements of each individual case is observed, inclusion of a remedy for stomach and liver may enhance efficacy. Sometimes a timely diuretic to reduce volume of the blood aborts an attack.

Associated with menstrual disorders: Agnus Castus, Evening Primrose oil.

Tea: Formula. (1) Equal parts: Betony, Valerian, Dandelion root. (2) Alfalfa 1; Valerian half; Hops quarter. One heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Half-1 cup 2-3 times daily. Formula. Skullcap 2; Mistletoe 1; Hops half. Dose: Liquid Extracts: 1-2 teaspoons. Tinctures: 1-3 teaspoons. Powders: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon) 2-3 times daily.

Valerian. German traditional.

Feverfew. 2-3 fresh leaves on bread. Tincture (or essence) 5-10 drops.

Practitioner: Tincture Gelsemium, BPC (1963) 5 drops.

Diet: Fruit juice fast. Oily fish. Hay diet. Salt-free.

Vitamins. A. B-complex, B6, B12, C (up to 1000mg). E, Niacin.

Minerals. Manganese, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc.

Rose-tinted glasses. Ophthalmology Department, Birmingham University.

Information. British Migraine Association, 178A High Road, West Byfleet, Surrey KT14 7ED. Send SAE. ... migraine

Neuralgia, Facial

 Trigeminal Neuralgia. Severe lancing pain along one or more branches of the fifth cranial nerve.

Causes include: dental problems, ill-fitting dentures, laughing, yawning, bad teeth.

Symptoms: nervous exhaustion, contracted pupils, flushed face.

Alternatives. Black Cohosh, Cactus, Celery seed, Bogbean, Chamomile, Lady’s Slipper, Ginseng, Hops, Jamaica Dogwood, White Willow, Wild Lettuce, Skullcap, St John’s Wort, Valerian.

Tea. Combine equal parts: Chamomile, Hops, Skullcap. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-10 minutes. 1 cup freely.

Decoction. Combine: Rosemary 2; Ladyslipper 1; Jamaica Dogwood 1.1 heaped teaspoon to each cup water gently simmered 20 minutes. Half-1 cup every 2-3 hours.

Tablets. Passion flower. Ginseng. St John’s Wort, White Willow.

Formula. Equal parts: Jamaica Dogwood, Wild Lettuce, Valerian. Dose: Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Thrice daily.

Cayenne pepper (Capsicum). Frequently successful.

Practitioner. Tincture Gelsemium BPC (1973). Dose: 0.3ml (5 drops).

Topical. Poultice: Chamomile, Hops, Linseed or Bran. Acute cases (cold), chronic cases (hot). Grated or bruised Horseradish root. Evening Primrose oil. Hot cider vinegar. Tincture Arnica or Hypericum. Aromatherapy. 2 drops each: Juniper, Lavender, Chamomile to 2 teaspoons vegetable oil. Light massage. Diet, and supplements. Same as for general neuralgia. Australian researchers found that hot curries and spices actually trigger the trigeminal nerve causing a burning sensation. ... neuralgia, facial

Neuralgia, Intercostal

 Pain along a sensory nerve serving the chest, without loss of sensation and power of movement. Differs from neuritis in which nerves are inflamed.

Causes: all kinds of infective diseases. Rheumatism, bad teeth, bony spinal lesions, gall stone, liver disorder, thickening of pleura, fractured ribs, shingles – see: SHINGLES. In simple cases a cup of Chamomile tea may suffice. Persistent cases require one of the following alternatives.

Alternatives. Decoction. Combine equal parts: Black Cohosh, Jamaica Dogwood (or White Willow), Pleurisy root. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup water gently simmered 20 minutes. Half-1 cup thrice daily. Formula. Cramp bark 2; Black Cohosh 1; Valerian 1. Pinch of Cayenne or few drops Tincture Capsicum. Dose: Liquid Extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one- third teaspoon). Thrice daily.

Neuralgia associated with bronchi and lung: Formula: Cramp bark 2; Pleurisy root 2; Liquorice half. Dose: as above.

Practitioner. Tincture Gelsemium BPC (1973). 0.3ml (5 drops) in water as necessary.

Dr Finlay Ellingwood. Tincture Pleurisy root (Asclepias). 20 drops, every 2 hours.

Topical. Poultice: Chamomile, Hops, Linseed or Bran. Acute cases (cold), chronic cases (hot). Grated or bruised Horseradish root. Evening Primrose oil. Hot Cider vinegar. Tincture Arnica or Hypericum. Aromatherapy. 2 drops each: Juniper, Lavender, Chamomile, to 2 teaspoons vegetable oil. Massage. Diet, vitamins, minerals. Same as for general neuralgia. Cold water packs. ... neuralgia, intercostal

Neuritis

Inflammation or deterioration of a nerve, usually peripheral. Peripheral neuritis. When more than one nerve is involved it is known as polyneuritis which may occur in various parts of the body. Causes: injuries, bone fractures, alcoholism, viral infection, Vitamin B12 deficiency, diabetes. Nerves become inflamed when poisons are taken into the body in the form of lead, mercury, arsenic and other heavy metals. Gout, leukaemia, and infectious diseases generally, may leave a legacy of polyneuritis. The neuritis of beri-beri is due to lack of Vitamin B1 (thiamine). Neuritis of the optic nerve – Gelsemium. Symptoms. Swelling, redness and pain in affected area. When squeezed, muscles are tender. Knee-jerks and other reflexes may be lost. ‘Pins and needles’.

Treatment. Appropriate to all types. To enhance growth of new nerve fibres as well as to assuage pain. Alternatives. Catnep (inflammation), Chamomile, Cramp bark, Gelsemium, Ginseng, Fringe Tree bark, Ladyslipper, Hops, Oats, Valerian, Wild Yam.

Tea. Combine equal parts: Catnep, Skullcap, Chamomile. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup freely.

Decoction. Combine equal parts: Cramp bark, Valerian. One heaped teaspoon to each cup water gently simmered 10-20 minutes. Half-1 cup thrice daily.

Tablets/capsules. Chamomile, Cramp bark, Ginseng, Skullcap, Valerian.

Powders. Combine, Cramp bark 1; Liquorice half; Valerian half; Wild Yam half. Dose: 500mg thrice daily.

Liquid extracts. Combine: Chamomile 1oz; Hops half an ounce; Skullcap 60 drops; Cramp bark 1oz; water to 8oz. Dose: 2 teaspoons in water after meals. (A. Barker)

Tinctures. Formula: Cramp bark 3; Chamomile 2; Hops 2; Peppermint 1. Dose: 2 teaspoons thrice daily. Practitioner. Tincture Gelsemium BPC (1973). Dose: 0.3ml (5 drops).

Topical. Oil of St John’s Wort. Cloves, Cajeput, Chamomile. Poultices. Chamomile, Yarrow.

Vitamins. B1, B2, B6, B12, B-complex.

Pantothenic acid.

Minerals. Magnesium. Dolomite. Manganese. ... neuritis

Numbness

Local parasthesia. Pins and needles. Mild weakness of a limb. Most cases are due to prolonged pressure; a neuralgia as when falling asleep with legs crossed, or from wearing tight jeans. Where persistent, may be due to nerve damage, carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical rib or other conditions from pressure. Osteopathy may resolve.

Simple temporary numbness: Tea: equal parts, Nettles, Skullcap, St John’s Wort. Singly, or in combination. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup when necessary. Persistent, but of no known cause: Liquid Extract Asafoetida: 1-3 drops in honey thrice daily. Practitioner. Tincture Gelsemium BPC (1973). Dose: 0.3ml (5 drops). ... numbness

Paget’s Disease

(Sir James Paget, 1814-99) Osteitis deformans. Chronic inflammation of bone at focal points (Pagetic sites), often widespread. Chronic. Progressive softening followed by thickening with distortion. Renewal of new bone outstrips absorption of old bone. Enlargement of the skull (‘Big head’) and of the long bones. Broadened pelvis, distorted spine (kyphosis) from flattened vertebra. Male predominence. Over 40 years. Spontaneous fractures possible. Paget’s disease and diabetes may be associated in the same family.

Some authorities believe cause is vitamin and mineral deficiency – those which promote bone health being calcium and magnesium (dolomite). Supplementation helps cases but evidence confirms that some pet-owners are at risk – a virus from cats and dogs possibly responsible. The prime candidate is one exposed to canine distemper. Dogs are involved twice as much as cats. The virus is closely related to the measles virus in humans.

Symptoms. Limbs deformed, hot during inflammatory stage. Headaches. Dull aching pain in bones. Deafness from temporal bone involvement. Loss of bone rigidity. Bowing of legs.

Surgical procedures may be necessary. Appears to be a case for immunisation of dogs against distemper.

Alternatives. Black Cohosh, Boneset, Cramp bark, Bladderwrack, German Chamomile, Devil’s Claw, Helonias, Oat husks, Prickly Ash, Sage, Wild Yam.

Tea. Oats (mineral nutrient for wasting diseases) 2; Boneset (anti-inflammatory) 1; Valerian (mild analgesic) 1; Liquorice quarter. Mix. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup thrice daily.

Decoction. Cramp bark 1; White Willow 2. Mix. 4 heaped teaspoons to 1 pint (500ml) water gently simmered 20 minutes. Dose: half-1 cup thrice daily.

Tablets/capsules. Cramp bark, Devil’s Claw, Echinacea, Helonias, Prickly Ash, Wild Yam.

Formula. Devil’s Claw 1; Black Cohosh 1; Valerian 1; Liquorice quarter. Dose: Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. Action enhanced when taken in cup of Fenugreek tea. Thrice daily. Every 2 hours acute cases.

Practitioner’s analgesic. Tincture Gelsemium: 10 drops in 100ml water. Dose: 1 teaspoon every 2 hours (inflammatory stage).

Topical. Comfrey root poultice.

Diet. High protein, low salt, low fat. Oily fish.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin C (500mg); Vitamin D (1000mg); Calcium citrate (1 gram); Dolomite (1 gram); Beta-Carotene (7500iu). Kelp. ... paget’s disease


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