Bach Flower Remedies

The Bach Flower remedies can also be used in a preventative way, when we are experiencing stress and anxiety, and for those who generally feel tired or unwell but do not have a specific medical diagnosis.

If needed they may be taken in conjunction with medical treatments as they will not conflict with any medication, have no side effects and are non addictive.

* "Impatiens" is the Bach Flower remedy for people who are easily irritated. "White Chestnut" is used for people who have obsessive, worrying thoughts, which seem impossible to control.
* "Olive" is used for those who are exhausted in body and mind. This could be due to, for example, a long period of strain through personal difficulties, a long illness or nursing someone for a long time.
* "Hornbeam" is the remedy for weariness, mental rather than physical. For those who wake up doubting their ability to face the day's work.


As well as the 38 individual Bach Flower Remedies, Dr Bach also created one remedy that contained 5 of the flower remedies, (Impatiens, Star of Bethlehem, Cherry Plum, Rock Rose and Clematis) this he called Rescue Remedy. "Rescue Remedy" is for emergency situations, for example; receiving sudden bad news, bereavement, feeling fearful or when in terror. Rescue Remedy may also be taken for a stressful event, such as; a visit to the dentist, sitting an exam and taking your driving test. It will help to calm your fear and nerves. Rescue Remedy is also now available in a convenient spay form and Pastilles form. In addition to this, there is "Rescue Cream" which is useful as a healing ointment for dry and chapped skin.

Several simple books and leaflets are available to help you choose your Bach Flower Remedies. The 38 Flower Remedies details each remedy and how it can help with emotional problems. Each one of these is used for a different emotional state and it is important to choose the correct one for your situation to ensure it works for you.

Homeopathic remedies

Homeopathic remedies do not have side effects and are safe, even for the use of small children, this therefore makes them suitable for self medication, when treating common complaints that any one of the family may suffer from.

The basic idea of homeopathy is to treat an illness or complaint with a substance which, if taken by a healthy person, would actually produce symptoms similar to those of the person who is ill.

For example, Belladonna Deadly Nightshade, when eaten, this plant, root or berries is extremely toxic and can cause symptoms such as flushing, loss of balance and urinary retention. The homeopathic form of Belladonna is used to treat conditions such as a brightly flushed face, vertigo and cystitis.

The principles of homeopathic remedies mean that the more dilute a remedy becomes (-30c is more dilute than 6c-) the more potent it becomes. However at these potencies choosing the right remedy is more important than choosing the right potency. As a general rule 6c are used for acute, long standing ailments, and 30c for emergencies or chronic conditions. Some of the most popular homoeopathic remedies at Country Living are:

ARNICA: This should be in everyone's medicine cabinet. Some of its uses are...

* Use after ANY injury
* Bruises
* Sprains
* Insomnia due to over-tiredness
* Great sensitivity to pain


GELSIMIUM: This homeopathic remedy can be used to treat the following...

* Influenza
* Sneezing
* Sore throat
* Heavy eyes
* Vertigo


NUX VOM: Is used to treat the following...

* Nervous indigestion
* Travel sickness
* Ill effects of over-eating or drinking
* Stuffy colds
* Premenstrual tension


RHUS TOX: This homeopathic remedy can be used for...

* Shingles
* Effects of over-exertion
* Rheumatism, lumbago, sciatica
* Strains of joints or tendons


These are just a few of the many thousands of homeopathic remedies available to treat a wide variety of illnesses. Some conditions however, may not be treatable without visiting a homeopathic practitioner who may find it necessary to blend a remedy for your specific condition.

Arnica Tablets

Arnica tablets can reduce swelling, prevent muscular soreness and alleviate postoperative trauma. Based on the theory that 'like cures like' it treats illness by giving patients substances that cause the very same symptoms. However, the remedies are given in minute diluted amounts.

Thousands of practitioners and patients swear by the curative powers of Arnica tablets. Arnica tablets are widely used in Germany and France by medically qualified doctors, and they are also routinely administered in casualty units in hospitals.

Made from a yellow daisy-like flower, the active components of arnica include sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids which are known to reduce inflammation and ease pain. It also contains thymol, an essential oil that fights infection, and carotenoid, a powerful antioxidant. Arnica tablets are believed to work by stimulating the activity of white blood cells and dispersing fluid that accumulates around damaged, swollen joints.

Omega 3 fish oil

The prostaglandins then produced from the Omega 3 fish oil are able help the body in ways such as reducing high blood pressure and reducing inflammation. Many of us choose to eat oily fish as part of a balanced diet; however we may not be able to get enough purely from our diet. Omega 3 Fish oil supplements have been found to be beneficial to many health conditions...

• Heart Health: Reduce the likelihood of blood clotting by reducing the viscosity of the blood therefore improving blood flow . This Makes the heart less prone to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). Lower blood pressure reduces homocysteine levels and Increase beneficial HDL cholesterol Osteoporosis.
• Bones: The essential oils found in Omega 3 fish oil may in some people help to treat osteoporosis when taken alongside a good quality calcium supplement.
• Pregnancy: We would always advise any one who is pregnant to talk to their GP before taking any supplements. Pregnant women are however often advised to keep up their intake of Omega 3 oils by eating oily fish. It has been found to be vitally important for the brain development of the foetus.
  

Omega 3 fish oils may also be beneficial for the following conditions...

1. Arthritis Psoriasis
2. Bipolar Disease
3. Menstrual symptoms
   

Sprouting Seeds

Sprouted seeds are an excellent source of nutrients. You can grow your own sprouts from sprouting seeds for a supply of fresh, nutritious food which will increase your intake of fabulous nutrients:

Sprouts are very young plants, one stage up from a seed. A seed is a storehouse of energy containing all the nutrients needed for a plant to grow. When a seed starts to sprout the nutrients it becomes available in a living form which is a great form to get them in.

Most of us have eaten beansprouts (sprouted mung beans) in a Chinese meal. Some things are easier to sprout than others e.g. Alfalfa, lentils, mung beans and radish. Dont try sprouting kidney beans as they are toxic when raw.

Although it is possible to sprout your sprouting seeds in a jam jar, a germinator device will produce the best results. It just couldnt be easier. Just soak, rinse and watch them grow.

Sprouted seeds are a healthy and nutritious convenience food you don't need to cook. Once your seeds have sprouted, you can enjoy them in any of the following ways:

* Place in a bowl on their own or with a dressing of your choice
* Makes an ideal side dish. Sprinkle on top of or mix into a salad
* Add to sandwich fillings
* Add to a stir fry just before serving Sprinkle on top of soups or stews before serving

Herbal Cigarettes

Habitual long-term smokers may find herbal cigarettes a useful substitute alongside nicotine therapy as it allows smokers to wean themselves off the oral habit and inhalation gradually.

The form in which the herbal cigarettes are supplied i.e. filter tipped cigarettes, makes it possible to stop by stages, which is psychologically less demanding than stopping dead. You do away with the tobacco but you still allow yourself to go through the motions.

"NTB" is a brand of herbal cigarette that contains no nicotine; therefore you free yourself from the physical need. However, that does not mean you can smoke as many as you like, as you also have to reduce your 'psychological need' of cigarettes.

"Honeyrose" is another popular brand of herbal cigarettes. Their Stop Smoking Plan will help you to replace tobacco cigarettes gradually and calmly, until you finally quit smoking. You have the added comfort of knowing that all the ingredients in the Herbal Cigarettes are non-addictive pure herbs specially treated and naturally flavoured without added chemicals and includes Marshmallow, Red Clover and Rose and have a special light taste with a tar level of 5mg. Ginseng herbal cigarettes can also bring a taste of the Orient to the original blend of Marshmallow, Red clover and Rose.

Menthol herbal cigarettes combine the coolness of menthol with a special light taste with a tar level of 6mg.

Giving up smoking in stages is psychologically less demanding than abruptly giving up smoking. Herbal cigarettes allow you to go through the motions of smoking i.e. the hand to mouth action, without the harmful effects of tobacco inhalation. 120,000 British smokers die every year because of their habit, with smoking causing a third of all cancer deaths. Herbal cigarettes are a reassuring way to stop smoking completely.

Probiotic Supplements

If our diet does not provide us with enough probiotics (friendly bacteria) then we may feel the need to take a probiotic supplement. Probiotics maintain digestive health and comfort by digesting particular substances in the diet and enabling efficient nutrient and mineral absorption. A normal healthy gut has a good balance of friendly bacteria over bad bacteria; however, this balance is fragile. Factors such as stress, dietary habits, medication (especially antibiotics) can all have an adverse effect, increasing the need for some of us to take probiotic supplements daily.

There are many different probiotic supplements available, all containing different types of friendly bacteria (probiotics). The most common of these bacteria is L.Acidophilus. This particular strain of bacteria will be found in almost all probiotic supplements.

L.Acidophilus is able to survive the gastric acids and bile salts which are expected at mealtimes, and therefore reaches the intestines where it is needed.

Other beneficial bacteria found in Probiotic Supplements: B.Bifidum supports the production of antibodies, promotes detoxification and maintains resistance to undesirable, bad bacteria. B.Bifidum also supports the intestines to assist transit, promote comfort and optimise a healthy frequency and regularity of bowl movements

FOS (fructooligosaccharides) these are what are known as prebiotics and are found in many probiotic supplements where they act as a food source to bacteria like B.Bifidum. FOSs are non-digestible and therefore make their way safely to the large intestine where they provide food for the probiotics to flourish.

There is a positive relationship between B.Bifidum and prebiotics (FOSs) in the colon, and this has a great impact on supporting intestinal health and wellbeing.

Probiotics can also be found in live natural yoghurt, though not in as concentrated form as you would get from taking a probiotic supplement. Do be aware that getting your daily dose of probiotics from many of the yoghurt drinks on the market is not the best way to achieve a healthy balance of good bacteria. Many of these products contain sugars to make them taste good, which is a key food to bad bacteria. Keep to the capsules or powder forms of probiotic supplements.

When we experience disruptions to the balance of friendly bacteria in our gut it can compromise the digestive and protective roles they play and can lead to poor digestion, lowered natural immunity and conditions such as diarrhoea, constipation, excessive gas, bloating and thrush. Medical studies show that replenishing the intestines with probiotics is a natural way towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Zinc Supplements

A very severe zinc deficiency leads to stunting and poor sexual development first noted in Egyptian males in the 1950s. Such drastically low levels are not seen in this country, but some groups, particularly young women between 16 and 24, do often have lower than desirable intakes and could therefore benefit from zinc supplements.

Such supplements have also been used as part of treatment programmes for anorexia nervosa victims. Observations have indicated that zinc deficiency could contribute to the anorexic condition by impairing the sense of taste and smell, and therefore the desire to eat. Clinical studies have also found that zinc supplements (sucked as lozenges) have helped cold symptoms.

Multinutrient formulations contain a wide variety of levels - anything from 1mg-15mg. 5mg-10mg zinc daily is ideal for topping up the dietary level of this mineral, whereas zinc supplements containing 15mg are more likely to be taken for guarding against colds or to help in skin conditions.

Inorganic formulations such as zinc sulphate, carbonate or oxide may not be as well absorbed as organic forms such as zinc gluconate, citrate or chelated with amino acids. Zinc picolinate is closely related to amino acid chelated and is well absorbed. Therefore it is important to check the labels on such supplements to see whether or not the type of ingredient used is easily absorbed.

Lozenges are available, often combined with vitamin C, and are of most use if you actually feel a cold or sore throat coming on. They have a local action, and are usually found is dosages of 3.5mg - 7mg per lozenge.

If you are buying zinc supplements for long term daily use, choose one that also contains a little copper. Copper is an essential mineral that can be depleted by prolonged zinc intake.

Essential Fatty Acids

There is a popular misconception that all fats are bad and will either make us overweight or will clog our arteries and cause heart attacks. It is true that our diets should not supply more than 30% of our calories as fat but there are certain fats that we do need for good health they are known as Essential Fatty Acids, which are divided into two categories, Omega-3 and Omega-6. These need to be supplied by the diet as the body cannot manufacture them and are as important in our diet as proteins, vitamins and minerals are. If we obtain insufficient amounts of essential fatty acids in our diets then our cells will deteriorate. Omega 3 and omega 6 are just two of the fifty or so essential nutrients, which the body cannot make and must get from food. It is estimated that more than 90% of the British public are deficient in essential fatty acids, especially Omega 3.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 strengthen cell membranes making them more flexible which is important in the structure of the brain and cardiovascular system. They attract cholesterol out of the blood and into the cell wall. This action maintains both strength and flexibility enabling the red blood cells to re-shape, allowing delivery of oxygen to the extremities.

However, Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids easily become "rancid" and therefore they are often removed from food during processing to prolong shelf life. Foods which we thought naturally contained Omega 3 and 6 may have actually had them removed. This adds yet another reason to avoid highly processed food.

Luckly todays diet already supplies us with a great deal of Omega-6 due to the increased use of polyunsaturated fats in vegetable oils. A supplement with higher levels of Omega 3 is still required though

Flaxseed (linseed) oil, walnuts, green leafy vegetables and in oily fish such as herring, mackerel, sardines and salmon are all rich in Omega 3 which also provides a source of Omega 9 Fatty Acids but this is not considered to be essential because it can be manufactured by the body. Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids can be found in nuts, seeds and their oils such as sunflower oil and olive oil.

Functions of Essential Fatty Acids Include the following...

* Help make joint lubricants
* Help transport cholesterol
* Help prevent the development of allergies
* Keep hormone producing glands active
* Regulate oxygen use, and energy production
* They are components of nerve cells

Signs of deficiency of Essential Fatty Acids include the following...

* Eczema type skin eruptions
* Hair loss
* Liver degeneration
* Behavioral disturbances
* Difficulty in losing weight
* High blood pressure
* Weakness
* Impaired vision
* Tingling sensations in arms and legs
* Depression

Calcium Tablets

Calcium Carbonate is an important ingredient of eggshells, milk and yogurt which promotes strong teeth and bones and is used in alternative remedies in the form of calcium tablets. It is also used in antacid remedies to relieve acid indigestion and the symptoms of peptic ulcers. Calcium from cows milk or soy milk is bio available which makes them ideal sources of dietary calcium.

Supplementation of calcium in tablet formation is useful where the consumption of foods rich in calcium is lacking for example in people who have lactose intolerance and therefore cannot drink milk. This is particularly important when a person has a diet that is rich in salt and drinks lots of coffee, which is believed to be a factor in the increase in osteoporosis among younger people, as salt and caffeine are diuretic and calcium is excreted via the kidneys, and so calcium is reduced via excretion as a consequence of salty foods and coffee.

The regular consumption of calcium carbonate rich foods and supplements can help prevent the onset of osteoporosis in old age which causes the bones to become brittle. Some studies carried out have also suggested that increasing calcium intake can help reduce the amount of fat present in the abdominal region.

Tissue Salts

The use of tissue salts is an alternative remedy. It is not homeopathic as many mistakenly assume because it does not work on the principle of like curing like. Rather, tissue salts are highly diluted salts which are found in human tissue. Dr Schuesslers was one of the first to determine the twelve tissue salts that are needed for the day to day functioning of the body...

• Calcium Fluoride
• Calcium Phosphate
• Calcium Sulphate
• Iron Phosphate
• Potassium Chloride
• Potassium Phosphate
• Potassium Sulphate
• Magnesium Phosphate
• Sodium Chloride
• Sodium Phosphate
• Sodium Sulphate
• Silicon Dioxide
  

If all twelve of these minerals are consumed at once, then the consumption can be said to be that of "bioplasma". However, according to claims made by Schuesslers, the use of bioplasma is not needed but rather a balance of one or more of these tissue salt compounds need to be restored in order to maintain health or cure symptoms. Tissue-salt remedies, when used in alternative medicine, usually come in the form of tablets similar to homeopathic remedies. However, it is not a homeopathic remedy because it works by restoring the balance of tissue salts in the body. The tablets are highly diluted and therefore it is unlikely to have any adverse effect on the minerals and electrolytes involved.

They were first used as an alternative remedy in the 19th Century. The disease and deficiency model suggested that if a tissue salt were to loose balance, then this would result in illness. The balance of tissue salts can be restored by taking supplements in tablet form of the inbalanced tissue salts in order to bring levels back to normal and can be useful in maintaining good health during periods of an unbalanced diet.

Vitamins & minerals

Vitamins are nutrients which are used for metabolism but which must be taken in from foods or supplements. All vitamins cannot be generated by the body and are usually taken in from the diet. A vitamin supplement does not necessarily contain other types of essential nutrients such as essential fatty acids or essential amino acids.

Each type of vitamin has different functions in the body, for example, "D" is used by hormones, "E" is used by antioxidants, "A" is used by cells and tissues for growth. "B" vitamins are used for catalysing.

Taking vitamins and minerals in the form of supplements instead of directly from the diet became popular in the 19th century, especially with regards to long distance voyages which were susceptible to scurvy. Without supplements, it is necessary to consume the right foods. Vitamin "A" and "D" is obtained from Cod Liver Oil, "B" from Rice and eggs and "C" from Lemons to name but a few.

Two main types of vitamins are water soluble vitamins which are dissolvable in water, and fat soluble vitamins which, when combined with lipids, can be absorbed through the intestine.

A vitamin deficiency is possible if the person does not get enough of it through the diet however, it is also possible that smoking, drinking and certain medications can contribute to a vitamin deficiency. Most vitamins cannot be stored by the human body and therefore needs to be constantly available from the diet. A lack of vitamin C can lead to scurvy, and a lack of vitamin D can lead to rickets. Conversely, an overdose of vitamins can lead to stomach upsets and vomiting. Come vitamins must not be over consumed, such as Vitamin B3 which can cause liver damage and B6 which can cause nerve damage. Overconsumption of Vitamin D can lead to the over calcification of the bones while taking an overdose of vitamin E can lead to heart problems.

Therefore dietary vitamin supplements are useful for ensuring that adequate amounts of nutrients are obtained by the person, especially in situations where food and lifestyle problems may not provide some vitamins in sufficient quantities. However vitamin supplements should not be taken excessively.

Aloe Vera Products

Aloe vera products contain extracts of the aloe plant and is used in food, drinks and also for medicinal purposes in alternative remedies.

Aloe vera is often used to treat skin conditions including sunburns, acne and dry skin, especially in areas that are sensitive such as the face. The sap derived from Aloe vera is also known to reduce inflammation which promotes wound healing and is therefore useful in treating burns, wounds and recently it has been found to have a positive effect on Athlete's foot. There are also Aloe Vera drinks available which can help to treat ulcers of the stomach with many yogurt and drinks manufacturers adding it to their products. Many countries have used Aloe Vera products in their food for generations due to its high nutrient content.

The active ingredient in Aloe Vera products are their amono acids and mucopolysaccharide protein cores which are an important part of connective tissue such as body joints, tendons and cartilage.

The sap from the plant can be obtained by cutting open the lower part of the leaf and the gel can then be directly applied to the skin. However, care needs to be taken to avoid contaminating the aloe vera sap with aloe vera latex which is yellow in colour and irritating to the skin. The sap used should be clear, odorless and tasteless and if not then it is not suitable for application to the skin or for ingestion.

There are few side effects of taking aloe vera products internally, although overconsumption has been reported to cause intestinal cramps.

Kyolic Garlic

Kyolic Garlic is used most commonly in food to add taste and flavour as well as a preservative. It has also been used in alternative medicine for generations in order to treat or prevent common disorders and improve general health. Its primary use in alternative therapy is to improve the condition of the cardiovascular organs by reducing the build up of cholesterol and to prevent plaque buildup on blood vessel walls. As a result it is believed to reduce high blood pressure and prevent heart disease.

Garlic has antibiotic properties which can be used to prevent infection from diseases. In addition it is also known to be an expectorant which helps to loosen mucus from the respiratory tract. This combination makes it an effective alternative remedy for treating and preventing common colds.

In addition to its antibiotic properties, garlic has antibacterial and antifungal properties which is used in antiseptics to kill microbes, and in creams to treat skin problems caused by fungus.

When crushed, reactions in the garlic produces "Allicin" which is the antibiotic and anti-fungal compound and is also responsible for the strong taste of garlic. To maximise health benefits, the freshly chopped garlic should be left to react for about ten minutes before eating to allow the necessary enzyme reactions to occur. The primary ingredient from this reaction, allicin, is destroyed during cooking and should be consumed raw if you want to use it for theraputic purposes.

It is not a good idea to crush garlic in the mouth due to the fact that the chemical reaction cannot occur in the acidic conditions of the stomach. Therefore eating garlic without first crushing it outside of the body (and allowing time for the chemical reaction to occur between alliinase and allicin) will yield no benefit due to absence of the main ingredient "allicin". Allicin also degrades over time and therefore should ideally not be stored for more than a day if it is to be used for theraputic purposes. There are no side effects of garlic consumption except for bad breath and therefore it remains a very popular herbal remedy today.

Aromatherapy Oils

Aromatherapy oils are used in alternative medicine that uses essential oils that come from plants which easily vaporise in the air. The oil is "essential" in that it contains a scent and are obtained from plants by distillation. The most popular plants used for creating essences for use in aromatherapy are lavender, peppermint and eucalyptus.

It is claimed that certain smells that come with essential oils are beneficial to the health for example Ylang Ylang is known to help reduce blood pressure. The distillation process can take a long time with Ylang Ylang requiring a full day to distill. Other plants are required in large quantities to produce a small amount of essential oil. For example an ounce of rose oil requires many pounds of petals.

Aromatherapy is used to improve both health and mood through smells and is therefore relatively safe compared to modern medicines, however, the oils must not be applied directly to the skin in an undiluted form because its high concentration can cause skin irritation, for example citrus peel oils can cause the skin to become more easily sunburnt.

Aromatherapy is part of the national pharmacopoeia of some countries and is used to control infections, fungal growth, and as an antiviral or antiseptic in the mainstream medical profession. In France, essential oils are prescribed by a doctor where the doctor uses an "aromatogram" to decide which essential oil to use.

Although not mainstream practice in the NHS, aromatherapy is available from a wide range of health stores in the UK.

Eczema Creams

Eczema is the inflammation of the skin which produces symptoms such as dryness, rash and itchiness, flaking and redness of the affected areas. It can be caused by genetic factors and is particularly prevailent with people who have hay fever and asthma. Eczema is also caused by allergies or comming into contact with an irritant such as strong washing up liquids and soaps.

An eczema flare up can also occur as a result of an allergy. It can be very difficult to determine which substance has caused such a reaction. In some cases it may be necessary to take a test where blood is taken from the patient and mixed with different allergens. In each case, the blood's antibody levels are measured and will exhibit an increased level of antibodies to indicate which substance is the allergen.

Eczema Creams are used to treat flare ups and are typically moisturising because of the dryness of skin. However, eczema cream is quickly absorbed into the skin and therefore needs frequent re-application. Ointment on the other hand has less water and so will stay on the skin longer but are not always appropriate because they leave the skin greasy.

Some eczema creams may contain anti itch agents such as antihistamine or menthol which stops the patient from scratching the affected area which would further damage the sensitive skin.

Corticosteroid creams can be used to treat severe cases of eczema and work by inhibiting immune responses. These can cause atrophy which makes the skin fragile and occlusion which is the absorbtion of the medicine into the blood, and so are not usually suitable for long term use.

Ear Candles

Ear candles are used in alternative therapy to clear ear wax. Ear wax is a useful substance which traps dirt and helps to kill bacteria. But buildup can cause a middle ear canal buildup of excessive wax which can cause discomfort or infection. Massage therapists, beauty salon operators and health shops are common places from which this form of remedy is offered.

The heat from the flame of an earwax candle creates a vacuum pressure which draws wax and dirt out of the ear and into the hollow candle. Before the practitioner applies an ear candle to the patient, an otoscope is used to look into the ear to check that the eardrum is not damaged. If the ear is healthy, then the hollow candle is lit and the unlit end is placed in the ear. The candle is made out of waxed cloth and can be either a hollow cylinder or cone shape.

During the procedure care needs to be maintained in order to prevent any hot wax from coming into caution with the patient's face. A plate which protects the patient from hot wax falling down the sides is usually placed in between the face and the candle and the flame is extinguished when there is less than 5 inches of candle left. The average candling takes about an hour.

In the UK, ear candles should bear the CE European Conformity marking of (93/42/EEC) to show that it complies with safety standards and meets the relevant directives for medical devices.