Common Ailments

On this page you will find a list of some of the most common ailments and suggestions of suitable vitamin, mineral or herbal supplemements. Dietary advice may also be given for certain ailments. The ailments listed on the left are some of the most common and will be looked at on this page.

Please remember to read our Cautions page before taking any supplements if you are taking any medication or suffering from any suspected serious illness.

Acne

Echinacea is known for its positive effects on the skin. You can use the tincture or tablets internally and apply the cream externally. Agnus Castus may be of use if the acne is caused, or made worse, by the menstrual cycle or in puberty. A good Multi-vitamin will be of benefit - particulary Vitamins C, A and the B vitamins. Evening Primrose oil helps regulate the hormone imbalance which can be a cause of acne and taken alongside zinc can help the skin to heal without scarring. A good, healthy wholefood diet which is low in fat, sugar and processed foods and high in vitamins B, A and E can also be of benefit as is drinking at least 2 litres of water a day which helps clear impurities from the skin.

Allergic Rhinitis

An allergy is the symptom of hypersensitivity to an allergen, that is a substance which is not normally harmful, but in people sensitive to the allergen will provoke antibodies to be produced to combat the substance, causing physical symptons such as watery eyes, sneezing, hayfever or eczema. Common allergens include pollen, animal fur and foods such as shellfish, dairy products, strawberries, peanuts etc. Luffa, also known as Sponge cucumber, can be found in combination with other plants and can help alleviate the symptons of hayfever and allergic rhinitis. It needs to be taken for several weeks and during the hayfever season. Echinacea and Devil's Claw can be used as they both strenghten the immune system against allergic reactions and can be used long term. Vitamin C can be used in prevention and garlic can be used to help purify the system. B5 (Calcium Pantothenate) is a natural antihistamine and can be used to relieve the symptons such as watery eyes, sneezing and wheezing and Vitamin A and zinc help strengthen the mucous membranes.

Anxiety/stress

There are several supplements which can be of use for anxiety. These include Valerian, which can be used at a low dose during the day for remaining calm, and at a higher dose at night to aid sleep. Kava Kava works fast to relieve anxiety, and should be used only for short-term relief rather then long-term. St John's Wort has become well-known for symptons such as depression, anxiety and stress as it adresses the low moods which can accompany them, and a Vitamin B complex can help to maintain a healthy nervous system. Caffeine containing drinks should be avoided and can be replaced with herabl teas and cereal beverages. Selenium is known as the 'anti-stress mineral and can be taken as well. Another Herbal Remedies which can be of benefit is Passiflora.

Arthritis: osteo and rheumatoid

Arthritis is the inflamation of a joint - due to either wearing away of the cartilage of the joint or inflammation of the lining of the joints. Devil's Claw is a powerful anti-inflammatory which can be used for both Osteo and rheumatoid-arthrits for pain relief. It does not affect the stomach as many traditional anti-inflammatery drugs do and can be taken long-term. Knotgrass breaks down the knotty deposits in the joints so aids Osteo-arthritis, but it needs to be taken for at least four months. Urtica (Stinging Nettle), is a rich source of iron and a blood tonic and is suitable for long term use as it removes uric acid deposits from tissues and joints so is very useful particulary in Rheumatoid-arthritis. Glucosamine and Chondroitin help to reduce swelling and joint pain by improving cartilage repair and joint function. New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel Extract may also help ease pain and make joints more supple, as might Cod Liver Oil.

Candida Albicans

Candida Albicans is a form of yeast and is present in all of us and is normally kept under control by friendly bacteria in the gut. When it multiples and migrates outside the gut, problems may arise. The most common symptom is thrush but it may also lead to nausea, headaches, depression, abnormal fatigue and other problems. Garlic may inhibit the growth of Candida Albicans and Acidophilus promotes the growth of friendly bacteria. Tea Tree Oil may be used as a balm or a douche as it has anti-fungal properties. Caprylic Acid is an anticandida agent that destroys the canadida organism. It is also important to follow a yeast and sugar-free diet.

Circulation (poor)

The circulation of the blood around the body is vital in transporting and absorbing all substances into the body including nutrients and oxygen. If an area of the body has poor circulation it may suffer, eg cold feet, cramps etc. Many of these symptons may also indicate Raynauds disease, and while the advice given here may be of use, advice should be sought from a trained health professional. Treatments for poor circulation can include a low dosage Vitamin E supplement, which can help with poor circulation. Supplementation with garlic may help to lower cholesterol levels, therefore allowing blood to circulate more freely. Cayenne may also improve circulation and these two supplemets may be taken individually or in combination. Gingko has also been found to be a very popular and beneficial remedy to help improve circulation to the extremeties, helping cold hands and feet. This may also be of use in the treatment of Raynauds disease.

Colds and Coughs

A cold is a viral infection causing inflamation of the mucous membranes of the throat, nose and bronchial tubes, producing symptoms of sore throat, stuffy nose, headaches and coughs. At the first sign of a cold, zinc lozenges can be sucked as they will coat the membranes of the mouth and allay the cold virus from catching hold. Garlic and Propolis, which are natural antibiotics, may help to fight the infection. Proplolis tincture may also be used as a mouth wash/gargle and can help to soothe a sore throat as will Tea Tree Lozenges. Echinacea is a natural antibiotic, and helps the immune system remain healthy. Taken in tincture form for the fastest relief on existing colds, it can also be taken as a preventative throughout the winter months to prevent colds from occuring, as a capsule or tincture. It is very effective at cutting the life of a cold by as much as half. Inhalation of Eucalyptus or inhalant oil, may help to clear the nasal passages, while a warm, relaxing bath using calming Essential Oils will help to soothe aching limbs.

Constipation

The most common cause of constipation is a diet which contains little roughage or fibre. Many people may find that with minimum dietary modifications relief can be found. Ensuring regular intake of raw vegetables, fruit and other high fibre foods, along with frequent drinks of water, juice or herbal tea, along with avoiding refined fatty foods with high sugar content, may help. Linseed, Prunes and Senna are all natural laxatives and can be used along with other cleansing herbs and remedies. A change in diet as well as a good Multi-vitamin can reduce the chances of constipation occurring.

Eczema

Contact should be avoided with any known allergens such as dust, pollen, animal fur etc. Eczema has been shown to respond to Oil of Evening Primrose oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B Complex and zinc. Adults may find that using Chamomile, Lavender and/or Neroli Oil in the bath may also help. It can be aggravated by dairy produce so it is advisable to avoid all contact, substituting with soya products or goats milk, yoghurt etc.

Fatigue/Tiredness (Lethargy)

Lethargy is a general feeling of drowsiness with lack of interest and energy. It may often follow a serious illness or prolonged spell of overwork or stress. To help increase vitalitly, a general tonic may help - e.g. Ginseng, Royal Jelly or Guarana. If the lethargy can be attributed to stressful conditions, supplements of a high dosage Vitamin B Complex may help. Vitamin C would help with the absorption of Vitamin B. Co-Q-10 can also be taken as it is needed by the body to release energy from food - i.e. it is the "body's fuel"!

Hayfever

Hayfever is a form of allergy to pollens where symptoms can include runny nose, sneezing, streaming eyes and catarrh. It is usually at its worst during the summer when the particular group of pollens to which the person reacts are floating in the air. It is also usually worse in the early morning, as the air warms and carries the pollens up into the air, and again in the evening when the air cools and brings them down again. High doses of Vitamin C or a time release capsule, will have an antihistamine effect which will reduce the symptoms. Garlic supplements may help fight infection and Vitamin A supplements can help with the general health of the respiratory system. Steam inhalations using Lavender or Eucalyptus Oils may help, but can make some sufferers feel worse; in such cases the oils can be sniffed from a hanky when needed. Dairy produce and refined starches may promote the production of mucous which would aggravate hayfever, therefore they should be avoided during attacks and alternatives such as soya milks, yoghurts etc should be used. There are a number of specific preperations for hayfever, e.g. New Era Combination H. Other supplements which may be of benefit are Bee Pollen, Quercitin and Eyebright, which may help relieve the symptoms or inhibit the release of histamines.

Hypertension

Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. A continued state of Hypertension can be dangerous because of the strain it imposes on the heart, blood vessels and kidneys, and if suspected medical advice should be sought. It can be aggravated by obesity, high salt intake, smoking and physical or emotional stress. A change in the diet can help to prevent or reduce hypertension - such as reducing the amount of animal fats and salts in the diet and avoiding tea, coffee and alcohol. A healthy diet and gentle exercise (check with your Doctor before embarking on any exercise regime), can also help as it can help in losing weight - slowly and safely. Garlic may help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels - as does Lecithin taken with extra fibre.

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

IBS is a chronic disorder of the digestive tract characterised by one or more of the following symptoms: Pain in the lower abdomen, gas, bloatedness, constipation or diarrhoea, or alternating episodes of both. AcidophilusSlippery Elm is soothing to the irritated digestive tract as it forms a mucilaginous coating. Aloe Vera has soothing and healing properties which may help ease the stomach and bloating and Peppermint Oil can help relieve gas. Sufferers should also try to avoid eating wheat, cows milk products and coffee.

Insomnia

Insomnia may have several causes including nervous tension and in such cases supplements of Vitamin B Complex or Dolomite may help. There are herbal remedies which specifically help with sleeplessness and these contain herbs such as Valerian, Hops, Passiflora, and Kava Kava, which help to clam down the body and cause drowsiness. A relaxing warm bath using calming essential oils - Lavender or Chamomile before bed should also help. Stimulants such as tea or coffee should be avoided before bed, however chamomile tea, Barleycup or one of the number of specifically relaxing night time herbal teas may also help to induce sleep. If the Insomnia is a great problem and affecting your inablility to function correctly and safely during the daytime, a doctor's advice should be sought to see if there is an underlying cause.

Menopause

The Menopause is a period of time during which a woman's hormone secretions and menstrual periods slow down and eventually stop. Symptoms include hot flushes, headaches, giddiness, depression, water retention, increase in weight and erratic periods which can sometimes be excessively heavy. It is important to ensure a well bablanced diet with regular gentle exercise and relaxation, eg. yoga or aromatherapy. There are a number of supplements and remedies which may help with individual symptoms:

• Evening Primrose Oil which may help with hormone imblance.
• Vitamin E to help counteract hot flushes and headaches.
• Vitamin B Complex - to help with nervous tension.
• Iron and Vitaminn C to help replace blood loss.
• Calciom and Vitamin D to help prevent calcium loss from bones.
• Geranium Essential oil - which is a hormone balancer - used for massage or in the bath for relaxation.
• Fennel Tea which is rich in plant oestrogens which may be of benefit.
• Wild Yam Capsules and/or cream - helps balance hormones.
• Dong Quai which helps balance hormones, and finally,
• Soya Isoflavones which are rich in oestrogens and helps balance hormones.