The over 65s take one third of all pharmaceuticals prescribed.   However, the elderly account for only 13% of the population On average an elderly person is taking around six drugs at any one time.  Polypharmacy is an even bigger problem in hospitals and care homes, where the average patient is given at least sever different drugs every day.  In addition, powerful dementia drugs are being prescribed for most patients as a “chemical cosh” to keep them quiet for the convenience of the medical staff.

An official UK government review has revealed that the drugs are being inappropriately prescribed in around 80% of cases.  What this means is that in the UK alone, about 150,000 people are being given anti-psychotic drugs just to keep them quiet.  Worse, the drugs are directly responsible for about 1800 deaths every year.

Most patients are over 65 yet they rarely see a doctor who specializes in geriatric medicine.  In the UK there is a shortage of geriatricians.  One example of mis-prescribing is blood cholesterol in the elderly.  Elderly people appear to need higher levels of cholesterol to support their mental acuity and general wellbeing.  One study found that those who had the lowest cholesterol levels were up to 40% more likely to die than those whose cholesterol levels were higher.  Most people including the elderly are prescribed statins if their cholesterol goes above 5.0 yet statins may be doing more harm than good.  In a Yale University study they found that patients were dying of other causes than heart fatalities, which they marginally reduced, as a result of taking the drugs.

Bernard Isaacs a professor of geriatric medicine said the elderly were faced with four giants:  instability; incontinence; immobility; and impaired intellect.  Every health concern in the elderly could be traced back to one of these four conditions.  However, what he did not foresee is that these four giants would be cause by the very medicines that were supposed to help them and not by the ageing process itself.

Immobility and instability: 30% of over 65s fall each year.  50% of those in hospital or nursing care where multiple drugs are prescribed fall.  25 % of those who fall die within 6 months of falling.  Prescription drugs are among the biggest causes of these falls.  Most prescription and OTC drugs seem to increase the risk of falling.

Incontinence: 8 out of 10 cases of incontinence can be resolved or greatly improved by medical interventions, according to a report.  Many prescription drugs cause incontinence.

Impaired intellect: Any drug that has anticholinergic (nerve-blocking) qualities can speed cognitive decline in the elderly.  It appears that almost every commonly prescribed or OTC drug can produce symptoms that resemble dementia in the elderly.

The dangers o the elderly of taking one drug are bad enough, but it is impossible to measure the impact of taking many drugs at the same time.  Drugs were never tested in conjunction with other drugs, so the effect of drug combinations is unknown.

At least one in 10 elderly people are prescribed a drug they should not be taking, i.e. a drug that is not suitable for an older person.  Research carried out in the USA found that 21% of elderly patients had been prescribed drugs that should not be given to the elderly (i.e. on the Beers list).  Indeed the BMI online goes further and states that the elderly are the biggest “market” for pharmaceuticals and almost exclusively responsible for drug company profits.  In many cases the elderly are prescribed drugs when they are fit and well.  Many of the elderly are being exposed to side effects that can be debilitating.

New evidence adds to the growing concern that drug use and not old age causes many of the diseases commonly seen in the elderly.   Many common prescription and OTC drugs can cause symptoms similar to those of dementia, glaucoma and other old-age diseases.

Collectively, these symptoms are knows as anticholinergic effects and can include confusion, memory loss and impaired vision as well as a dry mouth, constipation and urinary problems.

Most elderly people take more than one type of medication and often the effect of the combination is greater than a simple additive effect.  The elderly are more likely to be at risk of adverse effects from drugs because their metabolism is less efficient.

Reference: WDDTY vol 20 no 11

So how can the elderly best keep themselves healthy?

1. Drink water. The body needs water to function well.  Our brain needs water to continue working.  Two-thirds of our bodies are made up of water.  Many clinical conditions are thought to be linked to dehydration such as diabetes, brain oedema, dementia and Alzheimer’s, cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, high cholesterol and glaucoma.  The elderly often opt for (or are given only) coffee, tea and alcohol, all of which dehydrate the body.

2. Keep regular. Less than one bowel movement a day means you are constantly carrying around toxic waste.  This increases your likelihood of diverticulitis and bowel cancer.  Constipation may increase Parkinson’s risk (WDDTY October 2001).

3. Eat nutritious food. Poor nutrition leads to illnesses such as diabetes, yeast infection, diverticulitis, constipation, dementia and Alzheimer’s.

4. Eat Oily Fish 3 times a week.  Maintain your essential fatty acid levels, as your brain needs these to function well.

5. Take gentle exercise to keep the spine and muscles supple and help the bowels and lymphatic system to work.

6. Take easily absorbable supplements.  The elderly can find it difficult to swallow pills and capsules.  I always try to give elderly people easily absorbed supplements such as:

• Neways Maximol liquid vitamins
• Take Heart II by Nutri-Link for elderly people with cardiovascular issues.  This is a powder that is mixed with water or fruit juice.
• Fast and Be Clear or Nutriclear by Nutri-Link another multi-nutrient powder that is mixed with water or juice and helps the liver detoxification pathways, especially phase 2, to function optimally.
• Oils such as Brainsharpe by Nutri with CoQ10 for the elderly, or Body Bio Oil by E-Lite are oils that can be taken by spoon.
• Chia seeds or psyllium husks can be mixed in with cold drinks to help the bowels move regularly. Seeds don’t solidify as quickly as the husks.
• Zinc, magnesium and all the minerals can be given in liquid form.
• Probiotics can be bought as a powder and mixed with water.

Homeopathy

The organs of the elderly slow down around 30% when they reach 70 so it is good to help their organs to function.

Heart: Crataegus is one of the best heart remedies and tinctures either in low potency or 10 drops daily.

Cactus is good if there is lots of heart pathology, low and frequent

Narayani Heart OM 7 is a good homeopathic heart tonic

Brain Cells are not renewed effectively after the age of 25 years.  The failure rate of brain cell turnover decreases dramatically after 50.  Attitude of mind and mental activity are essential in keeping the mind healthy.

• Narayani Brain and Brain tissue salts are good to consider along with the brain remedies.  The Baryta family are good to consider with the elderly.

Kidney Function deteriorates some 50% for those in their 80s.

• Berberis tincture 10 drops daily strengthens the kidneys.
• Narayani has some good kidney combinations.
• Consider any of the kidney remedies and giving homeopathic kidney in potency.

Prostate – problems will arise in around 50% of men over 50.

• Zinc, saw palmetto, pygeum bark are all good for men to take.  There are plenty of good supplements on the market to support the prostate.
• Men should have their PSA levels checked on an annual basis from 50 and above as prostate cancer can be treated successfully if caught early enough.

by Alex Christie – The Homeopath with a Naturopathic approach www.barnsburyclinic.com

In conjunction with The College of Practical Homeopathy – The UK’s leading Vocational Homeopathic Training College for people who wish to become professional homeopaths. www.college-of-practical-homeopathy.com

Ooch, ouch!  It hurts, as anyone who has had it knows.  Cystitis varies from a mild irritation to unbearable pain on urinating, kidney infection, fever and in the extreme to a chronic state of inflammation with interstitial cystitis.

So what causes cystitis?

• Cystitis is caused by bacterial infection often by E Coli, but also by staphylococcus and streptococcus infections. Wiping from front to back is important for women as this avoids transferring bacteria from the anus to the urethra.
• If you don’t drink enough water you are more likely to get cystitis.  Water is used by the body to dilute toxins and flush them out.  The less water your have to flush out toxins the stronger and more acidic they will be and the more likely you are to contract an infection.
• A diet high in refined carbohydrates (white bread, cakes, biscuits), processed and sugar-rich foods or alcohol will make you acidic.  An acidic inner environment is the ideal one for bacterial growth.
• Repeated antibiotics can lead to chronic cystitis.

Honeymooners cystitis. This is most common in women.  There are a few reasons why some women might be prone to cystitis after sex.

• Bacteria from the anus can travel to the urethra as I mentioned above.
• Sex may bruise some of the tissue around the urethra and promote bacterial growth.

If you have Candida (also called Fungal Overgrowth) or Thrush (vaginal Candida) you are more likely to suffer from recurrent cystitis.

If you have any form of Candida you will probably lack good gut and bowel flora.  Antibiotics are prescribed for cystitis, which destroy the good bacteria in your gut and bowel, increase the acidity of your body, feed any fungal spores and thereby render you more susceptible to Candida.  The more antibiotics you take, the more likely you are to develop Candida, which renders you more susceptible to cystitis …… so you get caught in a vicious cycle.

If you believe you have Candida then see your practitioner for treatment as this doesn’t go away on its own and can lead to compromised immunity.

Interstitial Cystitis is a more chronic form of cystitis when immunity has been compromised and the space between the bladder lining and bladder muscle becomes chronically inflamed.  This is extremely painful.

How Do I Know If I have Interstitial Cystitis?

• You have pain in the bladder that intensifies as it fills up and improves when you empty it.  With interstitial cystitis cracks in the bladder wall become irritated when the bladder fills up.
• Even if no infection is present your bladder tissue will break down and you will suffer frequent pain.
• You will have food intolerances and allergies that may trigger attacks.
• Something will have severely compromised your immune system such as years of processed foods and sugars in your diet or repeated antibiotics.
• Following the 70-30 diet of 70% alkaline foods and 30% acid foods will bring relief.

What can I do to avoid cystitis?

• Drink plenty of water especially during the festive season when you might be consuming more alcohol, which dehydrates you.
• Cut out sugars and refined carbohydrates, which feed bacteria and make you acidic.
• Ensure you eat plenty of vegetables, which alkalize, and only eat wholegrain carbohydrates.
• After having sex wash around your urethra and urinate to flush out any bacteria.
• Spermicides can upset the delicate vaginal flora and lead to infections, as can KY Jelly lubricant.  Choose a natural lubricant from a good health food shop such as Higher Nature’s Aloe lubricant.

What can I do if I get Cystitis?

I remember getting severe cystitis on New Year’s Eve in my 20s.  I was determined to have a good time and went out for drinks with my friends nevertheless.  By the next day I was feverish and passing blood in my urine.  By then the infection had travelled up to my kidneys.  I was put on antibiotics.  I had no idea what natural steps I could have taken to avoid it getting so bad.

• Stop drinking alcohol if you have an infection.
• Cut out acidic foods such as tomatoes, citrus, refined carbs and alcohol.
• Drink plenty of water.

If you have pain in the kidneys or are passing blood see your GP immediately.

Herbs for Cystitis

There are several herbal tinctures that are great for cystitis:

• Buchu/Barosma Bettulina is a safe and effective anti-bacterial for urinary tract infections (Bartram’s Encyclopedia)
• Marshmallow root and leaf, for inflammation of kidneys and bladder, and cystitis, inhibits bacterial growth and is a cleansing herb. (Bartram’s)
• Bearberry/arctostaphylos for smarting cystitis, painful urination, blood in urine, has an antiseptic effect (Bartram’s).
• Parsley Piert for kidney and bladder complaints and painful urination.
• Plantain is an anti-bacterial, for kidney and bladder disorders (Bartram’s)

(For over the counter herbal tinctures try Neal’s Yard Remedies, Lemon Balm (Camden Town, London), Culpeppers, or any herbalists in your area.)

Alkalize yourself

• Bacteria don’t like alkaline pH, they prefer acid. Take ½  teaspoon bicarbonate soda in water 4 x day to alkalize your body.  If you prefer Alkala-N an alkalizing powder, this can be purchased from Helios 01892 537254.  Take one scoop daily in water and use the pH strips to test your acidity levels.
• Wheat grass and supergreen powders alkalize you, available from Metabolics (Green pH Powder 01380 812 799) or from good health food shops.

Supplements

• Uristatin by Metabolics contains uva ursi, buchu, hydrastis, and Echinacea.  This is a formula for the treatment of chronic or acute bacterial or viral infections especially of the genito urinary system (Metabolics 01380 812 799).
• Lactobacillus acidophilus restores the good, healthy bacteria.  This is highly advisable.
• Zinc is a great antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal and offers immune support.
• Vitamin C is anti-inflammatory, boosts immune function and has been shown to inhibit growth of e. coli.  Best to buy as ester C or as an ascorbate with bioflavonoids.
• Coloidal or ionic silver is a natural antibiotic and destroys bacteria, viruses and fungi and promotes healing (ionic silver available from Metabolics 01380 812 799) available from some health food stores.
• Garlic is a natural immune enhancer.
• Cranberry can aid cystitis but take it in capsule form rather than as a fruit juice full of sugar that will feed bacterial growth.  Cranberry juice aggravates interstitial cystitis.

Homeopathy

There are several homeopathic pills available.  I would take in 30C for mild cystitis or 200C for more acute cystitis:

• E. coli – I would always check to see what bacteria is present and give this back in homeopathic form in say 6C or 30C.  I would test for E.Coli, staphylococcus or streptococcus to establish which bacteria is present.
• Cantharis – acute severe cystitis, constant desire to urinate, cutting pains, violent burning pains, unbearable inability to urinate, worse motion – soreness.
• Merc corr– severe painful cystitis, intense burning in urethra, stabbing pains in urethra into bladder, dribbling urine, worse sitting, bleeding from urethra after urination.
• Staphysagria – honeymoon cystitis starts / worse after sex, frequent urging to urinate with scanty and profuse discharge, urinates in thin streams or drop by drop. Burning pain when not urinating, pressure on bladder, which feels as if not empty.  Cystitis following humiliation, shame or anger.
• Thlasbi – chronic cystitis with frequent desire to urinate.

Remember, drinking plenty of water and ensuring your diet is 70% alkaline and no more than 30% acid will assist you in remaining cystitis-free.

by Alex Christie – The Homeopath with a Naturopathic approach www.barnsburyclinic.com

In conjunction with The College of Practical Homeopathy – The UK’s leading Vocational Homeopathic Training College for people who wish to become professional homeopaths. www.college-of-practical-homeopathy.com

Varicose veins affect about 50% of those in middle age.  Pregnancy can exacerbate this.  Varicose veins are enlarged blood vessels with damaged venous valves.  Valves stop blood from collecting in our veins.  When they are damaged the blood pools and causes swelling and aching.  Around the varicose veins your skin can become itchy and discoloured because the circulation is impaired.  In really bad cases ulcers or even blood clots may form, which as you know can be really dangerous.

What aggravates varicose veins? Sitting for long periods without moving is bad for varicose veins, especially sitting cross-legged.  Try and move regularly if you have a sitting down job.  Put your legs up at the end of the day if you can as this eases the pressure off the affected area.  Sleeping with your feet slightly raised can also help ease the pressure on your veins.

What can I take for my varicose veins?

Think foods that assist your bowels and circulation to moving.  In other words, eat plenty of raw vegetables and fruit, wholegrain foods, nuts and seeds, Brussels sprouts and cabbages are good.  Avoid saturated fats such as those found in red meats and bad fats such as margarine and fast foods.

Can I take a supplement for my varicose veins?

• Vitamin E is known for improving circulation and elasticity of tissue and it is a natural blood thinner and so is good for preventing clots (do not take this is you are on a blood thinner).
• Horse Chestnut seed extract is knows for helping tone veins and reducing inflammation.  This can also be applied as a gel several times a day.
• Dandelion root stimulates the liver.
• The German Commission E approved witch hazel for topical application to varicose veins 3 – 4 times a day.
• Magnesium relieves cramps, especially when they happen at night.

Are there homeopathic remedies for varicose veins?

• Arnica is good generally for bruising, pain and injured parts.
• Hamamelis is the main remedy for varicose veins, known for helping with venous aching and bruising.
• Calc and Calc F are both good and can be taken as tissue salts or as remedies.
• Pulsatilla is good if heat aggravates the varicose veins, and if they appear during pregnancy.
• Mag Phos like magnesium can assist in relieving those cramps.

For all remedies I suggest 6C, 30C or 200C depending on the severity.

by Alex Christie – The Homeopath with a Naturopathic approach www.barnsburyclinic.com

In conjunction with The College of Practical Homeopathy – The UK’s leading Vocational Homeopathic Training College for people who wish to become professional homeopaths. www.college-of-practical-homeopathy.com

Welcome to what accompanies Christmas and New Year for so many people.  If you are like me and can’t tolerate much alcohol anyway, then a little more than usual can cause a hangover.  So what is a hangover and why does it happen?

Well, hangovers vary from person to person and depend on how much you drink and how little you eat!  Typically we get headaches, nausea, a dry mouth, you might feel dizzy especially on moving, irritable, and you feel pretty lousy and devoid of energy.

Some personal tips as to how to enjoy the Festive season sans hangover:

• Don’t drink on an empty stomach.  Eating makes life easier for your stomach lining as the alcohol is then less concentrated.   Eating foods high in protein and fats are considered most helpful in avoiding hangovers.
• Drink plenty of water alongside as alcohol dehydrates you and your brain and you need water to help your liver and kidneys flush out the alcohol and what it is converted to, which is toxic!  Hangovers = you are dehydrated!
• A supplement I recommend as it contains a combination of nutrients that assist you in breaking down the alcohol called Alclear by Metabolics (tel 01380 812 799) – order in advance so you have them to hand!  Recommended dose is one for each drink you have.
• Milk Thistle is a great supplement for the liver and can be bought from most health food stores.
• Homeopathically think of liver remedies.  The main one of course is Nux Vomica.  An easy way to take the remedies is to put a few in a bottle of water and keep sipping – good when your hangover is causing nausea.  If you are really nauseous it helps to warm the water in your mouth before swallowing.  Ipecac is good for the nausea.  Other remedies to consider may be arsenicum, pulsatilla and sulphur.  30C – 200C potencies are good depending on the severity of your hangover.

Wishing you a great Festive Season!

by Alex Christie – The Homeopath with a Naturopathic approach www.barnsburyclinic.com

In conjunction with The College of Practical Homeopathy – The UK’s leading Vocational Homeopathic Training College for people who wish to become professional homeopaths. www.college-of-practical-homeopathy.com

What will the Doctor or pharmacist prescribe?

You will be offered/told to take the following:

Nasal corticosteroid sprays – Corticosteroid medicines are synthetic derivatives of corticosteroid hormones that are produced naturally by the adrenal glands. Natural Corticosteroids have many important functions in the body, including control of inflammatory responses. Synthetic Corticosteroid medicines are used for their effect in controlling inflammation, and corticosteroid nasal sprays are used for the localised treatment of nasal allergies.

The Scientifically proven effects of taking these drugs are:

• increased appetite and weight gain
• deposits of fat in chest, face, upper back and stomach
• water and salt retention leading to swelling and oedema
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• black and blue marks
• slowed healing of wounds
• Osteoporosis
• Cataracts
• Acne
• Muscle weakness
• thinning of the skin
• increased susceptibility to infection
• stomach ulcers
• increased sweating
• mood swings
• psychological problems such as depression
• adrenal suppression & crisis

As a side effect you may experience some relief from your allergic rhinitis symptoms, but inevitably with long term use you will begin to experience the effects of the poison.

What is interesting is that when we are under stress our body produces this steroid as part of its survival mechanism. Long drawn out stress results in similar symptoms to the side effects of corticosteroids.

• blood sugar remains high

• high acidic level inside the body
• demineralization of bone ( the bodies fluids are acidic and so are burning away at the joint sites)
• raised blood cholesterol levels and vasoconstriction – both of these two leading to arteriosclerosis.
• memory impairment
• weight gain as oestrogen is sitting in the fat cells.
• chronic stress affects the effectiveness of the immune system
• inflammatory agents cytokines and self-generated responses autoimmune are no longer contained by circulating cortisol and so auto immune disorders like arthritis result.

Antihistamines are used to control the symptoms of allergies such as hay fever. They work by preventing the actions of histamine, which is a substance produced by the body as part of its natural defences. It is stored in cells called mast cells, in almost all tissues of the body and is released when the body reacts to a foreign substance (known as an allergen).

The released histamine binds to its receptors (H-1 receptors) causing a chain reaction that includes an increase in blood flow to the area, and the release of other chemicals that add to the allergic response. (Itching is one of the results).

Antihistamines work by blocking histamine receptors, therefore reducing the reactions that cause itching

The Scientifically proven effects of taking these drugs are:

They dry the mucous membrane of the nose but many of them also cause sleepiness and other problems, especially in older people like headache; blurred vision; constipation; dry mouth; dizziness; difficulty passing urine; and confusion; drowsiness; dry mouth, nose, or throat; gastrointestinal upset, stomach pain, or nausea; headache; increased appetite and weight gain; thickening of mucus

Less common effects

Acid or sour stomach; belching; blurred vision or any change in vision; clumsiness or unsteadiness; body aches or pain; confusion (not with diphenhydramine); congestion; constipation; cough; diarrhea; difficult or painful urination; difficulty in moving; difficult or painful menstruation; dizziness; drowsiness; dryness of mouth, nose, or throat; early menstruation; fast heartbeat; fatigue; fever; gastrointestinal upset, stomach pain or nausea; heartburn; hoarseness; increased appetite and weight gain; increased sensitivity of skin to sun; increased sweating; indigestion; loss of appetite; joint pain; muscle aching or cramping ; muscle pains or stiffness; nausea; nightmares ringing or buzzing in ears; runny nose; skin rash; swollen joints; stomach discomfort, upset or pain; tender swollen glands in neck; thickening of mucus ; tremor; unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability; vomiting

As a side effect you may experience some relief from your allergic rhinitis symptoms, but inevitably with long term use you will begin to experience the effects of the poison.

(This is just a basic over view of what happens when the body is stuck in trauma).

For an alternative homeopathic perspective on treating hay fever go to:

Find a Cph Qualified Homeopath or Clinic in your area.

Treat your hay fever at an affordable price at the College of Practical Homeopathy’s Teaching Clinic.

[tags] health, hay fever, allergy, allergies, asthma, pollen, shopping, medical,
homeopathy, health, medicine ,science, medical, article, homeopathic, [/tags]

Is there an alternative to taking out the warning light with highly toxic and expensive drugs?

From an alternative perspective the more steroids you take the more suppressed the immune system becomes and the more allergies you will acquire, plus a lot more unpleasant chronic diseases. It is generally accepted by both allopaths and homeopaths that any stress/emotional trauma can trigger these symptoms.

Hay fever is most common in people with a family history of similar complaints or a personal history of eczema, hives (Urticaria), and/or asthma.

Lung disorders are seen as emotionally linked to grief/sadness at one end of the spectrum and courage/righteousness at the other.

An allergy is an overactive response of the immune system by people building up a high level of defence physically and emotionally. (An interesting viewpoint suggested by Louise Hay is that they indicate fear of all sorts of things e.g. persecution, guilt, and general emotional congestion and that by looking at particular allergens we can identify the associated fears e.g. pet hairs are to do with stroking and symbolise love which may be shut out of our lives on a mental and physical basis) – could these ring true for you?).

A homeopathic approach.

From a homeopathic perspective taking a time line to establish why you have allergic rhinitis is important. It is no good just finding a remedy to fix the symptoms. It is more important to find out what caused the symptoms as it is pointless swapping short term relief for long term chronic diseases.

With allergies homeopaths tend to place the emphasis on:

• physical trauma (such as car accidents)
• emotional factors (grief, divorce, redundancy etc).
• environmental factors (poor housing, air pollution etc)
• inherited factors (genetic and social)
• toxicity (through drugs, diet etc)
• on going stress
• diet (obesity, malnourishment)
• Poor bowel movements

Because we are unique individuals, allergies manifest differently in different people depending on their pre-disposition and general inherited weaknesses (which homeopaths call miasms).

My own clinical experience with this disorder is that the oral contraceptive pill, the abuse of steroids or on going emotional stress, shock or vaccinations are some of the main causes. It is important that these are taken into consideration then choosing indicated remedies for the chronic condition. As you can see that the signs and symptoms of stress can result in many unpleasant symptoms they are the bodies warning signals if you suppress them they lead to more chronic diseases.

Homeopathy seeks to look for the root cause/s taking into consideration both internal and external factors. It then seeks to restore this balance by gently stimulating the body to naturally complete its healing process with the indicated remedy/remedies, without any of the side-effects associated with drug therapy.

Homeopaths have developed many remedies that can treat allergies in a safe and effective manner without the toxic and long term damaging effects of drug based treatments.

For an alternative homeopathic perspective on treating hay fever go to:

Find a Cph Qualified Homeopath or Clinic in your area.

Treat your hay fever at an affordable price at the College of Practical Homeopathy’s Teaching Clinic.

[tags] health, hay fever, allergy, allergies, asthma, pollen, medical, homeopathy, health, medicine, science, article, homeopathic, vaccines, vaccine, autism, flu, vaccination [/tags]

We are heading towards spring and summer at a great rate of knots and for many of us the prospect of warmer weather sunny days and general feeling of wellbeing is a welcome break from the grey winter months. For others (2 to 3 million people in Britain) the spring and summer herald in the nightmare of itchy noses, streaming eyes and continues sneezing – the hay fever season. So now is the time when the wise start preparing for this by using an alternatives medicinal approach such as homeopathy to cure the problem.What is hayfever?

Hay fever (also called allergic rhinitis or pollinosis), is an allergy characterized by sneezing, itchy and watery itchy eyes, a runny nose and a burning sensation of the palate and throat. (Inflammation of the nasal passage forces fluid out of the nasal tissues, resulting in a runny and blocked nose).

These symptoms are caused by a reaction of the immune system to an environmental trigger. With hay fever the body’s immune system overreacts to external substances such as pollen, house, dust, and feathers as if they were toxic and the end result is irritation and inflammation.

Are there underlying causes of hay fever?

These appear to be:

• Environmental triggers such as dust, moulds, pollens, grasses, trees, and animals.

• Food allergies, especially milk, wheat or sugar can both cause or aggravate existing allergies.

• Stress/emotional trauma appears to aggravate (may also cause!).

For an alternative homeopathic perspective on treating hay fever go to:

Find a Cph Qualified Homeopath or Clinic in your area.

Treat your hayfever at an affordable price at the College of Practical Homeopathy’s Teaching Clinic.

[tags] health, hayfever, allergy, allergies, asthma, pollen, shopping, medical,
homeopathy, health, medicine ,science, medical, article, homeopathic  [/tags]

From one perspective the heart and blood can be seen as corresponding to love. As blood gives life, so love gives life meaning and direction. The heart symbolizes all aspects of love, from the romantic to the divine. When the heart energy is not in harmony we may experience:

• sadness/ lack of laughter and joy
• forgetfulness
• insomnia
• depression
• hysteria
• irrational behaviour
• excessive dreaming
• insanity

As a homeopath I see many clients who have HBP, either as the primary symptom or secondary to other things that they have come to see me for.

From a homeopathic perspective the risk factors like obesity and smoking and alcohol abuse must be addressed. Moderate aerobic exercise is helpful. People with primary hypertension do not have to restrict their physical activity as long as their blood pressure is controlled. Regular exercise helps reduce blood pressure and weight and improves the functioning of the heart and overall health.

Looking at mental emotional causations is important especially when treating primary hypertension. Ailments from grief or shock seem to be the main aetiologies. On going stress and low grade anxiety can increase blood pressure.

So does Homeopathy provide an alternative?

One year later, after following homeopathic and Naturopathic treatment regime David is off all his medication, and all the symptoms he came with are gone. He has instituted life style changes – exercise, diet, supported by homeopathic remedies and is in control of his health.

The College of Practical Homeopathy’s ”Homeopathic Directory” to find a Cph Qualified Homeopaths, Practitioners, and Clinics in your area.

Benefit from affordable homeopathic treatment for both you and your family at the College of Practical Homeopathy’s Teaching Clinic.

[tags] homeopathy, high blood pressure, hypertension, HBP, GP, forgetfulness, insomnia, depression, hysteria, irrational behaviour, excessive dreaming, insanity, obesity, smoking, alcohol abuse, exercise, diet, homeopathic remedies, health [/tags]

The proper functioning of the cardiovascular system is dependent on healthy heart energy. Using a time line helps the homeopath establish the root cause and they tend to place the emphasis on:

• physical trauma (especially car accidents)
• emotional factors.
• environmental and climatic factors
• susceptibility from a miasmatic perspective
• toxicity

From a Chinese energetic perspective the heart regulates the flow of blood and stores the Shen/Spirit. If the Heart Blood is insufficient, the face will be pale and lack lustre. If it is stagnant, the face will be purplish. The heart is seen as having a direct relationship with:

• the tongue
• lymphatic system
• arteries
• thymus gland
• circulation, blood
• face colour
• weak ankles
• mind
• haemorrhoids
• nervous system
• sense of taste sweet
• growth & development pains

The heart rules the blood and blood vessels and it regulates the flow of blood. When it is functioning properly the blood flows smoothly and so Shen/Spirit is nourished and the individual responds appropriately to the environment.

The College of Practical Homeopathy’s ”Homeopathic Directory” to find a Cph Qualified Homeopaths, Practitioners, and Clinics in your area.

Benefit from affordable homeopathic treatment for both you and your family at the College of Practical Homeopathy’s Teaching Clinic.

[tags] homeopathy, high blood pressure, hypertension, HBP, GP, chinese medicine, shen, lympatic system, arteries, thymus gland, haemorrhoids, physical trauma, miasmatic perspective, toxicity, cardiovascular system [/tags]

I have observed lots people like David who started their drug journey with a little visit to the GP and ended up so sick without questioning it.

It’s important for people to weigh the quality of their life with the misery of chronic poisoning by their GP’s. The GP never once asked David why he thought the blood pressure was up. What they had was a drug customer for life, (who if they had been bothered to look at David’s family history, was heading towards diabetes, angina, rheumatoid arthritis etc…

There is more to life then just trying to fix the symptoms or taking away the bodies warning light that something is wrong with chemicals that add to the problem.

Surely curing is finding out the cause of the problem and removing obstacles so the patient feels well again and full of energy. It can’t possibly mean we impose other symptoms from the medication we are giving to force those symptoms to go away.

It seems madness to give chemical therapy without establishing the causes of the problem – once David got actively get involved in being a part of his own healing he began to get better.

For an alternative homeopathic perspective on treating high blood pressure visit:

The College of Practical Homeopathy’s ”Homeopathic Directory” to find a Cph Qualified Homeopaths, Practitioners, and Clinics in your area.

Benefit from affordable homeopathic treatment for both you and your family at the College of Practical Homeopathy’s Teaching Clinic.

[tags] homeopathy, high blood pressure, hypertension, HBP, GP, chemical therapy, symptoms, family history, diabetes, angina, rheumatoid arthritis[/tags]