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]

The drugs David was put on were:

Amlodipine – (Calcium chanel blocker)

Aspirin – (non steroidal anti inflammatory)

Bendrofluazide – a diuretic

Lisinopril – ACE inhibitor

Rosuvastatin – Statin

The physical results for David ranged from a general feeling of being tired and unwell, acid reflux, indigestion, aching muscles, muscle twitching, joint pains, pains in the knees, and breathlessness.

NB: These are as a result of the so called ‘side effects’ which are in fact proven likely results for many people of using this drug over a period of time.

Just a few of the known ‘side’ effects

Amlodipine – calcium channel blockers – It relaxes (widens) the blood vessels (veins and arteries), making it easier for the heart to pump and in theory reducing its workload

• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• headache/ upset stomach /stomach pain
• drowsiness/ excessive tiredness
• flushing (feeling of warmth)

Aspirin – thins the blood.

• Bleeding: Internal bleeding in the stomach or the duodenum.
• Perforation: When ulcers are left untreated, digestive juices and stomach acid can literally eat a hole in the intestinal lining, a serious medical problem that requires hospitalization, and often surgery.
• Obstruction: Swelling and scarring from an ulcer may close the outlet of the stomach, preventing food to pass and causing vomiting and weight loss.
• High doses produce dizziness

Bendrofluazide – a diuretic – This drug increases water, sodium, chloride, potassium and bicarbonate excretion and decreases calcium and uric acid secretion.

• Dryness of mouth/ increased thirst

• irregular heartbeat/ weak pulse
• muscle cramps or pain
• nausea or vomiting/ Diarrhoea
• confusion/mood or mental changes/ irritability
• high blood sugar
• Decreased sexual ability
• dizziness or light headedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position; increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight

Lisinopril – ACE angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. They decrease the chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so in theory the blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.

• cough; fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• dizziness, drowsiness, headache;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, upset stomach; or
• mild skin itching or rash.
• feeling light-headed, fainting;
• urinating more or less than usual, or not at all;
• tired feeling, muscle weakness, and pounding or uneven heartbeats;
• chest pain; or
• swelling, rapid weight gain.

Rosuvastatin – cholestrol lowering drug – It works by slowing the production of cholesterol in the body.

• constipation/ heartburn/ dizziness
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• depression
• joint pain
• cough/ muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
• fever / chest pain
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• nausea /pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• loss of appetite
• flu-like symptoms /sore throat, chills, or other signs of infection
• difficulty breathing or swallowing/ hoarseness
• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• numbness or tingling in fingers or toes

Is it any wonder that David wanted to be given an alternative choice – as with many modern drug based treatments the cure is worse than the illness!

Are these side effects acceptable? Obviously from a medical perspective they are but from an alternative health perspective they are not acceptable or necessary. The clinical trials tell us how these chemicals poison and the side effect of the poison may lower the blood pressure but it doesn’t cure it. This is not the road to health but the road to chronic ill health and misery.

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.

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