Natural Remedies for Common Ailments

It is all to easy to reach for an Ibuprofen, paracetamol, etc., when we have a headache or a cold.  However, Taiwanese scientists  have found that taking Ibuprofen while trying to cope with a respiratory tract infection tripled the possibility of suffering a heart attack.

The reason for this is that your heart is already under stress from fighting the infection and the combination of the infection and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as Ibuprofen seems to be deadly.  However, paracetamol doesn't seem to be much better, and recent review suggests that paracetamol in just as dangerous.  The one thing that is clear is that more research is needed.

However, there are natural remedies for common complaints that actually work surprisingly well.

Indigestion:

That feeling of being uncomfortable usually in the upper abdomen after a meal.  Not to be confused with heart burn, also known as acid reflux which is a burning sensation caused by the stomach contents splashing back up into the oesophagus.  The burning sensation is due to the stomach acid coming into contact with the sensitive lining of the oesophagus.

Quite often indigestion can be caused by eating fatty foods such as pastries.  Artichoke extract can
help ease that bloated feeling.  The artichoke stimulates bile production in the liver which helps in the digestion of fat.  You can take it before a meal that you know is going to be copious or after.

Milk Thistle is a traditional herbal medicine for treating overindulgence, upset stomach and indigestion.  As with artichoke, milk thistle also works in the liver stimulating bile production.  It also provides antioxidant protection from the effects of alcohol.

Another option is silicogel, a natural oral gel that forms a protective barrier over the lining of the stomach and intestines.  Silicogel also helps soothe gases and reduces excess acidity.

Bronchitis, Sinusitis, and the Common Cold:

Prevention is key with these.  Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.  If necessary, you can take a vitamin C supplement and get your vitamin D levels checked.

Pelargonium

However, if you do get a cold then Pelargonium (derived from the roots of a South African geranium) is extremely effective.  Pelargonium has antiviral and antibacterial properties, it boosts immune cell activity and neutralizes infections, it also stops bacteria from sticking to cell walls.  Pelargonium helps clear mucus quickly which helps in the treatment of sinusitis, laryngitis, sore throat and simple bronchitis.

Take it as soon as you notice the first symptoms, and continue for 3 days after symptoms have disappeared.


Feeling Down?

Lots of people are prone to feeling down in the winter months.  Cold, wet weather doesn't help much, but there are things you can do.  My favorite, and one I recommend wholeheartedly is 5HTP.

5HTP stimulates the production of brain chemicals such as melatonin, serotonin, and endorphins, all

St. John's Wart

involved in mood regulation.  5HTP provides  the building blocks necessary for boosting serotonin production, this means it tends to be more effective and quicker acting than conventional antidepressants.

St. John's Wart or the sunshine herb, is also good for lifting moods.  Similar to traditional antidepressants, St. John's Wart affects the levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin in the brain.



ONE WORD OF WARNING:  YOU CAN NOT TAKE EITHER OF THESE IF YOU ARE TAKING AN ANTIDEPRESSANT

Insomnia:

There is a reason for sleep deprivation being used as a form of torture.  Anyone who has ever suffered from insomnia knows just how harrowing it can be and how far reaching the consequences.  Sleep is necessary for both physical and mental health.

Valerian

5HTP can also help with sleep as it helps in the production of melatonin.  But if you find that 5HTP doesn't help, then you can try melatonin supplements.  Melatonin regulates the night and day cycles.  Which makes it really good for business people that travel a lot and have to cope with jet lag.  Darkness causes the brain to produce melatonin, signaling the body to prepare for sleep.  If you decide to try melatonin supplements, you must take it at bedtime and your bedroom must be completely dark.  My advice is to start with a low dosage, 2-3mg before bedtime - one known side effect of higher dosis is being in a really bad mood!

Valerian is another option, it contains a number of unique substances that help reduce stress and anxiety.  Valerian increases the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a chemical that calms the brain.  Valerian has been used to help with insomnia, anxiety and nerves.

So, before popping pills try some natural remedies!

Note:  Everything here is talked about in supplement form, I have not put images of supplements so as not to give visibility to commercial brands.

I can help you improve your health.  If you would like to make an appointment with me either in person or via Skype, just send me an email to lucycarr@socialnutrition.com