Natural First Aid for Summer Sun!

Your Holiday First Aid Kit - Naturally.....

The Dawn chorus.......gardens and hedgerows in full bloom........Blue skies as far as the eye can see and not a fluffy cloud in sight.....Warm evenings spent outdoors........day trips to the coast............long afternoon walks with family and friends. At last, It feels like Summer is just around the corner and no doubt many of you will be itching to pack your bags and jet off on your summer holiday or maybe you’re planning on staying closer to home with lots of fun days out and short breaks planned. Whatever your adventure this summer, make sure you don’t forget to pack some peace of mind in the form of a natural first aid kit. A small sandwich box thrown into your luggage, back pack or car containing natures own herbal helpers - can help treat everything from cuts & bruises, insect stings & bites to sunburn and travel sickness.

It’s important to know your needs and those of the people travelling with you – so a little careful planning prior to your holiday can ensure you’re prepared to prevent common problems from spoiling your trip. Ask yourself a few simple questions –Are you going to be at risk of bites & stings? Are you going to be eating and drinking different foods in unfamiliar environments? Do you have accident prone children? Does anyone have a fear of flying? Does anyone suffer from motion sickness? Making a check list is always a good idea.

Apart from your usual first aid kit essentials such as bandages, cotton swabs, tweezers, plasters and hand sanitizer there are a lots of tried & tested herbs, homeopathic remedies & essential oils that make great additions to any first aid kit. And what’s more they are all relatively inexpensive to buy and available from your nearest independent health store.

Bumps, cuts & grazes

Arnica , a homeopathic remedy, is great for any bruising, strains, sprains & swelling. Use the pillules orally and massage the gel/cream gently onto affected areas. It is also a useful remedy for overcoming jet lag. TeaTree Oil is a great natural antiseptic and can be used to prevent a wound getting infected – but only use a few drops as the pure essential oil is very concentrated. Manuka honey is also a great wound healer, however, this can be a little sticky and messy to apply straight from the pot. For ease of application opt for the preparation found in a tube. Calendula Cream has anti bacterial, anti inflammatory, astringent and anti fungal properties and is very soothing for healing wounds and burns.

Travellers Tummy

When travelling abroad and eating and drinking different foods in unfamiliar environments it may be wise to pack a supplement containing a broad spectrum of ‘friendly bacteria’ to support immunity & digestion. Make sure it is one that contains strains that can survive at higher temperatures, especially if you don’t have the option of a refrigerator.  Research has shown a unique yeast & microorganism called ‘Saccharomyces boulardii’ to be very useful in cases of travellers diarrhoea , reducing its duration – which is great news as nobody likes to lose days from their holiday with a sickness bug. Ginger is also good for soothing stomach upsets and is often used to help the nausea experienced with motion sickness. Ginger is available in chews, capsules or a tincture.

Studies have also shown Wild Oregano Oil capsules to have antimicrobial activity and may be effective against pathogens such as Listeria and salmonella ,whilst AllicinMax, a patented stabilised extract from Garlic has been also shown to be effective against bacteria such as helicobacter pylori and human parasites such as fungi, protozoa & worms. Two, useful ‘just in case’ remedies.

Also for gastrointestinal disturbance, the herb Yarrow has been traditionally used as a remedy for diarrhoea, relieving gastrointestinal discomfort as well as alleviating abdominal bloating.

Keep those bugs at bay!

Essential oils, particularly citronella, eucalyptus & lemon Myrtle Oil can be used to deter those pesky mosquitoes – use a few drops on cotton wool pads and leave around your apartment/hotel room at night or add around 30 drops of citronella oil to a small bottle of water and spray often & liberally. Neem oil is also an effective repellent. However, if this all sounds like too much hard work – there are a number  of ready to use natural mosquito repellents available to buy from your local health store that are free of harmful chemical pesticides such as DEET.

And if you do get bitten? Dab a little lavender or tea tree oil onto the bite to relieve the itching and reduce the swelling. Combudoron, a homeopathic insect bite spray may also provide significant relief or the Homeopathic Remedy ‘Apis’.

Sun Protection

Although we are now being actively encouraged to expose ourselves to sunlight for short periods of time each day in order to synthesize Vitamin D we still need to make sure that we are sun smart and find a healthy balance between getting enough natural sunlight to maximize your vitamin D production and maintain your optimal health, while at the same time protecting yourself from damage that occurs from over exposure to the sun.

Natural Sunscreens should be a first aid kit staple. When using a sunscreen make sure it is one formulated from minerals as opposed to harmful chemicals. These days micronized zinc oxide is considered the safest form of sunscreen.  Choose a good quality natural & organic brand that contains natural plant extracts & antioxidants to enhance the effectiveness of the sunscreen whilst also moisturising the skin. Never stay in the sun to the point of burning & damaging the skin, wear protective clothing ,hats & sunglasses.

And if you accidentally over do your sun exposure? Then AloeVera Gel is ideal for healing burns whilst also helping to soothe and cool. Add a few drops of lavender as this is antiseptic and can also help soothe burns.

Pure Papaya ointment is also a great first aid kit essential, wonderful for sun parched skin and as a moisturising lip balm. This is an ultimate multi-purpose skin care product that can be used for many skin ailments. The perfect travelling companion, at home or abroad.

Allergies

If you or your loved ones are susceptible to seasonal allergies then it might be wise to include a natural antihistamine or pollen barrier balm in your first aid kit to prevent those histamine levels from soaring. Urtica (stinging nettle) and Luffa are traditional herbal remedies used to alleviate the symptoms of hayfever, whilst urtica cream is also useful for prickly heat/urticaria rashes on the skin. Pycnogenol (french maritime pine bark) is particularly useful for seasonal allergies whilst research has also shown potential in counteracting oedema and lessening the risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) in long haul flights for those at risk.

Holiday Stress 

Rescue Remedy, a blend of flower essences, is ideal for the inevitable stress and fatigue often experienced when travelling. This is also a great one to try to minimise shock & fear – particularly for those fearful of flying.

Sore throats & sniffles

It’s not uncommon after spending many hours on a flight to return home with a sore throat and the beginnings of a cold – so why not take along some Echinacea & Sage Throat Spray to help support immunity? The antiseptic & antibacterial properties also make it a great spray disinfectant for cuts. Propolis lozenges are a great to have at hand – for immune support, to soothe sore throats and are ideal for sucking on takeoff and landing to ease pressure in the ears.

Stay Hydrated!

And finally, always have a good supply of bottled water close at hand as keeping adequately hydrated is vital and should never be over looked. Dehydration can come on so easily when spending a lot of time in warm climes, when travelling for any length of time or as a result of sickness.

Just to Recap - Your Natural First Aid Kit Checklist:

Arnica pillules & Gel

1 x 10ml Lavender Oil

1 x 10ml Tea Tree Oil

1 x 10ml Citronella Oil

Calendula Cream

Manuka Honey ointment

A good quality friendly bacteria supplement (containing saccromyces Boulardii)

Allicin Max Capsules or Wild Oregano Oil capsules

Natural Sunscreen 

Aloe Vera Gel

Urtica tincture/Cream

Papaya Ointment

Echinacea & Sage throat Spray

Propolis Lozenges

Neem Insect Repellent

Ginger capsules, tincture or chews.

Once you’re prepared all that’s left to do is to sit back, relax and enjoy your fun in the sun!

Happy Holidays from everyone at Bare Health :)

COMPETITION TIME: Bare Health is giving away a holiday first aid kit! All you need to do is answer the following question and email your answer to mel@barehealth.co.uk 
closing date 30/06/2014

"What specific strain of friendly bacteria has been shown to be very useful in cases of travellers diarrhoea?"
(Hint: The answer is in the article ;) )

For more information, please call Bare Health on 01260 408413 or alternatively email mel@barehealth.co.uk. 

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/10/011011065609.htm

http://science.naturalnews.com/2011/332116_Antioxidant_and_Antimicrobial_Activities_of_Essential_Oils_Obtained_from_Oregano.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/027333_oregano_parasites.html

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=oregano+oil+antimicrobial&cmd=DetailsSearch

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=pycnogenol+venous

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?Db=pubmed&term=saccharomyces%20boulardii%20diarrhea

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nKkkyBIIcY

The information contained within this article is intended for information purposes only and does not replace the advice of your GP or health care professional. Always seek medical advice if taking prescribed medication or undergoing any course of treatment.

Nettles - More than a sting in this tale......!

Catherine Schofield - Medical Herbalist, discusses the healing powers of the humble Nettle 

Nettles are a wonderful medicinal weed  - there's more than a sting in this tale..!

One of the joys of spring for me undoubtedly is seeing the new bright green shoots of all our wild plants emerging in the hedgerows, woods and waysides. Some bring with them the instant joys of their flowers, whilst others just doggedly drill their way up through the winter-hardened ground to once more populate our world with green. Many of these plants are at most under-appreciated or perhaps even reviled by some – the nettle is one such. 

It is admittedly a plant with attitude – invasive and most of all that famous sting which, as children, we are all taught to rub immediately with a dock leaf to quell the pain. But I think it is time to celebrate its many medicinal virtues.  I wouldn't go as far as to say cuddle a nettle, but I am keen to spread word of the properties of this amazing plant.

Some say that nettles (Urtica dioica) are not indigenous to the UK, but are a long settled foreign plant - possibly introduced by the Romans who used it to treat the rheumatism they became prey to when they occupied this gray and damp island. They were said to beat themselves with the leaves to increase circulation and to provide a counter-irritant to the pain in their joints - both interesting if uncomfortable ideas - but the counter-irritant principle is still used in topical applications for aching joints. Whether this is true, I can't comment, but I do know that the Romans were skilled herbalists and it is likely that they knew the value of the nettle, much as it is still very much appreciated by herbalists today.

Nettles are helpful for many things, the root, leaves and seeds being used medicinally for a wide range of applications. Also a good source of nutrition, young nettles can be eaten as spring greens in soup (cooking deactivates the sting) as they are rich in iron and other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, calcium and silica, so make a healthful addition to your diet. You can also make herb vinegars using young nettles, which can preserve their qualities for the winter months.

Perhaps less well known is the fact that nettles can be made into textiles, the fibres are long enough to allow them to be woven into cloth. It is said that in World War I, some soldiers uniforms were made from nettle fibres, when other textiles became scarce.

A herb of wide medicinal use

The seed is a great 'local' adaptogen - adaptogens are a class of herbs which help the body adapt to and deal with stress which are incredibly useful to herbalists. The use of nettle seed as an adaptogen also keys into the idea that herbs which are 'local' to patients - i.e. are derived from a shared close environment, rather than from far flung corners of the earth, give a them a greater sympathetic action within the medicine. The plant itself contains serotonin, which may help with depression, although this is not one of its key actions.

The seed is also helpful for kidney problems and the whole plant is used to stimulate the kidneys, although it is thought that long term consumption may put a strain on the kidneys, because of its high silica content.

Nettles can be helpful for allergic skin complaints and for prostatitis

Useful particularly for the male genito-urinary tract - nettle root is often included in herbal remedies for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis. The leaves are used to rid body of uric acid and so are used for gout and other rheumatic complaints and usually figure in most herbal prescriptions for osteo and rheumatoid arthritis. Similarly nettle leaf can help with some chronic skin disorders, particularly where there may be an allergic cause to the problem, such as in some eczemas and urticaria (ironically derived from the Latin for nettle and commonly called 'nettle rash').

High blood sugar in diabetes and high blood pressure will respond well to nettle and it can be used to stimulate sluggish digestive systems, where there is low stomach acid.  If these myriad uses were not enough, it is also used to nourish hair and nails because of its high silica content and is often used alongside rosemary in order to stimulate hair growth and strengthen the hair fibre.

Summer is a'comin in... sing aloud 'aitichoo'! Nettles for hay fever misery

The misery of summer hay fever is well known and many of us snuffle our way through the summer months. If you suffer from mild hay fever (or more properly, seasonal allergic rhinitis) and want a more natural alternative to over the counter remedies, you could try nettle and elderflower tea. Use a teaspoon of a mixture of dried elderflowers and nettles in a cup of boiling water, cover whilst it is brewing and then drink when cooled. Take this up to three times a day.

Nettles have a traditional reputation for quelling allergies (ironic when you think of the effects of nettles) and research seems to be confirming this traditional use. For example remedies using freeze dried nettle leaves have been shown in one clinical trial to have some positive effect against hay fever. Although not conclusive this study thought that nettles might have an anti-inflammatory on the mucous membranes (Mittman1990) However, a more recent study found that extract of nettle has been found both to be anti-inflammatory and to have anti-histamine effects (Roscheck et al. 2009). A useful addition to your nettle tea might be Elderflowers (Sambuccus nigra) which also soothe the mucous membranes and when dried or fresh they make a refreshing tea with an interesting and refreshing musky taste.

You can pick and dry your own nettles (be careful!!) but it is just as easy to get some nettle tea, ready prepared, from your health food shop. Dried elderflowers can also be bought, but can be less easy to find. However, these can be gathered from the hedgerows and should be in flower in the next couple of months (pick from bushes away from roads and from the nearer the top of the tree than the bottom – dogs can pollute the lower branches). Try to pick the fresh flowers that are full of pollen, as unlikely as this seems. it is the pollen which is thought to help with hay fever. If you gather too many you could always make elderflower cordial or wine!!

There are of course other herbal remedies that can be effective for more severe hay fever and allergies that are available through your herbal medicine practitioner.

This article is meant for educational purposes only and is not intended as a guide for self-treatment. As with all herbal remedies, if you are taking other medication, such as insulin or warfarin, are pregnant, lactating or suffering from any medical condition check with a professional before using. Make sure you buy herbs from a reliable source or if you are harvesting from the wild that you have permission, identify the right plant and pick from an uncontaminated source.

Don't take too much of anything for too long and discontinue immediately if you have any ill effects.

To make an appointment to see Catherine at Bare Health - please call 01260 408413. Her next clinic day is Tuesday 20th May 10am - 4pm or alternatively, you can email catherine@naturesbestmedicine.

References

Mittman P.(1990) andomized, double-blind study of freeze-dried Urtica dioica in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.Planta Med. Feb;56(1):44-7

Roschek B Jr, Fink RC, McMichael M, Alberte RS. (2009) Nettle extract (Urtica dioica) affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis.Phytotherapy Res.Jul;23(7):920-6.

Our Favourite Products to help you Ease your Sneeze!

Once again it is the time of year that people start to suffer from hayfever and with approximately 20% of the population suffering it has become a very common and irritating problem. Usually encountered in the spring and early summer, it is part of the group of health conditions known as allergic rhinitis – an allergic reaction to airborne substances which lead to inflammation in the lining of the nose, throat and eyes. People prone to the condition tend to develop the problem during their teenage years, and although the condition lessens in severity with age, it can certainly linger well into late adulthood. In the main, these airborne substances are pollens from grass, trees or flowers. In temperate climates such as in the UK and Ireland, pollen levels increase dramatically in spring as nature comes to life, and as the weather warms up and we head into the summer months, grass, bushes, trees and other plants grow and develop in a coordinated fashion. In this way, pollen levels are highest during spring and early summer.

Hayfever is the result of an allergy to these pollens with people being sensitive to either one or more of them, with symptoms varying from month to month and from location to location. If one is allergic to animals or house dust, this is referred to by doctors as ‘allergic rhinitis’. However, the terms ‘hayfever’ and ‘allergic rhinitis’ are often used interchangeably.

The Met office has produced a useful pollen count calender (see below) which shows an average pattern of release of the main allergenic pollen in the UK. The severity and timing of the pollen seasons will differ from year-to-year depending on the weather, biological factors and geographical location.

Hayfever - The Symptoms

The main symptoms of hayfever are experienced in the eyes, nose and throat. These commonly include:

• Sneezing 
• Itchy or runny nose
• Irritation at the back of the throat 
• Itchy or runny eyes 
• Blocked nose 
• Dry cough 

However, in severe cases, the inflammation triggered by hayfever can sometimes affect the entire body. When this happens, a number of symptoms may arise including: Feelings of tiredness or lethargy , itching all over the body or a general feeling of irritability In addition, those suffering from hayfever may exhibit a greater tendency for developing asthma, with symptoms of shortness of breath and wheezing or Eczema with itching, dryness and scaling of affected skin.

Many of the worst symptoms of hayfever are caused by histamine levels rocketing as your body reacts to pollen. The key to reducing the severity of such reactions lies in minimising allergen levels in the bloodstream and buffering the response to them. And although many of the symptoms of hayfever are triggered by nature itself, did you know that there are many remedies also found in nature that have an effective antihistamine action that can also help relieve the reactions?

A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE NATURAL HAYFEVER REMEDIES :

1) A.Vogel Pollinosan tablets & Nasal Spray

Pollinosan tablets are non-drowsy so will not affect your ability to drive or use machinery. It can be used to help treat allergies to grass or tree pollen (hayfever), as well as allergies to dust, animals and pets (allergic rhinitis) – both conditions give rise to symptoms such as itching and watery eyes, sneezing, tickly nose or throat and a blocked nose. Pollinosan tablets can be used together with Pollinosan Luffa Nasal Spray. 

Luffa is a useful herb if symptoms manifest around the eyes and nose. Swift in its effect, it appears to deal with both blocked and runny noses, as well as watery and itchy eyes and a tickly throat. As it is taken internally, it is a good option for those who wear contact lenses and cant use eye drops. It isn’t contraindicated with other medication, including other hayfever medication.

2) Haymax - Pollen Barrier

A pollen barrier balm, HayMax, could be the answer to easing your sneezing! Simply apply around the rim of the nostrils as soon as symptoms start; and it traps the pollen before it enters your body, helping you stay symptom free longer.

HayMax has been proven to trap over one third of the pollen in the air in independent studies by The National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit [1]; which is enough to effectively reduce the pollen count from high to medium on all but the highest pollen count days. . HayMax works by reducing the amount of pollen getting into the body, keeping the sufferer below their trigger level, and symptom free, for longer – less pollen, less reaction.

3) Natures Aid Quercetin Complex

Quercetin, Ester C and French Maritime Pine Bark are effective anti-histamines, stabilising the mast cells, which release the cause of all the misery. Quercetin belongs to a group of plant pigments called flavonoids that give many fruits, flowers, and vegetables their colour - natural sources of quercetin include onions, apples, parsley, sage, citrus fruits and green tea. MSM, a rich source of sulphur, helps keep mucous thin, eases the breathing and nourishes the liver, which is responsible for histamine breakdown. Liquorice has an anti-inflammatory effect and is soothing for those irritated mucous membranes.

4) Pharma Nord Pycnogenol

Pycnogenol according to several clinical studies inhibits the release of histamine helping to maintain a normal response by the body to allergic or inflammatory challenge.  Since this powerful antioxidant is an anti-inflammatory, it inhibits production of pro-inflammatory mediators. Pycnogenol may help to relieve the swelling, reduce hives and help make breathing easier.

5) Stinging Nettle/Urtica

Dr. Andrew Wiel, the author of Natural Health/Natural Medicine, claims there simply is nothing more efficient than stinging nettle at relieving allergies. His belief is substantiated by past studies made at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon. It is known that decongestants, antihistamines, allergy shots and even prescription drugs similar to Allegra and Claritin only work on the symptoms of allergies, plus they seem to lose their potency over a certain period of time. These prescription medications may also cause drowsiness, dry sinuses, insomnia or high blood pressure. Stinging nettle on the other hand doesn't induce any of these potential side effects. Stinging nettle has also been traditionally used to ease the symptoms of urticaria & prickly heat. Take in the form of a tea or as a tincture.

6) Local Honey

And don’t forget how a daily spoonful of local honey throughout the winter & spring season may help build your resistance to local pollen. Congleton’s own Howty Honey is a cold extracted floral honey from a variety of local flowers. It is a completely natural product with no additives. And if you're a lover of honey, this is one not to be missed! You can find this along with many other natural remedies for Hayfever in store at Bare Health.

For more Information & tips on how you can manage your hayfever naturally with the support of herbal remedies, supplements, homeopathy & nutrition please call into Bare Health, Congleton. We are always more than happy to chat to you to find the best natural solutions for health - tailored specifically to your needs.

We also have an experienced & professional team of Complementary Therapists available should you require a tailored one to one consultation. For more information click 'here'

The information contained within this article is intended for information purposes only and is not designed to replace the advice of your GP or healthcare professional. Always seek medical advice if taking prescribed medication or undergoing any form of treatment.