Surviving Christmas

Now that it is December the run-up to Christmas tends to present us with many invitations to a range of social events and that inevitably includes Christmas goodies such as mince pies, sausage rolls, wine etc.

By all means have a great time at any social events you attend but if you do tend to be a little bit susceptible to the ill effects of all this rich food and wine you could help yourself by adding a few homeopathic remedies to your home first aid kit.

Aconite

The remedy to think of when there is a sudden onset of a cough or cold or earache after being out in cold, dry winds.   The person needing this remedy would feel very anxious, nervous, restless and fearful.  The fear can present itself as nightmares and bad dreams interrupting sleep.

Arsen Alb

Should there be any unfortunate incidents of food poisoning this remedy is very helpful when sickness and diarrhoea are revenant.   It can also help with acid reflux.   The person who would find benefit from this remedy is one who is fearful, anxious and restless and fastidious about disorder, dirt and germs.

Bryonia

Dryness is the keynote of this remedy, harsh dry hacking cough that makes you want to hold your sides when coughing and the cough is worse when going into a warm room.   Because your mouth, tongue and throat feel so dry it makes you want to drink large quantities of water.     Constipation is also another feature as is irritability.   Feels better when being left alone.

Ferrum Phos

This remedy to turn to when you have the onset of a sort throat or cold and feel that your energy is lacking but do not feel as lethargic as the Gelsemium picture and your symptoms tend to be worse at night and in the early hours of the morning.  Hoarseness from overstraining the voice.

Gelsemium

For when you are nervous about attending a social occasion or worried about how your Christmas meal will turn out and as a result get butterflies in your tummy that makes you keep running to the loo.   This remedy is also helpful for when you feel a cold is coming on, have a headache and flu-like symptoms and just want to close your eyes and sleep.

Ignatia

Whilst there may be many fun and enjoyable activities during the festive period, it can also be tinged with sadness if a member of the family is unable to attend due to being away from home through work, illness or if there has been a bereavement.  The person needing this will be tearful and emotional and feel as if they have a lump in their throat that they have difficulty swallowing over.

Lycopodium

The person who could benefit from this remedy is one that feels hungry but as soon as they start eating their appetite diminishes because they feel full very quickly.   It has been useful for other digestive upsets such as bloating, burping and flatulence.   Symptoms tend to be worse around 4-8pm.
This remedy is also useful for upcoming events when the person has an issue around confidence particularly if they are speaking in public yet they are very capable and once they start to present their topic they do very well.

Nat Mur

Think of this remedy when you get the sniffles, lots of sneezing and your nose runs like a tap.  The person who can benefit from this remedy doesn't like to show their emotions and in times of stress and upset and prefers to be left alone.

Nux Vomica

Often referred to at the 'hangover' remedy.   It is useful when you have had too much to eat or drink and feel that if only you could be sick you would feel better.   Lack of sleep and too much rich food could give rise to some constipation and this in turn makes you feel irritable and like a bear with a sore head.  Can be helpful for children who complain of tummy ache after they have been to birthday parties and have eaten too many sweets and chocolate.

Pulsatilla

People who have a craving for fatty foods that tend to disagree with them will find this remedy more useful than Nux Vomica.   It is a great remedy for children that become clingy and needy especially when you have a lot to do preparing the Christmas dinner and they are wanting to be by your side the whole time.  If you are travelling overseas this is a great remedy to have on hand for ears that go 'pop' when flying.

Homeopathic remedies can be purchased from local health shops and the instructions on the packet followed.   Homeopathic remedies are safe for all ages, non-toxic and non-addictive.

With very best wishes to you all for a Happy Christmas and I hope you all enjoy your festivities.

June Sayer D.Hom(Med) MARH, D.N.Th., D.Iridol
Homeopathy, CEASE therapist, Nutrition, Iridology, Reiki

The information on this webpage represents the views and opinion of the author, based on her clinical experience, and the traditions of Homeopathy. This material is provided for information only, and should not be construed as medical advice or instruction. Always consult with a suitably qualified and registered Homeopath, or with a medical doctor for advice about the treatment they offer, especially in serious or life threatening medical conditions, or if you are already taking medical drugs. 

References: Nature's Materia Medica, 3rd Edition, Robin Murphy.

Top 10 tips for winter health

Once the cold, damp conditions arrive in Autumn we find ourselves being advised to 'get the 'flu jab'. This is a very controversial subject to me as a homeopath and not something that I would want to have since many of my clients report back with stories of being unwell since they had the jab and ask me to help them recover their health.

If you don't want to have the 'flu jab then below are a few ideas to help you stay healthy during the winter months.

1)  Avoid processed foods as these are often high in sugar and other additives
2)  Increase your intake of fresh fruit and vegetables as these will provide you with plenty of Vitamin C.
3)  Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoid fizzy drinks as not only are fizzy drinks high in sugar they are not as good at hydrating you as water is.  If you want to make your own flavoured water cut up some lemons and limes and infuse them in a jug of water.
4)  Boost your immunity by taking a 1000 iu Vitamin D supplement.   There are very few contra-indications for Vitamin D, but it is always worth checking with your GP or health professional
5)  Probiotics are also good for the immune system and taking a high quality probiotic will help support the gut integrity.
6)  Get out and about so that you get plenty of fresh air and exercise
7)  Open the bedroom windows and air the room even though it may seem cold.
8)  Reduce your stress levels by being organised and take up a hobby such as yoga or dancing as this will improve your general sense of well-being
9)  Get plenty of sleep so that you feel able to cope with day-to-day events
10)  Visit your homeopath, nutritionist or other health professional to review your overall health

If you do happen to succumb to coughs and colds or even the flu there are plenty of homeopathic remedies and nutritional support that could help you to recover more quickly.

Signing off for now - June

Can homeopathy help with migraine?

Can homeopathy help with migraine?

Migraine is a complex condition that can affect up to 15% of the population in the UK.   It is generally most troublesome during the ages of 20 through to 50 and is often associated with people building a career or raising their family.   The throbbing pain is worsened by movement.  

Cluster headaches are more distinctive.  The attacks are brief but intense lasting anything from 20 minutes to an hour and there can be more than one attack during a day.  Once the headache eases off long intervals occur before the next one.    The pain is severe and burning and can affect the front of the head and eye with the pain radiating to the face and the neck. 

Some of the symptoms associated with migraine are:

• Wavy lines in the field of vision
• White or coloured lights or spots in the field of vision
• Weakness of one side of the body 
• Numbness of hands and the mouth
• Vomiting
• Sweating
• Throbbing or sharp pains

Some of the common triggers of migraine are:

• Chocolate
• Cheese
• Red wine
• Monosodium glutamate (flavour enhancer)
• Aspartame (artificial sweetener)
• Leaving too long between meals 
• Deficiency of B vitamins
• Dehydration
• Stress
• Anger
• Bright or flashing lights
• Eye strain
• Hunger
• Hormonal
• Sinus problems
• Dental problems 

If you suffer the debilitating effects of migraine attacks you will already have been working out your own triggers and will be doing your best to avoid them although there are times when circumstances can set off a migraine.  

Ensure that you remain well hydrated since your body needs water to maintain its normal physiological function and is more beneficial to the body than tea, coffee or alcohol.  If you find plain water boring then create your own flavoured water by adding slices of fresh lemon or lime.  Fuzzy headaches and lethargy can be signs of constipation and drinking more water will go some way to improving the bowel function.

When you are stressed B vitamins can become depleted and stress can also slow down the digestive process so it it worthwhile taking a complete overview of your whole and adopting a whole health approach using homeopathy, nutritional and lifestyle factors can be beneficial when you are looking at ways to reduce the incidences of migraine headaches.  

After taking a detailed case history, a homeopath will carefully carefully select a remedy that closely match your symptoms.   Some homeopathic remedies are given below for information

Aconite Napellus   

The headache comes on suddenly particularly after being exposed to cold, dry wind.  The head feels heavy with a pulsating, hot burning sensation and the symptoms are aggravated by music but better for rest. 

Bryonia Alba

Headaches that are brought on by fright, anger or constipation.  The pain is bursting and if the head is being hit by a hammer from the inside and the scalp feels sensitive.  Any form of motion makes the symptoms worse.

Gelsemium 

The headache can be brought on by fear, grief, stage fright or worries about upcoming event.  The eyes feel heavy, the muscles around the neck and shoulders feel sore and the person feels weak and apathetic.  

Ipecacuanha 

Headaches are accompanied by nausea and there is no relief from vomiting.  The brain feels bruised and the pain extends to the teeth and tongue

Iris Versicolor 

Gastric upsets with nausea, sour vomiting and diarrhoea accompany the headache that begins with blurred vision after relaxing from mental work and the effects are felt more on the right temple. 

If you do suffer with continued migraine or cluster headaches please visit your GP who will be able to undertake tests to eliminate any other underlying health issues

References:

Macleod J, Ewards C, Bouchier I, Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine 15^th Edition, Churchill Livingstone

Murphy,Robin ND, Nature’s Materia Medica 3^rd Edition

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/04/21/B-Vitamins-Offer-Migraine-Relief.aspx

http://www.migraine.org.uk/information/triggers/