Herbal Remedies

Bitters

This group of herbs has an overall stimulating effect on the body, including the digestive system and the hormone-producing endocrine system that the thyroid gland is a part of. In the clinical experience of many doctors, bitters are the most effective treatment for mild to moderate hypothyroidism. Bitters are named for their taste; their strong taste boosts the body’s production of digestive fluids, so you get more nutrients from eating the same foods. The more bitter the taste, the better they work. You have to actually taste the bitterness, so swallowing capsules won’t do the trick. Many commercial bitters tinctures are on the market; look for those that contain gentian. Typical dosage: 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon of tincture three times per day before meals; or 1 cup of tea three times per day before meals.

Myrhh (Commiphora myrrha)

This tree resin stimulates the thyroid, although researchers haven’t figured out how. Resins don’t extract in hot water, though, so myrrh doesn’t work in tea form. Typical dosage: 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of tincture three times per day.

Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus)

This iodine-rich seaweed is one of several seaweeds that can help balance and nourish the thyroid. Typical dosage: 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon of tincture three times per day.

Supplements for Thyroid Health

The thyroid needs iodine to do its work. Dietary sources of iodine include salt-water fish, other seafoods, seaweeds, and iodized table salt. If you suspect you’re deficient in iodine, include these foods in your diet or take 150 to 300 micrograms of iodine per day. Don’t exceed this dose, because excess iodine may actually inhibit thyroid function.
The amino acid tyrosine is another building block of thyroid hormones; you may want to try taking 250 to 500 milligrams per day.
Although some foods can boost iodine levels, others may actually block the thyroid from using iodine. Foods to avoid include soybeans, peanuts, millet, pine nuts, turnips, cabbage, and mustard. Cooking, however, appears to inactivate the substances that cause this effect, so don’t be afraid to eat cooked foods containing these ingredients.

Herbal Remedies

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

With its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties, licorice acts in a way that’s similar to cortisol, the body’s own anti-inflammatory hormone. Use whole licorice, not the DGL, or deglycyrrhizinated, form. Typical dosage: up to six 400- to 500-milligram capsules per day; or 20 to 30 drops of tincture three times per day; or 2 cups of tea per day (simmer 1 teaspoon of dried chopped root in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes). You can also cool the tea and apply it to the affected skin with a clean cloth three or four times a day. Caution: Limit internal use to six weeks. Do not use if you are pregnant or if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a disease of the thyroid, kidney, liver, or heart. If you are already taking corticosteroid allergy medications, consult a doctor before using licorice.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

This effective anti-inflammatory herb also helps you sleep–a welcome attribute if the burning and itching of hives keeps you awake. Typical dosage: 3 to 4 cups of tea per day (steep 1 teaspoon of dried flowers in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes). You can also cool a cup in the refrigerator, moisten a clean cloth and apply it to your hives three to four times a day. Or brew about a gallon of tea and pour it into a lukewarm bath (hot water usually aggravates itching). Caution: If you’re allergic to other daisy family plants, you might be allergic to chamomile. Apply the tea to a small patch of skin that doesn’t have hives and wait 24 to 48 hours. If the chamomile produces inflammation, don’t use it.

Yarrow (Artemesia millefolium)

This flower is in the same botanical tribe as chamomile and is also anti-inflammatory. Typical dosage: 3 to 4 cups of tea per day (steep 1 teaspoon of dried flowers in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes). You can use it externally in the same way as chamomile–but the same cautions apply. Caution: Do not use internally during pregnancy.

Burdock (Arctium lappa)

This plant is a traditional treatment for skin conditions, including hives. The roots, seeds, and leaves can all be used. Typical dosage: up to 3 cups of tea per (steep 1 teaspoon of dried root in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or up to six 400- to 500-milligram capsules per day; or 20 to 30 drops of tincture three times per day.

Stinging Nettle (Urica dioica)

Nettles may seem an odd choice to heal hives, because a serious case of them can result if you merely brush against the fresh plant. But taken internally, this plant somehow has an anti-allergy effect. If stinging nettles grow near your home, wear thick gloves, long sleeves, and long pants. Pick a couple of handfuls, steam them, and eat as a vegetable. Typical dosage: 1 to 2 cups of tea per day (steep 1 teaspoon of dried leaves in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes); or up to six 400-milligram capsules per day.

Aloe (Aloe vera)

If you grow this plant, slice a leaf lengthwise, scoop out the inner gel, and apply as needed to your hives. It will reduce inflammation and feel cool and soothing on irritated skin. You can also use a commercial preparation of pure aloe vera gel, preferably one without artificial colorings or preservatives.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

This spice’s strong anti-inflammatory powers come with a helping of heat, so you might not want to use it if your skin already feels hot. Typical dosage: up to 2 cups of tea per day (simmer 1 teaspoon of fresh grated root or 1/2 teaspoon of dried root in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes). You can also cool a batch to sponge onto your skin.

When Hives are an Emergency

Call for emergency medical transport if you experience wheezing or difficulty breathing along with swelling of you lips, tongue, and throat. If you suspect a new medication has produced the hives, call your doctor. No matter what the trigger, bear in mind that the next time you are exposed to that substance, you may have a much more severe reaction. To prevent this, you must identify and eliminate the cause of the reaction.

Herbal Remedies

Guggul (from the myrrh tree, Commiphora mukul)

This sticky resin is used extensively in the ancient Indian system of medicine known as Ayurveda. An extract of this resin, called gugulipid, has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDL cholesterol. It also appears to protect the heart from damage by unstable molecules called free radicals. Gugulipid is sold as an extract standardized to contain 5 to 10 percent of guggulsterone, the active ingredient. Typical dosage: 25 milligrams of guggulsterone three times per day with meals. You may have to take it for one to three months for it to have an effect on cholesterol, but guggulsterone appears to have no significant side effects and it can be taken long term.

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus)

The artichoke plant’s leaves and roots contain a chemical called cynarin. This substance blocks the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines and inhibits its production in the liver. Cynarin also affects triglycerides; in one medical study, patients saw their triglycerides drop after six weeks of use. Similar to its cousin milk thistle, artichoke appears to assist the liver in breaking down toxic chemicals. Although eating artichoke leaves on a regular basis can definitely help lower cholesterol, to get a more consistent effect, use a powdered extract. Typical dosage: 500 to 3,000 milligrams per day, divided into three doses, taken before meals. Caution: Do not use if you have gallstones or gallbladder problems.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

This pungent bulb has been used medicinally in many cultures for more than 3,000 years. Its active ingredients is a compound called allicin; sometimes you’ll see products standardized to a particular percentage of this chemical. Garlic inhibits at least two of the enzymes involved in the production of cholesterol by the liver, thus lowering cholesterol synthesis. Typical dosage: 1 to 3 raw or briefly cooked cloves per day; or in tablets or capsules, enough to total at least 4,000 micrograms of allicin potential daily.

Psyllium Seed (Plantago ovata)

The seed of the psyllium plant is rich in mucilage, the soluble fibers similar to those found in oat bran, flaxseed meal, and guar gum. Although it is traditionally used to treat constipation, research shows that psyllium seed reduces high cholesterol and triglycerides levels. Exactly how it does this isn’t known, but it appears to bind with dietary cholesterol and fat to prevent their absorption. It also binds bile acids and prevents their reabsorption in the intestines, thus taking cholesterol out of circulation. Psyllium needs to be consumed quickly, because once you you combine it with water, it quickly thickens to the point of undrinkability. Typical dosage: 2 to 4 teaspoons of powdered seed or 1 teaspoon of the ground seed husks dissolved in 1 cup of water, once or twice per day. Caution: May cause gas, bloating, or diarrhea; to avoid these side effects, start with half the above dose and build up slowly.

The Vitamin that’s a Drug

Since the 1950s, doctors have prescribed niacin, or vitamin B3, for lowering cholesterol. But the dosages recommended–500 to 3,000 milligrams per day–make this use of the vitamin more like a drug. Niacin lowers not only total cholesterol but also LDL, triglycerides, and fibrinogen, a blood protein responsible for clot formation. It also raises HDL levels. Pure, crystalline niacin can cause a harmless but unpleasant flushing reaction. Taking and aspirin tablet before taking niacin, or using timed-release niacin, can prevent flushing. There have been reports of liver damage, however, with some forms of timed-released niacin. It should probably be avoided for this reason.
A new, better choice is inositol hexaniacinate, which is niacin bound to inositol, a B-complex-like vitamin. This substance has been used for years in Europe and appears to avoid niacin’s side effects on the liver. All forms of niacin have side effects for some people, so consult your doctor to calculate a dosage.

Doing the Numbers

What should your cholesterol levels be? Agencies and researchers are continually revising their recommendations. Here are the current guidelines.

* Total cholesterol: below 200 milligrams per deciliter
* LDL: below 130 milligrams per deciliter
* HDL: above 35 milligrams per deciliter
* Total cholesterol to HDL ratio: less than 5
* Triglycerides: below 100 milligrams per deciliter
* Ratio of triglycerides to HDL: controversial, but some experts recommend a ratio of less than 3

First Things First

You’ve surely heard it before, but it remains as true as ever: The single most important natural way to lower a high cholesterol level is to change your diet. Reducing your intake of saturated animal fats can help. Cut back on high-fat red meats and avoid fried foods and lard. Replace saturated oils and fats with mono-unsaturated ones, such as olive and avocado oil, and with polyunsaturated fats such as those found in raw nuts, seeds, flaxseed oil, and fish oils. This approach can lower LDL levels without significantly lowering HDL levels. Increase your fiber intake by adding crispy vegetables and fibrous whole grains, especially oat and rice bran. Aim for a total fiber intake of 50 grams or more per day. Try eating more soy, too. Soy protein and other soy foods have also been shown to reduce cholesterol when included regularly in the diet. In addition, an exercise program consisting of both aerobic and weight resistance, performed at least three times per week, has been shown in medical studies to increase HDL levels while decreasing LDL levels.

The Dynamic Duo

Combining garlic with fish oil (such as salmon or cod-liver extract) has been shown to increase the effectiveness of both products in lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. A typical dosage of fish oil might be 1,000 to 3,000 milligrams per day.

Herbal Remedies

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)

The leaves, flowers, and berries of this tree have a well-deserved reputation as general tonics for the cardiovascular system. Hawthorn is perhaps the best-known botanical medicine used in the treatment of mild high blood pressure. A hawthorn extract is commonly used by herbalist for improving heart function and treating congestive heart failure, irregular heartbeats, and angina. It is a rich source of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) and antioxidant bioflavonoids, both of which nourish the tissues of the heart and the blood vessels.
Hawthorn lowers blood pressure by relaxing and dilating artery walls. How the herb does this is only partly understood. It appears to possess similarities to ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and calcium channel blockers. Since hawthorn can take weeks or even months to work, it should not be used by itself for significantly high blood pressure (above 160 over 100). But it is the ideal herb to use in the early stages of high blood pressure. Typical dosage: 150 to 1,500 milligrams of powdered standardized extract (one that contains 10 to 18 percent OPCs or 1.8 percent vitexin-4′-rhamnoside).

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

This mushroom is prized in Japan and China, where its rejuvenating qualities have been known for over 4,000 years. Scientific studies have confirmed its medicinal properties. Published studies in humans show that it lowers blood pressure and reduces “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, another type of blood fat. It also reduces the tendency of blood platelets to accumulate, thus making blood less likely to clot and promote heart attacks and strokes. Since the raw mushroom is woody and inedible, the traditional method of preparing reishi is to make a tea by simmering it for a long time in water. Fortunately, it is also available in a powerful form. Typical dosage: 1,000 to 9,000 milligrams in capsules per day; or 50 to 75 milligrams in concentrated capsules three times per day.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

This common seasoning has been used as a medicine in many cultures for more than 3,000 years. It is known to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, treat infections, and prevent cancer. The sure-fire way to lower blood pressure with garlic is to eat one to three raw or lightly cooked cloves every day. If you can’t handle the garlic breath that results, or you suffer from heartburn or an easily irritated stomach, garlic is available in other forms. Typical dosage: 1 to 3 standardized tablets (guaranteed to provide at least 4,000 micrograms of allicin each) per day.

Coleus (Coleus forskohlii)

An extract of this herb, forskohlin, is used to extensively in India to treat numerous conditions, including high blood pressure and asthma, though it is little known in the United States. Forskolin has been shown to increase the concentration of a chemical called cAMP, found in smooth muscles, thus dilating the walls of arteries. Forskolin also appears to help heart muscle work more efficiently. Since the root contains only small amounts of the active ingredient, it is important to use a concentrated extract. Typical dosage: 50 milligrams three or four times per day.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

The leaves of your favorite lawn weed are a popular home remedy for fluid retention. By gently increasing urine flow, dandelion leaf helps to lower blood pressure as well. In very high doses, the herb can have a diuretic effect. The advantages of using dandelion are twofold: It does not appear to cause potassium loss–a significant problem with some prescription diuretics–and at the right time of year, almost anyone can find fresh dandelion greens to throw into a salad or make into a juice or tea. (Avoid leaves that have been treated with chemicals.) Typical dosage: 2 to 6 cups of tea per day (simmer 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaves in one cup of water for 5 minutes); or 1 to 2 dropperfuls of tincture up to three times per day; or one 500-milligram capsule three or four times per day.

Doing the Blood-Pressure Numbers

Blood pressure is measured it terms of how much the arteries contract (systolic pressure) and dilate (diastolic pressure). Although a reading of 140 (the upper,systolic number) over 90 (the lower, diastolic number) has been designated as the upper limit of normal for the American population, comparative studies of other population suggest these figures may be too high. For example, the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico, who lead a very active lifestyle, often walking or running several miles daily up and down steep canyon walls, have an average blood pressure of 90 over 60 and a much lower rate of heart attacks and strokes than Americans do.
Instead of waiting until your blood pressure reaches someone else’s arbitrary limit and then trying to lower it after the fact, a better strategy is to keep an eye on this barometer of health on a regular basis. Experts suggest beginning intervention on a number of fronts–diet, exercise, and natural remedies–when readings regularly exceed 120 over 80. Blood pressure should be checked once a year if normal, and four times a year if it is ever found to be elevated.

A Salty Debate

It used to be a sure thing that you’d be told to pass up the salt if you had high blood pressure. More current research, however, has shown that reducing sodium helps lower blood pressure for less than half of those who try it.
On the other hand, most people do eat too much salt–a daily average of 2 to 3 teaspoons– and would benefit by cutting back to 1 teaspoon. A simple way to do this is to stop adding extra salt to food.

First Things First

Drugs to lower blood pressure are among the most frequent reasons a doctor gets out a prescription pad. Although these drugs are usually effective, their value is diminished by side effects such as fatigue and depression. They can also impair your ability to exercise or enjoy sex. And they’re expensive. So if you’ve been newly diagnosed with high blood pressure, it’s a natural to ask your doctor if you can avoid having to take such drugs by making some changes in your lifestyle.
Fortunately, because so many Americans suffer from high blood pressure, a great deal of research has been done on ways to fight the disorder. Stress management techniques that have been proven to help include meditation, biofeedback, and regular aerobic exercise. Losing weight and decreasing alcohol consumption may also have a big impact. Some people, especially those with Type II diabetes, find that restricting carbohydrates can dramatically lower their blood pressure.

Eight ways to Fight High Blood Pressure

Here are eight more tips for lowering high blood pressure and reducing or preventing a dependence on blood pressure drugs.
* Eat fewer calories. Lowering your body weight if it’s too high is one key way to lower your blood pressure.

* Avoid refined carbohydrates such as white flour and sugar, white potatoes (especially french fries), and sugar-sweetened soft drinks. All of these supply “empty” calories, meaning they’re unusually bereft of nutrients and they lead to weight gain. They also fill you up so that you have now room left for healthful foods.

* Don’t drink more than one 8-ounce glass of beer, or 4 ounces of wine, or 1 ounce of hard liquor per day. Higher amounts of alcohol are known blood pressure boosters.

* Eat high-fiber foods such as flaxseed meal and other whole grains and vegetables. In addition to boosting dietary fiber, these foods contain nutrients that lower blood pressure. And fiber makes you feel full, which helps you lose weight if you need to.

* Eat deep-sea fish that are rich in essential fatty acids, such as salmon, cod, mackerel, and tuna. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish tend to relax artery walls, reducing blood pressure. They also make blood thinner and less likely to clot.

* Emphasize foods high in magnesium, potassium, and calcium. On the list: nuts and seeds, green leafy vegetables, legumes, whole grain, tofu, bananas, oranges, apples, avocados, and melons.

* Stop smoking. Cigarette smoking raises your blood pressure by constricting arteries. It also damages heart muscle and other tissues by decreasing the amount of oxygen they get.

* Engage in regular aerobic exercise for 30 or 40 minutes three or four times a week. Such exercise has been shown to lower blood pressure and prevent heart attacks.

Mineral “Magic”

One of the deadliest consequences of high blood pressure is stroke. But it is also the one with a proven dietary therapy. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) study, performed at four medical centers and sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, showed that people who ate foods rich in potassium, magnesium, and fiber had a lower incidence of stroke.

Herbal Remedies

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

This antiviral herb has recently shown its potential for accelerating the healing of herpes sores, especially when treatment is started early in the outbreak. Because it’s also a mild sedative, lemon balm may help you sleep if the pain of an outbreak is keeping you awake. Typical dosage: 25 to 40 drops of tincture two times per day; or 3 cups of tea per day (steep 1 1/4 to 4 teaspoons of dried leaf in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes). In addition, you can apply a commercial lemon balm cream or ointment to the sores three or four times per day. Other effective herbs to look for in topical lemon balm products: aloe vera, calendula, chamomile, and plantain.

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, E. purpurea, E. pallida)

This herb is useful in any condition involving the immune system. Begin taking echinacea as soon as you feel an outbreak beginning; continue for up to two weeks. Typical dosage: up to nine 300-to 400-milligrams capsules per day; or 60 drops of tincture three times per day.

St.-John’s-wort (Hypericum perforatum)

A well-known virus fighter and wound healer, St.-John’s-wort can be used in several ways to fight herpes. Typical dosage: 300 milligrams in capsules three times per day; or 15 to 40 drops of tincture three times per day; or 3 cups of tea per day (steep 1 teaspoon of dried herb in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes). To use externally, apply a compress made with the tea to the cold sores three times per day. You can also apply an infused oil or tincture of the following tops to active lesions. Caution: May cause increased reactions to sun exposure. Do not take St.-John’s-wort internally if you are on an antidepressant drug.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

In studies, licorice inactivates the herpes simplex virus. It also has a potent anti-inflammatory effect. When an outbreak first occurs, you can take commercial products that contain licorice extract or apply a licorice-compress or poultice several times per day. Typical dosage: 1 cup of tea per day (steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried, chopped root in 1 cup of hot water for 15 minutes); or up to six 400- or 500-milligram capsules per day; or 20 to 30 drops of tincture up to three times per day. Caution: Do not use licorice internally for longer than six weeks. Do not take it at all if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, take diuretics or digitalis, or if you’re pregnant.

Topical Herpes Treatment

If the alcohol of this tincture stings too much, substitute glycerites or infused oils of the same herbs.

1/2 teaspoon St.-John’s-wort tincture
1/2 teaspoon licorice root tincture
5 drops tea tree essential oil
3 drops myrrh essential oil

Combine all ingredients. Shake well, then apply directly to herpes lesions up to three times per day.

Food and Supplements to Manage Herpes

To minimize herpes outbreaks, limit foods containing the amino acid arginine. That means avoiding chocolate,walnuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, peanut, and peanut butter.
Another amino acid, lysine, may help prevent outbreaks. Get your lysine by eating plenty of turkey,chicken, fish, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, and wheat germ. You can also take lysine in capsule form. Typical dosage: 3,000 milligrams of lysine per day for 3 months, then 1,000 milligrams per day to prevent outbreaks.
Meanwhile, take zinc at the first sign of an outbreak to limit its length and severity. Typical dosage: 30 to 60 milligrams during the outbreak and for several days after. You can also apply cream or ointment containing zinc sulfate to the sores.

Herpes-Immune System Tincture

Blending your own tinctures is easy to do; you simply purchase commercial tinctures and blend them in a dark glass bottle. You can blend larger amounts of the tinctures in this recipe; just keep the proportions the same.

1/2 teaspoon echinacea tincture
1/2 teaspoon St.-John’s-wort tincture
1/2 teaspoon bupleurum tincture
1/2 teaspoon licorice tincture
1/2 teaspoon barberry tincture

Combine the tinctures. Take one dropperful of the mix four to six times per day as soon as you feel symptoms of an outbreak coming on and for as long as they continue.

Three Quick, Easy Remedies

Got tea on hand? How about aloe or vitamin E? Here are quick, easy ways to quell the sting of a herpes lesion.

* Apply a damp bag of black tea. Steep it in hot water a few moments to allow the tiny pieces of leaves to unfurl; let it cool and place on the lesion.

* Pop open a vitamin E capsule. Apply the oil to lesions to ease the itch and promote healing.

* Use pure aloe vera gel. It’s as good for any minor skin wound as it is for kitchen burns. Slice open a leaf, scoop the fresh gel, and apply, or purchase a bottled pure aloe vera product.

Herbal Remedies

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

Extracts of ginkgo leaf help strengthen the blood vessels. Ginkgo is also anti-inflammatory, just what you’re looking for in conditions that include pain and itching among their symptoms. Typical dosage: 40 to 60 milligrams of capsules standardized to 24 percent flavone glycosides and 6 percent ginkgolides two or three times per day; or 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of tincture two or three times per day.

Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)

A traditional treatment for strengthening and toning the veins, horse chestnut is anti-inflammatory and therefore decreases swelling. It is also astringent and tends to reduce bleeding. This herb can be used both internally and topically. Typical dosage: 1 cup of tea three times per day (simmer 1 teaspoon of dried seeds in 1 cup of water for 10 to 15 minutes);or 1/8 to 1 teaspoon of tincture three times per day. To use horse chestnut externally, allow the tea to cool. Soak a clean washcloth in the tea and wring out. Apply to swollen tissues as often as needed.

Butcher’s Broom (Ruscus aculeatus)

This herb decreases inflammation and strengthens blood vessels. Typical dosage: 1 cup of tea three times per day (steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaf in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes); or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of tincture three times per day on an empty stomach.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

This strongly astringent herb stops bleeding and helps shrink swollen tissues. Apply commercial witch hazel preparations or distilled extract products three times per day and after each bowel movement. Caution: Never use these products internally.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus)

These two herbs share some key characteristics. They’re both considered weeds; you can eat the young greens of either; and the roots of both plants are mild, gentle laxatives. It’s the roots you want for treating the constipation that sometimes comes with hemorrhoids. Typical dosage: 1 to 3 cups of tea per day (steep 2 teaspoon of dried, chopped root in 1 cup of water 15 minutes);or 1/2 to 3 teaspoons of tincture per day.

Putting Medicine Where it Hurts

Herbs applied directly to hemorrhoids can ease symptoms, stop bleeding, and speed healing. Look for creams,salves, or suppositories that contain combinations of soothing, anti-inflammatory, and astringent herbs such as calendula, comfrey, chamomile, lavender, St.-John’s-wort, and plantain. Distilled witch hazel is also an excellent astringent that shrinks swollen hemorrhoids and controls bleeding (do not take internally,though). And cypress essential oil may help shrink swollen veins and reduce bleeding.

Rx for Hemorrhoids

This blend combines soothing herbs that foster wound healing with the cooling astringent witch hazel.

4 tablespoons distilled witch hazel
1/2 tablespoon comfrey tincture
1/2 tablespoon horse chestnut tincture
50 drops lavender essential oil
50 drops cypress essential oil (optional)

Combine all the ingredients in an airtight amber glass bottle with a tight lid and label. Store away from heat and light. To use, shake well and apply gently with a cotton ball twice a day and after each bowel movement. If internal hemorrhoids are present, insert the soaked cotton ball briefly into the rectal opening to allow the herbs to soak this area; be sure to keep a grip on the cotton ball so you don’t lose it.

Taking the Waters

A bath in warm water often provides temporary relief from hemorrhoids by soothing inflamed tissues and stimulating circulation. To make that bath more effective, add soothing herbs in the form of essential oils or tea to the water. Good candidates are calendula, comfrey, chamomile, lavender, and St.-John’s-wort. Be careful, however; if you’re adding essential oils, dilute them first. Add no more than 5 drops of essential oil to one fluid ounce of a neutral vegetable-based oil such as olive or almond.

The Rid-of-’Roids Diet

Foods rich in fiber and in proanthocyanidin, two compounds that improve the health of blood vessels, can help prevent future hemorrhoids, and hlep current ones heal. Blackberries,blueberries, and cherries are among the foods that contain these ingredients. If constipation is a factor, you may want to consider a fiber supplement, such as psyllium seed husks (1 tablespoon per day) mixed with water or juice. If your diet is less than healthy, add a good multivitamin to ensure that you’re getting all of the important blood-vessel-healing nutrients. Dairy products, meat, and fatty foods tend to be constipating, so it’s a good idea to cut back on these products.

Wrapped around the gastrointestinal tract is a remarkable kind of smooth muscle that’s designed to push solids and liquids in one direction–from the mouth to the anus. In addition, each section of the digestive tract is separated from the others by a thick ring of muscular tissue called a sphincter. The sphincters serve to keep food from moving backwards.

Although the gastrointestinal tract if really just one long tube, its individual sections have very different functions and very different inner linings. The stomach is lined with a thick layer of mucus designed to withstand exposure to potent acid. The esophagus, on the other hand, has a lining that’s relatively thin and very sensitive to acid.

If the sphincter that separates the esophagus from the stomach relaxes too much, it can allow acid to splash back from the stomach into the esophagus. The symptoms resulting from this phenomenon can be quite painful–an intense burning or pressure that begins underneath the lower breastbone and radiates up to the throat or out into the chest. No wonder it is called heartburn.

Heartburn pain typically occurs within an hour or two after eating. (In contrast, the pain of stomach and duodenal ulcers tends to increase on an empty stomach and is often relieved by eating.) In advanced cases, heartburn is associated with a condition called hiatal hernia.

Normally, the muscles of the diaphragm help keep the esophagus tucked inside the chest cavity and the stomach inside the abdomen. These muscles act in concert with the lower esophageal sphincter.

When the muscles of the diaphragm become lax and when there is sufficient pressure in the abdomen–such as after a large meal–all or part of the stomach can slide up into the chest. People with hiatal hernia can have reflux of partially digested food along with stomach acid and other fluids. The pain is often intense.

What makes the lower esophageal sphincter open inappropriately? One cause is mechanical: eating too much in one sitting, which can stretch out the sphincter. Thus, eating a large meal and lying down afterwards is a definite no-no because it makes food more likely to flow in the wrong direction. This is especially true for obese people who already have constant external pressure on the stomach. Another cause is chemical: Certain foods and chemicals can make the muscles of the sphincter relax. The best examples are cigarette smoke, alcohol, high fat foods, mints, chocolate, onions, and caffeine.

In addition to making lifestyle changes, using herbs can prove quite effective for heartburn. Along with avoiding troublesome foods and chemicals (listed above), stay away from fennel, lemon balm, peppermint, and spearmint–members of a group of herbs called carminatives, which relax the lower esophageal sphincter.

Herbal Remedies

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Studies have shown that licorice accelerates the healing of intestinal ulcers. It is anti-inflammatory and very soothing to mucous membranes. To use licorice for heartburn or reflux, choose a special kind called DGL (deglycyrrhizinated) licorice. It is just as effective as regular licorice without affecting the body’s sodium-potassium balance. Typical dosage: for mild heartburn, drink 1 cup of tea after meals as needed (steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried, chopped root in 1 cup of hot water 10 to 15 minutes); for moderate to severe symptoms, use 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of powdered root or liquid extract dissolved in 1/4 cup of water after meals and at bedtime; or one to two tablets of DGL licorice, chewed thoroughly just after eating or as needed, up to 8 tablets per day. Caution: Do not use whole licorice for longer than six weeks. Do not use it at all if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart, thyroid, kidney, or liver disease, or if you’re pregnant or nursing.

Aloe (Aloe vera)

Aloe gel contains very large sugar molecules called muccopolysaccharides. These special sugars have been shown to help heal burns, ulcers, and inflamed intestinal walls. Side effects are uncommon, but be sure to obtain a pure source of aloe pulp (not the rind, which can cause stomach cramps and diarrhea). Also, many commercial aloe juices contain citric acid, which can aggravate reflux. The best form of aloe for treating heartburn is a food grade freeze-dried powder. Typical dosage: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon in 1/4 cup of water just after meals or any time symptoms occur. Increase dose to 1 or more teaspoons if necessary.

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea)

Cabbage juice is not just a folk remedy–a medical study has shown that regular consumption can heal stomach ulcers. The active ingredient is an amino acid called L-glutamine, which appears to work by nourishing cells lining the esophagus and stomach so they repair themselves. Another advantage to cabbage, like its first cousin broccoli, is that it contains cancer-preventing agents called glucosmolates. Typical dosage: 4 to 8 ounces of fresh or bottled juice after meals. (If taking the juice gives you gas, instead take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of L-glutamine, mixed in 1/4 cup of water, just after eating.)

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

A time-honored remedy for wounds, mouth sores, ulcers, and gastritis, calendula is so gentle it is often given to children for upset stomach. Its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties make it particularly useful for treating heartburn and reflux. Typical dosage: 1 to 2 cups of tea as needed (steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried flowers in 1 to 2 cups of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or 15 to 30 drops of tincture four times per day after meals.

Keeping Stomach Acid Where it Belongs

In case of heartburn and its cause, gastro-esophageal reflux, prevention is crucial. Studies show that the leakage of stomach acid into the lungs while a person sleeps is at fault in some cases of asthma. But that’s not the worst news. Medical studies have shown that recurrent reflux over a period of months or years can lead to inflammation are at very high risk for developing esophageal cancer, which is extremely life-threatening and difficult to treat. It’s all the more reason to take heartburn seriously.

DO:

* Stick to smaller, more frequent meals.

* Cut back on saturated fats–especially deep-fried foods–and alcohol, coffee, tea, white sugar, and unrefined carbohydrates.

* Try elevating the head of your bed six to nine inches. This slant may prevent acid reflux during sleep.

DON’T:

* Eat a large meal just before bedtime.

* Lie down for a nap after eating.

* Eat spicy foods, onions, and acidic juices such as citrus or tomato.

* Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen) unless you absolutely must, be-
cause these drugs can further irritate the esophageal lining.

~ Decreasing total cholesterol and LDL while increasing HDL cholesterol
~ Preventing and healing arterial injuries that lead to the accumulation of plaque
~ Preventing platelets aggregation
~ Shrinking plaques that are already present
~ Dilating coronary arteries
~ Strengthening the heart muscle in general, especially by boosting its efficiency in using energy and oxygen

If you have a strong family history of heart disease or have elevated cholesterol, it’s never too early to start preventive strategies. Begin eating a heart-healthful diet, quit smoking, and add exercise to your daily routine–now, not tomorrow.
Drug treatment of heart disease is complex and depends on a variety of factors. They include whether high blood pressure, heart rhythm irregularities, or congestive heart failure are present and whether other disease, such as asthma, is present. Many patients require more than one drug.
Herbs that have and effect on the health of the circulatory system take time—weeks to months—to do their work. Be patient. Most important: Heart disease is not a condition to take lightly. Consult with your doctor about any symptoms of heart disease and be completely honest with him or her about herbs you plan to take. Do not change your regimen of prescription or other pharmaceutical drugs without your doctor’s supervision.

Herbal Remedies

Garlic (Allium sativa) and Onion (A. cepa)

Both of these delicious, aromatic herbs contain substances that prevent platelets from sticking together, lower total cholesterol and triglycerides (a type of blood fat), and increase “good” HDL cholesterol .
Garlic also promotes the breakdown of certain types of blood clots and lowers blood pressure. If you like these fragrant foods and want to include them in your diet rather than take a supplement,eat at least one clove of garlic or half a small onion a day. Typical dosage: capsules that provide at least 10 milligrams of allicin per day (your garlic capsules should specify how much allicin per day (your garlic capsules shoe specify how much allicin they contain). Caution: Some people cannot digest garlic or onions; the result is upset stomach, bloating, and gas. (If you experience a mild form of this side effect, try the culinary trick of adding lots of fresh parsley to a dish made with garlic or onions.)

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

Much scientific research has confirmed the traditional value of ginkgo in the treatment of heart disease. It’s antioxidant, enhances heart efficiency, increases blood supply to the extremities, and has a tonic effect on blood vessels, gradually improving their health. It also prevents platelets from sticking together. Ginkgo may be particularly helpful if atherosclerosis has affected brain function or arteries in the arms or legs. It is common for people with coronary artery disease to have plaques in arteries throughout the body. Typical dosage: 40 to 80 milligrams of capsules standardized to 24 percent heterosides three times per day. Caution: Rare cases of gastrointestinal upset, headache, and dizziness have been reported by people who use ginkgo.

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)

We now know that hawthorn leaves, flowers, and berries dilate coronary arteries, thus increasing blood supply to the heart. Hawthorn benefits hear health in other ways as well. It improves in the heart, including oxygenation and energy productions. It also decreases lactic acid, the waste product of exertion tha causes muscle pain. Hawthorn also strengthens artery walls. It’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and reduces cholesterol. Typical dosage: 1 cup of tea three times per day (simmer 1 teaspoon of dried berries or steep 1 teaspoon of leaves and flowers in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of tincture three times per day; or 100 to 250 milligrams in capsules standardized to 20 percent proanthocyanidins three times per day.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

This aromatic herb lowers cholesterol and prevents platelets from accumulating by decreasing the absorption of dietary cholesterol, and by stimulating its excretion in bile–one of the primary ways the body removes excess cholesterol. Ginger works best if eaten fresh and taken on a n empty stomach. Typical dosage: up to a quarter-inch slice of an average-sized root per day; or 250 milligrams per day of freeze-dried fresh root in capsules. Caution: Ginger may cause upset stomach in some people, especially at higher doses.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

The leaf from this grain decreases cholesterol levels and shrinks plaques that are already present. Often available in powdered from, it is to be taken according to package directions. Typical dosage: up to eight or nine 400-to 500-milligram capsules per day; or 15 to 30 drops of tincture four times per day.

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)

With a well-deserved reputation in the treatment of eye diseases, bilberry has significant potential benefits for cardiovascular disease as well. It is rich in anthocyanosides, which help it prevent the damage to the interior of blood vessels that allows narrowing to begin. Bilberry inhibits atherosclerosis, protects the heart during exertion, decreases inflammation, and strengthens artery walls–all of which means that bilberry does for blood vessels what spinach did for Popeye; it simply does so more slowly. Typical dosage: 80 to 160 milligrams in capsules standardized to 25 percent anthocyanidin content per day.

Yarrow (Alchillea millefolium)

Yarrow dilates arteries and helps to lower cholesterol. It is considered a blood vessel tonic, improving arterial health in general. Typical dosage: 1 to 3 cups of tea two or three times per day (steep 1 teaspoon of dried herb in 1 cup of water for 10 to 15 minutes); or 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon of tincture two or three times per day. Caution: Do not use during pregnancy.

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Another traditional heart tonic, motherwort is known to lower cholesterol, reduce platelet accumulation, and generally strengthen the heart. It also slows a too-rapid heart rate, especially when anxiety is a contributing factor, because it relaxes the nervous system in general. Typical dosage: 1 cup of tea two or three times per day (steep 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of herb in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of tincture two or three times per day.

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

This herb works by acting on the adrenal glands, the primary stress-managing glands in the body. It tends to correct disease-producing processes in the body. In people with heart disease, it appears to lower cholesterol and reduce blood pressure. It is especially appropriate when chronic stress is part of the picture. Typical dosage: up to nine 400-to 500-milligram capsules per day; or 20 drops of tincture up to two or three times per day. Caution: At high doses, Siberian ginseng may cause insomnia,irritability, or anxiety. If these occur, reduce the dosage.

Don’t self-treat Heart Disease

Heart disease is a very serious, potentially life-threatening illness. You must continue to see your family physician or cardiologist on a regular basis. If you are taking medications for heart disease, you should work with your doctor and possibly with an experienced herbalist to construct an individualized program, because many herbs interact with heart medications. Never stop taking your prescription medications without consulting your doctor.

First Things First

Even though conventional medications and herbal remedies can help heal heart disease, the best treatment is prevention: in other words, exercise and good diet. If you have heart disease, your commitment to an exercise program and a good diet helps determine your ability to recover from it. Work with your doctor or other practitioner to safely make these important lifestyle changes.
To prevent future heart disease, here are the steps to take:

* What should your cholesterol levels be? Agencies and researchers are continually revising their guidelines. Check with you doctor for the most current ones.
* Get up and sweat. Regular exercise helps lower cholesterol and strengthens the heart. Any kind of aerobic exercise will work, but never exercise to the point of angina (chest pain) or exhaustion, which can damage your heart. If you are currently sedentary, start slowly, gradually increasing your pace and distance. Walking is an excellent exercise for this purpose.
* Don’t smoke and if you do, quit. Even if you’ve been a lifelong smoker, it’s never too late to realize the health benefits of quitting.
* Open your heart. This vital organ isn’t merely a machine that pumps blood–the metaphor of the broken heart is not an empty one. Many scientific studies have implicated stress, loneliness, and isolation in the development of heart disease. If you are isolated, connect with others through your church, volunteer activities, classes, or other hobbies. If you are stressed, a variety of medication and relaxation techniques can help ease the effects of stress on your body.
* Eat better. Western diets, with high animal fat and low vegetable fiber content, are predisposing factors in the development of heart disease. Many good books and classes are available on heart-healthy diets.

Vitamins for Heart Health

Diet is crucial to a healthy heart, but supplementation is the best kind of insurance, especially because switching to healthier foods is usually a long process for most people. Here are some supplements you may want to investigate if you have heart disease or are at risk for it.

* L-carnitine. This compound is involved with energy metabolism at the cellular level. It increases the efficiency of the heart muscle, reduces cholesterol metabolism, and prevents plaque formation. Typical dosage: 500 to 1,500 milligrams per day.
* Coenzyme Q10. This vitamin-like antioxidants helps cells make energy and improves cholesterol levels. It decreases the frequency of angina and improves exercise tolerance. Typical dosage: 100 to 150 milligrams per day.
* Niacin. This B vitamin lowers cholesterol, but doses tend to be limited by the uncomfortable flushing that it can cause. Sustained-release or long-acting forms of niacin produce less flushing but may damage the liver. An appropriate alternative is a niacin precursor called inositol hexaniacinate, which does not cause flushing even at high doses; even better, it’s harmless to the no side effects reported. Typical dosage: 50 to 100 milligrams three times per day.
* Vitamin E. There are many kinds of vitamin E. The tocotrienol form may be especially helpful in lowering cholesterol. It actually inhibits cholesterol production, a feature that makes that makes this form a good choice for people whose bodies make higher than normal amounts of LDL cholesterol, despite changes in diet. Typical dosage: 25 to 100 milligrams per day.
* Vitamin B6. Deficiency of this key B vitamin appears to be a major cause of heart disease. It can be taken as part of a good quality multivitamin or a B-complex combination. Typical dosage: 25 to 50 milligrams of B6 per day.
* Magnesium. Many studies link magnesium deficiency with heart disease, sudden cardiac death, heart attacks, and dangerous irregular heart rhythms. This mineral may help decrease plaque formation, lower total cholesterol, raise “good” HDL cholesterol, and inhibit platelet aggregation. Typical dosage: 500 to
1,000 milligrams per day. Caution: If diarrhea occurs, reduce the dose.
* Bromelain. Made from proteolytic enzymes found in pineapple, this supplement has anti-inflammatory effects and inhibits platelet accumulation. It has been shown in clinical studies to break down plaques and ease angina. Typical dosage: 250 to 500 milligrams three times per day on an empty stomach. Caution: Occasionally, bromelain causes upset stomach.

Berry Good for the Heart

Huckleberries and blueberries have chemical compounds similar to those of the more medicinal bilberry. They may have similar benefits for the heart, too, so you have a good excuse to include these delicious berries in your diet.
The pie crust that often accompanies them, however, is not part of a heart-healthful diet! Try eating these berries with low-fat ice-milk, or by adding them to unsweetened, nonfat yogurt with a dash of maple syrup. Or add the to oatmeal, bran flakes, or a similarly fiber-rich cereal.

Herbal Remedies

Feverfew (Tamacetum parthenium)

Since the 1980s, three studies have shown feverfew’s benefits for people with migraines. It seems to work for about two-thirds of the people who try it. Feverfew contains parthenolides, compounds that seem to inhibit the release of the mood-controlling brain chemical serotonin from blood cells called platelets. That’s how researchers believe it prevents constriction of brain arteries. Many of today’s feverfew products are standardized to a specific parthenolide content, but whether standardization is necessary isn’t clear. For best results it’s probably best to use the whole plant–the fresher the better. One laboratory study found that fresh leaf extracts blocked blood-vessel constriction, which is desirable in preventing migraines, whereas dried leaf extracts elicited contractions. Although you can eat the fresh leaves (one to four per day), they taste very bitter and produce mouth sores in some of those who eat it. Better to take feverfew as a tea or as capsules of the freeze-dried leaf. Typical dosage: up to three 300-to 400-milligram capsules per day; or up to 2 average-seized leaves per day; or 15 to 30 drops of tincture per day. Caution: Do not use during pregnancy.

Bay (Laurus nobilis)

This familiar culinary herb, like feverfew, contains parthenolides. James Duke, Ph.D., author of The Green Pharmacy, suggests using bay in combination with feverfew to prevent migraine. A typical dose is not well established, so you may want to check with your herbal practitioner.

Cayenne (Capsicum annuum)

Laboratory studies have shown that the capsaicin in cayenne blocks a chemical involved in the nerve transmission of pain. Cayenne is also rich in salicylates, natural aspirin-like compounds. One study found that repeated topical applications of capsaicin just inside the nose prevented the occurrence of cluster headaches, but the patients involved reported burning in their noses. Consult a qualified medical or herbal practitioner if you want to try this treatment. But you don’t need a doctor’s supervision to eat cayenne in your chili. At the first sign of any type of headache, you eat pepper-spiked food (with plenty of water as a chaser) or swallow encapsulated cayenne. Another way to use cayenne is to massage a balm containing it into your temples. Just be sure to wash your hands well with soap afterward. Typical dosage: up to three 400-to 500-milligram capsules per day; or 5 to 10 drops of tincture per day. For topical creams, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

With its long history of use in relieving and preventing headaches and its good safety record, you’d think more people would know about this use of ginger. Laboratory studies show that it acts as an anti-inflammatory and decreases the tendency of platelets to clump together. Both attributes would help ease headaches, including migraines. Ginger also contains a substance called 6-shogaol, which seems to acts like the capsaicin in cayenne to decrease pain. Plus, it helps ease nausea, including the queasiness that comes with migraines. Its warming effect makes it useful when a migraine causes a person to feel chilled. Ginger combines well with turmeric, which is also anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving. Typical dosage: up to eight 500-to 600-milligram capsules per day; or 10 to 20 drops of tincture in water three times per day; or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of the ground root per day.

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

When used internally or externally, peppermint’s menthol reduces pain. Like ginger, it also settles the stomach. A triple-whammy approach is to brew a cup of peppermint tea and sip it while sitting in a bath spiked with 10 drops of essential oil of peppermint. Next, keeping the oil away from your eyes, massage your temples, forehead, and neck with about two drops of peppermint oil in a teaspoon of olive or almond oil. Typical dosage: 6 to 12 drops of oil in water up to three times per day; or 10 to 20 drops of tincture in water per day; or 1 cup of tea as often as needed (steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaves in 1 cup of hot water for 15 minutes). Caution: Do not take peppermint if you have heartburn or esophageal reflux. Do not exceed recommended dosage of essential oil.

Willow (Salix spp.)

The bark of this family of trees contains salicylates, chemical close relatives to the acetylsalicylic acid in aspirin. Typical dosage: up to six 400-milligram capsules per day; or up to 3 cups of tea per day (steep 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of powdered bark in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes).

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

This anti-inflammatory and antioxidant herb makes platelets less sticky and improves blood flow. All these properties would seem to reduce the risk of a migraine attack. Although studies have not looked at the effectiveness of ginkgo in preventing migraines, trying this nontoxic herb might be worth a shot. Typical dosage: 3 capsules of at least 40 milligrams standardized extract per day; or follow manufacturer’s or practitioner’s recommendations. Caution: Do not use with aspirin. In some people, ginkgo may intensify headaches.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

A gentle relaxant, passionflower helps unwind agitated minds and tight muscles during a tension headache. Herbalists often use this flower in combination with other traditional headache herbs. Typical dosage: 20 to 40 drops of tincture up to 4 times per day, or 1/3 cup of tea three times per day (steep 1/2 teaspoon of dried herb in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes).

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

More strongly sedating than passionflower, valerian is an herb to save for when you absolutely want to go to sleep despite a headache. Typical dosage: 300 to 400 milligrams of capsules standardized to 0.5 percent essential oil per day; or 20 to 30 drops of tincture per day. Caution: Avoid during pregnancy.

Some like it Hot

You can often find some relief from headache by using hot or cold applications. It’s easy to tell whether a hot of cold compress makes your own headache worse or better. If heat seems to work, try wrapping a damp, hot towel around your neck and shoulders. This promotes circulation and helps relax tight muscles. You can also fill a clean athletic sock with a grain such as lentils, corn, or rice, know the top, and microwave it for a minute or less. Test to see that it’s not too hot; if it is, wait a minute or two or wrap it in another towel to buffer the heat. If cold is more soothing, apply a commercial cold pack or a bag of frozen vegetables to forehead, neck, or shoulders.

Eating to Stop Headaches

Several studies have shown that many people who experience migraines have food allergies or a more subtle version of an allergy: food intolerance. Reducing or removing the amounts of these foods in the diet often reduces or eliminates the headaches. As a bonus, the patients who give up these foods often get rid of other allergy-linked problems, such as asthma and eczema. So which are the big allergy offenders? Topping the list are cow’s milk, wheat, chocolate, eggs, citrus fruits, strawberries, cheese, tomatoes, rye, and the food additives tartrazine and benzoic acid.
Other foods and additives may cause headaches in sensitive people, not because they act as allergies, but because they contain substances that influences the diameter of blood vessels. Culprits may include chocolate, red wine, aged cheeses, caffeinated beverages, processed meats, the food additive monosodium glutamate (MSG), and aspartame (Nutrasweet). The best way to figure out if these foods and additives might be at the root of your own headaches is to take a look at how often you consume them and to try eliminating them one at a time. Standard allergy tests may pick up some, but not all, food allergies.

Other ways to Chase away Headaches

Acupressure and acupuncture can help relieve both tension and migraine headaches. In acupressure, the same points are stimulated with fingertips instead of with needles in a study of more than 500 people with recurrent headaches, self-stimulation of acupressure points worked well enough to replace prescription headache drugs.
Two other strategies to try: relaxation training and biofeedback. Your doctor may be able to direct you to classes in both techniques.

Hay fever has become more common worldwide than ever before, particularly among children and young adults. Among all ages, one in five now gets hay fever.

Herbal Remedies

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

One study found that nettle may offer some relief to people with hay fever. Of the 69 patients who completed the study, 58 percent rated the freeze-dried preparation of nettle effective; 48 percent said it worked as well or better than their conventional medications. Typical dosage: 300 milligrams of freeze-dried nettle in capsules two or three times per day.

Ephedra (Ephedra sinica)

Also known as ma huang, this herb acts as a decongestant just like its chemically synthesized counterpart, pseudoephedrine. It’s available dried in teas, capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts. Dosage guidelines for ephedra vary, which is cause for some concern, because overdoses of this herb can cause serious side effects. Abuse of ephedra compounds in combination with caffeine has even caused deaths. Ephedra offers a good example of why herbal dosages are both tricky and controversial: An amount that has little effect on one person may be too much for another whose body size is smaller or whose metabolism is faster. Typical dosage: 15 to 30 drops of tincture in water up to four times per day; or follow manufacturer’s or practitioner’s instructions. Caution: Do not exceed the recommended dose. May cause high blood pressure, palpitations, nervousness, insomnia, nausea, flushing, appetite loss, headache. Not recommended for people with a history of anorexia, glaucoma, thyroid disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, difficulty urinating because of prostate enlargement, or chronic insomnia. Do not use during pregnancy or in combination with other central nervous system stimulates such as caffeine, theophylline, MAO-inhibiting drugs, and amphetamines.

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

Inhaling peppermint’s volatile oils makes you feel as if you can breathe easier, even when airflow is not actually increasing. One study found that both menthol oil extracted from peppermint and peppermint essential oil have anti-inflammatory effects. The researchers called for clinical trails to see if mint could help relieve such conditions as hay fever and asthma. Until the results are in, go ahead and drink mint tea (steep 1 teaspoon of dried herb in 1 cup of hot water for 15 minutes) as needed if it helps your hay fever. You can also use essential oil of peppermint in steam inhalation. Simply boil a pot of water, pour it carefully in a heat resistant bowl, and add three to five drops of the essential oil. Cover your head with a towel. Holding your face at least 12 inches away from the steam, breathe deeply through your nose for several minutes. Caution: Do not use peppermint internally if you have heart burn or esophageal reflux.

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy, licorice has actions that are similar to cortisone drugs. There are two kinds of licorice. One is used long-term to help heal ulcers and is labeled DGL licorice. For hay fever, you want whole licorice, not the DGL variety. Typical dosage: up to six 400- or 500-milligram capsules per day; or 20 to 30 drops of tincture up to 3 times per day. Caution: Do not use licorice for longer than six weeks.

Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing, or have high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid, kidney, liver, or heart disease. Also, if you are already taking corticosteroid allergy medications, consult a doctor before adding licorice to your treatment regimen.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

Best known for preventing migraines, feverfew possesses anti-inflammatory properties that may relieve allergies. Although scientific studies have yet to confirm this, many herbalists view feverfew as an anti-allergy herb. You can nibble one to two fresh leaves a day or make them into a tea, but the bitter taste may drive to using a liquid extract or capsule. Typical dosage: up to three 400-to 500-milligram capsules per day; or 15 to 30 drops of tincture per day. Caution: About 10 percent of people report mouth ulcers, tongue inflammation, or lip swelling. Those allergic to other members of the daisy family may be allergic to feverfew. Do not use during pregnancy.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

This pungent bulb contains the anti-inflammatory substances quercetin, which can help calm the allergic response during hay fever season. Garlic is potent antibacterial and antiviral agent, too, so it could help ward off sinusitis and make your mucous membranes less of a target for opportunistic cold and flu viruses. Typical dosage: up to three 500-to 600-milligram capsules per day (look for products that deliver a daily dose of 4,000 to 5,000 micrograms of allicin); or just eat one or more fresh, raw cloves per day. Caution: Consult your doctor before taking garlic if you have stomach inflammation, take warfarin or other blood thinners, or expect to have surgery soon.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

This Chinese remedy boats several healthful effects, including an ability to reduce allergies. Reishi inhibits some of the body chemicals that trigger inflammation, including histamine. In China, it is used to treat asthma and other allergic disease. It’s available in capsules, tablets, syrups, and teas. Typical dosage: up to five 420-milligram capsules per day; or up to three 1,000 milligram tablets up to 3 times per day.

Salt for the Sneezes

Here’s a simple home remedy for relieving hay fever: wash out your nose with salt water, with or without herbs. To make your own salt solution, add 1/2 teaspoon salt or baking soda to 1 cup of warm, clean water. You can also make an herbal tea and add the salt to that. Good candidates include herbs with astringent and anti-inflammatory action, such as eyebright, and those that act as mucous membranes tonics and antimicrobials, such as Oregon graperoot or goldenseal. Put your saline or herb solution into one of the following containers: a creamer with a long shout, an eyedropper, or a neti pot (a small pot designed for this purpose available at yoga equipment stores).

To use turn your head to one side and lower it over the sink. Keeping your forehead slightly higher than your chin, gently pour the solution into your uppermost nostril. The solution will drain out your other nostril. (Some of it may run down the back of your throat, so don’t breathe while you’re doing this.) This form of nasal irrigation helps flush out pollens, molds, and other allergens. It also helps thin mucus, making it easier to expel by gently blowing into a tissue.

Supplements for People with Hay Fever

The following vitamins and other supplements may help make allergy season a bit more manageable.

* Vitamin C and bioflavonoids. Although antihistamine drugs inhibit histamine after its release, these supplements prevent its formation. Foods rich in the bioflavonoid quercetin include onions, garlic, and cayenne peppers. The recommended dose of vitamin C is 2,000 to 3,000 milligrams per day in divided

doses; for quercetin, it’s 500 milligrams two or three times per day.

* Omega-3 fatty acids. Abundant in flaxseed, flaxseed oil, and cold-water fish (salmon, herring, mackerel, and others), these acids can affect chemical pathways in the body in a way that eases allergy symptoms. Gammalinoleic acid, and omega-6 fatty acid contained in evening primrose, borage,and black currant seed oils, has a similar effect. On the other hand, the saturated fats found in animal-derived foods tend to increase chemicals that promote inflammation. Some practitioners recommend a dose of up to a tablespoon of flaxseed oil per day to ensure adequate omega-3 intake. But don’t cook with flaxseed oil, as heat–even storage at room temperature–causes it to turn rancid.

The Myth of the Stoic Sneezer

Hay fever isn’t just an annoyance; doctors know that it increases your risk of other diseases. Lingering inflammation of the upper respiratory tract–one of hay fever’s typical symptoms–can result in middle ear infections, sinus infections, allergic conjunctivitis (pinkeye), chronic cough, recurrent nose-bleeds, and nasals polyps. One study even found a link in women between year-round hay fever and recurrent vaginal yeast infections. And other allergic conditions, such as asthma and eczema, often go hand-in-hand with hay fever.

So toughing out your hay fever symptoms may not be a good option for your overall health.