Alison Odey

Original Question: ‘Could you please supply me with some information on cold
pressed apricot oil? What quantities of B17 does it contain and what dosage is
recommended to take internally?’

As far as I can gather, apricot oil does not contain vitamin B17. This is because B17 is water soluble and not soluble in oil. The original method of obtaining B17 from the apricot kernels was to chew them.

The recommended dose per person is something of an unknown factor but the recommended minimum dose is around 50mg.
If you consider that each apricot kernel contains something in the realm of three to five mg of vitamin B17 depending on its size and where it was grown, then the recommended dose would be about 8-10 kernels daily

Note also that there has been a lot of conjecture surrounding the use of Vitamin B17.

The alkaloid in cacao (cocoa) is theobromine, a methylxanthine, which resembles caffeine but has a less powerful effect on the central nervous system.
It is therefore not such a strong stimulant, but can still improve cognitive function.
It is also a smooth muscle relaxant, a cardiac stimulant and vasodilator and diuretic, all of which can have beneficial effects – this of course is true if cocoa is used in its pure form. (Ref Koham C., Psyche Delicacies. Rodale press. 2007).

However, once it is made into chocolate, it is mixed with sugar and the fats from the cacao bean are retained so the product becomes very fattening and the high sugar content can
cause all sorts of problems. Also these properties only apply to true chocolate not to ‘white’ chocolate.

So I guess the blessings of chocolate are mixed.
It is certainly possible for chocolate to make you feel more relaxed while retaining an alert mind.
However, eating too much chocolate can cause blood sugar fluctuations, skin eruptions and certainly add to weight gain … so I’m not sure it would be good advice to eat more.

If you DO chose to eat chocolate then make sure that it is a DARK chocolate containing AT LEAST 70% cocoa rather than a light ‘dairy’ chocolate.

Emphysema is a condition in which there is persistent enlargement of the air spaces (alveoli) in the lungs which results in the breakdown of the airspace walls, which in turn results in a decrease in respiratory function.
The lungs loose elasticity and are unable to expand and contract efficiently.

Symptoms of emphysema can include breathlessness, a chronic cough and at times wheezing when under exertion, or dizziness due to lack of oxygen.

Although the lung damage in cases of emphysema is irreversible, I have in the past seen good results while treating emphysemic conditions with herbs, in the reduction of the frequent use of antibiotics and in the reduction of the number of hospital admissions necessary throughout the winter.

Basically the treatment is aimed at improving the immune status and therefore the likely hood of infection and improving the functional capacity of the lungs.

There are many useful herbs that can make a big difference to those with emphysema. Herbs that have expectorant properties, those that soothe and those that have antibiotic properties.
All work best if prepared specifically for your own use.
Contact us if you need a herbal remedy made for you.

As always increasing mineral intake via the use of Colloidal minerals will also greatly help improve the immune status and help prevent the incidence of infection.

At times I have also found that the use of supplements containing Quercetin help greatly as it can reduce inflammation and help prevent further infection.

Breathing exercises can also make a marked difference. Try getting into Yoga.
The slow gentle stretching combined with breathing exercise is excellent for emphysema
sufferers as it can help improve the functional capacity of the lungs.

This maybe just a snipet of what you need to know, so if you want to know more about this subject or have a personal question of your own, then please email me for a personal consultation, as all natural treatments are best if prescribed individually.
Cost and contact address are on the Contact page.
Alternatively, if possible. – make an appointment

Ear ache can be caused by an ear infection or ‘glue ear’.
See page on ‘Glue ear’.

If this does not appear to be the case then there is a high possibility that there may be a problem in the cervical spine or tension in the neck.
In this case see a good Osteopath or Masseuse, or Contact Us to make an appointment.

Cervical dysplasia, is a premalignant lesion (abnormal condition of cells) that can progress to cervical cancer.
It is primarily associated with a sexually transmitted strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and/or with the Herpes simplex virus type-II, although it has not been determined whether these viruses reflect a decreased resistance or are themselves the causative agents.
Not all women with either virus develop cervical dysplasia as there are many factors that can contribute to the progress of the disease or conversely help protect the body from it.

Invasive cervical cancer develops from precursor lesions of the cervix called cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia or CIN.
CIN 1 represents mild dyspalsia and has a high rate of spontaneous remissions and a low rate of progression to carcinoma.
CIN 2 and 3 have lower rates of remission and higher rates of progression to carcinoma.

The long term use of oral contraceptives is certainly associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer and is known to decrease levels of numerous nutrients including Zinc and vitamins C, B6, B2, B 12 and Folic acid.

Most good multivitamin tablets would supply these nutrients but better results are obtained if people use both a time released B complex tablet, plus Colloidal minerals, which will give afar better range and absorption of minerals.
Better still, would be a B complex tablet, Colloidal minerals plus a separate B12 and Folic acid capsule. This would ensure a higher levels and uptake of all these important elements.

Cigarette smoking is also known to be a major risk factor for cervical dysplasia. Cigarette smoking contributes to low vitamin C and B levels and may also depress immune functions.

Oral supplementation of Folic acid (5 -6mg daily, note this is mg NOT mcg) has long been associated with improvement or normalisation of abnormal smears, particularly in patients with early stage cervical dysplasia but it is unclear whether Folic acid supplementation would be effective in preventing the progression of more advanced dysplasia.

As HPV is often involved, apart from these recommendations it is always a good idea to further boost the immune status as far as possible to cope with viral infection. Some natural treatments are very effective in this regard.

NOTE: As there are often little or no noticeable symptoms to warn of cervical dysplasia being present it is extremely important that women maintain a regular schedule of cervical smear tests.

This is just a snipet of what you need to know, so if you want to know more about this subject or have a personal question of your own, then please email me for a personal consultation, as all natural treatments are best if prescribed individually.
Cost and contact address are on the Contact page.
Alternatively, if possible. – make an appointment

Foot pain, hot/burning or uncomfortable feet and/or heel pain I find are very common complaints that many people do not understand the source of.
In almost every case that I can think of, the condition has been relieved by treating the lumbar spine with osteopathic techniques.

In my experience often, if the sole of the foot is painful, (especially to put on the ground on getting out of bed) the toes feel numb or tingly, or there is a sharp stabbing pain in the heel or the lateral side of the ankle or pain or numbness on the top of the foot, then the pain will often be referred from nerve damage occurring at the lumbar nerves at L4, L5 or S1.

You may also find that at times the foot feels weak or the ankle doesn’t want to move correctly.
This is because the lumbar nerves are responsible for coordinating the lower back muscles, thighs, legs, calves and feet.

Pain in the heel area may also be associated with a calcaneal or heel spur. This can be caused by persistent stress to the plantar fascia attachment causing inflammation & eventually a ‘spur’. Theoretically, poor foot mechanics cause this greater stress, which also can be improved by correctly the balance in the lumbar muscles.
Osteopathic treatment of the lower back can greatly improve or even bring about complete recovery of these problems.

I have not found that it has been connected with a heart or hormonal condition as many people seem to think.
If you happen to be overweight, this would increase pressure on the lumbar area, as pressure would be increased on nerves in that part of the spine.
It may take several osteopathic treatments to fully correct, but improvement should be immediate.

Magnesium may well be also indicated if the body is very tense.

This maybe just a snipet of what you need to know, so if you want to know more about this subject or have a personal question of your own, then please email me for a personal consultation, as all natural treatments are best if prescribed individually.
Cost and contact address are on the Contact page.
Alternatively, if possible. – make an appointment

See page on ‘Sleep Problems’

Gout is an arthritic condition characterised by a raised blood level of uric acid which causes sodium urate crystals to deposit in the joints.
An elevated serum uric acid level can be attributed to increased uric acid synthesis from purine metabolism or to a reduced ability to excrete uric acid. This is usually because the body is not producing enough of the digestive enzyme uricase, which normally would oxidize uric acid into a more soluble compound that can be excreted. Because uric acid is insoluble in water and deposits easily at colder temperatures, many people notice their gout is worse in winter.
In many cases the deposits (tophi) are in the joint of the big toe, but can also occur in the kidney, tendons and other joints.

Because gout is so closely related to the diet, the main natural treatment is to strictly avoid all foods with a high purine content such as shell fish, organ and offal meats, red meats in general, sardines, mushrooms, asparagus, rhubarb and spinach.

Also avoid coffee, sugar and refined carbohydrates that can further increase both uric acid production and inflammation.

Alcohol will decrease excretion from the kidney as well as increase synthesis of uric acid. Therefore it is a good idea to increase water intake so as to promote the excretion of uric acid and reduce the risk of gout and/or kidney stones!

Protein intake should not be excessive as too much protein (such as excess red meats and cheese) can also accelerate uric acid production.

Alkaline foods, i.e. raw fruits and veges – with the exception of those mentioned above, should be increased and protein digestion improved by taking a digestive enzyme capsule with each meal.

Evening Primrose oil taken at a rate of 3000 mg one to two times daily can help reduce inflammation.

Also any product containing Quercetin and Rutin will greatly reduce inflammatory symptoms and help reduce the production of uric acid.

Products that contain proanthrocyadins (OPC) will also reduce inflammation and can be very useful in gouty conditions, as can fruits containing high anthocyanoside levels.
Tart Cherry is one of the best I have come across for treating gout.
Go to on-line shop for this product.

In some cases the No 10 Cell salt, Nat Phos taken three times daily can be effective, especially when the body is very acidic.

Another useful treatment can be to use Epsom salt foot baths when the need arises.

Herbs that can help gouty conditions are Olive, Nettle, Celery seed, or Alfalfa, which can be effective in reducing serum uric acid levels.

Other blood cleansing and detoxifying herbs such as Burdock and Red clover can be useful, and in some cases if the bowel is very congested, then there may be an improvement obtained by using herbs such as Barberry, raw beetroot juice or Aloe vera juice.

Up-dated Jan 2017

Glaucoma is characterised by abnormally high intraocular pressure (pressure within the eye) as a result of an imbalance between production and outflow of fluid in the eye.
If untreated the increased pressure can damage the optic nerve and cause impaired vision or even total blindness.

There are two types of glaucoma :
– Acute or closed angle glaucoma, which is more severe but less common than chronic or open angle glaucoma.
Closed angle glaucoma can occur quite suddenly and needs to be treated immediately in a hospital. It is characterised by extreme pain, markedly blurred vision and pupils that remain mildly dilated and do not respond to light properly.
There can also be nausea and vomiting.

– Open angle glaucoma is far more common and more insidious and occurs when the drainage from the eye is not completely blocked but is restricted enough to keep the intraocular pressure above normal.

There are often very few symptoms associated with mild glaucoma, but if left untreated gradually there will be a loss of peripheral vision (which results in tunnel vision), perhaps mild headaches and a decrease in the ability to see at night.
Sometimes there will also be slightly blurred vision and the appearance of halos or rainbows around lights, and then the more severe symptoms will start to develop.

There seems to be no clear cut agreement on the cause of the gradual deterioration of the drainage of the eye.
Causes that I have found listed in various texts are collagen metabolism disorders, anxiety, stress and nutritional problems, allergy or hormone disorders and a possible relationship with diabetes and high blood pressure.

Homeopathics are prescribed by symptoms rather than conditions as each person will react in a different way to a particular condition.
For example, if you had blurred vision, pain in one eye which was worse in bright light then Belladonna 30 may be for you.
However if there was double vision with dull pain then Gelsemium may be better.
There can be any number of further appropriate remedies. If wanting to use homeopathic remedies a visit to a trained homeopath could be the answer!

Verified ‘natural’ treatments are also a little scarce. However things that are known to help are:
–  Reducing or completely eliminating coffee intake.

–  Check that the thyroid is functioning normally. In some cases under- active thyroids have been known to be related to glaucoma. Blood tests are not particularly accurate, but if you are experiencing abnormal lethargy in mid to late afternoon each day and have a tendency to gain weight, it is possible that your thyroid is under-active as iodine deficiency in New Zealand is very common.
Try taking a kelp tablet each day or rubbing 2-3 drops of iodine onto your wrist daily.
See page on ‘Hypothyroid’.

–  There seems to be agreement that high doses of Vitamin C are effective in lowering intraocular pressure.
Doses need to be in the region of 3000-7000 mg daily in divided doses. I would suggest that you start at around 3-4000 mg and have your doctor check the eye pressures again in several weeks and continue to have regular checks.
Increase Vitamin C if possible (without exceeding bowel tolerance). Vitamin C will work far better if combined with bioflavonoids, so check the labels of any products you buy. Bilberry contains the bioflavonoid Rutin and is a very useful herb to use for any eye condition. There are several good products available that contain nice amounts of Vitamin C and bioflavonoids.

–  Fish oils are also thought to help reduce eye pressures, but studies are
continuing on this aspect. However any food product that is high in Vitamin A
would be beneficial. Fish oils have the added benefit in that they enhance
circulation to the eye as well as containing high levels of Vitamin A.

–  If stress is a source of concern then also be sure to take extra B vitamins, especially B12.

–  Extra minerals (especially magnesium) should always be taken, ideally as Colloidal minerals.

–  Open angle Glaucoma has been known to improve with exercise. In studies, 40 minutes walking or cycling four times weekly has been shown to decrease intraocular pressure by 20%.

–   Take note that corticosteroids will greatly worsen eye conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts, and should be avoided.

Original Question: Is there in your opinion, any natural treatments that
can help gluten intolerance apart from the avoidance of all gluten containing
foods?

The following is my up-take of this problem, others may well disagree.

‘Gluten intolerance’ is a broad term which includes all kinds of sensitivities to gluten, a highly complex protein occurring in wheat.
‘Gluten’ actually consists of a combination of two proteins gliadin and glutenin which when combined with water become sticky and elastic, hence its use in bread making.
Gluten intolerance is usually associated with gut discomfort most likely caused by enzyme deficiency and/or undigested food.
It does not involve the immune system.

‘Wheat allergy’ occurs when there is an allergic reaction to wheat proteins, usually the proteins albumin or globulin although gliadin and glutenin may also cause
allergic reactions.
Symptoms can involve the skin (urticaria, atopic dermatitis), the gastrointestinal tract (cramping, nausea) or the respiratory tract (asthma, allergic rhinitis).
Wheat allergy is mediated by IgE

‘Coeliac’ disease is a term used when there is an immune reaction to the protein
gluten which can cause damage to the gut mucosa and possible intestinal permeability.
It is more severe and can lead to serious long term complications as it will result in the malabsorption of nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and sometimes water and bile salts.
It may be a hereditary disorder.
Coeliac is mediated by IgA and IgG antibodies.

It is important to differentiate between Coeliac disease and wheat allergy.
Blood tests would be needed to make this differentiation.

Food allergies and intolerances have long been associated with poor digestion and the benefit of supplementing with plant enzymes has been documented in numerous research studies and is becoming increasingly more specific.

Increasing the level of enzymes in the diet has great effect in reducing conditions caused by poor digestion, malabsorption, pancreatic insufficiency, lactose intolerance etc and given that an allergic reaction is the body’s response to an abnormal protein in the blood it follows that reducing this possibility will also reduce the possibility of an allergic
or intolerant reaction.

I have for many years noticed that some people presenting as ‘gluten intolerant’ have had their symptoms improve when I have supplied them with capsulated plant enzymes that that although they have not been specific for gluten digestion, they have been very high in proteases.
See ‘Enzymes – what they do’

More recent research has lead to the development of enzyme capsules that contain specific enzymes that may further help in the digestion of gluten. The enzymes need to be taken just prior to or with each meal for best results and continued for some time.
See page on Enzymes – facts.

Reducing the amount of wheat products and other cereal grains (such as oats, rye, barley and spelt, which contain similar prolamin proteins), consumed is always advantageous as l feel that many people rely probably too heavily on these products (in particular bread) in their diet to the detriment of other food groups.
Also, if you do use oats (for example as in my ‘high Protein Museli’ recipe) use the whole oats NOT the refined kind or use rice flakes instead.

Similarly, try increasing the amount of raw fruit and vegetables in your diet and ideally soak and sprout all grains and legumes.
You will find that your digestion greatly improves and you will not need to ‘fill up’ on
bread and grain products at all!

Hypotension or low blood pressure can be just as much of a problem for some people as high blood pressure is for many others.
It may indicate the presence of nutritional deficiencies such as low iodine, sodium
or magnesium levels, low B vitamin levels, low levels of proteins, or possible problems with thyroid function, adrenal function, or low blood sugar levels.

Blood vessel walls may well be weak.

Symptoms can be vague but may include fatigue, sensitivity to hot or cold, light-headedness especially on getting up suddenly, fainting and/or lack of endurance. However if you have this any of these types of symptom don’t guess your blood pressure have it checked regularly to be absolutely sure of what the problem is.

Alternative remedies that have been shown to help increase blood pressure often
include Hawthorn which historically has a reputation for strengthening the heart muscle tissue and can balance or tonify the heart and blood pressure.

Ginseng also acts as tonifyer in the body and can help balance blood pressure.

Ginger will help stimulate circulation and Rosemary also can help. These last
two herbs can easily be added to your diet on a regular basis.

Another herb that has the capacity to increase blood pressure is Licorice. Be careful how you use this herb and be sure to check the blood pressure regularly.

Diet itself is extremely important. It needs to include sufficient proteins (eggs, fish, chicken, nuts, seeds and a little red meat) as well as heaps of vegetables.

Minerals need to be supplemented and often B Vitamins also.
The use of a simple Multi-vitamin may be sufficient for some people, but I always notice better results when minerals are supplemented as Colloidal minerals in order to get a better up-take and range of minerals with B Vitamins are taken separately.

Exercise is important. It tones the body, and greatly improves and stimulates circulation.

I have had over time a number of requests for information on how to further help stroke victims. Sometimes this comes directly from the person who has suffered the stroke, more often from the person caring for the stroke victim.

The person who has suffered the stroke is usually undergoing rehabilitation with physiotherapists but often hasn’t been given any information as to whether there are any natural supplements that may also help them.

I don’t see many stroke victims in my clinic, mainly I think because of the problems with transport. However those I have seen I have noticed often are suffering malnutrition and in some cases, especially in elderly people, I suspect this was the case prior to their
stroke.

Foods such as oily fish and fish oils, minerals such as magnesium and potassium have a huge part to play in the prevention of stroke and are very often deficient in the diet.

Also a high intake of antioxidants have been associated with a lower incidence of stroke. Green tea, Ginkgo biloba, Vitamin E, grape seed extract, olives and lots of fruit and veges all come into this bracket. As oxidative damage will continue for a long period after a stroke these need to be considered long term.

Once a stroke has occurred, if these nutrients aren’t already being supplemented then start to do so. You do not want to suffer a second time!

However once a stroke has occurred, then damage has already occurred. A person’s progress after this will depend on how much damage has been done and exactly where.

The person is often extremely tired which can be from poor circulation and/or from
the extra effort required in order to do even small activities.

Preparing food can become a chore and in many cases difficulty chewing food is a problem. It can  help if friends can help prepare easy eat/digest type foods.
Try and include as much vegetable as possible particularly cruciferous veges (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower etc).

Here some other suggestions that may help.

Firstly, that people obtain Vitamin B12. This can be in the form of injections from a GP or as sublingual tablets. Vitamin B12 has been known to greatly support the nervous system in its recovery after a stroke. You may also notice an improvement in energy levels.
Best combined with Vitamin B complex.
See page on Vitamin B12.

In some cases the extra addition of a small amount of iodine can also help.

Energy levels and indeed overall recovery would always be greatly improved if all minerals were supplemented, rather than just magnesium. This would be easiest to do in liquid form as in Colloidal minerals.
See page on Minerals – why we need to supplement.

Continue to supplement with fish oils or flaxseed oil and include as much oily fish into the diet as possible.

Decrease saturated fats (as found in meat and dairy products ) and trans-fatty acids (such as found in margarine, processed and baked goods).

Co enzyme Q10 is also a supplement that can greatly support the overall functioning of the heart and may be worth trying.
See page on Co enzyme Q10.

Ginkgo Biloba is also worth adding to the list of worth-while supplements. It has been shown to improve blood vessel health and also to help stop clots forming. There is research now that indicates that Ginkgo Biloba does not cause excessive bleeding as it was once thought it might.

Limit alcohol intake.

Always try and obtain as much massage treatment as you can afford. Try and make it the kind that incorporates lots of stretching and movement, not just a ‘feel good’ type massage. The muscles need to kept as free and as supple as possible.

Always exercise as much as is possible, for the same reason.
Do not just wait for ‘physio’ days.

Shingles is caused by Herpes Zoster virus – the same virus that causes chicken pox. Most adults have contracted chicken pox in childhood and once contracted it does not go away, but lies dormant in the body until (usually later in life), it is activated usually by a weakening of the immune system.

This can be brought about not only by stress but also by overwork, a bout of flu
or other trauma or illness that puts the body under stress.
Or by lack of nutrition which often creeps up on many older people insidiously through poor digestion and/or nutrient absorption. The virus then spreads to nerve endings and causes severe pain, itching and burning sensations.
It is often preceded by several days of chills and fever.

The best treatments I have found to use when the virus is active are:
– high doses of Vitamin C (500-10,000mg daily).

– Lysine (500mg three to four times daily). Lysine is an amino acid that
helps prevent the virus replicating and is great for stopping many viral infections in their tracks.

-the herb Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm) taken internally 3 ml 2-3 times daily and also applied to the lesions.
Please ‘Contact us’ if you would like this herb

– Vitamin B12 is also of great help and can be obtained via injection from your doctor or used orally. If taken in this manner it has best effect if taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
B12 has been effective in reducing the neurological pain associated with shingles. For many people extra vitamin B12 is a great boost not only to the nervous system but
also for overall energy levels.
See page on ‘Vitamin B12’.

– I have also seen good results in some cases using acupuncture to relieve the pain.

In the long term in order to prevent reoccurrence, care needs to be taken to greatly boost the immune status of the body.
– I would recommend increasing mineral intake (at least one tablespoon of Colloidal minerals daily.
See pages on ‘Minerals – Why we need to supplement’ and ‘Minerals – facts’
– Shitake and Reishi mushroom extracts are also effective as anti-viral and immune enhancers.

See page on ‘Cytomegalovirus’

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is characterised by the regular occurrence of depressive type symptoms during autumn and winter with full remission during spring and summer. Symptoms can include anxiety, irritability, morbid mood, decreased interest in activity and social events and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.

There are a number of theories regarding the cause(s) of SAD but it does appear to be related to the lesser exposure to full-spectrum natural sunlight.
Nutritional and environmental factors can also play a part.

It is possible to overcome SAD but a little effort may have to be made.

Firstly, be aware that diet can affect the brains’ functioning and therefore mood. During winter we tend to eat a lot more cooked foods (rather than raw) which are often higher in saturate fats and sugars.
Fatty food leads to sluggishness, slow thinking and fatigue. Sugar, although giving an initial lift in energy, is often quickly followed by fatigue, depression and fuzzy confused thinking as blood sugar levels drop.

So check your diet and attempt to keep up the level of raw foods and avoid sugars and fats. Instead consume protein meals containing essential fatty acids (such as oily fish and/or
supplement with fish oils, flaxseed oil or Organic Evening Primrose Oil and complex carbohydrates such as rice, legumes millet etc.

Also attempt to stay in as much bright light as possible. Keep drapes wide open and lights switched on during dark days.

Get enough exercise (one of the best ways to combat depression) and listen to uplifting ‘happy’ music.

Be sure to get enough B vitamins (green vegetables) or supplement with a green food supplement such as Spirulina or Barley grass, or take a B complex tablet. It is often advisable to add 50 – 100mg of B6 and 250mcg of B12. B12 in particular can help to greatly improve energy and combat fatigue.

St Johns Wort is an effective herb to use to help combat this disorder. The best way I can describe its general effect on most people, is a subtle change from a negative manner of thinking, to a more positive manner.
It needs to be taken over a longish period of time. Other herbs such as Kavakava, Oats, Vervain, Chamomile and Melissa (lemon balm) can be used in conjunction with St John’s Wort and this often produces a quicker effect.
Please ‘Contact us’ if requiring herbal extracts.

Another extremely good supplement for lifting people out of depression is Evening Primrose oil, used in 3000mg doses, as needed, but usually twice daily.
If combined with the right foods, sufficient B vitamins and exercise, the effect is generally very quick, often within several hours. It also helps to improve sleep but if this not sufficient then the amino acid Adenosine may be helpful.
 Go to the On-line shop for Organic Evening primrose oil.

Light therapy, that provides full-spectrum light, has been used effectively to reduce SAD symptoms but apparently needs to used  regularly until the seasons change.

Increasing Serotonin can help hugely. Serotonin is often reduced during periods of SAD. This is what anti-depressant drugs do.
To naturally increase serotonin you can use Trytophan which is a precursor to the neurotransmitter Serotonin and is found in milk, also in cheese. In some studies people who did not respond to light therapy reacted favourably to trytophan.

5HTP is also a precursor to serotonin and this is sold in capsules.
See page on Antidepressants vs 5HTP.

Original Question: ‘I have been continually plagued over the last six months with continual bouts of sore throats which turn to a cold and then if I’m unlucky go to the chest. I have had several courses of antibiotics, which help at the time but then the sore throat returns, usually within a couple of weeks. I am a school teacher so I know that my work environment is not helping……..I take Vitamin C and Echinacea but its obviously not enough to combat this cycle of infection. What else can I do as I do not want to continue the rounds of antibiotics’.

This sounds very typical of the many flu virus’ that can plague people during the winter. You are so right, it does not let go easily and will came back to haunt you if the body is not looked after sufficiently. These virus’ needs strong treatments but ‘natural treatments’ work well if used correctly.

Herbal blends and many natural treatments such as Vitamin C, Quercetin and Propolis extract can help tremendously.
Propolis extract is available from this clinic, Contact us.

Also, it is important to take Colloidal minerals, at least 1tbsp daily to help build the body’s immunity back up. These contain Zinc in good quantities which has direct anti-viral activity and is essential for immune system function.

Then of course REST. This is often the most difficult part of the treatment, but important and can make the difference between failure and success.

An older, but still very effective method of treating a sore throat is to make a lemon and honey drink. Use the rind plus the juice of a lemon, add boiling water and 1tsp of honey (Manuka if you have it), then a small amount (but as much as you can handle) of cayenne pepper. Mix all together and allow to cool. Sipping on this brew can make a world of difference to the sore throat as well as to any annoying cough.

This is just a snipet of what you need to know, so if you want to know more about this subject or have a personal question of your own, then please email me for a personal consultation, as all natural treatments are best if prescribed individually.
Cost and contact address are on the Contact page.
Alternatively, if possible. – make an appointment

Genital herpes can be caused by either Herpes simplex virus (HSV) Type 1 or Type 2 but is primarily caused by Type 2.
Like any virus in this family these can remain latent in the body. Recurrence of genital lesions will be greater if due to Type 2 and can reoccur after any stimuli, including fatigue, stress, sexual activity, menstruation, food allergies etc. If a lesion is present then
the virus is in its active stage.
See page on ‘Cold sores’.

The best defence against recurrence is to improve the body’s immune system and all the usual points apply, i.e. a good diet, adequate rest and avoidance of chemicals, colourings, preservatives etc.  However, extra precautions can be taken specifically to keep the body resistant to the Herpes virus.

Supplementing the diet with Zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A and lysine are all helpful. Of these, lysine is probably the most effective once it becomes apparent that a flare up is imminent. Lysine works by inhibiting the growth of the Herpes virus. Take up to 2 -3 gms daily if the virus is active and 500mg otherwise but it is not a good idea to take this continually.

Some herbals can also help prevent herpes virus becoming troublesome. A study reported in 1990 found that Hypericine (St. John’s Wort) was virucdial to enveloped viruses, such as  the herpes family of viruses, some types of influenza, common cold, mumps and measles. (Tang J.et al: Antiviral.Res 1990).
I have definitely found that while a person is taking St John’s Wort for perhaps
other reasons they are unlikely to be bothered by cold sores.
Other herbals such as rye grass extract and Astragalus also appear to help prevent
reoccurrence.

Externally an extremely effective application is extract of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm), which can be made up as a cream (usually mixed with Licorice or Glycyrrhizic acid) or used direct to the skin.
This generally reduces the pain and swelling very quickly. It can also be used internally at a dose of 2-3ml taken in water twice daily. Both Licorice and Melissa have the effect also of inhibiting the growth of the herpes virus.
Please ‘Contact us’ if you would like this product

See pages on ‘ Cytomegalovirus’