Period pain
When periods hurt, homeopath Debbie Smith recommends making a castor oil pack by heating castor oil on the stove, soaking a face cloth in it (until it’s saturated, not dripping), placing it on your abdomen and covering with a hot water bottle for 30 minutes. This will increase blood flow to the area and exert an anti-inflammatory action. “Avoid caffeine and sugar at least one week before your period starts,” she says, “as they exacerbate cramps and irritability.”
For instant pain relief, Clicks pharmacist Dulaine Stander says take a painkiller. “Anti-inflammatories are best for period pain, but they shouldn’t be abused as they increase stomach acid and can lead to ulcers. The most effective though is mefenamic acid or Ponstel/Ponstan. Ponstel can only be given to patients over-the-counter for a treatment period of five days since larger quantities require a doctor’s prescription. If you can’t take anti-inflammatories due to high blood pressure, asthma or stomach ulcers, Stander suggests Panado. Inform your pharmacist of all the other medicines you are taking for any other diseases.
Tip: Smoking, not exercising and eating badly can contribute to painful periods.
Premenstrual migraines
A menstrual migraine is defined as an attack that occurs between one day before and up to four days after the onset of your period. Premenstrual migraines have been connected to changes in the levels of oestrogen during a menstrual cycle. Oestrogen levels drop immediately before the start of the menstrual flow.
According to Dr Chase Webber, a natural health expert, feverfew is the most frequently-used herb for the long-term prevention of migraines. Studies have shown that the continuous use of feverfew leads to a reduction in the severity, duration and frequency of migraines. Magnesium and vitamin B2 are also suggested.
Tip: Always get a prescription from your GP for painkillers specifically targeted at migraines.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Cape Town naturopath Dr Sandi Nye advises testing for food intolerances and/or avoiding known food allergens. “Dairy, wheat and sugar are known as mucous producers, so cut these out of your diet.” She also suggests reducing stress. Aromatherapy essential oils are excellent antidotes. Mix three drops each of black pepper, petitgrain, lavandin (not lavender) and peppermint in 10ml of vegetable oil — all good for stress and spasms — and massage into the tummy in a clockwise direction. Internally, Nye suggests a good probiotic supplement, in conjunction with a natural herb remedy called Iberogast (by Flordis), as this provides great relief to many IBS sufferers.
Tip: Replace tea, coffee and carbonated drinks with peppermint, chamomile and ginger tea to relieve spasms, bloating, nausea and indigestion.
Constipation
If you’ve been feeling a little blocked up lately, try psyllium (available from health shops) to boost your bowel movements. Psyllium is a small, reddish-brown seed that has effective laxative properties. It’s one of the safest products for long-term use. Sprinkle a spoonful over your cereal or in a smoothie, followed by a glass of water.
Tip: Avoid long-term use of artificial laxatives — you could be damaging your colon.
Scratchy throat
Honey is the classic remedy for a sore, scratchy throat. Not only does it soothe discomfort, but it can also fight looming infection. Try it mixed with lemon in hot water for fast relief.
Tip: Manuka honey is a very effective remedy as it has more powerful anti-bacterial properties. Available at health shops.
Athlete’s foot
Don’t let this foot fungus keep you from being athletic. Soak feet regularly in a bicarbonate of soda foot bath and sprinkle a little between your toes before putting on your socks. You could also add three drops of tea tree oil to a bowl of warm water and soak your feet daily. Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes. “If there’s any redness, swelling or bleeding, these are usually signs of infection and the person should see a doctor,” says Fallon Hope, biokineticist at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa (SSISA).
Tip: Wear leather shoes to allow feet to breathe.
Shin splints
First things first: rest from the activity that caused the pain, and other high impact activities, advises Hope. Apply ice to the shins for no more than 20 minutes and elevate the legs to reduce the swelling and inflammation. Take anti-inflammatories for the pain. Rehab should include strengthening exercises and a gradual re-introduction of the activity that initially caused the pain.
Tip: Toe raises (by raising up onto your toes then slowly lowering your heels back down) and toe taps are excellent shin-strengthening exercises.
Leg cramps
Leg cramps are due to circulatory problems, electrolyte imbalances or mineral deficiencies (like a lack of potassium, magnesium, sodium, or calcium), says Nye. Tissue salts such as Mag phos, Ferrum phos, Calc phos, Kali phos and Nat phos are helpful. Also try massaging the sore muscle, or stretching the calf by flexing toes towards shin.
Tip: Apply a bit of acupressure by squeezing your upper lip between your thumb and index finger for 30 seconds.
Minor burns
“If the skin hasn’t blistered, run the burn area under cold water or apply an ice pack to decrease the chances of blistering and inflammation,” suggests Stander. “If the burn has blistered, don’t open the blister, and apply an ice pack as frequently as possible throughout the day. If the blister does open, apply antibacterial ointment, such as Bactroban”. Cover the open wound with gauze that has some ointment applied to it (to avoid the gauze sticking), and bandage or plaster closed.
Tip: Rescue Remedy as a cream is good to have on hand, says naturopath and nutritional consultant, Dr Janet Maccaro in her book The Family Guide to Natural Health (Struik).
Bee stings
If the poison sac has broken and the area is sore and swollen, apply an antihistamine cream like Anthisan, says Stander. As bee stings are acid, you could also try a little baking soda mixed with water to neutralise the chemicals. Stander warns that an intolerance to bee stings can increase with each exposure, so oral medication (like Allergex) is recommended if the swollen area around the sting is large and a hive (as in hives, not beehive!) develops.
Tip: Watch out for serious reactions such as breathing difficulties.
Flaky nails
“Low-fat diets and medication such as HRT are the main culprits,” says Nye. Supplement with a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon oil or evening primrose oil. Magnesium, calcium and zinc also play an important role in keeping nails healthy. Topically, a nail balm containing rich oils, nut butter and natural waxes can help.
Tip: Protect your nails from harsh chemicals, including polish remover with acetone; and don’t use your nails as tools.
Burning eyes (from chlorine)
You know it’s summer when that tell-tale sting hits. Stander says the surface of the eye needs to recover on its own, so the best remedy is to rinse the eye
with saline solution throughout the day.
Tip: Don watertight goggles before taking the plunge.
Dry eyes
Your eyes’ waterworks can dry up after an aeroplane flight, hours in front of a computer, very little sleep, being outside on a windy day or from being indoors with air conditioning or heating. Remedy dry eyes with over-the-counter artificial tears, says Stander. If you wear contact lenses, look for a preservative-free formulation.
Tip: If your eyes only become dry occasionally, put warm compresses on the lids for 10 minutes twice a day.
Insomnia
Many of us take sleep for granted — until it escapes us. If you’re having trouble drifting off at night, try these DIY tips:
Take deep abdominal breaths for
10 minutes before bedtime.
Avoid big dinners and eating after 8pm.
s Avoid caffeine, opt for chamomile tea — it’s a mild relaxant.
Â- Relax in a lavender oil bath, then sprinkle lavendar oil on your pillow. It has a calming effect on the central nervous system.
Clinical studies show a dose of valerian (nature’s tranquiliser) taken an hour before bedtime can significantly improve sleep quality, while avoiding the hangover feeling you can get with sleeping drugs.
Tip: Research says those with uncomfortable beds sleep on average
one hour less a night than those whose beds are comfy. Invest in the best you can afford.
Dark under-eye circles
“Get enough sleep and drink enough water. In Chinese medicine dark circles indicate kidney problems,” says Smith. Consider using an iron supplement that’s easy to absorb, like FoodState Iron complex, she says.
Tip: Refresh your eyes by applying fresh slices of cucumber on each eye for 10 minutes.
Diarrhoea
Many doctors say it’s best to ride out a case of diarrhoea, but keep an eye on the length of the bout. “A mild food poisoning or viral infection should be dealt with by the body in 24 hours. Diarrhoea for longer than that should be scrutinised,” warns Stander. Even not-so-severe diarrhoea can cause dehydration; keep rehydrating the body and replacing electrolytes (salts and sugars). Try this simple sugar and salt solution: Dissolve eight teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt in one litre of boiled, cooled water and drink 250ml after each bowel movement.
Tip: Anti-diarrhoeals (like Imodium) are only recommended when diarrhoea disrupts your normal lifestyle.
Eczema
The Egyptians called aloe vera the “plant of life”, and used it for treating skin complaints and curing infections. Today, scientists have identified several of the active components that make it so effective, including natural emollients, anti-inflammatory compounds, magnesium lactate (which calms itchiness) and substances that increase blood flow to injured areas, promoting healing. Dermatologists sometimes prescribe antibiotics to prevent the open sores from becoming infected, but be aware of candida overgrowth if you decide to go that route.
Tip: A little sunlight every day will promote the production of vitamin D, which is good for beating eczema.
Post nasal drip
“This problem is invariably linked to an allergy of some sort,” says Nye. Firstly, stop taking in mucous-forming foods — usually dairy and wheat, she says. Kali mur tissue salts can provide safe, effective and inexpensive relief. Sambucus nigra (elderberry) is also a good remedy. It’s commercially available in drop form as Sambucus comp by Weleda.
Tip: Supporting the liver is important because any accumulation of toxins can lead to excess mucous production. Chlorella and milk thistle are good liver-support agents, says Nye.
Blocked nose (allergic rhinitis)
Said to be the most common allergic disorder in the world, allergic rhinitis is usually treated with antihistamines, decongestants and steroid sprays. Nye says the cause of the allergy must be established before specific treatment can be implemented. “However, cool or warm saline water treatments using a neti pot (nasal douche) helps. If the condition is from mucous congestion, then quercetin is good, which is easiest to take in the form of a digestive enzyme supplement,” she says. She recommends homeopathic remedies such as Pulsatilla, Kali bich and Calc carb for help with nasal congestion.
Mosquito bites
Avoiding mosquito bites should be your first line of defence, but if the little bloodsuckers do strike, here’s what to do: avoid scratching as this increases the release of histamine and can make the reaction worse. To reduce itching and swelling, apply an ice pack for three minutes at a time. Then apply a soothing treatment such as Arnica cream or an antihistamine cream.
Tip: Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide. Patio heaters produce lots of carbon dioxide.
*Consultation with your health practitioner is extremely important if you’re experiencing persistent or severe symptoms.
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