Natural Health: Chesty coughs
Both psyllium husks (hulls) and aloe vera gel are usually available at health shops. If you are referring to my recent recommendations for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it is important that you look for aloe vera drinking juice (sometimes referred to as a gel) rather than topical preparations of aloe vera gel.
Dr David Rampton, a Professor in the Department of Gastroenterology at the Royal London Hospital, states the following regarding medical trials involving aloe vera for inflammatory bowel conditions: “Oral aloe vera gel taken for four weeks produces a clinical response more often than a placebo and it also improves histological disease activity (... what is seen under the microscope when a biopsy is examined) and appears to be safe. These encouraging results suggest that further evaluation of the therapeutic potential of aloe vera gel drink in inflammatory bowel disease is warranted.”
The specific product used in this trial was the aloe vera gel drink from Forever Living (=www.foreverliving.com).
Buy the psyllium as loose husks/hulls rather than in capsules, as this is the most effective delivery method — plus it is far more cost effective. On contact with water, psyllium swells and forms a gelatinous mass, stimulating the transport of waste through the intestinal tract. These tiny husks are a great source of soluble fibre. Along with relieving intestinal problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (as well as constipation and haemorrhoids), psyllium also plays an important role in lowering cholesterol. Take 1-2 rounded teaspoons each day in a large glass of water or freshly pressed juice, and drink immediately.
My five-year-old son started school this year. Since November, he’s had three chesty coughs, a number of cold sores and his glands are now up, possibly at the outset of tonsillitis. It looks like his immune system is under pressure — any tips on how we can help him fight off the bugs?
This is the perfect situation for making a herbal honey remedy. Most children are quite happy to swallow honey infused with herbs.
Raw local honey (or manuka honey) are the best options for your base. First you will need to fill a sterilised jar with finely chopped herbs, leaving about an inch of space at the top, cover with the honey, and then leave the jar in a cool dark place for around three to four weeks. Remember to label the jar with the ingredients and date. Strain the infused honey through a muslin cloth (or cheesecloth) and you have your herbal honey remedy. Give your son a spoonful as required.
The herbs I would recommend for your son are: thyme leaf — for treating chesty coughs — elderberries and elderflowers — for immune support and to help fight infection — and cherry bark and blossoms — to open the chest, and reduce fever. The honey will help to treat infection of viral and bacterial origin. If you feel stress is a factor, include anti-anxiety herbs such as lemon balm and rose petals; for nausea and chills, include some ginger root or powdered ginger.
Zinc gluconate helps support immune health and reduce the symptoms of tonsillitis. Your son should suck on a zinc lozenge for as long as he can, taking up to three lozenges daily. Nature’s Plus Animal Parade Kid Zinc Lozenges are available at health stores and Here’s Health (=www.hereshealth.ie),€14.99 for 90.
