Natural Health: How can I heal my torn ligaments? 

Plus: natural ways of dealing with ovarian cysts

Ligament repair is slow, particularly in the thumb, which is nearly impossible to rest. However, a splint helps immensely in preventing further aggravation.

I tore ligaments in my thumb after slipping on a wet surface. It’s in a splint, which is helping, but the recovery is slow. Is there a natural remedy?

Ligament repair is slow, particularly in the thumb, which is nearly impossible to rest. However, a splint helps immensely in preventing further aggravation.

As far as supplementation and natural remedies, a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin is ideal. Glucosamine sulphate provides the joints with elements to repair cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, while chondroitin sulphate attracts nutrients and fluids to the joints, providing shock absorption and lubrication.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are produced naturally in our bodies, but after injury, a supplement can speed up repair, while preventing further damage and maintaining joint health. These nutrients are available separately but are far more effective when taken together.

Vitamin C is another natural remedy. It is crucial in tissue healing and helps to reduce inflammation. If you are deficient in vitamin C, connective tissue and ligaments lose strength and cartilage deteriorates. Our bodies also need vitamin C to manufacture collagen, which acts like a protein ‘glue’ holding cells together. Cartilage cannot be made without sufficient vitamin C.

Most naturopathic doctors recommend taking 1,000mg of vitamin C every half hour until bowel tolerance is reached (loose stools are the indicator to stop). The dose varies between individuals, from 3,000mg to over 10,000mg when the body is injured.

During a recent pelvic scan, the consultant spotted an ovarian cyst, but said there was no need to worry. I’m in my late 50s and, thankfully, in general good health. What would you suggest?

Agnus castus (also known as Monk’s Pepper or chasteberry) is a herbal remedy often recommended to balance hormones and support a healthy menstrual cycle. It can also help with ovarian cysts, PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), fibroids, endometriosis, and perimenopausal symptoms.

You can take Agnus castus as capsules (500-1,000mg daily), tincture (1-3ml daily of a 1:5 ratio preparation), or a tea (½ – 1 teaspoon in a cup of boiling water brewed for three to five minutes, taken two or three times daily). You can even use it as pepper by crushing it and sprinkling it over your food.

Agnus castus should not be used alongside hormone treatment, including hormonal contraceptives, HRT, and fertility drugs, such as Clomid.

Acupuncture can be highly effective in balancing organ health. It is common for an acupuncturist to include Chinese herbal remedies and dietary suggestions alongside the needling.

Excess androgens can contribute to the development of cysts on the ovaries, so it may help to include maca powder in your diet or supplement routine. Maca balances hormones, increases energy levels, and improves mood. It is also a powerful antioxidant (100 times the levels found in other cruciferous crops, such as broccoli and cabbage).

Maca is a complete protein and high in many vitamins and minerals, including calcium and zinc. It has been used nutritionally and medicinally in South America since Incan times.

Rio Trading Company supplies maca in unprocessed verge caps, powder, or as an elixir, using maca that has been sustainably grown in the Peruvian Andes mountains.

A simple remedy to address excess androgens is spearmint leaf. A study of 21 women with hormone imbalances found that taking two cups daily of spearmint tea for five days can be enough to lower blood levels of free testosterone.

• If you have a question for Megan Sheppard, please email it to [e-mail] 
• NOTE: The information contained in this column is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a doctor.