Natural health: How can my husband return to full health after cellulitis?

Thyme, marjoram, garlic, raw honey, and blackcurrants are recommended dietary additions. Herbal remedies to consider include astragalus root, schisandra berries, and Pau d’arco bark.

My husband is being treated with antibiotics for cellulitis and is making a good recovery. Once his treatment is over, are there any herbs or supplements that could safely support his overall health?

Cellulitis can be a very painful condition, causing great discomfort. It begins as a bacterial skin infection that progresses to deep swelling and tenderness in the underlying tissues.

The swelling is not only a symptom of the infection but also part of the healing process as the body works to resolve this condition. Streptococci and Staphylococci are the two most common bacteria responsible for cellulitis. 

Staphylococcus-based cellulitis is more localised, while Streptococcus tends to spread quite rapidly. In either case, you are quite right to consider supplements to support the healing process once your husband has completed treatment.

This type of infection has quite an impact on immune function, so supporting the immune system is the best place to start. You can do this through the types of herbs and spices you cook with, as well as through herbal supplements.

Thyme, marjoram, garlic, raw honey, and blackcurrants are recommended dietary additions. Herbal remedies to consider include astragalus root, schisandra berries, and Pau d’arco bark.

Medicinal mushrooms have increased in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason. Reishi mushroom is particularly useful for immune health; however, a combination of medicinal mushrooms will really boost the health benefits for your husband.

Check your local health store for TerraNova’s Mushroom Synergy combination, which includes reishi, cordyceps, maitake, shiitake, chaga, and Royal Sun agaricus, together with ginger root. Fifty capsules cost €36.95.

I’m going through the menopause and experiencing brain fog. It’s particularly embarrassing at work when I can’t remember a word mid-sentence. Additionally, I struggle to maintain my focus. There was a time when I was razor sharp. What natural remedy would you recommend?

Hot flushes seem to get the most attention as a menopausal symptom, but there are a whole host of frustrating physical, mental, and emotional changes to contend with, including the brain fog you mention. And, yes, hormones are very much responsible.

Oestrogen and testosterone are the two main hormones for brain health, cognitive function, focus, and memory. Oestrogen is involved in brain stimulation by supporting cell growth, neuron activity, and forming new connections and pathways. 

A decline in oestrogen levels means the energy available to brain cells decreases. This not only can contribute to anxiety, brain fog, and memory issues but also leads to night sweats and hot flushes. Testosterone, produced in small amounts in the ovaries, helps regulate energy levels and is an important contributor to nerve function, mental clarity, focus, and memory.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has come a long way since its introduction, and most doctors and gynaecologists now have a more nuanced understanding of the balance between hormones and nutrients required to manage individual symptoms. It is worth getting in touch with a doctor who specialises in menopause treatment using bioidentical hormones to see if HRT might be right for you. If HRT is not an option, then a diet rich in essential fatty acids (EFAs) is ideal for optimal brain function. You can either supplement with EFAs, especially DHA, or ensure that you get plenty of healthy dietary fats through eggs, fish, nuts, seeds, and avocado.

Antioxidants are also important nutrients for brain health, available in richly coloured fruits and vegetables (especially dark berries), or once again, you can find excellent antioxidant supplements. Herbs such as elderberries, gotu kola (brahmi), and ginkgo biloba are all excellent for brain blood flow, helping to improve clarity, focus, and memory.

Exercise also significantly impacts how your brain functions. Even taking 30 minutes each day for a brisk walk or yoga session will do wonders for circulation and focus.

• NOTE: The information contained in this column is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a doctor.