A HAYFEVER FREE HERBAL SUMMER!

There are some people who do not relish the Summer months, because with them comes 'Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis'. Although the peak of the condition tends to occur in May and June, it can also be a problem throughout to later Summer.

The condition is an allergic reaction to air borne pollens, from grasses, flowers and trees. In fact it is only grass pollen which is the cause of hayfever, the most common form of rhinitis. Rhinitis results in inflammation of the sinus membranes around the nose, promoting the release of histamine. This reaction causes the release of a watery discharge from the nose, nasal obstruction, sneezing, itching and watering of the eyes.

The pharmaceutical approach would be to prescribe anti-histamine medication, and in extreme circumstances corticosteroids.
But does this get to the root of the problem or is this not just dealing with the symptoms? Herbal medicine offers a more complex solution.

How it may help
A Medical Herbalist will spend an hour with a person, by way of a consultation. They will look at the whole person, at the function of each body system such as the digestion and elimination, the immune system (which triggers the reaction), the lymphatic system (which helps to cleanse the body), the nervous system (the immune system is affected by stress) and the strength and hypersensitivity of the mucous membranes.

The Herbalist will then decide on and dispense a prescription made up of a number of herbs. The herbs are perfectly designed. They act as catalysts, to strengthen the person on each level, so that the body can rectify itself. It was Hippocrates who said, over 2,000 years ago, that it is more important to know what sort of person has a disease, than what sort of disease a person has. So each person is treated differently. This is why a consultation is always advisable, in order to get the most benefit from the herbs. In this case, the herbs might include Plantain to strengthen the membranes, Oats to support the nervous system and Nettles or Garlic to reduce hypersensitivity.

The Herbalist will often offer dietary and lifestyle advice, and in the case of Hayfever, this might include avoiding dairy, caffeine and alcohol, and instead to eat plenty of garlic and carrots, yum!

To ensure that a Medical Herbalist is properly trained (to degree level, usually over at least 4 years), look for the letters MNIMH after their name - this confirms that they are registered with the oldest professional body of Medical Herbalists, the National Institute of Medical Herbalists.

Jackie Cooper BSc (hons) MNIMH, Medical Herbalist, appointments in Hethersgill, Brampton and in Carlisle. For further information with no obligation, or to make an appointment, please telephone 01228 409093.
POWER TO THE PLANTS!

Contraindications
Please call 01228 409093 for further information or a brochure

      
A typical session
The first consultation will generally take at least an hour. The Herbalist will take notes on the patient's medical history and begin to build a picture of the person as a whole being. Healing is a matter of teamwork with patient, practitioner and the prescribed treatment all working together to restore the body to health. Treatment may include advice about diet and lifestyle as well as the herbal medicine.

Cost / Number of sessions
The second appointment may follow in two weeks, subsequent ones occurring monthly - this will depend on the individual herbalist, the patient and the illness concerned.