Injuries to the skin, where the damage is only superficial, can come from cuts, abrasions or chafing. While cuts are usually a direct impact to the skin, abrasions and chafing are a form of dermal inflammation.
Where skins injuries occur, abrasions, excoriations and chafing do not damage the skin deeper than the upper layer, the epidermis of the skin. Cuts may be deeper, penetrating into the deeper layers of the skin.
Superficial cuts and excoriations, depending on their severity, can cause redness, pain, itching or burning. In severer cases these wounds can bleed and may cause scarring when healing.
In avoidance of infection, the acute conventional treatment of such superficial skin injuries is to clean the wound, dry it and bandage it after the application of a topical anti-inflammatory product.
In order to clean the wound, a non-alcoholic calendula tincture can be used. Calendula is known to inhibit the bacterial growth in the affected area and has wound healing properties.
Topically- in the form of a cream, Calendula aids the recovery of wounds.
Internal administration of homeopathic remedies can be used to assist the healing process.
Calendula acts as a general wound healing remedy.
Hypericum can be used where the injury is a laceration wound and the nerve is affected.
Ledum is a remedy for punctured wounds.
Where inflammation has progressed, symptoms as heat in the affected area, redness, swelling and pain may occur. In such cases Hepar sulphuricum any Pyrogenicum may be remedies to consider.
Cataract and Glaucoma are two major disease forms affecting the eyes that are increasingly prevalent in the population. Cataract is the leading cause of blindness, directly followed by Glaucoma.
Cataract: This is a progressive clouding or blurring of the eyes’ lens. As the ‘cloudiness’ increases, vision decreases. To the patient, what he or she sees may be perceived as misty, blurred or as viewed through a veil or foggy window. With the lens increasingly becoming opaque, cataract will eventually lead to blindness. Progression of cataract is generally slow. There are different types of cataract, and it can develop due to a range of factors.
Types and causes:
Age-related cataract: This is the most common form of cataract. While this type can develop as early as in the early 40’s, as progression is slow, vision may only become impaired in later decades (60+years). Protein clumping in the eye is considered the causative factor of this form of cataract.
Congenital cataract: Genetically inherited cataract is passed on through generations as a predisposition, or is a ‘side-effect’ of other hereditary dispositions such as atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis, or congenital diabetes.
Secondary cataract: Diseases such as diabetes or hypertension, or specific medication, as for example corticosteroids can be the source of a cataract.
Traumatic cataract: This is a form of cataract that develops due to an injury or trauma to the eye, or forms following surgery on the eye, as for example in an operation for glaucoma.
Cataract is treatable, in most cases, by surgery, whereby the natural blurred lens is removed and replaced by a clear artificial lens.
Normal visionCataract vision
Glaucoma: This is an irreversible damage to the optic nerve, and a consequential injury caused by an elevated intraocular pressure. In Glaucoma the levels of the intraocular fluid that circulates in the eye fluctuate due to some forms of drainage impairment. The intraocular fluid needs to drain out of the eye through an outflow. In the case of an overproduction of this aqueous humor, a partial or total blockage of the eyes’ drainage channels, the fluid circulation is inhibited and pressure in the eye is increased.
The progression of glaucoma is gradual, however, once a loss of vision is noticed, the disease is already irreversibly advanced. Treatment can only slow progression. Eventually Glaucoma leads to blindness. Patients see ‘blind spots’ in their visual field. It is a hereditary disease. There are different types of glaucoma.
Types and causes:
Open-angle glaucoma: This type develops gradually, yet, once symptoms are noticed, progression is already significant. This is the most common form of glaucoma. This type of gradual increase of the intraocular pressure is characterized by central or peripheral ‘blind spots’ in the field of vision. In this type, the anatomy of the drainage channels is normal.
Closed-angle glaucoma: The intraocular fluid, in this type, cannot circulate properly and drainage is blocked. This form, as compared to the ‘open-angle’ type, occurs suddenly and rapidly. This form of glaucoma may be associated with discomfort and pain. This sudden increase in intraocular pressure is a medical emergency.
There are further forms, such as normal-tension glaucoma, where neural damage occurs albeit the intraocular pressure not being elevated. The exact cause of this type is not known. Infant glaucoma is a type that develops at birth or in early age. This may be due to blocked drainage channels, or another health condition. Pigmentary glaucoma is caused by gradual blocking of the drainage ways due to pigmentary deposits from the eye that causes an intermittent increase in the intraocular pressure.
Surgery for glaucoma is aimed at opening the drainage channels. It can however not remove the cataract.
This valuable herbal medicine comes from a plant that is native to the Mediterranean. The medicinal effect is extracted from the ripe dried fruits of this shrub.
In ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt, Agnus castus was tightly interwoven in religious traditions, while being firmly embedded in the medical practices of the time. Also known as Vitex Agnus castus, ‘Chaste-berry’, or as ‘monk’s pepper’, one of it’s ancient traditional uses was that of an anti-aphrodisiac; a remedy to diminish sexual desire. It’s use was therefore wide spread amongst monks who had pledged chastity. Quite interestingly, since then, numerous sources have stated that Agnus can curb the sexual appetite in men, but acts as an aphrodisiac in women.
Agnus’ application however has broadened with time and it has become an important remedy for gynaecological complaints in women. It’s action radius is vast, as Agnus castus has shown effect in various menstrual disturbances. It has been found to ease premenstrual complaints, to regularize periods, to balance blood flow, and to assist through the peri-menopausal & menopausal transition.
Particularly in Peri-menopause, Agnus has become invaluable to many women that are not too keen to, or are unable to take synthetic hormonal support for balancing hormones, in order to relieve of associated symptoms and discomforts.
Peri-menopause is defined as the time-period of up to 10 years prior to actual menopause. During this transitional phase women’s hormonal levels begin to change, causing alterations in women’s menstrual cycles. As the production of hormones becomes unbalanced, the menstrual pattern of women becomes irregular and erratic. Women may experience an increasing severity of PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome), alterations in menstrual bleeding, such as longer duration and greater intensity, and other physical and emotional discomforts including hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia, loss of libido and weight gain amongst others. While for some women this pre-phase runs smoothly without much discomfort, some women may have severe symptoms that impact their everyday life immensely.
While Menopause, the one year following a woman’s last period, after which she is no longer able to become pregnant, is characterized by ever lowering levels of oestrogen (and other hormones), early peri-menopause typically sees sinking and fluctuating levels of progesterone. This generally sees oestrogen becoming dominant, over the progesterone, leading to the above described discomforts and complaints. Such dominance can, beyond the above mentioned symptoms, lead to menstrual flooding, extra periods, and spotting during the latter half of the menstrual cycle. This is where Agnus castus can become helpful.
Agnus castus itself is not a hormone, not a plant/phyto-hormone, but, its biochemical constituents can trigger the mechanisms that adjust the production of those hormones that characterize the menstrual cycle. It appears to be able to stimulate and balance the function of the pituitary gland by inhibit the secretion of follicle stimulating hormone and stimulating the secretion of luteinizing hormone, which conversely regulates the production of progesterone in the body, as such recreating harmony in the oestrogen/progesterone balance. Consequentially this means that Agnus castus can regulate ovulation, hence can assist at finding balance again, after the use of contraceptives, and can, as such, promote fertility. Since the imbalance of hormones is the main factor associated with Peri-menopause, Agnus castus is a true game changer for many women during this transitional phase.
The use of Agnus castus for its ‘hormone balancing’ impact means that it has to be administered for an extended period of time, at least for over 4 to 6 months, for a full and lasting effect. Please note adverse effects as stated by manufacturers, and refer to the package insert for dosage and administration instructions.
References/Bibliography:
MAYO, J. (1998) ‘Black Cohosh and Chasteberry: Herbs Valued by Women for Centuries’,CLINICAL NUTRITION INSIGHTS,Vol. 6(No.15), pp. 1-4.
Prior J. (2010)Progesterone Therapy for Symptomatic Perimenopause, The Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society conference 2010: Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research.
In order to maintain a healthy heart and blood circulation it is not wrong to occasionally take supportive measures. Sufficient movement in fresh air, moderate exercise, such as walking or swimming, or hot / cold alternating baths, are true restorers and preservers of a healthy heart and blood circulation. Proper hydration and healthy eating do the rest for good circulation.
But there are also other methods to support the system.
Red wine is good for you!
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Scientific studies have repeatedly demonstrated that red wine is good for your heart! However, only in moderation! With a moderate consumption of red wine, which means no more than 150ml per day, such consumption can reduce the risk of heart disease by about 30%. The reason for this, researchers have found in the composition of the wine. The ingestion of flavonoids and resveratrol, the main constituents of the wine, results in dilation of the blood vessels and thus increase blood flow. Blood clotting is reduced and the formation of clots thereby limited. This in turn reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. Incidentally, more recent studies have provided evidence that white wine too has these properties.
The Hildegard heart tonic
By Miniatur aus dem Rupertsberger Codex des Liber Scivias., Public Domain, httpscommons.wikimedia.orgwindex.phpcurid=1718595.jpg
Hildegard von Bingen (1098 – 17.09.1179) already ascribed a healing effect to red wine. The abbess recommended the ingestion of ‘Heart-wine’ to strengthen the heart and the revitalization the circulatory system. This recipe however, not solely consists of red wine, but is a concoction of wine, parsley and honey. The relaxing and calming effect of the Heart-wine potion on the cardiovascular system may, apart from the wine, come from the vitamin- and mineral- rich composition of the parsley, and the antioxidant properties of the honey. Together these ingredients cause the coronary arteries to expand, lower the blood pressure and strengthen the heart.
Hildegard heart-wine:
* 10 parsley stems
* 2 tablespoons wine vinegar
* 1 litre of red wine
* 200 – 250ml Honey
In preparing the wine, the parsley stems, vinegar and wine are placed in a pot to boil. The concoction should simmer for 5 to 8 minutes. Then the concoction should be strained and left to cool. The honey should only be added once the mixture has cooled to merely lukewarm. Adding the honey to the hot brew is likely to ruin the effective ingredients contained in the honey.
It is recommended to consume a liqueur-glass of this ‘Heart-wine’, up to three times a day, to relieve said heart problems, and strengthen the heart
Hawthorn – Crataegus
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pic via pixabay.com
Crataegus is the Latin name for Hawthorn.
It grows as a low tree, rather a bush, whose white flowers bloom in spring. Its fruits ripen towards late summer and autumn, and are of a fiery red colour. Hawthorn belongs to the genus of the rose family, and there are between 100 and 200 different species. It grows along roadsides and in hedges.
Its potential as a medicinal plant is focal on, in particular, the weak, and elderly heart. Accordingly, preparations of hawthorn are recommended for patients with decreasing cardiac output or cardiac insufficiency, the senile heart, arrhythmia, and the sensation of a narrowing or pressure in the region of the heart. Crataegus also has a stabilizing effect on blood pressure, and helps to regulate low and high blood pressure.
There is evidence that hawthorn promotes the contraction of the heart muscle and improves the hearts’ pumping force. The circulation of the coronary arteries is increased. The heart is thus strengthened and its efficiency increased.
A treatment with Crataegus can be drawn into consideration if the following symptoms are noted:
– Low exercise capacity
– General lassitude
– General rapid fatigue
– Palpitation, fatigue and / or shortness of breath after only slight exertion
There are no known adverse effects of taking Crataegus.
Circulatory complaints in the legs
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When legs suddenly feel heavy or painful, when ankles are swollen, the leg cramps, and the skin shows discoloration or varicose veins, a circulatory issue is often the cause. In such cases the blood circulation in the lower extremities may be limited, and often some simple measure suffice to bring about relief. For example, movement, massage, stretching exercises, or elevating the legs may reduce the symptoms.
Other measures included the use of various creams and preparations, containing for example, Aesculus (horse chestnut) or Hamamelis (witch hazel). These may be taken into consideration in the prevention and treatment of such circulatory disorders.
In homeopathic form, Aesculus and Hamamelis may be used in low potency, for example 6X.
Aesculus is indicated if:
– The legs are heavy and tired.
– The skin on the legs feels tense, and swollen.
– The veins appear jammed or inflamed.
– This ‘Aesculus’ circulatory disorder is not necessarily painful.
– The patient has is a tendency to thrombosis.
Hamamelis is indicated if:
– There is a sensitivity to touch, pressure and heat.
– Varicose veins are painful.
– There is a prevailing feeling of exhaustion in the legs.
– The veins shine through the skin, in a dark bluish colour.
Centella Asiatica is herbal medicine known and appreciated, since ancient times. It’s use is currently experiencing a revival on account of research findings that place it directly into the center of the anti-aging movement. Centella has been found to have properties that can combat the process of aging.
Centella, which is known across cultures by different names, such as Gotu Kola, perrywort, or brahmi among others, has been found to be containing large amounts of potent phytochemicals, amino acids, vitamins and other active components. These constituents have begun to excite researchers, the cosmetic and the anti-aging industry, and extensive investigations are stirring the hope for a truly valuable panacea.
Gotu Kola has shown to have wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have concluded that it instigates cell growth, and increases the production of collagen in the skin. Centella is further said to repair damaged blood vessels, to protect skin cells from damage of sunlight exposure, and to break down the formations of cellulitis. The medicinal prospects of this herb look very promising and are extensive and very diverse.
For the consumer that seeks to anti-age, these findings may mean that Centella has the potential to improve hydration, elasticity and firmness of skin. Furthermore, it has been found that Centella can counter memory dysfunction. It improves alertness, enhances memory and may have a positive effect in the development of Alzheimer.
The homeopathic remedy of Centella Asiatica is known by the name of Hydrocotyle asiatica. It’s profile suggests it’s use in cases of inflammation of connective tissue, and in malignant cellular growths. It has a large profile in affections of the skin, in psoriasis, acne, eczema, lupus. Characteristic are dry eruptions, and pustules with scaly edges, where there is exfoliation and terrible itching. There is a female profile that suggests its use in uterine growths, in inflammation at the neck of the bladder, vaginal pruritus, leucorrhoe, and ovarian pain. Furthermore are muscular, neural and arthritic and rheumatic affections benefited from Hydrocotyle asiatica.
Centella Asiatica’s use for anti-aging, is bringing the herbal panacea out from the traditional herbal apothecaries and practices. Aging lies in the nature of life, Centella is unlikely to reverse or stop the process, but it may be able to make the aging process a slower and healthier one.
Bylka W., Znajdek-Awiżeń P., Studzińska-Sroka E., and Brzezińska M. (2013) ‘Centella asiatica in cosmetology’, Postepy Dermatol Alergol, 30(1), pp. 46–49. doi:10.5114/pdia.2013.33378
Gohil K, Patel J.A., and Gajjar A.K. (2010) ‘Pharmacological Review on Centella asiatica: A Potential Herbal Cure-all’, Indian J Pharm Sci,75(5), pp. 546–556. doi:10.4103/0250-474X.78519
Soumyanath A., Zhong J-P, Henson E., Wadsworth T., Bishop J., Gold B.G., and Quinn J.F. (2012) ‘Centella asiatica Extract Improves Behavioral Deficits in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease: Investigation of a Possible Mechanism of Action’, International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 2012(5868):381974. doi:10.1155/2010/381974
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