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Common Ailments A-Z

Dee Atkinson

Experienced Medical Herbalist Dee Atkinson answers your questions regarding common health problems that we encounter on a daily basis in our shops and clinics.

If you cannot find the information you need, and would like to speak to a qualified herbalist, please email advice@napiers.net.

^ TOPAcne

I have spots on my back and want to get rid of them before my work's Christmas party. Is there something herbal that works?

Dee says: You will need to tackle this with an internal remedy and some topical treatments. Use a soft back-brush on the area daily and use a mild antiseptic skin wash, such as a good tea tree essential oil-based product. Apply neat tea tree essential oil to spots twice a day. Use a traditional herbal blood purifier such as Sarsaparilla and Burdock Compound, which will boost your immune system and help to clear up the spots. Cut down on dairy products in your diet, and make sure that you are eating plenty of fruit and vegetables. A daily dose of Vitamin C 1000mg and Zinc 15mg will help the skin to heal. For stubborn cases visit your nearest herbalist.

My teenage son is worried about his spots, is there anything he can take?

Dee says: Teenage acne is usually caused buy hormonal changes leading to increase in sebum production and pores blocking. It is usually mild and only lasts for a few years, but it can be hugely distressing on top of all the other changes that are taking place. Try using Echinacea to support his immune system and clear up any infection, this can be taken long term. I combine this with Sarsaparilla and Burdock, which is an old fashioned skin remedy. Equally important is a good skin care routine. A gentle anti bacterial face was, look for one that contains Tea Tree oil, followed by a toner. He must be persuaded to avoid picking or squeezing his skin, and if he is shaving to make sure he uses toner afterwards to dry up any abrasions. On top of all this he needs to eat a healthy diet, avoiding fast food and eating lots of healthy fruit and veg.

^ TOPAcne Rosacea

How can I get rid of Rosacea? I am embarrassed about high colour of my cheeks and nose, which is unsightly and getting worse. You can clearly see my blood vessels and often the texture of my skin is rough. Friend told me she thought it was acne rosacea and that you can get heavy-duty makeup that will cover it, but I don’t want to wear thick foundation all the time. Is there another solution?

Dee says: Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that tends to flair up in adults usually between 30 and 60 years, and more often in women. I tend to find a lot of patients come into clinic complaining that they have always had clear skin, and now suddenly, just when they thought themselves too old to have spots, they were experiencing skin problems. No one really knows what causes Rosacea, although there does seem to be some relationship to both bowel problems and hormonal imbalances. I tend to find that it flairs you when a number of situations all come together, if one is stressed, the diet is often poor, too much caffeine can be drunk and the combination of diet and stress will affect both the bowel and the hormones. Skin problems are always caused by a combination of factors.

Rosacea is made worse by exposure to sunlight, eating spicy foods, drinking coffee and often by red wine. All of these heat the body up and it irritates the skin. Blood cleansing herbs such as Sarsparilla, burdock and nettle can all be used to treat Rosacea. Depending on your age, I would combine these with some hormone balancers such as Red clover and liquorice. I always treat the bowel when working on the skin, and Slippery elm would be my herb of choice here. It acts as a demulcent, putting a protective coat on the gut and helping to correct the bacterial balance.

I agree that you don't want to start using heavy make up. You need to use gentle products to replenish and repair the skin. Napiers Herbal Skin Nutrition is a range I use with my patients. You need to get your skin condition properly diagnosed. From your description it sounds like Rosacea, but it could also be due to other factors such as eczema or allergies.

^ TOPArthritis

I suffer from arthritis in my hands and knees, but I really want to start exercising. Is there any activity I could try that wouldn’t aggravate my condition?

Dee says: I am a great fan of yoga. Many of my patients who have back or joint problems find that yoga is a gentle way of keeping supple. Trained Yoga teachers are able to work on a programme to suit your needs, so make sure that you discuss your arthritis before you start your class.

Arthritis is a chronic health problem and it is always a question of management, working on a specific programme of exercise, herbs and supplements to support your specific problems. Before you start doing any exercise programme, make sure that you are doing everything you can to reduce the symptoms. Avoid eating oranges, grapefruit, plums, strawberries, raspberries, rhubarb, coffee and shellfish. These foods are acid forming and can make any arthritic problem worse. Drink nettle tea instead of coffee and eat plenty of cleansing foods such as celery and grapes. Hemp oil has a useful ratio of omega 6 and 3 fatty acids, which will help to reduce joint inflammation and maintain joint health. Swimming or water aerobics is another form of exercise that some arthritis suffers find beneficial. What ever you do, you need to start gently and work out what your limitations are. If the arthritis is in an active inflammatory phase I would suggest that you consult a herbalists who would blend a formula together to suit your specific problems. Napiers Willow Bark and Devils Claw Compound is specific for easing joint problems.

^ TOPBaby Eczema

My 5 month old baby boy has severe eczema. He is constantly itchy and scratches his face and body continually. He is always bleeding and his face weeps. I am using all the usual ointments and a hydrocortisone and have changed his formula milk to soya milk. Can you suggest anything else?

Infant Starflower Cream

Dee says: Make sure that he is eating absolutely no dairy products, which can be hidden as 'lactose, or milk solids' in some food. Avoid using any soap based bath products, and use mild detergents on his clothes. Try using only oats in the bath. Take some good old fashioned porridge oats and tie a few handfuls into the end of a nylon stocking. Soak this in boiling water and when it is cool enough, add it to the babies bath. The white milky substance that comes out of the oats eases itching and irritation. Use the Hydrocortisone as little as possible, as long term use can lead to skin thinning. Try mixing it with Infant Starflower Cream, this contains borage oil and chamomile and takes itch and irritation out of the skin. If none of this helps I would suggest contacting the Herbal Advice Line to find your nearest herbalist.

^ TOPBabies and Children - Constipation

It is not uncommon for babies to suffer constipation. Even breast fed babies can have problems. The babies digestive system has to balance itself each time a new food group is introduced and if a baby or child is feeling stressed or unwell they often don't have regular bowel movement. Small children who are constipated and find it uncomfortable to have a bowel movement often put off going to the toilet and this makes the constipation worse. There are a number of simple remedies that you can try to ease the problem.

Self help

• Try massaging you babies tummy gently in a clockwise direction. Use Almond oil or Napiers Babies Massage oil.
• Try giving your baby some cool water to drink.
• If you baby has been straining gently apply some almond oil or Vaseline around the back passage area to help prevent discomfort or tearing.

Herbal Remedies
Chamomile Tea: This can be made up and used to dilute formula milk or given on its own in a bottle. The tea can be sweetened with honey. Try using loose chamomile flowers rather than tea bags. Use 1 teaspoons of tea per small tea pot. Try using about 10ml s twice a day.
Slippery elm powder: This powdered bark will help to correct the bacterial balance in the gut and will act as a mild bulking laxative. Add 1/4 teaspoon to baby rice or yoghurt. This can be used for babies over 6 months old. Take this twice a day

Breast Fed Babies
The best way to give medicines to breast fed babies is for mum to take the medicine and it is transferred to the baby. Dandelion root tincture and Chamomile tea should gentle help the problem, without giving mum loose bowels!

Toddlers and young children
Constipation often happens when time isn't given to sitting on the potty, young children often have much more exciting things to do. If it becomes at all uncomfortable to have a bowel movement, children often simply put off going and this just leads to further problems. Try to encourage children to sit on the toilet or potty at the same time each day. Make sure that they are eating some fruit in their diet. If they won't eat fruit, try using prune juice. This can often be disguised in yoghurt.
Chamomile Tea: This can be made up using 2 teaspoons per pot of the loose chamomile flowers. The tea can be drunk either hot or cold, diluted with juice to disguise the flavor or sweetened with honey. try to drink about 50mls in a day.
Slippery elm powder: Add 1 teaspoon of the powdered bark to yoghurt or pureed fruit.
Slippery elm and psyllium: If the problem is resistant and you have tried all of the above they you can try using Slippery Elm with Psyllium Powder. Start using half a teaspoonful mixed with yogurt or pureed fruit. Make sure plenty of fluid is drunk at the same time.

Important Information If the problem persists or there is blood in the stools you need to seek medical advice. Talk to your health visitor or visit your GP. Medical Herbalists have a lot of experience in treating babies and children and Napiers runs a mother and baby clinic.

^ TOPCatarrh

I had flu a few months ago and have been left with a chronic catarrh problems. I am coughing up a yellow phlegm and am having problems breathing through my nose. I keep getting choked up.

Dee says: This is a particularly bad time of year for upper respiratory tract problems, made worse by central heating and indoor living. Cut dairy products out of your diet for a period of time, as they are very mucus producing and can make the problem worse. The best formula I know for treating catarrh problems is a Napiers formula from the 1860s. Napiers Plantain and Eyebright Compound, is an old fashioned nasal catarrh mix, containing a range of herbs to dry up mucus, calm inflamed sinus tissue and clear up any lingering infection. This mixture can be purchased from our Online Shop.

^ TOPChildhood Anxiety

My son gets upset when I leave him at school. Is there something I can give him to keep him calm?

Dee says: There are a number of herbs that can gently support the nervous system and that can be given to children. We need support rather than anything that has a sedative effect. Chamomile and Oats are both herbs that will help to build up the nervous system. You could combine this with Borage, which has traditionally been thought of has the herb of 'bravery'. I like to herb teas for children. Simply make a tea using half a teaspoon of each herb, cover with boiling water and allow to infuse for 2 to 3 minutes. Mix two table spoons of the tea with your son’s favourite juice if he won’t drink it on its own. You could also try a few drops of Lavender Essential oil on his shirt collar. Try to find out if there are any other reasons why you son is getting upset, and talk to his teacher about it.

^ TOPChilblains

My son gets upset when I leave him at school. Is there something I can give him to keep him calm?

Dee says: In the 1930's and '40s chilblains were common among adolescents and the elderly, but with the introduction of central heating, and dietary changes they have virtually disappeared. Recently for some reason I have been seeing more patients in clinic with circulatory problems, including chilblains. This problem needs to be tackled through out the year to improve the whole circulation. In the summer and autumn months keep the skin supple by skin brushing to stimulate the circulation and use a good moisturiser. Creams which contain horse chestnut will help to support the circulation, try using Napiers Venatone Cream..During the winter wear layers of cotton and woollen socks and avoid nylon tights and stockings. Try and wear shoes with thick soles or wear insoles to keep the feet insulated. Always wear gloves when you go outside. One of the best herbs to take long term is Gingko biloba. Pharmacologically this herb has been shown to cause vasodilatation and to increase circulation to the peripheries. If you start taking this herb in October it can protect you through out the winter months. Eating warming foods with ginger and chilli and making sure that you are taking anti-oxidant and bioflavenoids supplements during the winter months, will support the circulation. I use an old fashioned alkanet ointment directly onto the chilblains, which takes the sting and itch out of them.

^ TOPCold Sores

I am prone to getting cold sores and it is really getting me down. I always seem to get one whenever I have an important work presentation or social function. I understand they’re caused by a virus- is there any way I can cure myself of this virus to stop them occurring in the first place?

The Herpes family of viruses is responsible for chickenpox, shingles and glandular fever, but it also causes outbreaks of blisters or sores known as herpes. Cold sores are the more common names for Herpes Simplx 1, which is where one gets the characteristic blisters forming on the lips and around the nose area.

Cold sores are caused by a virus, and like all viruses they are often triggered by periods of stress. It is very common for people who are under stress to forget to eat properly, they often don’t get enough sleep and all this makes the chance of getting a cold sore more likely. There is often a slow build up of different situations and the final outcome will be a cold sore. It is a sign that the body is not coping well, and is under pressure. The virus that lies dormant in the nerve endings gets a chance to come out and flair up.

Try to cut down on foods that acts as stimulants to the nervous system. Foods such as caffeine in coffee and soft drinks, chocolate, black pepper and chilli are all stimulants. Help you body to de stress by using essential oils in the bath, trying to get eight hours sleep, and generally looking after yourself. Minimise the stress to your liver and immune system by restricting intake of sugar (both refined and naturally occurring) and of oils and fats, especially deep fried foods.

Foods that contain the amino acid arginine should be cut down. Arginine rich proteins are required for viral replication. Foods that are rich in the amino acid lysine will help to cut down the bodies absorption of arginine and will help to reduce the chances of getting a cold sores. Foods to avoid include all nuts, bacon, chocolate, refined sugars and all sugar rich foods, sesame and sunflower seeds and yeast extract.

Lysine rich foods that you should include in your diet are Mung beans, cheddar cheese, most fish, dairy products, eggs, potatoes and most fruit and vegetables. Apples, carrots, cucumber and yoghurt are thought to be especially useful. To really knock this on the head you should take some dietary supplements and herbs. I would prescribe Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, B Complex and L lysine. L lysine can be taken at 500mg 2-4 times a day.

Herbs to support your immune system and adaptogens to help the body manage stress are important. Echinacea, Lemon balm, Baptisia and Reishi mushrooms will all give immune support. While liquorice, and ginseng will act as adaptogens. Liquorice is also anti viral and has been should to inhibits the growth of the herpes virus. At the first sign of an outbreak (itching stinging, tingling or redness) begin taking Echinacea tincture. You can go up to 2mls every half hour during at attack. Lavender essential oil can be applied directly to the sore.

I would strongly recommend that you consult a practitioner to help you manage the repeat attacks. It is often difficult to be objective about your diet and there are a lot of different angels to look at here.

^ TOPDigestive

I have acid reflux and take Omeprazole 20mg. I have been on this for 3 years and still wake up in the morning early with an acid taste and burning in my throat. I have my bed propped up and I don't eat after 6 o'clock. I avoid citrus fruit and coffee and only drink alcohol once a month. I suffer every morning and often have swollen glands.

Dee says: When I am treating reflux problems I ask all my patients to keep diet diaries, so that I can get an idea of how often they are eating, and exactly what they are including in their diet. It is important to try to eat small amounts of food regularly, having something to eat every two hours. As well as avoiding the citrus fruit, cut out tomatoes, pork and shellfish as they can increase acid production. One of the best herbs to use is Slippery Elm powder, which can be taken three or four times daily. This herb is thick and gel-like, and works by coating the throat and the stomach. This allows healing to take place, whilst protecting the tissue from the acid. Combinations of herbs including meadowsweet, marigold, golden seal and chamomile will all help to reduce acid production. This is a complex problem to tackle and I would suggest that you consult a medical herbalist. Contact the Herbal Advice Line or visit your nearest herbalist.

^ TOPEczema

My daughter suffers badly from eczema. If she wears ordinary make up her skin breaks out into a terrible mess. Could you suggest anything that would help?

Infant Starflower Cream

Dee says: Many brands of make up have a whole range of chemicals in them that can cause skin irritation. Many make ups contain lanolin for example and this can be a trigger point. Unfortunately it is impossible to cure your daughters sensitivity completely. She will always have to avoid these brands of make up. What can be done is to try to improve her skin and to cut down the number of times it flares up. She will need to totally avoid every thing that she knows that causes skin irritation and try to find as many of the trigger points as possible. Some times certain foods in the diet can cause the skin to flare up, especially foods with E numbers, colourings and preservatives. Highly coloured sweets, drinks and cakes are all foods that should be avoided. Suggest to your daughter that she takes two cups of Chamomile tea each day, as this has an anti-inflammatory action and will help to cut down the body's response to allergy. Infant Starflower Cream, made from Borage oil and Chamomile oil, is very soothing and calming on the skin and is available from any Napiers store or through our Online Shop.

I have suffered from eczema since childhood and am concerned because I have used steroid creams for the last 10 years. Recently it has flared up and I can't work out why. Are there any natural alternatives to steroid creams and is there anything I am eating, drinking or coming into contact that could be making it worse?

Dee says: Eczema affects one in five children and one in twelve adults in the UK. Patients often try the whole range of treatments available and then find themselves back to square one.

Eczema is an inflammation of the skin and can vary in degree from small patches of dry irritated skin to the whole of the body being affected. Skin can be fine one day and then break out the next, often with no obvious sign of what is causing the problem. Standard treatment involves the use of emollients and steroid-based creams, together with an assortment of bathing products. Unfortunately, these only help while they are being used regularly, and often the problems flares up when their use is discontinued.

Long term use of steroid creams can also lead to thinning and premature aging of the skin, so many eczema sufferers look for alternative treatments. As eczema can often be caused or worsened by contact with certain substances, it's important to be very careful about what is put onto the skin. Scented soaps, foam baths, body lotions, fabric conditioners and washing powders can all cause reactions, as can other detergents such as washing up liquid. Other substances such as rubber, latex and nickel are found in many common household items and can lead to skin reactions.

Sensitivity to certain food groups can make eczema worse. Colourings and additives, especially those found in fizzy drinks, crisps, ready meals and sweets are well known to cause reactions in sensitive people. Clinical practice has shown that cutting out dairy products and wheat can have dramatic results.

Infant Starflower Cream

Both Evening Primrose and Borage oil capsules can help to ease the inflammation and irritation. Creams containing these oils can also help, such as Infant Starflower Cream, which also contain chickweed to reduce itch and chamomile to heal and soothe the skin. Chamomile and Nettle are herbs that can be combined and taken as a herbal capsule such as Nettle and Chamomile Capsules. They are used by herbalists for their anti-inflammatory, anti-itch and strengthening action on the skin as part of a treatment for eczema.

For a totally individual treatment, visit a qualified herbalist who will help you to track down anything that exacerbates your eczema and will formulate a personalised treatment plan.

See also Baby Eczema...

^ TOPHerbal Approach to Fibroids

My immediate priority in managing fibroids is to try to manage the symptoms. Often women present with extremely heavy bleeding, in many cases this can be the first symptom that they notice. If the fibroid is large, and can be palpated, it can cause bladder problems and lower abdominal pain.

Herbal astringents and uterine tonics are specific. I use combinations of horsetail, yarrow, shepherds purse, beth root and Thuja. It is important to check the patient’s iron, and serum ferritin levels and correct these.

Having laid the ground work, it is important to try and reduce oestrogen excess in the body. Even when women have had a fibroid removed, it can re grow unless the oestrogen it balanced. I use paeonia and cinnamon, and bitter herbs such as gentian. I also use liver herbs to help with the clearing of oestrogen.

Finally it is necessary to try and reduce the size of the fibroid as well as preventing it growing any larger. Marigold, Thuja and oak bark can all be used. Traditionally herbalist use castor oil packs topically, which can be very helpful.

The key to any successful treatment is to combine approaches. I use dietary advice, if possible work with the patients GP and use supplements. There are times when herbs are not able to manage the situation. I have had a number of difficult consultations with young women who have very large fibroids and who only want to use herbs. I always try to work with them on the best option available and in some case they may need surgery. It is part of the skill of being a Medical Herbalist to look at all the options available and to support your patient in making the correct decision. When patients have had to have surgery we use herbs to manage the recovery, to help prevent re occurrence and to support the patient during the process. Herbal Medicine has been used for centuries to manage women’s health, the original contraceptive pill was developed from wild yam. Used carefully by fully qualified practitioners, by Members of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, herbs can manage and treat many health problems.

^ TOPGout

My husband has gout in his left foot around the toe area. This happened very suddenly and he has been on medication for it for about five months. If he stops the medicine the problem seems to flair up again. He doesn't want to take medicine for the rest of his life and we were wondering if there was anything else he could take.

Dee says: Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid, which builds up around joints and can cause extreme pain with the affected joint often ending up swollen and red. When it is at an acute phase there is not much that herbs can do, but once that phase has been brought under control, herbs can be used to prevent further out breaks. One of the best herbs to use is Nettle. This helps the body to get rid of uric acid and is has mild anti inflammatory actions. There are also certain foods that need to be avoided, acid foods such as citrus fruit, pork, coffee and shellfish. If you cut these foods out of your diet and regularly drink Nettle tea, you will help keep the gout under control.

^ TOPInsomnia

Could you suggest something to help me sleep? Work is very stressful, and my mother isn't very well. I don't want to take anything that is addictive. I am 54 year old and I take HRT.

Dee says: Hopefully your stress is going to be short term and your natural sleep pattern will start to resume once this period is over. One of the products that I use all the time in clinic is Passiflora Capsules. Passiflora is a herb that helps the body to and mind relax enough to allow the natural sleep process to take place. It isn't a herb that will knock you out, you won't sleep through an alarm clock or a phone with it and there is no sleepy feeling the next day. It is also not addictive. Try taking one tablet at 6pm and two. before bed for a few nights. Try and avoid coffee and caffine drinks during the day, and try using lavender essential oil in a bath to help yourself unwind. Napiers Passiflora capsules are available from any of our stores or through our Online Shop.

^ TOPMenopause

I am 48 years old and have started having the occasional hot flush at night and my periods are irregular. My GP has done a blood test and says that I am peri menopausal. I would like to try something natural, and want to know what works.

Dee says: I have found that by using a combination of Black Cohosh and Sage tinctures I can control most of my peri menopausal patients symptoms. Sage is a herb that has been used for centuries to control hot flushes and sweating. It works on the thermostatic centre, helping to control temperature fluctuations. Black Cohosh is often talked about as a Natural Hormone Replacement, and is one of the most well-researched of the herbal remedies. The Kupperman Menopause Index is a way of measuring menopausal symptoms. Symptoms measured include hot flushes, outbreaks of sweat, disturbed sleep and depression. In one trail Black Cohosh was compared to oestrogen and a placebo over a twelve week period. Using the Kupperman Index there was a significant improvement with Black Cohosh compared with the other two treatments. As you are still having periods Vitex agnus castus, available in tablet or tincture form, will have a balancing action on the hormones and may help you to have regular periods for a bit longer. Herbs are very successfull in treating menopause symptoms, but it is always best to consult a qualified herbalist who will make a formula up specifically for you. Napiers runs a Well Woman and Menopause clinic specifically to help women through menopause and peri-menopause.

^ TOPMigraine

What would you recommend for migraines? I have suffered from migraines for the past four years. I can have 2 or 3 a month that last for 6 to 10 hours. Other months I don't have any. I have no idea what triggers them off. They are eased by a nights sleep and by putting a hot water bottle at the back of my neck.

Dee says: Traditionally Feverfew has been used to treat migraine, a feverfew leaf was eaten daily between two slices of bread. Feverfew relaxes muscle spasm and especially spasm around blood vessels. If a headache or migraine is relieved by heat, then it is very possible that feverfew will help. Feverfew is available in tablet form, you would need to take a tablet everyday as a preventative. Try using the tablets on a daily basis. With migraines it is usually a combination of factors that triggers them off. You might be under stress, which your body can cope with, but then you eat a food that you are mildly sensitive to and at the same time have a poor nights sleep. This combination can trigger a migraine. Try and avoid all foods that are known to trigger migraines such as cheese, chocolate, red wine and coffee. Organic Feverfew tincture is available from our Online Shop.

^ TOPMolluscum

A few month ago my 10 year old daughter developed a recurrent rash. Initially we thought it was chicken pox, with raised blister heads. They die down and look like small hard warts. The doctor said it is a viral infection called Molluscum. He said there was no treatment, but that burning them off was the only treatment. He said that was extremely painful and didn't recommend it. He said she would grow out of them. As you can imagine my daughter is very embarrassed at school. Is there anything you can recommend to help the itchiness and the hard wart like marks?

Dee says: This problem is surprisingly common amongst children, often coming up on legs and torso and being hidden under clothes. Molluscom contagiosium is very contagious and can easily spread through out the family. Make sure your daughter is using her own towel. We treat many molluscum patients in our Parent and Child Clinics, with good results. We use herbs to boost the child immune system and help them to overcome the virus. Echinacea is very effective here, and also topically a herbal wart mixture that helps to dry up the lesions and tackle the problem from the outside, helping to prevent the lesions spreading. In some cases I would use old fashioned blood purifiers to support the liver and help to clear the system. I have never had a patient who has had to have the warts burnt off, and I would strongly recommend a visit to a herbalist.

^ TOPPiles

I have been using medication for haemorrhoids for years and the problem seems to come and go. Is there any way that I could get rid of them permanently, with out having surgery?

Dee says: Haemorrhoid are caused by ballooning of blood vessels in the rectal area, and once this has occurred it is very difficult to get the tissues to shrink. They are aggravated by certain foods such as coffee, alcohol and hot spices, and made worse if you become constipated or highly stressed. To allow for healing to take place you need to let the situation calm down for a while, try to avoid any of the foods that make it worse and drink plenty of water to make sure that you don't become constipated. Horse chestnut tincture is one of the best products to strengthen the veins. This is a long term approach to the problem, but will help you to avoid surgery. It is important to keep the treatment up even when the symptoms have subsided, I would usually expect to continue treatment for 6 months. Horse chestnut tincture is widely available from herbalists and health food stores, or you can buy it in our Online Shop.

^ TOPPost-viral fatigue

My eleven year old daughter has been diagnosed as having post-viral fatigue. She first got ill in September last year, and was finally diagnosed in June. Her consultant recommended that she lead a very paced life and gradually build up her time at school. This has been almost impossible as the school doesn't seem to understand the situation. She is only managing three days a week at school and the rest of the time lies on the sofa. Sometimes she can't even read or watch TV.

Dee says: Eleven years old is very young to suffer from post-viral problems. It is more usual for teenagers, and often as a result of having glandular fever. There are herbs that can be used to gently support the immune system and help with recovery. Withania is a good supportive herb to take in tincture form to help with recovery from viruses. Try and keep your daughter off junk food, avoid food colourings, additives and caffeine-based canned drinks. Try again to talk to the school. Have a clear plan written out of how long she can be at school and when she needs to rest. Take some information on post-viral fatigue with you, and keep everyone as informed as possible about her situation.I would also suggest contacting the Herbal Advice Line or visiting your nearest herbalist.

^ TOPPsoriasis

I have Psoriasis in my scalp, which has been getting very bad recently. I am taking a water tablet and a small aspirin every day and am worried about taking any more medicine. I use Poly Tar shampoo and have even tried putting olive oil through my hair.

Dee says: This is a bad time of year for psoriasis, the lack of sun light and the dry atmosphere with central heating combined with any extra stress that is around at Christmas can all make skin problems worse. In the past herbalists used to give people remedies to help them their bodies change the seasons. As Autumn went into winter, herbs were used to support this change, bolstering the immune system and helping the liver. I have found that using herbs such as Dandelion, Nettle and Clivers in winter time can help to prevent skin problems getting worse. These herbs can be bought individually and mixed together to make a tea, which you should drink three cups of daily. To help put some of the moisture back in the scalp, start taking Evening Primrose Oil capsules at 1000mg per day. This will also help with the itch. I use an old fashioned scalp lotion that contains Marigold, Raspberry Leaf and Wild Indigo called No 2 lotion, it can be applied daily to the scalp and brushed through. It is non greasy, and very soothing to an irritated and flaky scalp. You can buy it from any Napiers shop or in our Online Shop.

^ TOPSmoking

Can I get addicted to my nicotine replacement patches?

Dee says: Nicotine patches are designed to release a small steady amount of nicotine into the body over a period of time. They are usually applied each day and the effect of each patch lasts about 16 hours. To use them correctly to stop smoking you need to gradually reduce the strength of the patches and then over a period of time stop using them. It is theoretically possible to become hooked on using the patches, especially if you find that final step of actually doing with out nicotine just too difficult. One of the downsides of using the patches is that they do not tackle the psychological side of smoking addiction. Try using herbs such as Skullcap, Oat and Passionflower to support your nervous system, helping you to make that final step to being nicotine free.

^ TOPUrinary Discomfort

Every time I pass water it feels nippy. Four urine tests have been clear. What can I do?

Dee says: A large percentage of urinary infections clear up on their own if you drink enough water to 'flush' it through. It is possible that you had an initial infection, that has now cleared up, but you are left with the 'sensation' of an infection. The urethra can be bruised or slightly inflamed with out there being any infection present. Buchu Compound contains a blend of herbs that are soothing to the urinary tract. Buchu is anti microbial and anti bacterial as well as being soothing on tissue. The herbal compound also contains Corn silk, a soothing demulcent on inflamed tissue and Couch grass, a tissue healer.

^ TOPVaricose Veins

I have an annoying rash on my leg that my doctor said was caused by varicose veins.

Dee says: Redness on the lower legs can often be caused by vein problems. If you have a tendency to suffer from varicose veins you often find that the blood pools around the lower limbs causing redness and inflammation. The skin in the area often gets very tight and can easily become damaged. You need to use an ointment on the area to moisturise and protect the skin. Ointments sit on the surface of the skin and almost act as a protective second skin. Try a Marigold ointment. To strengthen the veins themselves take Horse chestnut tincture and Rutin tablets on a regular basis. This is a long term approach, but it will improve the long term out come.