SPRING
2020
ISSUE
01
#NATURA
NATURA NATURAL
REMEDIES
FOR
THE
21ST
Focus on: Allergies
CENTURY
ISSUE
01
Contents 4
THe facts about covid-19
Although the theme of this issue is allergies, we felt it important to include a section on the current COVID-19 pandemic which is the focus of most conversations at the moment. BNA president, Aliyyaa Spring-Charles, explains the different types of coronavirus and, while emphasising that there is currently no known treatment for COVID-19, she sets out how the immune system can be supported by natural medicine.
6
Can a naturopath help me with my allergy?
This feature by the editor, Katie Osborne, explains what to expect from a visit to a naturopath for help with your allergies. It covers the main causes of allergy and the most common symptoms. Naturopath Tom Greenfield also contributes to the article.
8
natural treatments for allergy
Naturopath Helena Szollosy explores some of the most common therapies a naturopath would use to treat allergy, including applying tissue salts, apiterapy and candle therapy. She explains how naturopaths consider the whole person - body, mind, spirit and emotions - in their quest to acheive optimal health and wellness for their patients.
9
all about hayfever
Three articles that focus on hay fever including one on how keeping your colon healthy may help relieve symptoms, another looking at the research behind whether acupuncture is effective and another warning not to confuse hay fever symptoms with those of coronavirus.
10 recipe Naturopath Helen Edwards shares her recipe for red onion and potato bake, which she says helped clear her atopic eczema.
11 naturopathic treatment of eczema Clare Badrick explains how eczema is viewed by naturopaths as an external manifestiation of an inner problem and gives advice on natural treatments.
WWW.THE-BNA.CO.UK 2
! E M O C WEL
A warm welcome to the first issue of Natura, a new e-magazine from the British Naturopathic Association (BNA). Our aim is to raise awareness of the wonderful world of natural medicine and the benefits it can have to your health. The BNA is affiliated to the General Council and Register of Naturopaths (GCRN), which is the largest and oldest registering body for practitioners of naturopathy in the UK. The GCRN’s vision is to create a world where naturopathic medicine is recognised as a viable and bone fide healthcare option which can be practised alongside conventional primary care medicine to improve overall outcomes for patients. This issue is packed with a wealth of information on how natural remedies can help with your allergies and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the BNA members who have contributed. Enjoy!
Katie x (Editor)
Natura EDITOR: Katie Osborne CONTRIBUTORS: Aliyyaa Spring Charles Irving Boxer Helena Szollosy Tom Greenfield Christopher Menzies-Trull Helen Edwards Clare Badrick EDITORIAL: 07990922615 katie@osbornecomms.co.uk ADVERTISING: 07990922615 katie@osbornecomms.co.uk PRODUCED BY OSBORNE COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED ON BEHALF OF THE BRITISH NATUROPATHIC ASSOCIATION.
3
10 tips to get you through lockdown By Irving Boxer
1.
Get plenty of fresh air. Open windows and go outside. Take 10 deep breaths regularly.
2. Reduce smoking and only
smoke outdoors.
3.
Exercise daily by walking or jogging and doing a workout according to your ability. Getting gently out of breath is good for your lungs.
4.
Increase fruit and veg in your diet. Citrus, onions, leeks and garlic have particular benefit to the lungs.
5.
Reduce or stop dairy products, alcohol & sugary foods. (These increase mucous and inhibit immunity).
6. Take some or all of these:
vitamins C & D; zinc; echinacea; manuka honey; turmeric; probiotics.
7. Talk to and help others;
listen to your favourite music and watch television. Read prayers or uplifting prose.
8. Limit your news watching to once a day. It’s always bad!
9. Have faith that we will
pull through this and that you are STRONG!
10. Remember that
optimists see opportunity in difficulty.
the facts about COVID-19 By Aliyyaa Spring-Charles Currently, at the top of every conversation is the novel coronavirus outbreak. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”) and described as the next world pandemic.
the young and those with a compromised immune system or other severe health issues, the common coronaviruses can cause bronchitis or pneumonia.
It is important to know that there are four types of common coronaviruses (229E, NL63, OC43 and HKU1) that are associated with the common cold that affects most individuals at some time in their life. The ‘typical’ coronavirus infection is shortlived with symptoms such as a runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever and a general feeling of being unwell. In compromised individuals, the elderly,
begin as a common cold with fever, lethargy,
4
Respiratory symptoms COVID-19 is a new strain that is seen to cough and difficulty breathing. Additional symptoms may include sore throat, nasal congestion and swollen adenoids. In some people, especially those that are already immune compromised, have respiratory diseases (COPD etc) and are elderly, it can rapidly cause dire respiratory symptoms, including viral pneumonia, and may lead to death if not treated.
“Nearly all vitamins, minerals and herbs play a role in supporting the immune system.” Currently there is no treatment for
Nearly all vitamins, minerals and
the virus. Naturopathic practitioners
herbs play a role in supporting the immune system.
recognise the importance of both minimising exposure and addressing individual susceptibility as a way of promoting overall health. The following guidelines may be beneficial in supporting general health and wellbeing.
Vitamin C: Increases production of lymphocytes (white blood cells). Lymphocytes are generated by the immune system to defend the body against all pathogens and
Immune Support
foreign matter.
The best approach for all disease is
Zinc: This mineral is very important
immune support. The immune system
for the development of the immune
is better at warding off foreign invaders
system’s T-cells as well as decreasing
than any drug ever invented and
inflammation. Zinc also helps to
therefore, supporting immune function
mobilise Vitamin A from the liver.
is something we should all address on a day to day basis, whether in the presence or absence of disease. First, it is absolutely imperative to begin with a
Echinacea: Due to macrophage and Natural killer (NK) cell activity, this is effective in preventing colds and flus.
solid foundation. Ensure a balanced diet
Elderberry: This is especially effective
with immune-boosting foods, make sure
against the influenza virus because
you manage your stress levels and get
it stimulates antiviral properties and
plenty of good quality sleep.
immune responses in the body. 5
Oregano: An essential oil, oregano is antimicrobial and also stimulates the immune system. Mushroom extracts: Becoming more popular for immune support, particularly for cancer patients. Highly potent and rich in beta glucans, they stimulate a wide variety of immune responses. Probiotics: The good bacteria in the gut microbiome provide the body’s first line of defence against foreign invaders, triggering a wide variety of immune responses including activation of macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, T-cells, and release of cytokines (chemical messengers of the immune system). Bee Propolis: Propolis is particularly effective against gram positive bacteria and eradicates viruses, fungi and any type of bad microorganism.
can a naturopath help me with my allergy? By Katie Osborne According to figures from the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), allergy is the most chronic disease in Europe with more than 150 million Europeans suffering from chronic allergic diseases. The prediction is that by 2025 half of the entire population will be affected. An allergy is a response by the body’s immune system to normally harmless substances such as pollens, foods and house dust mites. While in most people these substances (allergens) pose no problem, in allergic individuals their immune system identifies them a as ‘a threat’ and produces an inappropriate response. When an allergen enters the body of someone who is allergic, it triggers an antibody response. The antibodies attach themselves to cells such as mast cells and basophils, which form part of our immune
system. On subsequent exposure to the allergen the body fights back by producing an excess of inflammatory chemicals, such as histamine, from the immune cells. These substances cause swelling, inflammation, increased mucous secretion and itching of the surrounding tissues. In the worst cases, too much histamine can result in a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylactic shock. Anyone at risk of anaphylactic shock should carry an epipen with them at all times. A naturopath tries not just to relieve the symptoms but to treat the underlying cause of allergy, which is often a stressed and sentitised immune system. The first step to managing an allergy is to identify the cause of the problem. A naturopath can help you do that. Tom Greenfield, founder of the Greenfields Naturopathy Clinic in Canterbury, says: 6
FACTBOX: Common causes of allergic reaction: •
pollen from trees and grasses
•
proteins secreted from house dust mites
• moulds •
foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk and eggs
•
pets such as cats and dogs, and other furry or hairy animals such as horses, rabbits and guinea pigs
•
insects such as wasps and bees
• medicines
(these
may
cause
reactions by binding to proteins in the blood, which then trigger the reaction
“There is a difference between allergy and intolerance and you can usually tell which one a patient has according to their symptoms.”
IgG antibodies, skin-scratch or skin-prick testing, as well as more controversial methods such as Carroll testing, applied kinesiology and electrodermal screening.
He explains that classic allergy, or an immediate hypersensitivity reaction, is an immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody response cause by allergens such as food, pollen, dust mites, feathers, animal hair and moulds. Symptoms of these allergies include asthma, swelling or sneezing, typically minutes after contact.
Once the allergen has been identified a naturopath will first seek to remove or decrease exposure. This is fairly straightforward for allergens such as foods, animal hair or pollutants but no so easy for microscopic allergens such as pollen, mould spores or dust mites.
Food intolerance, on the other hand, is a delayed immune response and is referred to as an immunoglobulin G (IgG) response. Symptoms can be wide-ranging, says Greenfield, and can include irritable bowel syndrome, fatigue, urticaria, Crohn’s disease, infant colic and glue ear. Greenfield warns that the cause may not be obvious as symptoms often take longer to start and can last for many hours or days after the food was eaten. There are many different ways to test for allergy including blood tests for IgE or
For the latter a naturopath may suggest putting dust mite covers on beds or placing HEPA filters in rooms to help reduce circulating dust from the air. The overall aim is to reduce histamine, decrease inflammation and increase antiallergic substances in the diet. A naturopath will also advise an allergic patient to avoid foods that are high in histamine such as cheese, some wines and certain kinds of fish including tuna and mackerel. Foods rich in tryptophan, such as cottage cheese, liver, peanuts, turkey, lamb, tuna, beef, salmon and cashews,
FACTBOX: Common allergy symptoms: • sneezing • wheezing/coughing/shortness of breath • sinus pain and runny nose • nettle rash/hives • swelling • itchy eyes, ears, lips, throat and mouth • sickness, vomiting and diarrhoea
should also be reduced because tryptophan encourages the production of histamine. Foods rich in anti-oxidants should, however, be included in a healthy diet. These include green, red and yellow vegetables, sunflower seeds, wheat germ oil, Brazil nuts and essential fatty acids such as flaxseed oil, borage oil, evening primrose oil, and cold-water fish. Onion and garlic are particular anti-allergenic because they inhibit inflammatory enzymes.
Advertorial
HayFever?
A natural way to help stop the pollen getting to you May is the start of the UK grass pollen season, which affects around 95% of hay fever sufferers. And there is still tree pollen in the air too, with several species of trees still pollinating in late April and throughout May. One of the best ways to reduce the symptoms of hay fever and dust and pet allergies is to avoid breathing in allergens in the first place. With food allergies, we avoid the food that triggers the reaction; and the same principle applies to airborne allergies, except it’s a little harder as the allergens are in the air we breathe.
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As it is drug-free, it is suitable for children, pregnant and breast-feeding women, drivers, machine operators... and cynics.
7
natural treatments for allergy By Helena Szollosy Our aim as naturopaths is to employ safe and effective natural therapies that will support and stimulate the healing power of nature in the gentlest, least invasive and most efficient manner possible. Naturopathy helps people with all forms of health concerns from acute, recent sudden onset disease to chronic, long standing illness. Naturopaths consider the whole person - body, mind, spirit, and emotions - in the quest for optimal health and wellness. Here, I explore some of the most common naturopathic therapies for allergy. Herbal medicine: Herbs have the primordial healing power of nature. For the treatment of allergies the following medical plants can be used: yarrow, chamomile, oak bark, walnut leaves, horseradish, St. John’s wort and stinging nettle. Diet: Many people are unaware that a vegetarian diet can help prevent and cure hay fever. Several nutritional systems such as the Ayurvedic diet, the Waerland diet, Mazdaznan eating principles or Diamond lifestyle are considered beneficial in supporting allergy treatment. Green plant juices can also be an integral part of healing but will not be enough on their own. In the case of using green
plants juices, the patient should follow a strict fasting diet too.
tree or hypericum, placed in the room are excellent.
Detoxification: Removal of toxic substances from the body has an important role in the treatment of allergies, Herbs containing antibacterial substances which support detoxification are recommended such as: basil, thyme, cumin, fennel, medicinal sage, hyssop, lavender, rosemary, peppermint and tarragon.
Homeopathy: Allergies come in many forms. Some result in sneezes, some in clogged noses, other itchy rashes, or itchy palates. There are many more symptoms too. Therefore, a homeopathic remedy is chosen for the patient’s individual symptoms. Of course, in the case of homeopathic treatment, the rules for taking of homeopathic remedies must be followed. The homeopathic remedy Histaminum C9 or C15 is administered most often to relieve allergy symptoms.
Apiterapy: This means healing with bee products, i.e. honey, pollen and propolis. The anti-allergy procedure with honey is desensitisation, which means that by trying to inject a minimal dose of the allergen into the body, it may be possible to eliminate the hypersensitivity to the trigger (pollen). The tincture of propolis (the alcoholic extract propolis) is also used. Its internal use strengthens the body and enhances resilience. Candling Therapy: Candling as a thermal therapy. It is a practice which claims to improve general health and well-being by lighting one end of a hollow candle and placing the other end in the ear canal or specific point on the body. In the case of allergy, body candles scented with lavender oil, sage, ylang-ylang, tea 8
Applying tissue salts: Tissue salts play an important role in strengthening the immune system, with the aim of preventing inflammatory disease and improving cellular metabolism and cell structure. In addition, their use can help to improve response to homeopathy and traditional medicine. Complementing certain tissue salt deficiencies can also help cure allergies. Tissue salts most likely to help are Calcium phosphoricum, Ferrum phosphoricum, Kalium chloratum and Natrium chloratum. For more information about naturopathy or any of the therapies listed above contact a GCRN-registered naturopath for advice.
Can acupuncture help with allergies? According to the British Acupuncture Council, acupuncture can help with allergies. Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) In recent years reviews have consistently found acupuncture to be effective for allergic rhinitis, both the seasonal and perennial types, and to compare favourably with anti-histamines (Taw 2015); (Feng et al 2015) It is also recommended in the clinical guidelines produced by the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and
Neck Surgery Foundation. Two studies have established its costeffectiveness (Kim 2012, Witt 2010) Allergic asthma In a large (1,445 patients) German Randomised Clinical Trial, acupuncture (up to 15 sessions) was given in addition to routine care and compared to treatment with routine care alone (Brinkhaus et al 2017). Additional acupuncture treatment was associated with increased dieasespecific and health-related quality of life compared to routine care alone.
don’t confuse hay fever symptoms with coronavirus, warns charity National charity Allergy UK has warned hay fever sufferers not to mistake their symptoms for the coronavirus. A spokesperson for the charity said it was important to remind people that hay fever symptoms include a runny nose, blocked nose, cough and sneezing and that, in some people, hayfever can trigger allergic asthma causing a tight chest and difficulty breathing. Although similar to some of the symptoms of coronavirus, hay fever does not cause a high temperature or a new, continuous cough and most people with hay fever do not feel unwell. The spokesperson said hay fever sufferers should be prepared with their anti-allergy medication in the run up to fever season. For further information call Allergy UK’s helpline on 01322 619898.
TAKING CARE OF YOUR COLON COULD HELP HAY FEVER SYMPTOMS By Christopher Menzies-Trull To reduce hay fever symptoms, the mucous membranes must be kept as healthy as possible and this depends on a healthy colon. Here’s why: An unhealthy colon allows macromolecules of digestive waste to re-absorb, which leads to an allergic reaction in the immune system, which is made up of blood cells and tissue fluids. Mucous membranes will increase secretions and become more sensitive as a direct reaction to unhealthy blood cells and tissue fluids. and this causes hayfever symptoms: sneezing, itchy eyes and ears, and sometimes asthma. So, what’s the best way to keep the colon healthy? Eat an organic wholefood diet with increased amount of fibrous foods, such as
beans, nuts, pulses and green vegetables. Your naturopath may also advise pre- and pro-biotics. Plenty of fluids is also essential. A Vitamin C supplement may also be suggested to aid tissue oxygenation and mucous can be reduced by eliminating white flower and white sugar. Eating a healthy diet to take care of your colon will help reduce symtoms of hay fever, but what about if you already have symptoms? Sniff a simple saline wash, made up of a pinch of salt and warm water, up the nostrils and gently blow out to remove pollen and dust. Or inhale essential oil of Eucalyptus to clear airways and decongest. For watery eyes and nose make an 9
Eyebright infusion. (5g of Eyebright in an infusion cup with boiling water, leave for 15 minutes, strain and drink three times a day). Add garlic to food to help ease the symptoms of infected membranes. To detoxify infected tissue, apply Echinacea tincture or make up a Plantain infusion (5g Plantain with boiling water three times a day). Elderflower tea also has a cleansing action and a Mullein infusion can allay membrane sensitivity. Hydrastis, as a tincture, tones the mucous membranes and a sage mouth serves to strengthen the mouth and throat. References Herbal Medicine Keys to Physiomedicalism including Pharmacopoeia. 2nd Ed. 2003. Menzies-Trull.
RECIPE
1. Chop two red onions
4. SautĂŠÂ onions with local rapeseed oil
Naturopath Helen Edwards shares her recipe for red onion and potato bake, which she claims helped clear up her atopic eczema.
2. Peel, dice and par boil three potatoes
5.Mix in the potatoes and add grated garlic and chillis to taste. Bake in the oven at 180C for 40 minutes, or until potatoes are like mini roasties 10
3. Add 1tsp cumin seeds and 1tsp turmeric powder, stir and wait one minute until mixture becomes fragrant and aromatic
6. Serve with a garnish of raw red onions and fresh coriander.
naturopathic treatment of eczema By Clare Badrick Naturopaths view all skin conditions as an outer sign of an inner disease process. The skin is the largest organ of the body, and reflects what is going on inside. In homeopathic terms, eczema can be associated with the psoric or tuberbular miasms and practitioners have observed for decades that there is a tendency for it to run in families. Although in our modern world even where there has never been any eczema in the family it can still appear. Eczema is a very complex condition and there is now evidence to suggest it could even be an autoimmune disorder. It is certainly a condition of an alteration in the immune system. Eczema, in my experience, is triggered initially in infancy either by the mother eating inappropriately or herself having a leaky gut or food sensitivities, or by early
weaning. Many parents report that eczema first appeared in their offspring around two to three months of age which is a classic time for all of the above to be happening. Once the reaction has been triggered it is much harder to calm it than to prevent it in the first place! Ideally, it is best to identify the trigger factors or underlying causative agents. In
my practice I use IgG testing of foods alongside bioresonance testing for the toxic load. The treatment protocol needs to include a very specific detoxification, clearing toxins that have been found in testing, as well as reducing and eliminating offending trigger foods. Usually healing the gut and re-establishing a healthy microbiome will also need to be done. In this way eczema can usually be cleared in a few months. Topical agents are only used to help alleviate itching so continued damage is not done, or to prevent secondary infection. Natural creams such as chickweed can be useful for this, rose hip oil and jojoba oil also soothe inflamed skin. Essential oils must be used with caution as they can aggravate, but geranium and lavender are a safe bet.
Advertorial The Sadie Bristow Founda�on was formed by Clare & Stewart Bristow following the devasta�ng death of their daughter, Sadie.
UK’s No.1 player for her age group. But sadly, on 20th August 2018, Sadie suffered an extreme allergic reac�on and tragically died. She was nine-years-old. Following her death, the Sadie Bristow Founda�on was formed to create a las�ng legacy in Sadie’s name.
Sadie suffered from a number of allergies, including dairy and tree nuts and pollen-related asthma, which meant that she and her family had to be extremely careful, avoiding certain foods and pollen.
The charity is dedicated to delivering an athle�c tennis programme in two primary schools and a monthly allergy support mee�ng. Please help us raise funds at www. sadiebristowfounda�on.org.uk
As well as tradi�onal medicine the family used herbal remedies and homeopathy to treat her stomach, skin and allergy symptoms Sadie lived a very ac�ve life and was a gi�ed tennis player, and was the 11
Find a GCRN-registered naturopath at: www.gcrn.org.uk/member-search/
Copyright British Naturopathic Association 2020
