Health & Beauty

What Herbal Medicine can offer during the Covid-19 pandemic.

As GP surgeries and hospital departments become overwhelmed you may want to look for complementary treatments during these difficult times. If you catch the virus you need to manage its symptoms and reduce its severity. But social distancing and remaining at home are stressful and can cause poor sleep, anxiety, and depression. Herbal medicine is not competing with conventional treatment and we need to be clear about the distinctions. Herbal medicine cannot prevent infection or cure the respiratory disease caused by the virus.

Here's what we medical herbalists can do: Individuala are treated with a unique blend of herbal medicines selected to be the most beneficial for you. Some modulate and enhance our immunity. Other herbs have an antiviral action that has been shown to prevent viruses from entering cells or replicating within the cell. Many different herbs can treat symptoms of respiratory infections. These include herbs to soothe sore throats, reduce coughing, ease breathing, reduce congestion, and bring down a temperature. Herbs with anti-inflammatory action also reduce the severity of the infection.

Herbal medicine can also help us manage our mental health. Herbs that act on the adrenal gland improve the body’s ability to cope with stress. Borage is particularly good for giving strength in times of fear and worry. Herbs such as valerian and passionflower help relax and can be taken as part of treatment for poor sleep and insomnia. A good night's sleep helps mental wellbeing and ensures a healthy immune system. For those who experience low mood there are herbs such as St John’s wort and Vervain which are effective antidepressants Gina Webley MNIMH, Medical Herbalist, www.ginawebleyherbalist.com

"Now the warmer weather is finally here, remember the wonderful fresh air endorphins you can get by exercising outdoors! Run, walk or cycle – and look up not down at your phone! Look up at the sky, look around you ...breathe deeply and fully. Appreciate the simpler things in life - even for just a few moments! It does wonders to lift your mood - and your health!"

Fran, Flin’s FItness www.flinsfitness.co.uk

APP TO TAP

A therapy app is encouraging users to reduce the risk of depression, which affects 300 million people worldwide, by changing their eating habits to a diet high in fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil, nuts and seeds - and low in sugar and saturated fat. Based on the latest clinical psychology and nutrition research, the FlowDepression app helps users to understand, treat and reduce the risk of depression - and is free to download on iOS and Android.

Foods that could improve symptoms of depression

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Vegetables Fruit Fresh fish or fish eggs Berries Unsalted nuts Legumes

7. Herbs 8. Whole grain 9. Seeds 10. Olive oil (cold pressed virgin oil) flowneuroscience.com

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