Natural Health

Fever

The normal body temperature is around 37°C /98.4°F. A higher temperature indicates that the body may be trying to fight infection. An increase in temperature is one way in which the body tries to conquer an infection, so it is an ally to good health, not a cause for alarm. However, in babies and toddlers the temperature can rise very quickly and dramatically, and if exceptionally high may trigger febrile convulsions and even a coma. It is therefore important to cool a very feverish child. The best way to do this is to strip him down to his nappy or pants, cover him with a sheet and open a window, keeping him out of draughts. Make sure he gets plenty of rest. If the temperature rises above 103°F seek urgent medical help. Read the rest of this entry »

Aromatic oils have been used for thousands of years to soothe, stimulate and heal mind and body. Records show that they were popular with the ancient Egyptians. Cedarwood oil, for example, was used for embalming and an urn containing traces of oil of frankincense was found in Tutankhamen’s tomb when it was opened in 1922. In about 400 BC, Hippocrates, the father of medicine, claimed, “The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and a scented massage every day”, and there are many references to the Greeks and Romans using oils therapeutically, such as myrrh to help heal wounds. But it wasn’t until the late 1920s that the term ‘aromatherapy’ was coined by French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, after he discovered the healing abilities of plant oils. Gattefosse’s work was further developed by an army surgeon called Jean Valnet, who used essential oils to treat wounded soldiers during the Second World War and, later, people with psychiatric illness. During the 1950s and 1960s the French biochemist and beautician Marguerite Maury began combining essential oil application with massage, specializing in skin conditions. Read the rest of this entry »

Fainting

Feeling faint is most commonly caused by a temporary lack of blood, or oxygen, to the brain. It can occur in a hot, cramped atmosphere, standing in one position for too long, when you are frightened, shocked, or in overwhelming pain, or because of lack of food. Fainting is accompanied by a low blood pressure. It can also result from a low blood sugar or be a symptom of a more serious problem, so it is best to have a medical check-up. When someone faints, or feels faint, ask them to sit down with their head between their knees to help the blood flow to the brain. If they are lying down, lift their feet slightly above the level of their head. If unconscious, lie them on one side with their head back to clear the airway. Place their upper hand under their cheek and bend their upper leg onto the floor for support. Call an ambulance. Read the rest of this entry »

All you need to keep your kids really healthy, the natural way. Stock up with these natural remedies:

• Arnica
• Bifidus Infantis
• Rescue Remedy
• Chamomilla
• Fennel Seeds
• Calendula Cream
• Elderflower Tea
• Lavender Oil
• Melissa Comp Drops
• Multivitamin

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Eye Strain

Using computers, and living and working in centrally-heated and air-conditioned buildings, can cause eyes to become dry, itchy and tired. Reading or watching many hours of television in poor light can also strain the eyes and result in focusing problems. One of the best ways to soothe and refresh tired eyes is to lie down in a darkened room, with feet raised slightly above head level, for 10 to 20 minutes. Alternatively, sit with your elbows on a desk or table, close your eyes and cover them with your slightly cupped hands, resting the heel of your hand on your cheekbone and your fingertips on your forehead. Stay like this for 5 to 10 minutes and then slowly start opening your fingers to let the light in, before opening your eyes. Read the rest of this entry »

Hellerwork

Hellerwork was an offshoot from Rolfing. In the 1970s an aerospace engineer called Joseph Heller, who had trained in Rolfing, decided that it needed to take much more account of the mind. Rolfing subsequently took a similar course and the differences between the two therapies have narrowed. Hellerwork is a relatively new discipline and there are only half a dozen practitioners in the UK, most of them working in London. Read the rest of this entry »

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a condition which affects the central nervous system. An outbreak of chaotic electrical activity in the brain leads to a seizure, which can be partial or result in loss of consciousness. There are many causes of epilepsy, including birth trauma, head injury, food sensitivity, flickering light, loud noise and fatigue, although often no specific cause is found. Most people with epilepsy take medication, but some prevent seizures by avoiding triggers, and complementary therapies can help by reducing stress. If you see someone have a seizure, lie them on their side, remove any nearby dangerous or breakable objects, loosen clothing at their neck and ensure that their airway is clear. Do not put anything in their mouth. If the seizure lasts longer than 3 minutes, call an ambulance. Read the rest of this entry »