By Jonathan Evans
Herbal Information Specialist for the Herbarium
Greetings all! I hope your summer has been going well, all things considered. Even though the coronavirus dominates the daily news cycle, other problems still exist.
I think we all know what needs to be done to keep from spreading the virus so let’s look at some of the “normal“ conditions that have been pushed to the sidelines. Here are questions from readers that we’ve received at the Herbarium:
Dear Jonathan,
I have very bad varicose veins in my legs. Is there anything in your bag of tricks that can help get rid of them - or at least help to lessen the discomfort?
— Ellen
Dear Ellen,
Yes there are several natural treatments for varicose veins that have worked well for our customers. One thing you did not say in your message was if you were diabetic? Fortunately, the supplements that we use will not negatively impact diabetes if you do have it.
Grape seed extract is a bioflavonoid with powerful antioxidant properties, among many others. It helps with capillary fragility, lessens venous insufficiency, helps with the resolution of vague swelling and faster healing. It also promotes new blood vessel growth.
Ginkgo biloba helps with strengthening blood vessels, and also promotes new blood vessel growth and increased blood circulation.
Horse Chestnut extract (Aesculus hippocastanum) reduces blood vessel permeability, reduces vascular fragility, moderates inflammatory swelling, and increases the ability of blood vessels to reabsorb excess fluids from intercellular spaces.
There is also a compound that contains Ginkgo, Horse Chestnut and Stoneroot (Collinsonia canadensis). Stoneroot is an astringent tonic to veins. This combination shrinks the varicose veins, increases blood vessel strength, increases circulation and promotes new blood vessel growth. People have noticed pain relief and the disappearance of the spider and varicose veins over time.
Remember, if you have weak blood vessels in the legs, you have them in other areas of the body. The herbs go where they are needed. You may find added benefits in areas you were not working on.
— Jonathan
Dear Jonathan,
I have been working around the yard and got into Poison Ivy. Calamine lotion just doesn’t do enough. What else could I use to clear up the blisters and stop this itch? It is driving me crazy.
— Walter
Dear Walter,
I agree that Calamine lotion doesn’t work well. Try making a thin paste of French green clay - the same stuff women use for facials. It is very soothing and will help dry up the blisters. Grandpa’s pine tar soap helps to clear up the outbreak and keep it from getting infected from your scratching.
Lastly, a homeopathic dilution of Poison Ivy called Rhus Tox will help get rid of the problem. I know it sounds funny to treat the problem with the cause of the problem, but that is how homeopathy works.
Jonathan
Dear Jonathan,
Being stuck at home for so many weeks, I have been doing a lot of projects around the house. That’s the good news. The bad news is I am sore in places I didn’t even know I had. What can you suggest to get rid of the aches and pains?
— Arthur
Dear Arthur,
There are a couple of things to do preventatively -and after the fact – too help with muscle soreness. Magnesium will help loosen the muscles.
Before I go out to move wood I take about 400 mg. I can then work for several hours, bending and lifting, and have no back pain. Without it, the back just seizes up. I will take another 2-400 mg after I finish.
A magnesium lotion or spray can be used for specific areas if you do not want to take pills. If you have strained some muscles, a combination of MSM and anti-inflammatory herbs such as Turmeric does a great job. MSM is a sulphur compound that helps as an anti- inflammatory and helps the ligaments and tendons. Turmeric is widely used as an anti- inflammatory instead of NSAIDs, which carry their own side effects and problems.
— Jonathan
Dear Jonathan,
I suffer from allergies and have used several herbal products and they do help. My problem is itchy eyes. Too much dust and pollen drive me crazy, and rubbing my eyes just makes it worse. Any ideas?
— Jerry
Dear Jerry,
There are homeopathic formulas that will address your problem but try a simple Chamomile tea eyewash. Brew a cup, and use it like any eyewash. You can also just wet the Chamomile tea bag and place it on your eyes. Allow some of the liquid to get in and it will help wash out the pollen and dust and get rid of the itch and redness. Works like a charm!
— Jonathan
Send questions on botanical remedies to: Natures Rx: Jonathan Evans at herbarium258@gmail.com, or by regular mail to: The Herbarium, 264 Exchange Street, Chicopee, MA 01013. If requesting additional info, include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
