Evelyn Liddell, our registered pharmacist and homeopath, has over twenty years professional experience. Working primarily within our dispensary, Evelyn is personally responsible for checking all the work that passes through this busy hub of our business. In addition, she answers queries from the public and colleagues including doctors, dentists and hospital professionals. She also writes articles for our Revue and other health magazines.

Below are some answers she has provided to questions about natural treatments.

As with all medicines, always read the label and consult your doctor if symptoms persist.

•  Aches & pains

•  Bleeding gums

•  Circulation poor

•  Colds & flu

•  Congestion

•  Coughs

•  Flatulence

•  First Aid Kit

•  Hair boost

•  Hayfever

•  Heavy Legs

•  Insect bites

•  Spot problems

Back to Weleda Health Notes >

RELIEF FOR PAIN

Q I would like to have a spring in my step instead of a nagging ache. What do you suggest?

A Try a gentle massage with Weleda Massage Balm with Arnica (50ml or 100ml). Apply it to your limbs to warm the muscles to ease any muscle ache, stiffness and cramp, three or four times a day. Copper Ointment (25g) can also be useful for cold, cramping muscles.

If your joints are stiff and sore on waking, ease on limbering up and become painful again at night, and if heat helps to relieve the pain, try Rhus tox 6C (125 tablets) or Weleda Rhus tox Ointment (25g). Or, if the pain is worse with movement, Bryonia 6C (125 tablets) can be used. Arnica 6C (125 tablets) can be useful if there is a dull, bruised feeling in the affected area. The approach you take depends on the pattern of the pain. The suggested adult dose for each homeopathic remedy is to suck or chew one or two tablets, up to three times daily, for up to seven days or less if symptoms improve rapidly.

As with all medicines, always read the label and consult your doctor if symptoms persist.

HELP FOR MUSCLE ACHE

Q I love to go for a run, but need something to treat my aching legs and feet afterwards.

A Running is great exercise, but it can take its toll on legs and feet. Try applying Massage Balm with Arnica (50ml or 100ml) before and after exercising. The rosemary and arnica work well together to stimulate the circulation and reduce muscle ache. Your feet deserve a little pampering too after pounding the pavements. Weleda Foot Balm (75ml) contains essential oils to refresh, and calendula to repair overworked feet. It also strengthens the skin, so may help to prevent future blistering.

Back to top

HELP FOR BLEEDING GUMS

Q My gums often bleed when I brush my teeth. Can you suggest anything natural to help?

A If your gums bleed regularly, you should see a dentist. Using a softer brush and maintaining good oral hygiene may help. The plant ingredient ratanhia, also known as krameria, can help to strengthen gums. Weleda Ratanhia Toothpaste is mineral-based and detergent-free, with astringent properties to help keep the gums in good condition, or Plant Gel Toothpaste (both 75ml) contains chamomile and is gentle on tooth enamel and delicate gums.

Medicinal Gargle (50ml), a concentrated gargle and mouthwash, is worth trying. It contains krameria, myrrh and essential oils, which are traditionally used to help inflammation while refreshing the breath.

CIRCULATION BOOSTERS

Q Each winter I struggle with poor circulation and cold feet. Can you suggest anything natural I could try?

A Regular physical exercise is an efficient way to improve things. Having a warm bath or soaking cold feet in a warm footbath with Weleda’s Rosemary Invigorating Bath Milk (200ml) will encourage circulation.

Massage Balm with Arnica (50ml or 100ml) can also be used to promote warmth. Try rubbing a little on to the soles of your feet to encourage blood flow. The resulting improved circulation may also help with muscle aches and cramps.

COLD COMFORTS

Q Can you tell me what remedies might help to soothe cold and flu symptoms?

A It can be tricky to treat cold and flu symptoms because they often change as your natural immune response to the virus progresses. Aconite 30C homeopathic tablets should be taken at the very first signs of a cold or flu; suck two tablets three times a day, for the first few days.

Allium cepa 6C tablets are useful for a streaming cold, a runny, red nose and watering eyes. Try taking Belladonna 30C tablets if you have a fever, or where there is any redness or throbbing such as sore ears, or a sore throat. If everything starts to ache, especially when you move, Bryonia 6C may help.

Take Gelsemium 6C if everything feels heavy and even your eyelids look heavy. Take Pulsatilla 6C for thick, yellow catarrh and Silicea 6C for painful sinuses (all 6C & 30C homeopathic remedies come as 125 tablets). Suck two tablets three times daily until symptoms subside. Try invigorating Weleda Blackthorn Elixir to help you on to the road to recovery. Or top up with a natural source of Vitamin C in the form of Sea Buckthorn Elixir (both 200ml) to help maintain the body’s natural defences.

Back to top

CONGESTION

Q I have had several colds this year and have been suffering from congestion. Can you help?

A A healthy immune system is the best defence against viruses, so immune-boosting regular exercise and a healthy diet are paramount. Weleda’s Blackthorn Elixir has an enlivening effect and can support you through demanding times. Or consider a natural source of vitamin C in the form of Sea Buckthorn Elixir or Juice, which will help to maintain your body’s defences.

There are many homoepathic options available, depending on your symptoms. Aconite 30C should be taken regularly at the first signs of a cold. Pulsatilla 30C is useful if you are suffering from lots of thick, bland mucous or chronic congestion. Silica 30C is an option if you find you have recurring cold symptoms as well as sinus pain. Finally, you could try Kali bich 30C if the catarrh is very stringy and you feel pain at the bridge of the nose.

SOOTHE THAT COUGH

Q Can you recommend a natural treatment for coughs?

A Generally, chesty coughs require expectorants to break them up and dry coughs require soothing relief. Weleda Cough Elixir (100ml) for chesty coughs contains natural expectorants (thyme, aniseed and horehound) and marshmallow root to reduce irritation, and homeopathic potencies of Pulsatilla, Ipecac and Drosera to address the catarrh. For a dry, irritating cough, try Herb & Honey Cough Elixir (100ml), which has soothing aniseed, iceland moss, marshmallow, honey and anti-bacterial thyme. For both elixirs, the recommended adult dose is 10ml every four to six hours, undiluted or with a little water, up to four times daily. Halve the dose for children aged 6-12.

Back to top

WIND BEATER

Q I would like some advice on how to tackle painful stomachache and troublesome wind naturally?

A How best to tackle your problem depends on your symptoms. The homeopathic remedy Carbo veg 6C is useful for bloating and flatulence associated with slow digestion. If you get griping pain that makes you double over, or the discomfort is relieved by pressing against the area, then Colocynthis 6C would be the remedy of choice. The adult dose for either is two tablets up to four times daily as required (125 tablets). Weleda’s Melissa Comp (25ml) contains soothing herbs and spices that work well together to help ease stomachache. Take 10-20 drops in water every hour as needed, up to eight times a day.

NATURAL FIRST AID

Q I want to put together a natural ‘first aid’ kit for bumps and bruises or cuts and grazes. What do you suggest?

A Here are my suggestions for minor emergencies. Arnica 6X Tablets can help with mild sprains, bruising and muscle-ache that may result from an accident. Arnica Ointment is the first port of call to ease knocks and bruises. Also, adding 20ml of Arnica Lotion to a warm bath helps to relieve aching muscles after trauma. Do not use arnica externally if the skin is broken, or you are sensitive to it. Calendolon Ointment helps promote healing of cuts and minor wounds, or you could try soothing Hypericum/Calendula Ointment which is useful for painful cuts and abrasions.

HAIR BOOST

Q I would like to try something natural to help with my dull, lifeless hair. What do you suggest?

A Try Rosemary Hair Lotion (100ml ). It contains extracts of stonecrop (Sedum) and horseradish, together with essential oils, including rosemary, to promote healthy-looking hair and scalp. The effects of the sea, the sun and swimming in chemically treated water, can wreak havoc on hair even if it is healthy.

Regular use of Rosemary Hair Lotion can restore a healthy shine to permed, bleached or damaged hair. The sulphur and silica-rich mixture helps to regenerate and support hair structure. Rosemary is also renowned for its stimulating properties and can be used as a natural option to treat dandruff and thinning hair when applied to the scalp.

Back to top

HELP FOR HAY FEVER

Q I think I am about to get hay fever again. What natural remedies would you suggest?

A At this time of year, the culprit may be birch pollen. This is often a common trigger for symptoms and heralds the beginning of the hay fever season for many sufferers. Consider your symptoms carefully before selecting a homeopathic remedy. Allium cepa 6C is often used to help combat a streaming nose that is accompanied by a burning sensation and leaves nostrils red. Euphrasia 6C is useful for associated eye complaints, such as redness, itching and watering. Gelsemium 6C can help with a heavy, listless feeling, heavy-looking eyelids and sneezing. Each of these packs of 125 tabs can be taken separately or in combination.

You may also find relief with Weleda’s natural Rhinodoron Nasal Spray (20ml). This handy spray provides a mist of moisturising aloe vera solution and is useful for allergic snuffles and dry nasal passages. It can be used during pregnancy and when breastfeeding and can be given to babies from three months.

Q I get hay fever every year. Do you have anything natural to help my symptoms?

Spring and early summer mark the start of the growing season when fresh pollen is produced. Tree pollens are among the first to cause trouble, closely followed by grass pollens from May onwards. Weleda’s Hayfever Kit combines two natural solutions to hay fever symptoms: Mixed Pollen 30C and Rhinodoron Nasal Spray. Mixed Pollen 30C (125 tabs) is a homeopathic mixture of allergy-provoking airborne pollens (grasses, tree and weed pollens) and should be taken twice daily, for four to six weeks before symptoms usually start. This may help to reduce the allergic-type response experienced when exposed to airborne pollens. Combine this with Rhinodoron Nasal Spray, which contains moisturising aloe vera and has a cleaning, soothing effect. Suitable for all the family, it can be used from age three months and throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. Regular use of the spray is safe.

HEAVY LEGS

Q I suffer with heavy, tired legs in summer when the weather gets warmer. Is there anything I can take?

Poor circulation and weakness of the tone of the veins in the legs are often to blame for tiredness, heaviness and aching muscles. Legs that feel bruised may respond to Hamamelis 30C, or if they have a mottled appearance you could try Carbo Veg 30C tablets (both 125 tablets).

Also, try having a tepid bath containing Weleda Rosemary Invigorating Bath Milk (200ml), which is made with rosemary oil from the young leaf tips, renowned for its circulation-reviving properties. Or try Chestnut Toning Bath Milk (200ml) with soothing arnica and enlivening horse chestnut extract, if you’ve had a challenging day.

RELIEF FOR INSECT BITES

Q I get bitten a lot during the summer months and my skins comes up in red, itchy, unsightly bumps. Can you suggest a natural solution?

A You need to use a good insect repellent to protect yourself against insect bites, and remember to cover up well, particularly if you are out in the evening. If you do get bitten, however, there are several natural options to consider.

Combudoron is a mixture of stinging nettle (Urtica urens) with arnica. This combination is ideal for relieving the pain, trauma and irritation that is associated with insect bites. Combudoron Spray (30ml) comes in a handy-size bottle. Adults and children should spray the affected area, allow to dry, then repeat the application if necessary, until the itching and swelling have eased.

The homeopathic medicine Apis mel 30C (125 tablets) can also be used if you experience burning, stinging and local swelling after being bitten. For adults, suck two tablets every four hours if required. For children, half the adult dose applies.

SPOT CHECK

Q I suffer from spots on my face and back and would like to try a natural remedy. What do you advise?

A Diet is important for skincare. Eating fresh fruit and veg regularly will ensure your system has the nutrients necessary to help maintain healthy skin or repair any damage.

Try the two-step programme for problem skin from Weleda. Aknedoron Cleansing Lotion (100ml) is a gentle daily cleanser that contains only natural ingredients to refresh and soothe the skin. Essential oils are blended to encourage deep cleansing while gently stimulating the circulation, and calming chamomile and calendula help to restore the skin’s balance. Follow this with a nightly application of Aknedoron Purifying Lotion (50ml). This helps to support the damaged skin and contains many healing ingredients, including echinacea and sulphur, which are invaluable for rebalancing and repairing blemishes. Use a light moisturiser that is suitable for sensitive skin. The Weleda Almond facial care range contains options that are gentle, fragrance and chemical-free, ideal for easily irritated skin.

SPOT SOLUTIONS

Q My daughter gets terrible spots on her forehead. We have tried lots of options from the doctor with limited success. What natural alternatives can you suggest?

A You don’t say how old you daughter is, but spots and blemishes often occur when the immune system is being challenged because of changes in hormones, stress, poor diet and so on. Therefore, immune-boosting exercise and fresh fruit and vegetables will all have a positive effect on the skin.

Weleda has a range of specialist protective skincare products. Aknedoron Cleansing Lotion (100ml) used morning and night will cleanse skin without removing its protective oils. Aknedoron Purifying Lotion (50ml) contains natural healing ingredients, including camomile, calendula and sulphur, which work to calm red, inflamed areas and offer support and rapid healing.

Homeopathic remedies that promote healing include Sulphur 30C for red, itchy, hot areas that get worse when washed, Hepar sulph 30C for large, painful and sensitive spots, and Silica 30C for skin that marks easily and is slow to repair (125 tablets). I suggest one dose twice daily.

Back to top

No part of the Weleda UK website may be reproduced without the express permission in writing from Weleda UK.

© Weleda 2011