Herbal throat spray

May 14, 2023 by Jurgen

A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study* carried out to compare the results of using an Echinacea based throat spray with a pharmaceutical throat spray in patients with acute sore throats has been published in Herbalgram, the journal of the American Botanical Council.

A most encouraging study showed that the herbal throat spray a mixture of echinacea and sage extracts performed as well as its drugs-based counterpart.

Throat Spray Trial

Sore throats are among the most common complaints encountered in general medical practice and generally occur in conjunction with upper respiratory tract infections. Viral infections account for at least 65% of all sore throats, so the use of antibiotics only plays a minor part in the treatment of sore throats.

Each patient was given a patient diary. He or she had to rate their sore throat symptoms (difficulty swallowing, salivation, redness and fever) every morning before administering the first dose of treatment, at midday and in the evening.

The combined response rates showed that the echinacea and sage based throat spray was as good as the pharmaceutical spray for the resolution of symptoms of sore throat. There were no serious or otherwise significant adverse events in either group, and 94% of the Echinacea group said they’d use the product again.

Very gratifying to have clinical research such as this to confirm the benefits of a proven herbal product.

*Reference: Schapowal A, Berger D, Klein P, Suter A. Echinacea/sage or chlorhexidine/lidocaine for treating acute sore throats: a randomized double-blind trial. Europ J Med Res.2009;14(9):406-412.

Thyme – Cough Buster

February 2, 2023 by Jurgen

Are you suffering from a persistent cough? One that’s hard to shift?

Nature’s answer is Thyme, which is well known for its culinary use. The common thyme originates from the Mediterranean and is the most commonly used medicinal variety. Thymes are relatives of the oregano genus origanum.

Thyme – Thymus vulgaris

USES Chest conditions, coughs, and bronchitis.

HOW IT WORKS The primary active components of thyme are the volatile oils, especially thymol. These act locally on the lungs as they are eliminated from the body through the respiratory tract, disinfecting the airways, relaxing bronchial spasm and reducing the viscosity of mucus.

These actions help the lungs expel mucus, benefiting bronchitis and chesty catarrhal conditions.

Thyme is most effectively taken as a fresh herbal tincture, but it also can give relief as a herbal tea or infusion.

Or take a spoonful of raw thyme honey … to sooth that irritating sensation.

MSM Sulphur and Joint Health

January 24, 2023 by Jurgen

Q. I suffer from an achy knee but I am dying to get back out into the garden to do some much-needed weeding. Is there anything that would help?

You’re certainly not alone! – Achy joint caused by general wear and tear on cartilage are one of the most common health problems. Normally there is a smooth layer of cartilage that acts as a pad between the bones of a joint, but in some people this essential cartilage thins as the joints are used and the bones may begin to rub against each other. This causes pain, joint swelling and stiffness.

As the body ages cartilage doesn’t repair itself as effectively. Mainly because today’s diet often doesn’t supply enough of the nutrients required like sulphur. Sulphur is an important nutrient involved in the formation of collagen, one of the main components of cartilage.

Sulphur pools

Sulphur is found in onions, garlic and broccoli. MSM is a naturally occurring organic source of sulphur found in traces in all living organisms.

Natural MSM supplements are available in tablets and powder.

A. Providing you avoid excess strain on your joints and don’t do too much weed busting in one go, MSM should give you all the help you need to keep aches and pains and your flowerbeds under control!