Herbs For Health

Local herbalist Sarah Hillyer shares her knowledge and remedies for treating that perennial bug bear: the common cold

There’s no getting away from the fact that sore throats, coughs and runny noses affect us all, especially during winter. Luckily, there is plenty that we can do to ‘nip it in the bud’, ease the symptoms and hopefully lessen the effects.

Take sore throats, for instance. A sore throat is usually the first sign that we are fighting a virus. A favourite remedy is honey and garlic. Crush 2-3 cloves of garlic and put them in half a jar of honey. A teaspoon of this, several times in the first few hours, will often stop a virus in its tracts.

Alternatively try a propolis tincture (see recipe, next page). If you know a friendly beekeeper, ask him if he can spare a little precious propolis. It’s a powerful antibacterial agent which bees make to keep their hives healthy.

Then there’s the cough. Many viruses travel down the airways and damage the fragile membranes of the bronchi that lead to the lungs. The body then quickly tries to heal itself by producing mucus, resulting in the congestion of the airways and coughing fits. Try making a chest rub which passes through the skin directly to the infected area or this simple herbal cough remedy (see recipes, next page).

Propolis Tincture

1Add a golf ball sized piece of propolis to a 1lb jam jar and fill the jar with the strongest vodka or gin you can get hold of.

2Screw the lid on tight and leave on the kitchen windowsill. Shake daily until the propolis has dissolved. Strain off any sediment, then bottle the tincture.

310 drops in water as a gargle works wonders! The tincture will keep for several years, as you only need to use a few drops at a time.

Simple Herbal Cough Linctus

INGREDIENTS 2 tbsp of garden thyme (the stronger the flavour, the better) 200ml boiling water 200ml glycerine (from your local chemist or the cookery section of any supermarket) 20 drops eucalyptus oil (and hyssop oil, if you can get hold of it)

METHOD

1Steep the thyme in the boiling water for 10 minutes, and strain well.

2Add the liquid to the glycerine and let cool. Add the essential oils.

3Take 1 teaspoonful up to 8 times a day (half a teaspoon for children under 12).

Adur & Worthing Wellbeing

Alcohol Prevention Service

Because talking about alcohol, should be as easy and comfortable, as buying it

a healthier you • Access up to 6 sessions • Blended support; of face to face, virtual meetings and phone support • Self referrals • Professional referrals • Early intervention and prevention • Encouraging choice

For information & support contact 01903 221450

info.wellbeing@adur-worthing.gov.uk

Take 100ml of good quality oil (almond or very mild olive oil) and add 10 drops each of rosemary, eucalyptus, peppermint and hyssop essential oils. If you can only find two of these, that’s fine. This is an excellent rub to massage on to the front and back of the chest just before bedtime.

CAUTION: Always consult a qualified healthcare professional if you are unsure of any medical symptoms.

How to Choose A Dentist

Do you feel comfortable with the dentist?

1This may be a gut-instinct but do you feel they are listening to you and giving you bespoke advice related to your mouth and habits. You only have one set of teeth so be careful who you entrust them to. Remember this should be a relationship for life; if you do not feel comfortable, find someone else.

Choosing a Dentist can be confusing and a bit daunting, so having the right dentist can help calm any fears you have about an impending dental visit

Ask questions

5The most important thing to remember is to ask questions! Make a list of questions to ask before your appointment as you may forget.

Is the practice well established?

2Experience and continuity of care can be very valuable. Will the dentist or hygienist be there next time you have your check-up? It takes time to build a relationship on both sides. They will get to know your mouth, what materials work best in your mouth and how often to review you. Changing dentists regularly can mean you end up with more restorative work undertaken.

It is best if you can get referrals from as many sources as possible

6Ask some of your relatives, colleagues or friends if they can recommend reliable dentists.

Call Oakmead Dental on 01342 325363 and see how we at Oakmead in East Grinstead are changing Dentistry.

Do they have a dental hygienist?

3Healthy gums are as important as healthy teeth. Does the hygienist clean your mouth thoroughly? Do they guide you in what are the best oral hygiene aids for your mouth?

Training and further education

4Look for award winning practices and those committed to continuing education. “I wanted to finally express my appreciation for everything the staff at Oakmead have done for me over the past 20 years. Yes, I was surprised it had been that long”