Holistic Herbal: A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies. David Hoffmann
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allergy due to the allergen or an internal process triggered by it? A classical chicken and egg situation! I feel that there is a spectrum of reasons from purely genetic causes to purely inappropriate lifestyle. If the lifestyle is right and the inner environment is in harmony, a genetic weakness might not even show itself.
To treat and alleviate the symptoms of hayfever, the following combination of herbs can be most effective:
| Elder Flowers | 2 parts |
| Ephedra | 1 part |
| Eye bright | 1 part |
| Golden Seal |
1 part  |
A cup of this tea should be drunk two or three times a day.
To prevent hayfever occurring and to be really effective, the treatment should start at least a month before the person’s particular hayfever season begins, as the tonic and anti-allergenic properties need time to take effect. The low-mucus diet may be beneficial here (see the section under the respiratory system on congestion), as will vitamin C and Garlic.
Polyps
Nasal polyps can be a recurring problem and have to be examined and treated in the context of the condition of the whole body. Locally they can best be treated with a snuff made from equal parts of Blood Root and an astringent such as Rhatany, which should be made into a fine powder. The snuff should be used twice a day over a long period. Additionally, the polyps may also be painted twice daily with the fluid extract of Thuja by using a fine brush.
Nosebleed
Nosebleed is purely a symptom of something else that is wrong in the body. It may be a minor sign or can indicate a serious problem, for example high blood pressure, but if it is a recurring event, the patient should get professional advice.
The symptom itself can easily be treated by the use of an astringent. A simple and convenient way is to use Witch Hazel: soak some cotton wool in distilled Witch Hazel and put a small plug into the nostril.
Skin Conditions
A variety of skin conditions affect the nose, for example impetigo, herpes and eczema. They are dealt with in the chapter on the skin.
The throat may be affected by problems originating in the lungs, the nose, the sinuses, the stomach and the mouth, and also by systemically-based problems. They may take the form of tonsillitis, pharyngitis, or laryngitis, but these conditions must always be seen in the wider context. A good example of this wider view is the holistic approach to tonsillitis.
Tonsillitis
The glandular tissue that is called the tonsils is a variety of the lymphatic tissue, and shares with other lymphatic glands a role in the defence of the body from infection. The inflammation of the tonsils—tonsillitis—demonstrates that the glands fulfil their purpose of protecting the body. The appropriate treatment aims at supporting the body herbally, to aid the glands in the work they are doing. They should not be removed by surgery as is done so often, unless there is very good reason.
To this end, antimicrobial remedies like Echinacea, Myrrh or Red Sage are called for, together with lymphatic alterative tonics like Cleavers, Poke Root, Marigold or Golden Seal. Astringents and demulcents may also be used. A good mixture for internal use is:
| Echinacea | 2 parts |
| Poke Root | 2 parts |
| Red Sage | 2 parts |
| Balm of Gilead |
1 part  |
Take a cup every two hours, which may be sweetened with Liquorice.
Agrimony and Raspberry have a good reputation in tonsillitis. An infusion of equal parts drunk three times a day may help. Use the infusion as a gargle as well.
A gargle of Red Sage or Golden Seal can be used, which can also be sprayed onto the tonsils using a hand spray obtainable from chemists.
Eyebright
Laryngitis
The advice given for tonsillitis is also applicable for laryngitis. Red Sage—if not available Garden Sage—makes an especially invaluable mouthwash and gargle. Put two tablespoonfuls of Sage Leaves into half a litre (one pint) of cold water and bring it to the boil. Cover it and let it infuse for a further ten minutes. Reheat the mixture whenever needed and gargle often.
Swollen glands
This condition, also known as lymphadenitis, is considered in the chapter on the circulatory system.
The treatment of the eye is beyond the scope of this book. However, conditions that affect the eyelids and tear glands may be treated herbally.
The herb par excellence for the treatment of the eyes is Eyebright. It can be used internally and externally in all eye problems, and will help the eyeball and the surrounding tissue, but it can also be combined with other herbs. When treating styes, inflammation of the eyelids or other infections such as conjunctivitis, it is best to treat the problem both internally and externally. Internally, the herbs should be anti-microbial, detoxifying and toning for the whole body, to strengthen it to the point where it can ‘throw off’ the infection itself. A good example of such a combination would be a mixture of equal parts of
Blue Flag
Cleavers
Echinacea
Eyebright
Poke Root
A cup of this should be drunk three times a day.
Externally, an eyewash or a compress may be made with Eyebright. Put one tablespoonful of the dried herb in half a litre (one pint) of water, boil it for ten minutes and let it cool. We can either use it as an eyewash or apply it as a compress by moistening cotton wool, gauze or muslin in the warm liquid and placing it over the eyes for about 15 minutes. This should be repeated several