Most people experience headaches from time to time, and they are usually nothing to worry about. The possible causes are too numerous to list, but tension, anxiety, overwork, irregular meals, eyestrain and alcohol are the most common ones. Regular headaches are a sign that something is amiss, and simply suppressing this warning sign with a painkiller, and ignoring the underlying cause, is a mistake. Mild or moderate headache that is continuous is generally regarded as psychosomatic. A sudden attack of severe recurrent headaches, or daily headaches, may be a sign of some serious underlying illness, such as meningitis or brain tumour – medical help should be sought without any delay.

Recurrent headaches are often reported as a feature of food intolerance, and in some people they may be the sole symptom, although there will usually be some other problems as well. Hyperventilation and Candida overgrowth may also cause headache, among other symptoms.

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For mouth ulcers, dental abscesses and sore or bleeding gums:

1 part Sage leaves

1 part Marigold flowers

Infusion: gargle frequently (3 or more times per day)

2 parts Blackberry leaves

1 part Marigold flowers

1 part Sage leaves

1 part Thyme herb

Infusion: gargle frequently

2 parts Sage leaves

2 parts Thyme herb

1 part Peppermint leaves

Infusion: gargle frequently

Marshmallow root

Infusion: gargle frequently

Nosebleed

Soak a wad of cotton wool with the fresh juice or a strong decoction of Shepherd’s Purse and insert in the nostril. Bleeding is soon stopped.

The fresh juice is often quicker to apply, but to make a ‘strong decoction’ for urgent treatment: add 5-10 grams of the fresh or dried herb to 100 ml of water and allow it to boil in a covered vessel for a few minutes. The cotton wool can be soaked in the hot decoction and then air-cooled before application to the nose.

Stinging Nettle and Marigold, also highly effective, can be used in the same way.

Sore Throat and Tonsillitis

1 part Sage leaves

1 part Thyme herb

Infusion: gargle frequently (3 or more times per day)

Garlic: fresh cloves, peeled and chopped, then mixed in equal parts with honey — I teaspoon every 2-4 hours for acute conditions, otherwise 3 teaspoons per day

Sage and Thyme have an antiseptic/astringent action, and Garlic has definite antibacterial properties. For minor cases, use either remedy; for best results in more serious cases, combine both treatments.

Toothache

Clove Oil (essential oil)

Apply a few drops to tooth cavity, but avoid gums

1 part St John’s Wort herb

1 part Chamomile flowers

Rinse mouth repeatedly with a strong infusion

Yarrow herb

Chew the fresh leaf

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