A friend of mine has recently started taking Noni juice, can you tell me more about it?
Noni has been used as a natural healing plant for many years, it delivers high levels of nutrients, which may increase energy levels.
It helps: The Immune system, due to its anti-bacterial properties; Circulation, as a powerful antioxidant and Digestion, by improving the absorption of nutrients at cellular level.
Various Noni juice products include one for women containing Black Cohosh & Red Clover & Isoflavones, traditionally used to alleviate menopausal symptoms, Calcium Civate which may help protect against osteoporosis, Dandelion, Vitamin B Complex & Vitamin E. Also a men’s Noni juice containing Ginseng for stress & fatigue, saw Palmetto-widely used to relieve prostate problems, Horny Goat Weed – renowned for its aphrodisiac properties, Maca & Lycopene.


I suffer regularly from headaches and migraines and get fed up with taking painkillers all the time, is there anything more ‘natural’ I can take?
Firstly, establish if there are any underlying problems for re-currant headaches and migraines, visit your GP, then take notice if there is a trigger point e.g. stress, tiredness, chocolate, coffee etc, if so then either cut out certain foods if they are the trigger or try to solve any problems causing headaches. If all of these have been ruled out then the following supplements may help: Feverfew, has been shown to decrease the severity and frequency of migraines by its ability to improve blood vessel function and reduce inflammation.
Magnesium, studies indicate a correlation between low Magnesium status and migraine headaches. Magnesium may help maintain blood vessel tone and calm nerve impulses. Essential Fatty Acids, shown to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation. 5HTP, helps to increase serotonin levels and beta-endorphins, compounds, which have significant pain-reducing properties.
Drink plenty of water and try substituting your normal shampoo/conditioner for a more natural, organic one that doesn’t contain chemicals that may be absorbed through the skin.


My daughter suffers regular boots of cystitis, we use cranberry juice but it doesn’t seem to make a big difference although it does ease it mildly. Any suggestions?
Research shows that cranberries inhibit Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s) studies show that compounds in cranberries are actually able to prevent certain bacteria sticking to the lining of the bladder and urinary tract. Cranberry juice can be quite bitter meaning many contain sugars or sweeteners which have a detrimental effect on the immune system, you may need to drink several litres of sweetened juice to have an effect therefore it is often better to supplement with a good quality and high strength cranberry tablet.
The herb goldenseal contains anti-microbial agents and has a long history of use for various infections. Also try Vitamin C with bioflavonoids and Goto Kola, which helps speed the repair of the bladder lining and is useful for re-currant cystitis. Remember to drink plenty of water and empty the bladder regularly.


I suffer with hayfever throughout the spring and summer and wondered what natural remedies are available?
Hayfever is a type of allergic rhinitis that affects people when pollen counts are high, symptoms can include sneezing, itching, watering eyes, a blocked nose, watery nasal discharge, restricted breathing and chesty wheezing. When the body experiences an allergic reaction the immune systems mast cells release histamines and produce leukotrievies. These are the chemicals of inflammation.
Quercetin and Vitamin C work to restrict this release and reduce the allergic response. MSM may also help to reduce nasal congestion.
The herb Luffa has the ability to reduce allergies, it is excellent for sneezing and itching, runny eyes and nose. Homeopathic remedies Euphrasia (for eye symptoms) and Mixed Pollen also work very well. Another remedy which works well is a product called Aller 7 which combines herbs to work on all hayfever symptoms. Also try to include garlic and raw onion to your regular diet as these are known to ease congestion.


My daughter suffers from mouth ulcers on a regular basis, is there anything she can try?
There are many possible causes, try to find the trigger point, such as stress, low immune system, biting the inside of the mouth whilst eating etc, food intolerances may also contribute so consider being tested by a qualified therapist. Remedies to try include Echinacea to boost immune function. Mouth ulcers can be also due to Vitamin B deficiency so supplement with a good strength Vitamin B Complex. Iron and Zinc may also help, and try the new Aloe Fresh Mouthspray containing Aloe Vera, Grapefruit and Tea Tree.


My teenage son is suffering with Acne and I would like to know if there are any effective solutions that he can use?
There are several simple and effective options for you to try, firstly try to cut out high sugar, high fat foods where possible and try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Then a cleansing gel containing tea tree oil may be helpful. Many people have noticed improvements when taking a zinc supplement, remember that if taking extra zinc you will also need to take copper to avoid a deficiency of this mineral.


I have been suffering with what I believe to be menopausal symptoms for the last few months and a friend suggested trying soya products in my diet. Would this benefit me?
Yes soya products would benefit as they are high in phytoestrogens, which are substances of vegetable origin present in soya in the form of isoflavones. Make Soya and linseed/ flaxseed a regular part of your diet. You can also try Black Cohosh or Sage to help relieve the hot flushes or sweats. Supplements containing isoflavones from soya or red clover may also help to control symptoms. Taking light exercise and quitting smoking can also help reduce menopausal symptoms.


I have a very itchy scalp and my doctor says its eczema, I have tried lots of different lotions, is there anything you can suggest?
Try using natural shampoos and conditioners which won’t irritate the condition such as neem shampoo or Hopes Relief shampoo/conditioner which may soothe and reduce the itching. Avoid dairy products, refined sugar and caffine and try a supplement of flaxseed oil.


Can you suggest something for my husband who is waking several times a night to go to the toilet?
Frequent urination can indicate prostate enlargement your husband should go to his doctor to get this checked out. There are natural options available to try such as the herb saw palmetto which can discourage prostate enlargement also the herb pygeum (an evergreen tree bark extract) has been shown to be beneficial. Zinc is vital for prostate health and good sources are pumpkin seeds and linseeds, wholegrains and fish. The red plant pigment lycopene (found in tomatoes) may also help improve the health of the prostate. Returning to healthy habits such as light exercise, walking and a balanced diet can all help. Remember to drink plenty of water but avoid doing so in the evening and avoid alcohol where possible. I hope this helps.


I cannot seem to shake my winter cold, what can you suggest?
Firstly remember that you body needs rest to help fight the cold. Drink plenty of fluids especially water to help thin mucus. Studies have shown taking 1 to 4g per day of vitamin C may make your cold shorter and less severe. You can also try echinacea in either liquid or tablet form. Zinc lozengers can also help to stop the virus and shorten the illness. Laughter - your immune system works better when you are happy!


PLEASE NOTE: These recommendations are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist and always check before taking supplements if you are on any medication.