Surgery, Before and After

Emergency operations save lives from problems such as a bursting appendix or severe accidents. Even if the effects of an illness seem serious or surgery is necessary, it is good practice to inform yourself fully about the possible consequences. Take time to think about what you are getting into and what you really want. Every operation carries risks. Only rarely is it a true solution to a problem. Hysterectomies have often been performed in the past for problems related to hormonal imbalances and many tonsils have been removed without any reason whatsoever. Their removal leaves the body less able to cope with disease. For these reasons, surgery should never be perceived as routine, or as prevention, but should be taken very seriously. If you have made the choice that surgery is necessary then there are a number of preparations that support the body’s recovery and reduce convalescence times.

There are a few simple reasons why some people recover better from operations than others. Being psychologically prepared for surgery can speed recovery significantly. Hysterectomies or the removal of a breast are prime examples of surgery that have strong psychological impacts. The result of the operation may not have been what was expected, often due to lack of information and misunderstanding from poor communication between doctor and patient. Many people do not make an effort to really understand the consequences of an operation out of fear.

In other cases, the problem is physical. Many older people experience low resilience and find recovery difficult and slow. This is also true for young people who are run-down and suffers from a depressed immune system. Complications make the operation more risky. The Anesthesia can be problematic for some people, causing mental distractedness or nausea and vomiting afterwards. After an operation it is important to take the time for recovery and use suitable therapies to hasten convalescence.

To prepare for an operation, build up the body’s resilience and immunity by detoxifying the body with a juice fast approximately one month before the operation. Eat vegetables rich in vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Drink lots of liquids, including fresh carrot, celery and nettle juices to fortify the blood.

After the operation and during convalescence, the body needs high-quality proteins to rebuild tissues. Plant proteins are the best choice. Tofu is excellent for rebuilding the body. It contains all the essential amino acids and other valuable nutrients including the essential fatty acids. Fish is also a high-quality protein food, and a good source of Vitamin B12 and calcium, needed to rebuild blood cells.

Supplements can strengthen the body and support the immune system against infections. Vitamin C is excellent for fighting infection and should be taken before and after surgery.

Acidophilus is often necessary, especially if antibiotics have been used, which always are used to prevent infection. Take before and after the operation to ensure quick recovery.

After the operation it is wise to take Ginseng for at least on month to speed recovery. If you suffer from high blood pressure or diabetes and are unable to take ginseng, then try Astragalus or Reishi mushrooms to aid convalescence. A good strength multivitamin along with the ginseng or Astragalus will cover all bases in ones recovery.

To limit scarring use vitamin E oil or cream or Rose hip oil directly on the scar.

David Foley

MRCHM, MNIMH

Medical Herbalist

Treating Sore Throats

With the chills of winter, many will suffer colds and sore throats. This week we will look at sore throats and how to treat them.

Firstly, the throat is the first line of defence of the body against Airborne Pathogens along with our nose. This is why it contains a host of lymphatic tissue called the Tonsils. This glandular tissue shares with other lymphatic tissue a major role in the defence of the body from infections. The inflammation of the tonsils-tonsillitis, demonstrates that these glands are fulfilling their purpose of protecting the body. The appropriate treatment aims at supporting the body in dealing with the infection.

The throat may also become sore due to the other factors, such as, Post-nasal drip from chronic overproduction of catarrh from the Sinuses, or problems of the lungs, nose or stomach.

If the sore throat is accompanied by a hoarse voice the problem lies in the larynx (or voice box). Sometimes a sore throat can be the start of a more severe infection like glandular fever. The severity of the illness can usually be measured by how high the fever becomes and how sick the person feels.

The Streptococcus bacteria, detectable only by lab tests, through a throat culture, cause a strep throat. Like all infections sore throats are more likely to develop when the body is susceptible and persistence is low. Cold weather and chills from wet hair and skin leave the body open to attack. The flu centre in the U.K. proves what has been known since the year dot that cold weather and chills leave one more prone to catching a cold. Other factors, which can irritate a throat, include inhaling irritating substances, such as smoke or dust.

Chronic sore throats may be due to a weakened immune system, allergies or chronic irritations. A lump in the throat, unaccompanied by an infection, is a sign of emotional strain or grief and will disappear when the difficult period is over or the problem resolved.

One of the best remedies for a sore throat is Echinacea root tincture taken at doses of 5ml three to four times a day. It will aid the immune system in dealing with the infection, as well as acting like an antiseptic agent against the bacteria causing the infection. Vitamin C and Zinc lozenges will also help alleviate a sore throat by mobilizing the immune system. Throat sprays containing Anti-bacterial agents like Fenugreek and Echinacea will kill germs locally and also sooth the throat with herbs, like liquorice and honey.Garlic is also excellent as an Antibiotic especially mixed with honey. Try a honey with plenty of essential oils like Eucalyptus or Manuka honey.

Chronic sore throats if due to a weakened immune system need herbs to boost the immune system. Herbs like Astragalus, Ginseng or Reshi mushrooms along with soothing herbs like liquorice will aid a full recovery from a chronic sore throat.

David Foley

MRCHM, MNIMH

Medical Herbalist

Water

In William Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, Lady Macbeth compulsively washes her hands after the murder of the king, telling herself repeatedly how a little water washes away the deed. There is a similar blind spot in the modern psyche which believes that water will cleanse the polluting lifestyle that we lead. Consequently our rivers and seas are a dumping ground for huge quantities of industrial pollution and otherwise intelligent people flush toxic chemicals down their drains.

 Water is the blood of the earth. Its activity and its importance are more subtle than is commonly understood. When water’s complex irrigation of the soil is disturbed, ill health follows in the land.

Water’s needs are subtle. If water is to fully vitalise us, it needs  to ripen, to spend time underground at cool temperatures, to collect microscopic nutrients, to be filtered through rock, to be aerated as it moves above ground. Those who have tasted fresh water from a mountain stream will know how sweet it tastes and how refreshing it feels. The most vibrant water looks glossy and bluish. It is very high in dissolved carbons and minerals and these fine deposits are part of its vibrancy. This water has had the longest maturity cycle. Our domestic water is normally surface water which also contains some mineral deposits, but due to lack of underground filtration, is relatively immature.

From an organic point of view, the vitality of water is also linked to its movement and aeration. Water naturally moves in a spiral pattern with a centripetal motion that concentrates its energy; it is purified through filtration and movement. In nature, water carries the ‘memory’ of its movement and ripening.

Water has always been recognised as a healer. The landscape of the earth is crowded with sites of holy wells and healing springs. Within energy medicine, water is seen as a message carrier (a principle used by homeopaths). In homeopathy, water is infused with the properties of various plants or substances in such a way that the subtle message of the original substance is impregnated with the water’s ‘memory’.

It is easy to overlook the body’s simple need for water. Many health problems are actually due in part to local dehydration of the body. We mistakenly believe that we are drinking adequate fluids when a simple glass of water hardly passes our lips. Caffeinated drinks, sugary drinks and concentrated juices, though mostly water in composition, will not properly irrigate our bodies. In fact, the diuretic properties of caffeinated drinks and colas disturb the body’s water balance and set up patterns of dehydration. The result of overuse of these drinks at the expense of simple water is constriction of the vascular system, tiring of the heart muscle and lowered physical and mental energy. This means that nourishment will be restricted and blood pressure will increase.

As with all aspects of diet, individual water consumption will vary according to constitution and condition, to season and to climate. Thirst is generally the best indicator of how much each person should drink, although we may not be able to read our bodies’ signs clearly: sometimes water cravings are misread as the desire for sugar, stimulants or foods.

It is generally good to drink something on rising in the morning to rehydrate the body before eating. Most fluid consumption is best kept away from meal times so as not to over-dilute the digestive juices.

David Foley

MNIMH, MRCHM

Medical Herbalist