Catarrh

Irritation of the membranes of the nose ans throat will encourage production of mucus, where this becomes excessive or prolonged for example after a cold, then catarrh is the result. When this occurs lower down the airways, bronchial catarrh follows. Nasal catarrh is even more common in damp climates ans the same advice is applicable.

Home remedies for Catarrh

Aromatherapy - Where there is a lot of nasal congestion, a steam inhalation with essential oils can be instantly effective in giving relief. In the short term Peppermint is excellent, especially combined with Eucalyptus and/or Tea Tree, to loosen thick, sticky mucus and fight any infection present. For longer term catarrhal problems, try using oil or Pine instead of Peppermint, perhaps with Chamomile, Lavender or Tea Tree.

Herbalism - Apart from using steam inhalations for temporary relief, either with oils as described above or using a handful each of Peppermint (Mentha pipcrita) leaves, Eucalyptus {Eucalyptus globulus) leaves and Chamomile flowers to 1 litre of boiling water, catarrh can olien be very successfully treated wnth infusions of the following:

CATMINT (Nepeta cataria): helps to ease nasal congestion and improve the circulation through the nasal passages.

ELDERFLOWER (Samhucus nigra): has an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing swelling of the membranes and easing mucus production.

GOLDEN ROD (Solidago virgaurea): astringent, toning up the membranes and also reducing excess mucus.

HYSSOP (Hyssopus officinalis): loosens up thick phlegm, while calming the breathing; good if there is restlessness and problems with sleeping due to difficulty in breathing.

Homeopathy - Initially think of one of these remedies:

ARSEN ALB: for running, watery catarrh, with a dripping nose.

HYDRASTIS: for a constant post-nasal drip, perhaps associated with blocked Eustachian tubes (connecting to the middle ear), creating a little deafness.

KALI BICH: where there is thick, stringy mucus, which is difficult to shift.

PULSATILLA: in chronic cases, where the catarrh varies at times from clear to a greenish-yellow colour.

Naturopathy - Avoid all mucus-forming foods, especially milk and other dairy products, and refined carbohydrates - most breakfasts of cereal and milk fall into this category, as do pastries, cakes and so on. Drinking warm fruit juices can often be helpful.

If the catarrh tends to follow on from regular colds, a daily supplement of Vitamin C, up to 500 mg in strength, may need to be taken for a while.

Regular intake of garlic is invaluable in building up resistance to respiratory infections - ideally raw - and since the smell may stop other people coming near you, so colds are harder to catch! Actually, the smelly oil is the most anti- infective part of garlic, and 99 per cent of it is excreted out via the lungs so it works very strongly on the respiratory system. Odourless garlic perles, or capsules, will also work, although not as powerfully as the raw ingredient.