Nikki Hawkes

Medical Herbalist

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immune system

Antibiotics and heart health

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A recent study published in the European Heart Journal suggests a significant association between antibiotic use and an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. As the authors point out, previous studies have reported similar results. However, this particular study added some new details as it focussed on antibiotic use by women only and participants were assessed by duration of antibiotic use, as well as by their age group.

The researchers say that antibiotic use in mid-life and older adulthood, but not by young women, was significantly linked with the development of cardiovascular disease in later life. They also suggest that cumulative use of antibiotics in different stages of life might be associated with the incidence of cardiovascular disease in elderly women. [Read more…] about Antibiotics and heart health

Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by bacteria

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Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic arthritic condition of the joints. Like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis causes joint pain, swelling and stiffness, but these conditions are very different. While osteoarthritis is considered a disease of wear and tear, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Which means that instead of protecting the body against an invader, the immune system turns on it’s own body tissues, in this case the joints, especially of the hands, feet and wrists.

In developed countries such as the UK, around 1% of the population may have rheumatoid arthritis. It is a condition that tends to run in families, and it affects around three times as many women as men.

Understanding the underlying causes and triggers for a condition like rheumatoid arthritis can help us understand how we might be able to prevent its occurrence or progression. So this is an important part of the research into rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Scientists searching for the cause of rheumatoid arthritis believe that bacteria play an important part. In particular, at least for rheumatoid arthritis, certain types of Proteus bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections have been implicated. [Read more…] about Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by bacteria

Simple strategies for preventing a common cold

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Are you one of the lucky ones that never seems to catch a cold? If not then you might want to read on. This article is for those people who want to know about some evidence based strategies for preventing a common cold.

Of course there are plenty of remedies for reducing the symptoms and duration of a cold, but isn’t it true that prevention is better than cure? In fact, in traditional medicine systems such as herbal medicine, the ability to resist infections comes down to the innate health and vitality of the individual. A person in robust health is more able to resist infections such as the common cold. So, a herbalist would seek to support the vitality or vital force of the person so that they are less liable to infection and better able to resist disease. [Read more…] about Simple strategies for preventing a common cold

Topical herbal and natural treatments for psoriasis

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Psoriasis is the chronic skin condition that causes red and crusty patches of skin with silvery scales. These often occur on the elbows or knees but can appear anywhere on the body. This recent systematic review in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology discusses natural treatments for psoriasis. Here, I summarise the findings for some of the remedies in the review.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera gel is often used for inflammatory skin conditions, including psoriasis. It has superb wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

I have written previously about Aloe vera here and here.

Avocado oil

A combination product of avocado oil with vitamin B12 showed similar symptomatic improvement to calcipotriol for psoriasis after 12 weeks. Skin levels of vitamin B12 is lower than normal in psoriatic skin, and even in apparently healthy skin of psoriasis patients. Participants said the avocado oil and B12 combination was more tolerable than the calcipotriol treatment. Though some people did report some local itching from the B12 avocado ointment. [Read more…] about Topical herbal and natural treatments for psoriasis

5 natural remedies for perennial allergic rhinitis

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Rhinitis is irritation or inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes. A condition often triggered by allergies. It is a worldwide problem that may affect up to 20% of the population. 

Some people have allergic rhinitis only in certain seasons of the year. Usually spring or summer. They are usually reacting to plant pollens. This allergy is called hayfever or seasonal allergic rhinitis. When the allergy occurs all year round it is called perennial allergic rhinitis.

Most people with perennial symptoms are reacting to house dust or dust mites and their droppings. Feathers, animal fur or dander, and the saliva of animals can also be allergenic. Pollution and other environmental chemicals can also irritate the mucous membranes. [Read more…] about 5 natural remedies for perennial allergic rhinitis

How to boost your immune system with shiitake mushrooms

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Did you know that eating shiitake mushrooms is a delicious way to boost your immune system? These medicinal mushrooms are part of the traditional cuisine of China, Japan and Korea. And, their use for boosting immunity recorded for over two thousand years. [Read more…] about How to boost your immune system with shiitake mushrooms