AILMENT

REMEDIES

Herb

Actions Uses & Dosage Caution
 
Conjunctivitis

Description

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the membrane that covers the white of the eyeball and the interior lining of the eyelid. Conjunctivitis can be formed by bacterial, viral, or allergic reasons. In most cases, viral conjunctivitis is contagious. Conjunctivitis is commonly called pinkeye.

Pathological Facts

Conjunctivitis can be caused by either bacterial or viral infection. In newborn babies, it may result from several kinds of cocci, especially the gonococcus. A strain of fly borne Chlamydia trachomatis causes trachoma, a severe form of conjunctivitis. As in gonorrheal conjunctivitis, trachoma often results in blindness because of the involvement of the cornea. Conjunctivitis caused by exposure of the eye to reflections of snow or a source of ultraviolet rays is called flash kerato conjunctivitis.

Symptoms

  • Itching in the eye
  • Eyelid swelling
  • Pus in the eye
  • Redness of the eye
  • Feeling that something is lodged under the eyelid

Blepharitis

Description

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid margins with redness, thickening, swelling, and often formation of crusts and marginal ulcers.

Pathological Facts

Staphylococcal bacteria of the meibomian glands and the eyelash follicles cause ulcerative blepharitis. Non-ulcerative blepharitis is a result of allergies. Repeated attacks of ulcerative blepharitis can cause scarred eyelids and loss of lashes.

Symptoms

  • Loss of lashes
  • Redness of margins
  • Itching and burning of margins
  • Lid edema
  • Adherent crusts
  • Sties and chalazions
  • Photophobia
AGRIMONY Antimicrobial, astringent herb that heals wounds. Bathe the eyes in an eyewash of weak, well-strained infusion (10g herb to 500ml water).  
POT MARIGOLD Astringent, demulcent, and anti-inflammatory; also suitable for gingivitis and gum disorders. Soak a pad in a well-diluted tincture and apply to the eyes as a compress; bathe styes with 5 ml tincture in 50 ml water.  
JU HUA Topically antiseptic Take an infusion or tincture.  
EYEBRIGHT Antibiotic; stimulates the immune system. Soak a pad in an infusion and apply to the eyes as a compress, or bathe the eyes in an eyewash of water with 5-10 drops tincture.  
Mouth Ulcers (Stomatitis)

Description

Stomatitis is an inflammation of the mouth, occurring as a primary disease or a symptom of a systemic disease. Gingivitis and glossitis are localized forms.

Pathological Facts

Streptococci, gonococci, fusospirochetes, Candida albicans, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Treponema palladium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, measles, herpes simplex, and mononucleosis are the many pathogens that can cause stomatitis.

Symptoms

Vincent’s Infection

  • Painful ulcers of the mucous membranes

Membranous Stomatitis

  • Membrane-like exudate on the mucosa
  • Fever
  • Malaise
  • Lymphadenopathy

Stomatitis as a symptom of a systemic disease

  • Mucous patches of syphilis
  • Strawberry, then raspberry tongue of scarlet fever
  • Koplik’s spots of the measles
  • Painful mouth of pellagra

Thrush

  • White, raised patches when removed, expose an area that might bleed slightly
  • Dry mouth
MYRRH Astringent; reuses inflammation; helpful for laryngitis. Add 5-10 drops oil or 5 ml tincture to a glass of warm water and use as a mouthwash. Avoid in pregnancy.
BISTORT Antibacterial, astringent; useful for all throat problems including tonsillitis. For a mouthwash, use a decoction or add 5 ml tincture to a glass of water.  
PURPLE SAGE Astringent; reduces inflammation; useful if the condition is associated with a feverish cold. For a mouth wash, use a standard infusion or add 10 ml tincture to a glass of water. Avoid therapeutic doses in pregnancy.
Tonsillitis

Description

Tonsillitis is a painful disease resulting from inflamed tonsils, which are located at the back of the throat. It usually affects the palatine tonsils, and is most likely a streptococcal infection. Tonsillitis is characterized by a sore throat and pain, which is most severe on swallowing, and is often referred to in the ears.

Pathological Facts

Tonsillitis is caused by abscesses growing on the tonsils.

Symptoms

  • High fever
  • Malaise
  • Headache
  • Vomiting
  • Long-lasting throat pain
WILD INDIGO Antimicrobial, phlegm-reducing; cleanses  the lymphatic system; good for persistent infections. Take 10-20 drops tincture three times a day. Do not exceed the stated dose; high doses may cause vomiting.
CLEAVERS Alternative; cleanses the lymphatic system; good for persistent infections. Take an infusion, or drink 10 ml fresh juice, three times a day.  
MARSH CUDWEED Anti-inflammatory; tonifies the mucous membranes; also good for laryngitis, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis. Take an infusion or tincture and use as a gargle.  
POKEROOT Reduces phlegm; cleanses the lymphatic swellings. Take 10-20 drops tincture made from dried, not fresh, root three times a day. (Fresh root is toxic) Do not exceed stated dose; avoid in pregnancy.