Ask the Herbalist
Question
I have Acid reflux and would like to avoid taking pharmaceuticals for the problem. Got any ideas for a natural remedy?
Answer
Good choice! The popular way for treating acid reflux with drugs like Nexium, Prylosec and the like blocks production of acid in the stomach for up to eight hours but does nothing to keep the esophageal valve shut or heal the problem. What's worse, without stomach acid you cannot break down proteins into amino acids which are the building blocks for neurotransmitters and thus mental health AND you cannot absorb essential vitamins like B or calcium. Long term use of these drugs may even make you more susceptible to stomach cancer.
Instead the problem can be treated with herbs, which will strengthen the digestive tract and eliminate the problem. Hummer's Bitters taken before meals helps to stimulate digestive juices and enzymes causing more ease of digestion and less problems with acid reflux, indigestion and bloating. Plus it can help with cravings for sugar and help with the digestion of fats, aiding in weight loss, another common contributor to acid reflux.
If the occasional potluck, binge or wine drinking episode leaves you with symptoms even after taking the Hummer's Bitters (or in case you forgot to take them) the Neutralizing Cordial is an excellent remedy for symptomatic relief. However I highly recommend stopping the problem before it starts and I bet your general health and energy should also improve.
Question
I have a problem falling asleep and remaining asleep during the night, but I still work and get up at 5am M-F. I am looking for some herbal, that will allow me to sleep better, but not knock me out so I cant get up in the morning. Do you have any herbals that might help this condition? I don't want to go to an MD and start taking sleeping pills because I believe natural herbs are much better for the body.
Answer
Our Dream Deep tincture formula has been very helpful for many people that suffer from this problem. It will make you sleepy at night but has no lingering effect in the morning. Plus unlike most drugs on the market, these sedative herbs are not addictive. The above formula does have Valerian in it, which while being a wonderful sedative is not very yummy and very occasionally a person may have the opposite reaction. If you have never taken Valerian I suggest taking a small amount earlier than bedtime to check your reaction before depending on it. I see this opposite reaction less often with the formula than with the single herb tincture. Passionflower and Kava as single herbs are other nice sedatives. Kava works particularly well if your mind is overly active or stress and anxiety are involved and Passionflower is helpful for high blood pressure as well. If these herbs don't work effectively enough, there maybe something deeper that needs to be worked out which can be discussed in a consultation.
Question
I was wondering if you have anything that would work for an 11 month old for a cough. I believe it is related just to a cold, but it doesn't seem to want to go away. If you could please let me know if there is anything that would help, it would be appreciated.
Answer
The Kid's Cough Away is useful for clearing up a cough, both by stimulating immunity, reducing irritation and through its expectorant quality (moving mucus out of the lungs). You can put the tincture in a little juice or give it to them straight. I would suggest giving the dosage of 4-8 drops on the bottle up to 5 times a day. Health and Blessings, Melanie
Question
My thyroid is very sluggish and I would like to give it some support, what could I use to stimulate it a bit?
Answer
Traditionally Bladderwrack is used to stimulate the thyroid. Other herbs such as Oregon Grape can also add some benefit by raising thyroid function and improving your digestive health through increasing digestive secretions used to break down your food so you get better absorption of nutrients. Plus, recently a customer came into my shop looking for Rosemary tincture. She had read an article stating this herb to be very good for low thyroid function. I hope to be hearing back from her on how it is working but am hopeful that it will be a good new herb to use with this issue. We at Hummingbird Herbals can put a formula together for you or you can buy these herbs individually and monitor how they are working for you one at a time.
Good Luck.
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