Some natural substances can be used in their original or 'raw' form. For instance, an easily recognisable herb, such as rosemary, can be picked from your garden and used to make an infusion. Other remedies are made from prepared extracts of , natural substances which can be bought over the counter in chemists and health food shops. These include Bach flower remedies, essential oils and homeopathic pills.

Herbalism

Before the age of manufactured medicines, people used plants from their environment to produce remedies. Although many drugs are based on herbs, there has recently been a resurgence of interest in the use of plants in their natural form. This may be due to concern about the side-effects and possible , addictive nature of some prescribed drugs. People are returning to remedies that offer a safe and effective alternative to these drugs, especially since herbalists claim the active ingredients that the pharmaceutical industry extracts or produces synthetically may be safer and more effective in their natural state.

Herbalism aims to tailor treatments to the needs of the individual, which may involve eliminating toxic waste products, stimulating the body's defence mechanism or toning the whole body. Herbs can be administered in a variety of ways (see right). Among the disorders that respond well to herbal remedies are digestive complaints, skin problems, insomnia, colds and arthritis.

Although many herbs are now widely used in the home, some, such as comfrey, may be dangerous if they are taken over long periods. Others can be dangerous if you are suffering from a specific medical condition, such as high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant. For these reasons, herbs should be treated with caution if you suffer any side effects stop taking the remedy and consult a medical herbalist. The herbs in this book are not considered to be highly toxic and where there are contraindications to their use, they are mentioned.

If you have been prescribed other medications you should consult your doctor before taking herbal remedies; drugs can interact producing adverse effects. You should also consult your doctor if you are pregnant.

The most active remedies are likely to be those that are prepared for you by a medical herbalist. Proprietary remedies can be effective, or you can prepare some at home.

Herbal preparations

The most common techniques for preparing herbs at home are infusions, decoctions, tinctures, poultices or compresses.

An infusion is made in the same way as a pot of tea (in fact, herbal infusions are sometimes referred to as teas). To make a standard infusion, place 25 g (1 oz) of a dried herb or 75 g (2/4 oz) of a fresh herb in a glass or china teapot. If you are using several herbs, they should still add up to 25 g (1 oz). Pour over 450 ml (16 fl oz) of boiling water and steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain the infusion through a fine sieve or a piece of muslin and drink it while it is still hot. The standard dosage for a herbal infusion is one tea cup three times a day.

Decoctions are made instead of infusions when roots or the hard, woody parts of the plant are used. Because the active ingredient is harder to extract, simply pouring boiling water onto the herb is not sufficient. Instead, the herbs are boiled in water and then strained. Unpleasant tasting infusions or decoctions can be sweetened with honey.

Although infusions and decoctions are usually taken internally, you can also use them in. a bath, a foot bath or as a face wash or hair rinse. To use an infusion in your bath, you can add a standard infusion to the bath water, you can place a small herb filled tea infuser in the water or you can use a herbal bath bag. To make a herbal bath bag, take a square piece of muslin, place a handful of herbs in the middle, then gather the corners and secure them with thread. Attach the bag to your bath taps so that the hot water runs through it.

A herbal tincture contains the active ingredient of a herb in alcohol. Some people prefer tinctures to infusions and decoctions because they are more palatable and, after the initial preparation, they are quick and easy to use. A tincture can either be taken neat or diluted with a little water.

Tinctures, decoctions and infusions are usually taken internally, but compresses and poultices are applied to the outside of the body. They are commonly used to treat headaches, fevers, colds and skin conditions. You can seal in the heat of a compress or poultice by placing a layer of plastic over the cloth after it has been applied to the skin. Alternatively, lay a hot water bottle over the compress or poultice.

Another topical use of herbs is in the form of an ointment. Herbal ointments form a protective, healing layer on the skin and can be used as beauty treatments as well as for treating skin complaints.

When you are buying herbs to use at home, it is important that you purchase the correct herb. The best way to ensure this is to ask for a herb by its Latin name because there is then no confusion. The chart below gives common names and Latin names for many of the herbs recommended for medicinal use.

Homeopathy

The principle that 'like may be cured by like' is one of the cornerstones of homeopathy. Remedies are given which, if applied in full concentration, would produce the same symptoms as the disease being treated. The remedies are thought to accelerate the body's natural healing process. In contrast, conventional Western medicine, which tends to take a more combative approach, seeks to eliminate the cause of the disease by destroying bacteria.

Homeopathy, as we know it today, was founded by Dr Samuel Hahnemann (1788-1843), a German physician who published his first paper on the subject in 1796. Intrigued by the use of quinine in the treatment of malaria, he took a dose and discovered it produced shivering, sweating and fever classic malaria symptoms. He deduced that a disease's symptoms were the body's healing mechanism and so, by giving medicines that produced the same symptoms, recovery could be advanced. He went on to test arsenic, belladonna and mercury on himself and, by observing the symptoms each of these substances produced, he matched them to specific illnesses. Further tests appeared to confirm that a remedy would help to cure a condition with which it shared symptoms. The validity of this theory is still disputed, but homeopaths believe that remedies provoke the body's natural healing mechanisms into overcoming the disease. It is also believed that the weaker (more diluted) the remedy, the more potent it is.

Homeopathic remedies usually come in pill form to be dissolved under the tongue or as a liquid to be dropped onto the tongue. Potencies are usually expressed in the centesimal system where 1 drop of the remedy is added to 99 drops of dilutent (usually pure alcohol or lactose) producing a strength of 1c. One drop of this dilution is then further diluted in 99 drops of dilutent to produce a strength of 2c and so on. However, a 'high potency' remedy can be over 24c, meaning this process has been repeated 24 times.

The sources of homeopathic remedies are diverse. Some, such as pulsatilla, are made from plants; others, such as silicia, are made from inorganic substances like rocks or mineral salts. A homeopath has over 2000 homeopathic remedies to select from and will decide only after having asked detailed questions about symptoms, diet, lifestyle and even dental history. Homeopaths say that all these factors can affect the efficacy of the remedies. In fact, for every remedy there are thought to be three separate indications (reasons why the remedy may be appropriate). First, there are constitutional indications; this includes stature, build, complexion and stamina. Second, are mental indications such as whether you are anxious or irritable. Third, are the physical indications of your illness, for example, whether you have a headache or stomach pains.

Homeopathy is generally accepted to be a gentle and safe treatment, and increasing numbers of European doctors are starting to prescribe homeopathic remedies in conjunction with conventional medicines.

Taking homeopathic remedies
If you decide to use homeopathy to treat your symptoms, it is wise to ask the advice of a qualified homeopath. Alternatively, you can treat yourself at home using standard strength over-the-counter pills. Although you will not harm yourself with these remedies, treatment is likely to be a more hit and miss affair without the diagnostic expertise of the homeopath. It is also important that you are aware of certain guidelines set by homeopaths so that you can achieve the most effective results.

Because the active constituent in homeopathic remedies has been very diluted it can easily become `polluted'. Therefore, you are advised not to use the remedies while there is still the taste of food in your mouth, nor to eat for 20 minutes or so after taking a remedy. Strong tasting substances such as coffee, mint, alcohol, tobacco and spices may also reduce the potency of homeopathic remedies, so wait 2 hours after exposure to these items. You should also avoid handling the pills: take them by tipping them onto a teaspoon or into the bottle cap and placing them under your tongue.

Commonly used pills can be bought from chemists and health food shops at standard potencies - 6c or 30c - and dosage instructions are given on the pack. Although these remedies may initially exacerbate your symptoms they should quickly alleviate them. If they do not, you may have selected the wrong treatment or you may be taking the remedy incorrectly. In this case, you should seek the advice of a homeopath or see your doctor. If you are taking the wrong remedy, you will not harm yourself because such extreme dilutions are used.

Since homeopathic pills contain lactose (a natural sugar in milk), you should avoid taking them if you are allergic to it. Ask a homeopath about remedies in liquid form.

Remedies should always be stored in a cool, dark place and away from strong odours to avoid pollution.

Biochemic Tissue Salts

Based on the theory that certain ailments can be traced to the deficiency of specific inorganic minerals found in the body, biochemic tissue salts were devised by Dr Wilhelm Schuessler (1821-98), a German homeopathic physician. He identified 12 basic tissue salts, the lack of which could cause a variety of complaints.

Aromatherapy

Using essential oils to alleviate both physical and emotional symptoms is one of the most popular of all the complementary therapies. Aromatherapy utilises plant oils extracted by a process of distillation. Today, over 300 oils are used by professional practitioners.

Although touch, in the form of massage, is the main tool of the aromatherapist, there are many other ways of delivering essential oils to the nervous and circulatory systems of the body and olfactory centre of the brain. Oils can be added to a bath or foot bath, inhaled from a bowl of hot water, applied in lotions or compresses, used in a mouthwash, vaporised on an oil burner, and, very occasionally, applied directly to the skin or taken orally, although this is not advocated by all aroma therapists.

Sense of smell is also very important in aromatherapy and is reflected in the name. Although smell seems to be generally considered as the least important of our senses, odours, both good and bad, can affect mood and behaviour and can be tailored to have very positive effects on emotional and physical health.

Research to validate aromatherapy is still incomplete, but aromatherapists say that the esters, aldehydes and other chemicals the oils contain can have a powerful effect on our emotional state, relaxing us, energising us or relieving stress, anxiety or depression. Essential oils may also relieve physical complaints. For example, lavender essential oil has been found to have analgesic properties and can be used to treat headaches, and tea tree is a proven antiviral, making it useful for cold sores and warts.

Using essential oils at home
Aromatherapy is a natural therapy that can be practised quite easily at home. There are, however, some simple rules that you should apply for best results:

• Never apply an undiluted oil to the skin they are extremely concentrated and may cause irritation. The exception to this rule is tea tree essential oil.
• If you are pregnant, or suffer from high blood pressure, epilepsy or skin allergies, consult a qualified aromatherapist before using essential oils.
• Essential oils should always be stored in dark, well-stoppered containers to keep them fresh and prevent evaporation. They should be kept out of the reach of children.

Inhalation
This method of using essential oils simultaneously cleanses your skin and helps to clear lung and sinus congestion, catarrh and ease sore throats. Add 3 drops of an essential oil to 600 ml (1 pint) of boiling water. Cover your head and the bowl with a small towel and inhale the vapours deeply and slowly.

Repeat when necessary.

Massage
Mix your chosen essential oil with a carrier or base oil, such as sweet almond, jojoba, wheatgerm or peach kernel oil. Mix 20 to 25 drops of essential oil with 50 ml (2 fl oz) of the carrier oil (enough for a full body massage). Warm your hands and apply the mixture to the skin with gentle massage strokes.)

Bathing
Add 3 or 4 drops of an essential oil to a hot bath after it has been run. Make sure the oils are well dispersed. The oil is absorbed via inhalation as well as through the pores of the skin. Essential oils can also be added to hand baths, sitz baths and footbaths.

Compresses
Fill a bowl with hot or cold water and add six drops of essential oil. Take a piece of soft cloth and place it on the surface of the water so that it takes up the oil. Wring out the excess water and apply the compress to the affected area. If the compress is hot, the heat can be retained by covering the cloth with a bandage or plastic.

Oil burners
Put a little water in the dish at the top of the burner and add three drops of an essential oil to it. Light the candle in the base of the burner and the oil's aroma will be released as it vaporises over the heat. These burners are available in most health food shops.

Hydrotherapy

Using the healing properties of water is an ancient practice. If you consult a practitioner of hydrotherapy (naturopaths often use hydrotherapy techniques), you may be treated with sitz baths (you sit in hot water with your feet in cold water and then swap around), hot and cold compresses, alternating hot and cold baths, saunas, showers and steam baths, thalassotherapy (treatment with sea water) and whirlpools. Treatment with hot water is intended to cause the body to sweat; this then forces impurities in the body to be flushed out through the skin.

The common practice in hydrotherapy of applying alternating hot and cold water to the body causes the blood vessels under the skin to dilate and constrict rapidly, which increases the blood flow and promotes the removal of toxic waste products.

Back pain, muscular strain and rheumatism are complaints that often respond very well to treatment using hydrotherapy. Using hydrotherapy techniques at home Baths that have a shower attachment are ideal for self treatment. Try soaking for 15 minutes in a hot bath and then stand up and take a quick cold shower to close the pores of the skin and invigorate the body. The whole process can be repeated for an even greater effect, but you will not need to stay in the hot water so long the second time.

The same principle can be applied to sitz baths and foot baths first be in very hot water then follow by a quick cold immersion. A sitz bath which would have to be specially bought and installed in your home enables the hips and the feet to experience different temperatures simultaneously, boosting the circulation. See your doctor before trying these treatments if you suffer from heart disease or high blood pressure.

Naturopathy

The principle underlying naturopathy is that the human body, given the right conditions, will cure itself of illness. Naturopaths perceive some of the common causes of illness to be an unhealthy diet, inadequate exercise and an accumulation of waste products in the body.

Remedies recommended by a naturopath may include detoxification through fasting, elimination diets to identify possible allergens, or simply eating more vitamin and mineral rich foods. Although changes to one's diet are central to naturopathy, practitioners are often trained in other treatments, such as osteopathy and acupuncture.

The diagnostic procedures used by naturopaths include x-rays and blood tests, and, if a naturopath cannot help, then the patient will be referred to an appropriate physician.

Although naturopathy has proved useful in cases such as irritable bowel syndrome and skin and joint problems, always have symptoms checked by your doctor.

Bach flower remedies

Around the turn of the century, Dr Edward Bach (1880-1936), a British bacteriologist, medical doctor and homeopath, began to experiment with flower remedies, using them to treat certain emotional disorders including anxiety, depression and anger. He theorised that these plant remedies contained natural `vibrations' to restore harmony and health. Dr Bach eventually devised 38 Bach flower remedies, ranging from sweet chestnut to combat desolation, to vine to counteract a personality with tyrannical propensities.

One method involved in the preparation of Bach flower remedies is floating the flower heads in spring water in direct sunlight for 3 hours (this is to replicate flower dew, which Dr Bach believed to contain medicinal properties). Another method involves boiling the sprigs of the flowers or catkins (this procedure is usually used for the remedies that come from trees). The remedies are then bottled in dark glass in order to protect their potency.

A normal dosage is 2 drops of a remedy combined with 30 ml (1 fl oz) of water, 4 drops of the resulting mixture are taken orally four times a day. However, for short-term problems, 2 drops of each remedy can be added to a glass of water to be sipped throughout the day. You can also mix the remedies together to treat specific problems, but mixing more than five or six is not considered necessary or appropriate.

In addition to the 38 Bach flower remedies together with books and instruction leaflets for their use most health food stores and chemists now stock Bach flower rescue remedy for use in emotional `emergencies', such as sudden shock. This is a combination of several remedies. The Bach flower remedies are not harmful and will not interfere with other medical treatments.