Stage 4 Content

Colds and 'Flu
Echinacea can help to ward off colds as long as you buy a good quality product. Once a cold or 'flu is established, the traditional remedy of a strong infusion of elderflowers, yarrow and peppermint helps to make the unpleasant symptoms more bearable. Elderflower has anti-viral properties, yarrow encourages sweating and helps prevents very high temperatures in fevers and peppermint is warming to the body. Clinical studies suggest that elderberry extract is an effective treatment, which probably supports the time-honoured use of elderberry syrup for coughs and colds.

Indigestion
If the indigestion is associated with the production of excess stomach acid, Camomile as a tea can be very effective or it can be taken in combination with other herbs such as Meadowsweet, Liquorice or Marshmallow root. Indigestion can also be caused by a reduced flow of the disgestive juices, especially bile from the liver. Of the herbs which stimulate the production of digestive juices throughout the gut are the "bitters", such as Wormwood, Artichoke leaf and Gentian. These are often used in recipes for aperitifs, whose traditional function is to promote good digestion.

Insomnia
For practitioners treating patients with minor sleep difficulties, Valerian is almost always the herb of choice. Scientific studies have now confirmed that it does, indeed, improve depth of sleep. However, some sleep problems are more severe and can have complex causes, such as overwork and long-term stress. If so, additional daytime support for the nervous system is helpful, involving the use of "nervine" tonics such as Vervain, Lemon Balm, Skullcap, Oat leaves and Betony. Also, caffeine-containing drinks at night-time should always be avoided.

Low Mood
St John's wort is excellent for combating low mood, as has been repeatedly shown in many clinical trials. Practitioners also use the herb to raise vitality and for its renowned anti-viral effects.
Although St John's wort is a proven safe herb, it should not be taken by people using certain drugs such as SSRI antidepressants, warfarin, digoxin and oral contraceptives. This is because it stimulates detoxication by the liver, thereby reducing blood levels of these ‘foreign’ molecules.
(Modest exercise is known to enhance mood and self-esteem, if only walking.)

Always Tired
Unless there is an obvious explanation, constant tiredness is symptomatic of low vitality, and herbs which raise vitality (generally known as “adaptogens”) are indicated. These can also enhance the body’s robustness to stress.
The Ginsengs are the best-known adaptogens; Chinese, American and Siberian all being effective, but with slightly different properties.
Since all Ginsengs are capable of raising blood pressure, they are unsuitable for those with hypertension. Adaptogens without adverse blood pressure effects include Rhodiola and Sarsparilla.