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Skin InfectionsWhat you need to know:WARTS AND VERRUCAE
Warts are far less common today than a generation ago, probably because conventional treatment is so effective. The most useful Herbs:Herbal preparations which can be dabbed directly onto the sore include:
HomoeopathyThe homoeopathic remedy Natrum muriaticum could also be effective.Other useful advice:Cold sore attacks are often caused by stress, physical or emotional, and sunlight is the commonest of the physical triggers. Skiing, sailing and beach holidays will nearly always result in a crop of cold sores if your child is a regular sufferer, but you can prevent them by using a total sun block on the lips. As herpes is a condition that affects the nerve endings, it’s important that they get enough vitamin B, ‘the nerve vitamin.’ The richest sources are:
GENITAL HERPES There are no natural remedies or complementary therapies that can cure this condition, but young people should know that if they or their partner has genital herpes, sex without a condom is, frankly, stupid. Of course they may want to have a baby, and the only advice we can give is that they try to conceive when they’re not having an attack of the virus. Some culinary herbs might help. Lemon balm (Melissa) has powerful anti-viral properties, so use it in cooking and drink Melissa tea at least once a day. Some of the other aromatic herbs are also anti-viral, so use thyme, oregano, coriander and Basil in your cooking. It’s also important to keep their body’s immune system functioning well and to the nourish nerve tissues, which is where the virus lives. The most useful Herbs:Useful hal pills include:
The most useful Supplements:
For all bacterial infections it’s vital to keep the immune system functioning properly. That means making sure your young person gets a well-balanced diet with plenty of complex carbohydrates - wholemeal cereals, pasta, wholemeal bread, rice - at least five portions (500 g in weight) of fresh fruit and vegetables and two litres of fluid a day. This is the sort of diet they should be having anyway - but obviously quantities and amounts will vary with the age of the child. Sugar makes the body less efficient at destroying bacteria, so does eating too much fat. But live bio-yoghurt produces acids that destroy invading bugs, so give them one carton, preferably organic, a day. And it goes without saying that smoking and drinking too much alcohol doesn’t do your immune system any favours at all. Teenagers should be encouraged, lectured - bribed even - not to start smoking and not to join their friends on drinking binges, which has so many dangers. Getting enough sleep is important, too - especially for older children, who may feel too ill to go to school, but who’ll happy stay up half the night watching videos or playing on their computer. They should also get some fresh air and exercise every day - even if it’s just taking the dog for a walk. The most useful Herbs:Herbs to help the immune system include:
The most useful Supplements:
These infections are rarely serious, but they can interfere with quality of life - particularly in active young people who will obviously feel embarrassed by flaking skin. There are natural remedies and dietary changes which can help all forms of fungal infection. Dietary changes that may be beneficial:
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