Village Raw - ISSUE 15

VILLAGE RAW
ASK OLA
Send your questions to hello@villageraw.com
Words by Ola Nwakodo.
Reader question: “Over the last few years I feel I’ve really
lost my ability to focus and plan and organise - is there
something to settle my scattered brain?”
Without knowing your full circumstances, I wouldn’t be able
to offer any bespoke recommendations. However, traditional
herbal medicine has a lot to offer when it comes to
supporting mental clarity.
BACOPA has a long history of use for improving memory,
mental acuity and focus. I consider this herb helpful
in cases of nervous exhaustion, chronic stress and
stress-induced mental fog. Studies show that taking bacopa
regularly can improve mental performance, cognitive
and intellectual function as well as a feeling of enhanced
wellbeing. I prefer to use the tincture in prescriptions. It is
considered safe for long-term use with no known toxicity.
However caution is advised for dialysis patients as it is high
in potassium.
GOTU KOLA has been used for centuries as a brain tonic.
Some studies show that it can increase alertness and
working memory, and relieve anger. I usually combine it
with other herbs such as gingko or ashwagandha, to get
synergistic effects on attention, concentration, brain
function and processing.
ROSEMARY has a traditional use to strengthen memory
and cerebral circulation. Trials have found that inhaling
rosemary essential oil improves mental alertness, quality
of memory and mood. Participants in a 2013 study stated
they felt “fresher” and EEG analysis confirmed stimulatory
effects on the anterior region of the brain. It may be helpful
in clearing the mind and increasing mental awareness. My
favourite ways of using rosemary are as a tea or essential
oil in a room diffuser.
GENTIAN is indicated for discouragement after a setback,
and pessimism. In Bach Flower remedies, the positive potential
of gentian is courage, grounding, acceptance that
restores a positive outlook.
“Every year I struggle with hay fever symptoms! Any recommendations
on how to manage and minimise please?”
For many who suffer from seasonal hay fever, symptoms
can feel unrelenting at times. Support is available to lessen
the severity of attacks. The key to having sustained relief
from symptoms seems to be preparation.
Herbal respiratory and immune tonics are beneficial for
many. Regularly taking a blended tea (or tincture) of echinacea,
elderflower, nettles and yarrow - starting before
spring - may help immune function, stabilise an overreactive
response and reduce swelling, soreness and pain. Another
blended herb tea of peppermint, sage (add for runny
nose), thyme, and marshmallow leaf (add for thick mucus)
could support the nose, sinuses, lungs and circulation
throughout the season. This tea is also useful as a gargle.
Consider a good dose of vitamin C and zinc and teaspoon
of flaxseed oil daily. Bioflavonoids which are contained
in quality vitamin C supplements and in food
sources, act as natural antihistamine. This helps to block
histamine, the chemical substance responsible for known
symptoms of hay fever.
Increase your intake of magnesium. German researchers
found that three bananas contain enough magnesium
to stop an attack. There are also many good supplements
available.
A good diet that includes fruits and vegetables especially
onions, garlic (acts as an anticatarrhal) and peppers
may help reduce attacks. Some find that a teaspoon of local
honey daily - before and throughout the season - helps
with desensitisation.
Exercise regularly as studies have found that moderate
cardio exercise can calm inflammatory proteins in the nasal
passages. A 2013 study found that after running for 30
minutes, sneezing, runny nose, nasal itching and congestion
all decreased by more than 70 percent.
Euphrasia or eyebright as a compress could soothe and
provide relief for itchy red eyes.•
Ola Nwakodo, Medical herbalist, Saint&Smith. For enquiries contact:
ola@saint&smith.com / www.saintandsmith.com / 07971193396
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