Evening primrose: (Oenothera biennis) is extracted from the seed and is pale yellow. Contains high levels of Gramma Linoleic Acid (GLA). It is used in treatments for skin conditions, eczema, psoriasis and for slow healing wounds. Excellent in the prevention of premature ageing as it reduces water loss and increases the blood flow to the capillaries at the surface of the skin.

Jojoba Oil: (Simmondsia chinenis) The oil is extracted from the seeds or bean, and is yellow in colour. The oil contains protein, minerals, and a waxy substance that mimics collagen.

Jojoba oil is used in cosmetics for its natural moisturising and healing properties. It is suitable for all skin types, dry, oily or sensitive and used for inflamed skin, acne, eczema, psoriasis, also used in hair care and for scalp disorders. Its penetrating qualities are good for carrying nutrients and essential oils through the skin into the blood stream. The oil is an excellent emollient, leaving the skin soft and smooth. Hazelnut Oil: (Corylus avellana) is extracted from the kernel, green in colour. It is rich in vitamins A, B,E and the essential fatty acids and has a high penetration to carry nutrients and essential oils through the skin into the blood stream. It is used for all skin types and has a slight astringent action.

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Basil: (ocimum basilicum) acne and oily skin, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, brain stimulant, bronchitis, catarrh, colds, depression, digestive problems, diarrhoea, engorged breast, flatulence, flu, headaches, infections, menstruation, migraine, mouth-gum nerve tonic, mental fatigue, mouth ulcers,

Caution: some oils are considered carcinogenic, avoid oil in cases of epilepsy, pregnancy, sensitive skin.

Bergamot: (citrus bergamia) acne and oily skin, abscess, anxiety, antiseptic, appetite loss, asthma, bad breath, boils, depression, deodorant, digestion, calming, cold sores, colic, chickenpox, cystitis, gargle for sore throats, grief, herpes, oily skin, sedating

Caution: photo toxic- avoid direct sunlight when using the oil.

Carrot Seed: (daucus carota) suitable for all skin types and problems, adding tone and elasticity, boils, carbuncles, eczema, psoriasis, ulcers, vitiligo, weeping sores, blood purifier, jaundice, hepatitis, weakness, exhaustion

Caution: pregnancy.

Cedarwood: (juniperus virginiana) oily skin, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, scalp problems – seborrhoea, dandruff and alopecia, anxiety, antiseptic, bronchitis, coughs, cellulite, cystitis, diuretic, kidneys, itching, urinary infections, nervous tension, stress, tension, ulcers

Caution: Not to be used in pregnancy.

Chamomile: (matricaria chamomilla) anti inflammatory, abscess, acne, dry and problem skin, sensitive and damaged skin, eczema, psoriasis, anaemia, anxiety, appetite loss, arthritis, asthma, boils, bunions, capillaries, calming, colitis, chickenpox, depression, diarrhoea, digestion, diuretic, ear ache, flatulence, grief, headache, menstruation, menopausal, psoriasis, insomnia, itching, relaxation, sedating.

Caution: Not to be used in pregnancy.

Clary Sage: (salvia sclera) oily and dry skin, oily hair, dandruff, asthma, anxiety, depression, frigidity, impotence, menstruation, nervousness, relaxant, skin tonic, stress, tension, ulcers.

Caution: Don’t take with alcohol, avoid in cases of epilepsy.

Cypress: (cupressus sempervirens) oily and broken capillaries, excessive permeation, asthma, haemorrhoids, varicose veins, rheumatism, fluid retention, circulation, diarrhoea, kidneys, coughs, menstruation. Caution: Avoid oil with high blood pressure.

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Horsetail (equisetum arvense) is a unique cosmetic agent which beautifies from the inside out. Horsetail is rich in silica, a mineral constituent of nails and skin. It is used for relaxation of the abdominal organs, to aid kidneys and bladder; help in skin complaints such as eczema and acne. Is used externally and internally; to stop bleeding. In very stubborn leg ulcers it is recommended to make a mixture of equal parts of horsetail and calendula and bathe the affected parts for 30 minutes in concentrate using the same amount of tea in 3 litres as is recommended for a full bath. Horsetail is used for osteoporosis and for athletes who suffer from sprains, dislocated joints, pulled hamstrings, or torn ligaments.

Lavender (lavandula angustifolia) it is used in natural cosmetics and is suitable for all skin types. It can also ease headaches, and to relax and calm the body. It was used in ancient Rome as a fragrant, refreshing bath additive.

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There are two methods of making herbal vinegar’s.

Using commercial vinegar: herbal vinegar’s are commonly made by

buying a bottle of vinegar (important to avoid white and malt vinegar’s) and adding herbs like marjoram, rosemary, sage and thyme to it. The bottle is sealed again and left for at least four weeks for the herb to disperse.

Fermenting the herb itself to vinegar: you can easily make your own herbal vinegar. Make a herb tea with the herb of your choice and ferment with sugar and a Kombucha culture as you would prepare your Kombucha brew. Instead of drinking the herbal Kombucha brew after 7 to 15 days, simply forget it for a minimum of 6 weeks. You can now use your own herbal vinegar. It’s the best vinegar you can get and it’s next to free. For more information about Kombucha brewing it is recommended to read the book “Kombucha Teaology”.

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Garlic

Garlic has been used successfully for skin disorders, pimples, acne, athletes foot, fungal conditions, scar tissue, boils, wounds and used as an antiseptic. Fresh garlic is used for corns and calluses.

Grapefruit

Is good in neutralising fatty acids on the skin. It is an astringent with a mild bleach and is best for troubled and oily skin.

Grapes

These make a wonderful skin moisturiser and are used as a toner for dry sensitive skin. Apply grape juice around the eyes for crow’s feet and the tiny cracks around the comers of the mouth. Rub juice all over the face and leave on for 20 minutes.

Guava see chapter Guava Flaxseed

Is highly emollient and can be used as a mucilage in cosmetics. To make flaxseed gel, simmer one cup of seeds with three cups of water until thick. Strain and use as a hair gel.

Herbs

The history of herbs is almost as old as the human race and were used by the Egyptians, Greeks and the Romans and most of the early civilisation. For example, fresh basil juice mixed with lemon juice in equal parts is used for skin diseases, pimples, black-spots, acne, and the relief of itching.

Honey

One of nature’s simplest and most abundant remedies. Honey has been used since the days of Ancient Greece and earlier. It is recommended by Hippocrates for its healing properties. One of the oldest beauty treatments honey has always been used for rejuvenating purposes. Honey is an antiseptic and hydrates, cleanses, heals, moisturises nourishes, softens and leaves the skin feeling clear and smooth. Honey can be used on all skin types, dry, mature, oily, acne and sensitive. Honey can also be used to treat bedsores, burns, carbuncles, chapped lips, blemishes, herpes lesions, sores, shingles, ulcers, wounds and for hair lotion.

Honey tends to soften and smooth old wrinkles. Because of the composition of honey it causes the skin tissues to hold moisture. Dry skin cells pump up and wrinkles tend to smooth away.

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Note for Relatives

People in withdrawal need a great deal of care and understanding. It is a help to be relieved of as much responsibility as possible, particularly in the early days. Read all the literature you can find on the subject and attend group meetings with your partner if possible. Take care of yourself too, it can be exhausting looking after someone in withdrawal.

Complementary Medicine

Many people have found comfort and relief from withdrawal symptoms or symptoms that pre-dated taking drugs when they have consulted practitioners of alternative medicine (see page 108 for Useful Addresses). Seek out a registered practitioner and do not expect miracles after one or two visits. It is essential to follow a course of treatment. Some of these treatments are available on the National Health. Many people are reluctant to spend money on their health, yet willing to give up a great deal of their weekly wage for cigarettes or alcohol.

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This can be severe, and is described as a pain boring up through the jaw, usually on one side at a time. It seems at its worst when the neck muscles are tense; when lying down; or when taking hot food or drink.

The pain resembles toothache, and unfortunately many people have had a full dental extraction in an attempt to gain relief. The pain persists after dental treatment, and even people who have had dentures for years have experienced this ‘toothache’. The jaw pain (and all pain associated with withdrawal) goes, but if it is too much to bear, see your doctor. Many people have had dramatic relief from a drug called Tegretol. It is the drug used for the notoriously painful condition trigeminal neuralgia. Withdrawal jaw pain closely resembles this. Aspirin or Paracetemol rarely help this pain. Some people have been helped by having their neck and shoulders massaged, or by sucking ice, or rinsing their mouths with whisky. Others have been helped by having a removable plastic shield, called an occlusion splint, fitted over their bottom teeth. They wear this at night and it prevents jaw clenching. Ask your dentist for advice.

Trigeminal neuralgia can be a symptom of depression. Perhaps that is where the old term ‘face ache’ for a miserable person comes from.

Stinging or aching in the front teeth is also reported. Check that you are eating properly. Low blood sugar can trigger off this jaw pain.

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Caffeine in Withdrawal

Most people cut down on coffee, tea and coke because they realize their withdrawal symptoms are much worse after taking them.

Cigarettes in Withdrawal

Some people stop smoking completely because of the metallic taste in the mouth. Others smoke compulsively. You will feel better if you try to cut them down.

Dinner: Supper: same as lunch plus fruit, crispbread with cheese, meat paste, cottage cheese, etc. Milk drink or weak tea.

Insomnia

The rebound insomnia experienced in withdrawal can be severe. Your normal sleeping pattern may not return for weeks or months. Try to accept this. It will come back in time.

Even people who are well and not on drugs can have disturbing symptoms, e.g. depersonalization (not being in touch with themselves), and de-realization (not being in touch with reality), when they are deprived of sleep.

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If you are impatient to be drug-free, and particularly if you are fit and not a very long-term user, you may wish to use Professor Lader’s 4 or 6 week rapid withdrawal plan.

There are many views on how best to withdraw. Discuss with your doctor which way would be best for you.

Points in Favour of Rapid Withdrawal:

1. A drug-free state is reached earlier.

2. There is psychological benefit from not having to swallow an abhorrent substance any longer than necessary.

3. Best method for impatient people.

4. Best method for short-term users.

Here is an example- of Professor Malcolm Lader’s recommendations. It is not safe to withdraw faster than this.

RAPID WITHDRAWAL TABLE

VALIUM (DIAZEPAM) 15 mg (2 mg tablets)

Week No. Morning Lunchtime Evening Total

1. 2 tabs. 2 tabs. 2 tabs. 6 tabs. = 12 mg

2. 1 1\2 tabs. 1 1\2 tabs. 1 1\2 tabs. 4 1\2 tabs.= 9 mg

3. 1 tab. 1 tab. 1 tab. 3 tabs. = 6 mg

4. 1\2 tab. 1\2 tab. 1\2 tab. 1 1\2 tabs.= 3 mg

For a dose of 30 mg Valium daily, six weeks is the minimum withdrawal period. If this method is too quick to tolerate, change to a slower one.

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