Thank you so much for your response...
 
I'd like to mention something that may help you in addition to what you mentioned to me in your letter.  I've just tried a nasal rinse (simple warm salt water solution) pour gently into left nostril with head tilted to the right and forward carefully let the solution come out the other side .  This takes a little getting used to but it will help cleanse infections in the sinus cavities which could also be a source of a lot of health problems. I was taught this technique by my reflexologist !!!   I am starting t feel much better !!! Also check into goldenseal...
 
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Goldenseal is a small perennial plant, usually cultivated for the mass herb product, but also occurring wild in rich, shady woods and damp meadows from Connecticut to Minnesota and southward. A thick, knotty, yellow rootstock sends up a hairy stem, almost a foot high, with a pair of five-lobed, serrated leaves near the top terminated by a single greenish white flower. The yellow color of the root is due to the alkaloid, berberine. The Indian Journal of Ophthalmology for March 1983 reported that the berberine found in goldenseal root is excellent for treating inflammations of the cornea and iris brought on by the herpes simplex virus.

A douche of goldenseal is excellent for reducing yeast infection. In an electric blender combine 3 cups of water and 1-1/2 tsps. of powdered root, then douche several times each day with it until the problem is cleared up. A simple mouthwash made of pinches of goldenseal powder and baking soda in a little water is perfect for healing any kind of sores in the mouth or on the gums and tongue. Goldenseal is a blessing in disguise for those unlucky enough to encounter poison ivy. To make an effective skin wash combine 1 tsp. of powdered root with a pint of hot water and dab this solution on the afflicted parts when cool. Also 2-3 capsules taken internally will expedite healing as well.

Goldenseal root has a reputation for being a "natural antibiotic." Native American groups used it topically for inflammation, and it has been used in folk medicine as an eyewash and a rinse or gargle to relieve sore mouth, sore throat, canker sores, or thrush. No clinical studies confirm its effectiveness for these purposes. Several Indian tribes used goldenseal for digestive disorders, and berberine has proved effective in treating diarrhea due to toxic pathogens such as cholera. In another study, it was more helpful than placebo against giardia infections in children. Hydrastine and berberine lower blood pressure when injected into laboratory animals. Berberine can increase the secretion of bile, and canadine is reported to trigger uterine contractions. In mice, goldenseal ingredients increase blood flow to the spleen and stimulate the activity of macrophages, blood cells that are an important part of the immune system. Goldenseal is sometimes used as an "alternative medicine" for strep or sinus infections. Goldenseal has been considered for the treatment of certain cancers, but these uses are still experimental.

Goldenseal is a famous North American Indian remedy, first used for treating arrow wounds and ulcers. Goldenseal acts as a tonic to the mucous membranes throughout the body, resolving inflammation and clearing phlegm. In the respiratory system goldenseal can be used for catarrh, sinusitis, colds and flu, tonsilitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, and catarrhal coughs. In the digestive tract it reduces catarrh, gastritis, ulceration, and inflammation. The bitters enhance liver function, and stimulate the appetite and improve digestion. In the reproductive tract its tonic and astringent action is useful for treating heavy periods, and hemorrhage, and since it stimulates the uterine muscles, it is useful during childbirth. Locally goldenseal can be used as a lotion or douche for vaginal infections such as thrush and trichomonas. In the bladder it soothes inflammation and resolves infection, and in the nervous system it acts as a tonic and sedative. Research has shown its ability to lower blood pressure and that it possesses powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it applicable to a wide range of infections. Goldenseal is useful in any congested condition, including sluggish venous conditions, varicose veins and hemorrhoids, as it enhances the circulation. Externally, use for infected gums, mouth ulcers, and sore throats, as a mouthwash or gargle. Goldenseal can be used in eye lotions with rosewater or chamomile for inflammatory eye problems, and in eardrops for earache. Used as a lotion or decoction goldenseal soothes irritated and infected skin conditions.

        PARTS USED

Rhizome.

        USES

Mucous membranes - Most authorities agree that goldenseal is a potent remedy for disorders affecting mucous membranes of the body, notably of the eye, ear, nose and throat, the stomach and intestines, and the vagina.
Countering infection - As a dilute infusion, goldenseal can be used as an eyewash and as a mouthwash for infected gums. Goldenseal is an extremely effective wash or douche for yeast infections and other vaginal infections generally. The infusion is also valued as a remedy for psoriasis.
Digestive problems - Taken internally, goldenseal increases digestive secretions, astringes the mucous membranes that line the gut, and checks inflammation. It should not be taken for extended periods of time since it reduces the gut's capacity to absorb some nutrients, notably B vitamins.
Gynecological uses - Goldenseal helps to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and is used by herbal practitioners and midwives help stop bleeding following childbirth (postpartum hemorrhage). Goldenseal should not be taken during pregnancy.

        HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Goldenseal grows wild in moist mountainous woodland areas of North America and prefers soil that is well covered with dead leaves. Due to excessive harvesting, goldenseal is now rare in its natural habitat and has to be cultivated, but to flourish, it requires an environment very similar to its native habitat. Goldenseal is propagated by root division. Rhizomes from 3-year-old plants are dug up in the autumn and dried in the open air on cloth.

        RESEARCH

Alkaloids - For an herb with such a tremendous medicinal reputation, there has been very little research into its pharmacology, but it is known that goldenseal's medicinal actions are due largely to the isoqinoline alkaloids.
Hydrastine - Research in Canada in the late 1960s showed that hydrastine constricts the blood vessels and stimulates the autonomic nervous system.
Berberine - Berberine is bitter, antibacterial, and amebicidal. It also has a sedative action on the central nervous system.
Canadine - Research shows that this alkaloid stimulates the muscles of the uterus.

        CONSTITUENTS

Goldenseal contains alkaloids, volatile oil, resin.

        HOW MUCH TO TAKE

Most people take 4 - 6 grams of powdered goldenseal root and rhizome supplements per day as tablets or capsules. For liquid herbal extracts, 4 - 6 ml are used. Continuous use should not exceed three weeks, with a break of at least two weeks between use. Goldenseal powder as a tea or tincture may soothe a sore throat.

        SIDE EFFECTS

Taken as recommended, goldenseal is generally safe. However, as with all alkaloid-containing plants, high amounts may lead to gastrointestinal distress and possible nervous system effects. Goldenseal is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.

        HOW IT WORKS IN THE BODY

The isoquinoline alkaloids are thought to be largely responsible for goldenseal's medicinal actions, the hydrastine acting as an astringent and as a hemostatic agent (stops bleeding). The berberine has both antibacterial and amoebicidal properties, while the canadine is thought to stimulate the uterine muscles. Goldenseal's main use is in the treatment of mucous membranes throughout the body. Goldenseal is used in the respiratory system for conditions of excess mucus and also for the eyes, nose, and throat where inflammation is present. Its antibacterial properties make it useful for infection, especially in the mouth or eyes. Used for short periods of time as a tonic it can increase appetite and stimulate the digestion. In the reproductive system goldenseal alleviates heavy bleeding and astringes the membranes where there is vaginal infection.

        APPLICATIONS

RHIZOME:

TINCTURE - Take 0.5 - 2 ml three times a day (larger doses are more laxative) for any mucous condition: nasal mucus, mucous colitis, gastroenteritis, and vaginal discharge. Also use as a liver tonic for sluggish digestion and for digestive problems associated with food sensitivity and alcohol excess. Add to remedies for PMS or heavy menstrual bleeding.

WASH - Use 5 ml tincture in 100 ml water to bathe irritant skin inflammations, eczema, and measles.

MOUTHWASH/GARGLE - Use 2 - 3 ml tincture in a tumbler of warm water for mouth ulcers, gum disease, sore throats, and mucous conditions.

DOUCHE - Use the diluted tincture (2 - 3 ml in water) for vaginal discharges and yeast infections. For vaginal itching, use 5 ml tincture in 100 ml rosewater.

CAPSULES - Take one 200 mg capsule, three times a day, for phlegm and gastric or respiratory infections. Combine with chaste-tree berry powder to relieve menopausal flashes and sweats, and with eyebright for hay fever.

EARDROPS - Use 10 ml tincture in 100 ml water for serious otitis media and "blocked" ears.

COMPOUND TABLETS - Some commercially available tablets may be used for digestive upsets.

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bluemoon2256@... wrote: