Curing sleepless nights; poison ivy and sunburns

By Jonathan Evans Herbal Information Specialist /Business Representative for the Herbarium Special to PRIME Dear Jonathan: I have suffered with migraines forever. I've tried massage, acupuncture, and all the prescriptions I could get and I still can be knocked out for 3-4 days at a time. I am desperate. Is there any herb that can help with migraines? -Elaine Dear Elaine: You might check into any food allergies or sensitivities that might be triggering your migraines. There are several natural remedies that have been quite effective over time. Dong quai helps if the migraines are related to PMS. Hormone imbalance has been associated with some people. Magnesium, "the forgotten mineral" helps to relax blood vessels and stop cramping and spasms. Feverfew(Tanacetum parthenium) a member of the daisy family, contains certain compounds that are anti-inflammatory and inhibit prostaglandins. Butterbur(Petasites hybridus) is another plant that helps as an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. Essential oils of Lavender( Lavandula angustifolia) and Peppermint(Mentha piperita) applied topically or as inhalation therapy has proven results. "To sleep, perchance to dream. " Okay, so Shakespeare was never my strong suit, despite the best efforts of Richard Zagranski's sophomore English class. Regardless.. sleep deprivation and disruption is so prevalent today, I think of it as an epidemic. So many people are stressed out, multitasking ,wired and burnt out, it is no wonder the country is in the shape it is in. So what is a body to do? Traditionally, simple herbs such as valerian, chamomile, hops, have been used. With today's increasing stress, formulas seem to be more effective. Look for combinations including the aforementioned herbs along with scullcap, vervain, passionflower and magnolia. All these ingredients or mixtures thereof have long historical records. Other products such as magnesium, or the hormone melatonin can also be helpful. Sometimes sleeplessness is more a factor of adrenal exhaustion... In that case formulas including licorice, eleuthro, sarsaparilla, hawthorn, or devil's club may help restore your balance and help you get a good nights sleep. Dear Jonathan: I thought I was being careful in avoiding poison ivy, but my dog went running through the woods, and must have gotten the stuff on his fur, because now I have it all over. Any ideas? Calamine lotion seems to make it worse. -Bill Dear Bill: Sorry to hear about rover's little romp. That is a very common way people get poison ivy. There are several remedies that can give quick relief and dry up the poison ivy. If it is really widespread, you might try pine tar soap. Another approach is using green clay. Make a wash of clay and water and apply. It helps with the itch and help dry up the blisters. We have two different sprays for smaller areas. Grindelia and jewel weed are traditional ingredients that are very effective. Finally there are homeopathics remedies that will help with the outbreak and help dry up the blister very quickly. Good luck. It is August and there are sunburns. Some easy remedies for relief would include black tea as a wash, chamomile tea, aloe vera juice or gel, Try a lavender essential oil spray, Lavender can stop the burn and soothe the skin. Stay healthy! -Jonathan Please send your questions on botanical remedies to Natures Rx : Jonathan Evans via e-mail at info@theherbarium.com, or by regular mail at The Herbarium, 264 Exchange Street, Chicopee, MA 01013. If you are requesting additional information from Jonathan, please include a self-addrresed stamped envelope.