A.Vogel Herbal Remedies

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Case study – All Blocked Up?

by Alison, on 21 September 2012, Cold & Flu, Echinacea, Health, Herbal Remedies
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Waking up with catarrh dripping down the back of your throat; finding it difficult to breath quietly; not being able to exercise without struggling for breath; feeling like you’re always clearing your throat – such are the delights of a congested airway.

Catarrhal congestion is very common, whether as a hangover from a bad cold, or as a general condition that never seems to completely leave you.

Emily came to see me because she was fed up with feeling stuffed up all the time. She was in her mid-thirties and had suffered from catarrh for several years, gradually finding that it never really left her, even when she was abroad on holiday in warm climates. When she attended the clinic she had yet another cold, which she was struggling to shift.

She had used a whole range of decongestants, but couldn’t use them long-term and was looking for a treatment that would cure the problem fully.

Emily’s treatment plan involved the following points:

  • Increasing water intake and cutting down on caffeinated drinks
  • Avoiding dairy products, which can contribute to increased mucus production
  • Reducing the amount of refined sugar in her diet
  • Increasing her vitamin C intake
  • Using Sinuforce nasal spray for immediate resolution of the stuffy congestion
  • Echinacea for the cold symptoms

It took a good few weeks for Emily to successfully adjust to her diet, finding replacements for dairy products in health stores, and getting used to more water and less caffeine – always a big ask! The immediate relief that she felt with Sinuforce was, however, sufficient encouragement to keep her on track with the dietary changes. She was delighted to find that her cold cleared up quickly, and this also spurred her on to pursue her new regime.

After 2 months Emily’s nasal passages were declared a congestion-free zone! Being able to breath so much more easily, she’d been encouraged to start exercising more assiduously, and was amazed at the energy she discovered.

Reactions

  • Anne Parry, 270 days ago

    I have Carpal Tunnel syndrome – in the right hand – only thumb and 2 fingers – can you suggest anything to help?

    Many thanks

    Anne

    • alison , 268 days ago

      Devil’s Claw tincture, a good magnesium supplement, and Urticalcin may help.

  • Mary, 270 days ago

    I would be interested in a follow up as I have similar symptoms to Emily. quite a few years older tho’ if that matters. I have had blood and mucous coming from my nose as well . I have now developed a bit of a wheeze in my throat only ( Dr. says my chest is clear ). I have been given an inhaler for this but would rather not start down this road if possible This is more troublesome at night but I haven’e been really clear of this since June. Previously I have had a watery nose and persistent sneezing which wasn’t seasonal, Thank you Mary.

    • alison , 268 days ago

      Hi Mary, we will get our Helpline team to contact you directly about your query, as they will probably wish to ask you some additional questions.

  • Carmel Crowe, 258 days ago

    I have all the above symptoms with the added problem nasal polyp’s which were removed anout 13 yrs ago and have now come back with a vengence. I have been pprescribed steroidal nasal spray which I know is a short term solution. I have started to greatly reduce dairy products, having been a fan of yogurts since I read some time ago that soya products were not as good for us as originally percieved. My mucose can be yellow at times which suggests a bacterial infection. I want to avoid antibiotics at all costs. Would Echinaforce be useful in this instance?
    Thank you in anticipation for your advice
    Carmel

  • Christine, 238 days ago

    Hi, I often have catarrh drip down my throat and my breath is not always pleasant despite good dental hygeine. I am vegan and have soya products instead of dairy – is this also a problem? My sugar intake is limited and I take echinaforce for colds or if I feel a bit run down. I get seasonal hayfever from grass pollen but dust/animal dander can also set of an allergic reaction. Please can you help?
    Christine

    • Alison, 233 days ago

      Hi Christine,

      It may be that your digestive system needs a bit of a boost to assist it with breaking down certain foods. Excessive mucus production often indicates weak digestion. In my clinic I find that supporting the pancreas can be helpful, so try taking Yarrow Complex before each meal. It’s bitter, but it has a very positive effect on digestion.

      • Christine, 233 days ago

        Thanks Alison I will try Yarrow Complex. How long should I take it for?
        Christine

        • Alison, 233 days ago

          If you have had the catarrh for a long time then it may take a couple of months for Yarrow to start shifting it. Usually, however, if bitters are going to work then you start to feel some benefits quite quickly (e.g. within a few days) and that indicates that things are progressing along the right lines. Please do get back to me and let me know how you get on.

  • jacqueline walsh, 238 days ago

    I have what is probably glue ear due to a partially incompetent eustachian tube. It doesnt drain the mucous but i dont know why i produce so much. my sinus are clear. Im 52. Constant thick mucous in my middle ear and when shifted does go down the back of my throat but is more like having a stone in my ear and can be quite painful and stops me sleeping when i lie down. Have been advised to try plantago but wondered if there was any other advice. This was adult onset. Im also vegan. Thanx.

    • Alison, 233 days ago

      It sounds very unpleasant to have to deal with. I would suggest taking Yarrow Complex to support your digestion, which often helps reduce mucus formation. I would also recommend finding an experienced craniosacral therapist to do some gentle work around the soft tissue – this may help unblock the drainage problem.

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