How do you treat chilblains?

Chilblains are one of the most common cold-weather complaints in the UK, yet most people are not sure what actually helps. These itchy, red or purple patches on your toes, fingers or ears can be painful and slow to heal, especially if you warm the skin too quickly or keep exposing it to cold. The […]
What is hepar sulph 30c used for?

Hepar sulph is one of the remedies you may come across in the homeopathic section of a pharmacy, often labelled as “Hepar sulph 30C” or sometimes “Hepar sulphuris calcareum”. It has a distinctive origin, being one of the remedies created by Samuel Hahnemann himself, and is traditionally associated with infections that produce pus, painful dry […]
Are herbal remedies safe, and do they work?

Herbal remedies are among the most popular forms of self-care in the UK, and they sit in an unusual space: widely available in pharmacies and health shops, yet not tested or regulated in the same way as conventional medicines. The question of whether they are safe and whether they work does not have a single […]
What is aconite used for in homeopathy?

Aconite is one of the most frequently used remedies in homeopathic practice and one you may have seen on pharmacy shelves labelled as “Aconite 30C”. It is made from monkshood, a striking but extremely dangerous plant, and is traditionally associated with conditions that come on suddenly, particularly after a fright, a shock or exposure to […]
What is kali phos used for?

Kali phos is one of the most widely sold tissue salts and one of the remedies you are most likely to find in the homeopathic section of a pharmacy or health shop. It is traditionally associated with mental tiredness, nervous exhaustion and stress. If you have seen it on a shelf and wondered whether it […]
What are the claimed benefits of lycopodium?

Lycopodium is one of the most frequently prescribed remedies in homeopathic practice. It is made from club moss, a plant that has been used in folk medicine for centuries. If you have seen lycopodium in a pharmacy or health shop and wondered what it is supposed to do, this guide explains what it is, what […]
What is a sprain, and how do you treat one?

Sprains are one of the most common injuries, especially among people who play sport or exercise regularly. They can also happen simply by stepping awkwardly off a kerb or tripping on uneven ground. Most sprains are not serious and can be managed at home, but knowing how to treat one properly can speed up your […]
Do natural remedies for vaginal thrush work?

If you have ever searched for ways to treat thrush at home, you will have found no shortage of suggestions: yoghurt, coconut oil, tea tree oil, garlic, apple cider vinegar and more. Some of these have been used for generations. But do any of them actually work, and are they safe? This guide looks at […]
What is pulsatilla used for in homeopathy?

Pulsatilla is one of the most commonly prescribed remedies in homeopathic practice. It is made from the pasque flower, a low-growing European wildflower, and has been part of the homeopathic tradition for over two hundred years. If you have come across pulsatilla in a pharmacy, a health shop or online, you may be wondering what […]
What are the main types of complementary therapies?

Complementary therapies is a broad term that covers a wide range of treatments used alongside conventional medicine. They include everything from acupuncture and massage to herbal remedies, meditation and energy healing. The NHS describes them as treatments that fall outside standard medicine, and notes that while some may be offered on the NHS for specific […]