'Respiratory Health (including lungs & sinuses): Natural Therapies with Rio Health'
sponsored by Rio Health

Please note, this is a transcript of the questions received and have been reproduced verbatim in relation to any grammatical errors.

Can hiccups be associated with growth spurts in teenagers?

This is an interesting question. Apparently, centuries ago, it was claimed that hiccups meant a growth spurt for children. Since short bouts of hiccups can associate with emotional stress, and teenage years also can associate with emotional stress, with growth spurts likely also associating with stress, it is entirely plausible that hiccups may associate with growth spurts.

Hiccups are actually caused by an irritation of the diaphragm which causes a spasm.  Slide 25 in the webinar lists causes and some suggestions.  In terms of supplements, magnesium may help since it can help relax muscles as well as aiding sleep which may help if stress is involved.  Adaptogenic botanicals like Rhodiola or Schisandra may also benefit. Chinese Skullcap has also been traditionally used for hiccups and may help, possibly due to its anxiolytic, antispasmodic, and sedative effects.

It can be useful to discuss potential causes of hiccups with the person suffering since it can relate to the way they are eating their food. If hiccups are persistent, it is a good idea to discuss with a physician who may decide to check for any underlying cause.

Is Inula appropriate for teenagers with seasonal asthma? What is the recommended dosage?

Respiratory health is indeed one of the benefits of Inula use.  Inula helenium has antispasmodic properties and a relaxant effect on both tracheal and ileal smooth muscle.  It acts as expectorant and antitussive as well.  It has been used traditionally for asthma in some cultures.

The epigenar® Inula Organic tincture can be used with children from age 4 years, giving 1 drop per number of years of age, three times daily in a small amount of water.  Adult dosage (from age 16 years) is 10-15 drops, 3 times daily in a small amount of water.  Because Inula helenium also has antimicrobial actions, start with a lower dose and titrate up as needed.  Add some detox support to counter any die-off effect; Green Magma (Barley Grass Juice Extract) is ideal for everyone because it is detoxifying, alkalizing and nutritive. Manayupa or Manayupa-P’nella can also be added for improved detoxification.

What do you recommend for someone with hay fever?

We didn’t really discuss hay fever in this webinar as I would like to further research and provide a webinar on hay fever and other histamine issues. 

There are 2 types of hay fever: seasonal allergic rhinitis which is typically caused by outdoor pollen (from grasses, trees and weeds) or from decaying leaves or mould spores, and perennial allergic rhinitis which is year-round and caused often by dust mites, indoor moulds or pet dander.

It is important to note that exposure to pollen, and other substances that cause allergic reactions, can affect the lungs by causing inflammation. This inflammation is a misguided attempt by the body to protect itself from the allergens. Those with allergies are at higher risk of developing respiratory infections. Exposure to seasonal allergies can compromise the immune system & increase mucus production which might promote development of bronchitis or other respiratory infections.

Hypersensitivity to dust, tiny organisms & chemicals can also occur; such hypersensitivity can cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis (whereby the allergic reaction causes inflammation of the lung’s air sacs).

So, high on the list of protocol suggestions would be to manage inflammation.  Curcumin may be a good addition to protocol. Rio Health have several curcumin products including epigenar® Curcumin Forte and epigenar® Liposomal Curcumin. 

Ginger (‘the new curcumin’) may also help as, in addition to being anti-inflammatory, ginger protects mucous membranes, is expectorant, anti-tussive, antimicrobial and an immune stimulant.  An Organic Ginger Tincture is available in our epigenar® range.

Quercetin is also highly recommended in hay fever.  Quercetin has positive influence on immune system balance and mast cell balance.  It inhibits histamine release and may help reduce the symptoms of allergies.  Quercetin has been shown to cause significant bronchodilation and may help reduce hyperreactivity of airways. Rio Health have epigenar® Quercetin 400 as well as epigenar® Curcumin-Oregano-Quercetin Complex which may help.

Vitamin C also acts as a natural anti-histamine and supports immune health.  And vitamin D levels should be checked with supplementation as needed to ensure optimal levels of this important vitamin. Rio Health have several vitamin C options (powders, liposomal, whole foods) and vitamin D options (liquid drops, oral spray, and soon, a liposomal product).

Manayupa has been shown to be useful for healthy respiratory function regarding asthma and to aid re allergic reactions. Manayupa is available in the Rio Health® Tincture range.

Hay fever affects people differently and individuals may need further support depending on the symptoms.

Are any of these tinctures not suitable for anyone with a nut allergy, particularly peanuts?

All our products (including tinctures) clearly state ingredients and (if present) allergens.  Tinctures are almost always simply the relevant herb (or herbs) with the alcohol (the menstruum). Some of the tinctures we offer are organic.  None of our current tinctures are from nuts. 

Our product datasheets indicate where plants are in a group that may indicate allergic reactions, for example, chamomile may be problematic for some who are allergic to ragweed or daisies.  The ingredients lists are easily found on our consumer and practitioner website.  The professional product datasheet has additional information and these are mostly posted within blogs on our practitioner dedicated website.  Those who have not yet registered can do so by visiting www.riohealthpractitioners.co.uk and completing the registration document.  It is free to register and we send you a Welcome Gift (which you choose).

For more information about the benefits of tinctures, please see our practitioner blog: https://riohealthpractitioners.co.uk/blogs/news/tincture-advantage (log in first, registration is free).

What could be the issue with a 60 years old man who despite an anti-mucus diet keeps producing mucus, catarrh & sputum & feeling having constant phlegm in his lungs? what tincture and/or other remedies would you recommend?

Older individuals can have more respiratory problems. Have a look at slide 44 of the webinar where we looked at lungs and ageing.  There are some suggestions there re countering negative effects of ageing on respiratory health that might be useful for this client.

It hasn’t been stated if this man has seen his physician to rule out any underlying disease process which might indicate the reason for mucus/catarrh/sputum production and which might impact protocol suggestion. Nor has it been stated if he is a smoker or regularly exposed to environmental toxins.  It would also be important to rule out mould exposure (mould is not always immediately visible) and whether there are pets to which he may have reactions.  I would also rule out any oral health issues.

If the client is overweight, this may be impeding the diaphragm, preventing full expansion of the lungs.

Since mucus is produced to protect and lubricate the respiratory system, there is likely, in the case of this individual, some external trigger to excess production. If that trigger is something that can be avoided then that would be the first protocol suggestion. 

In terms of useful tinctures/remedies to consider, there are several:

• Barberry (Rio Health® tincture): which as a berberine botanical is anti-catarrhal as well as exerting tonic effects on mucous membranes and being anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial (it is possible there is a bacterial infection)
• Inula (epigenar® tincture): is particularly useful for the respiratory tract and is indicated for bronchial or tracheal catarrh. Inula is also antitussive, expectorant, antibacterial, alterative and tonic.
• Liquorice (epigenar® tincture): which is traditionally used to lessen catarrh and is mucoprotective. Liquorice is an immune potentiating potent synergist and is usefully added to many protocols
• Ezov / Hyssop (epigenar® tincture): which reduces phlegm and has other respiratory health benefits.
• Achillea (epigenar® tincture): which has some anti-catarrhal/decongestant properties
• Oregano (epigenar® capsules): anti-catarrhal and cough suppressive

If the client’s muscle tone has declined and/or if he is not particularly active, he may not be coughing productively and he may not be expelling irritants that are causing irritation to the mucous membrane—thus signalling the body to produce more mucus. Perhaps suggesting a regular walk or some other regular exercise—maybe swimming if appropriate to the client.

It might be worth checking vitamin status—not only vitamin D; vitamin A is important for mucous membrane health.

Humidifying the air can help to thin mucus.  Increasingly breathing artificially heated or cooled air (central heating and air conditioning) can impact respiratory health.  Using a diffuser at night might be helpful.  An antibacterial oil like cinnamon oil might help—and I personally find this helps me during hay fever season.  Note that I am not an aromatherapist and I am sure a qualified aromatherapist would have more suggestions. 

I have a client who always has super dry sinuses, what would you recommend?

One of the first things to look at is the air quality since low humidity (caused by central heating and/or air conditioning) can cause nasal passages and sinuses to become dry and irritated. Other causes include nutritional deficiencies and infections.  Dry nasal passages are also a common symptom of some medications, including antihistamines and decongestants. 

If other body tissues are dry, then Sjogren syndrome should be considered.  Note that many pharmaceutical medications have xerostomia (dry mouth) as a side effect.  It may be that other body tissues are affected by pharmaceuticals.

Humidifying the air may help.  Using a diffuser may help.  And using a salt pipe may help.  It is important to look for any underlying cause, including any nutrient deficiencies.  Vitamins D, C and A may be beneficial to supplement.

Mucous membranes need to be moist to function optimally.  Dry membranes may increase susceptibility to infection. 

How can I best support an asthmatic 12 years old who uses a preventative inhaler and whose asthma is generally well controlled during the summer months. However, in winter she often gets a cold which will go straight to her chest resulting in oral steroid medication or hospitalisation for nebuliser and steroids. She is currently on a multivitamin, vitamin C and vitamin D and a diet with reduced intake of cheese and yogurt. Which products from your range might help support her immunity, in particular respiratory health?

Support via multivitamin, vitamin C and vitamin D are great choices you are already using.  This asthmatic 12 years old may need support with vitamin A as well, although you may wish to test nutrient status first.  The epigenar® vitamin A & E liquid drops can be used from age 4 at 1 drop or less (mix it with a little olive oil).  If the condition is not acute, use 1 drop every 3 days. Normal use is sublingually or added to water, fruit juice or milk.

Protocol might include immune support, anti-asthmatics, mucoprotective and anti-virals since viral infections are the most common seasonal infections that might initially trigger respiratory problems. Anxiolytics may also help since anxiety may impact breathing, especially for asthmatics.  Protocol possibilities include: (NOTE: child dosages are stated in product datasheets, available online www.riohealthpractitioners.co.uk)

• Inula (epigenar® tincture): traditionally used for asthma and other chronic conditions of the lungs and respiratory system; alterative and tonic. Suitable from age 4.
• Ezov / Hyssop (epigenar® tincture): used traditionally for respiratory system diseases and found to affect levels of some cytokines in asthmatic mice, indicating potential anti-asthmatic activity. Also, expectorant, reduces phlegm and is antiviral.  Suitable from age 4.
• Chinese Skullcap (epigenar® tincture): shows anti-asthmatic activity, potent antiviral, anxiolytic, may reduce hypersensitivity and inflammation in airways. Suitable from age 2.
• Cecropia (Takuna) (Rio Health® Tincture): useful for asthma relief; antiviral activity; traditionally used in Latin America for asthma, bronchitis, cough, anxiety and more. Suitable from age 4.
• Manayupa (Burbur) (Rio Health® Tincture): contains a novel soyasaponin (DHS) which may account for therapeutic action in asthma; useful detoxification support if antibacterials (e.g. garlic, Cat’s Claw) are used. Suitable from age 6
• Quercetin (epigenar® capsules): airway mast cells are involved in allergic rhinitis and asthma; quercetin is a natural antihistamine that has positive influence on immune system balance and mast cell balance and can inhibit histamine release; quercetin can reduce hyperreactivity of airways. Suitable from age 5.
• Black Seed Oil (epigenar® oil): traditionally used in prevention and treatment of asthma; bronchodilator; provides immune support and works synergistically with other botanicals. Suitable from age 4.
• Cistus incanus (epigenar® tincture): supports mucous membranes and respiratory tract; useful for prophylaxis and treatment of common cold diseases of all sorts. Suitable from age 4.
• Glutathione (epigenar® (dry powder) Liposomal Glutathione capsules): has many benefits—asthma and other pulmonary diseases associate with glutathione depletion. Suitable from age 12.
• Garlic (epigenar® capsules): immune support, useful re asthma and breathing difficulties, works synergistically with other botanicals, reduces mucous congestion, antiviral and antibacterial. Suitable from age 7.
• Schisandra (epigenar® tincture, available soon): balancing and adaptogenic herb that is useful for asthma, bronchodilator and indicated for cough and wheezing. May counter effects of unbalanced respiratory system
• Ginger (epigenar® Organic Tincture): an immune stimulant, very useful for common viral infections and helps to reduce mucus, is a potent synergist and antiviral, protects mucous membranes from damage. Suitable from age 4.
• Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) (Rio Health® Cat’s Claw Plus Tincture, Rio Amazon® Cat’s Claw capsules and Rio Amazon® Cat’s Claw teabags): supports respiratory health re asthma; shows anti-inflammatory activity re asthma (inhibition of TNF-α and IL-6), immunomodulating and antiviral activities, as well as being antibacterial. Suitable from age 4 (tincture), or age 5 (capsule and teabags).
• Liquorice (epigenar® Organic tincture): mucoprotective, immune potentiating potent synergist and profoundly antiviral. Suitable from age 4.

Many of the suggested botanicals are available in our ranges as tinctures.  See below query (and answer) about why use tinctures.

Rio Health have a lot of tinctures—are there advantages to using tinctures?  What about the alcohol content? Can tinctures be used for children?

Botanical tinctures have been used for thousands of years as a means to extract the powerful healing actions of botanical constituents.  As a solvent, alcohol/ethanol extracts constituents that are not water-soluble (e.g. alkaloids, essential oils and resins).  Alcohol/ethanol is a powerful and safe solvent and alcohol/ethanol tinctures are extremely fast-acting, entering the bloodstream quickly via capillaries in the mouth.

Tinctures have distinct advantages and are an efficient and highly effective delivery means for botanical constituents, and tinctures permit easy titration making these much easier to use with children. Many of our tinctures can be used with children as young as 4.  It should always be remembered that tinctures contain alcohol and this should be discussed with the parent/carer. 

Where use of alcohol is an issue (for religious/cultural reasons, or with young children), it might be useful to communicate a couple of specific points (in addition to the general benefits listed below).  Firstly, many foods (for example, an over-ripe banana or fermented fruits/vegetables) contain naturally-occurring alcohol at a similar level to what is in a few drops of tincture (which will be mixed into a liquid, usually water, for delivery).  And secondly, whilst the alcohol can be dissipated by placing the drops in hot water, the efficacy of the tincture might be reduced by this means of removing the alcohol.  This is because the alcohol facilitates the delivery of the constituents into the cells. For this reason, the alcohol content of the tincture should be considered an integral part of the therapy/protocol.

In support of alcohol/ethanol tinctures:

• No added ingredients; no excipients, flavourings, colours, binders, etc,
• No capsule shell—great for people who find swallowing difficult; great for children
• Generally, less problematic re allergens (due no excipients, especially if gluten-free ethanol is used)
• Quickly absorbed by the body (particularly useful for acute conditions such as cold, flu, pain and anxiety)
• Quick absorption means the body doesn’t need to break down the plant cellulose content so active constituents are delivered direct to the bloodstream which is advantageous re digestive disorders which might hinder absorption (also useful in cases of low stomach acid)
• Permit flexible dosing which can vary according to age, sensitivity and severity of condition
• Can often be used by children
• Can be easily concealed (compared with powder, opened capsules, crushed tablets)
• Alcohol/ethanol acts as preservative (so no need for artificial preservatives, and longer shelf life with retained potency)