very o/t medical question

[rool]

I have a stinking cold and hardly slept last night and have come across a bottle of night nurse in the medicine cupboard. The memory banks warn me that asthmatics shouldn't take it. Is this true and does anyone know why?

Cheers

 

[rool]

anyone? it's a serious question.

I guess there's only one way to find out

 

[Jim Byrne]

i'm asthmatic and hav never had a problem? never new i there was an issue with it!

 

[seagullsslimjim]

if there's no warning on the leaflet it should be OK, or try a medical web site

 

[NMH]

i'm asthmatic and hav never had a problem? never new i there was an issue with it!

I suggest you have a look at Echinacea, which is a herb that is often combined with 'Goldenseal' (no idea what that is but it's another natural substance). Great for respiratory disorders, I have found that it can cure asthma (gradually) instead of just controlling the symtoms like inhalers do. Used only for a week at a time, sporadically and when needed, gradually strengthening the immune system and clearing the lungs.

It's also excellent as a natural anti-cold aid, as soon as you get cold symptoms or feel a bit dodgy.

I was always sceptical about holistic medicines, but really the synthetics and pharmaceuticals are often there to keep doctors in a job and don't tend to harmonise the body to deal with infections so much as wipe out everything in their path *including* the body's own antibodies.

Check with a doctor though, before taking even holistic stuff, because sometimes allergies exist or there can be other organs that, if weak, may not do so well with some herbs.

 

[Lush]

Agree. Echinacea works well for me. You can get Echinacea and Garlic capsules from Sainsburys and other places (Garlic is also good against infections). But it works best if you take it at the first signs of a cold - not by the time you've got a full on phlegm-fest.

Stick your head under a towel over a bowl of steaming water with a few drops of Friars Balsam in it (any chemist will have it). That should should clear your passages with no side-effects.

 

[readingstockport]

I think it's because IIRC night nurse contains nsaid's (ibuprofen etc) or paracetaomol doesn't it? something like 3% of asthmatics show an allergic reaction to these substances which can vary from mild to very severe.

If you take ibuprofen or the like already you should be ok, if you don't then you should still be ok but be aware that if your asthma worsens significantly you should go to hospital asap.

I take both of them when necessary and have never had a reaction, others react badly.

 

[Reading Posh]

Where is monster monch this morning?

Did he take the Night Nurse after all

 

[Dick Knights Mumm]

Stick your head under a towel over a bowl of steaming water with a few drops of Friars Balsam in it (any chemist will have it). That should should clear your passages with no side-effects.

That sure is powerful stuff.

 

[Barnet Seagull]

The alternative of course is much more pleasurable, vindaloo.

Same effect but better taste.

 

[rool]

Hi guys, cheers for the advice. I did take it and have pretty much slept since last night and boy did I have some weird dreams. I will look for some Echinacea but we don't have the luxury of a sainsbury in ireland but we do have holland and barett.

Thanks again guys

 

[NMH]

....I forgot to add that you should also find and take a cutting off a Eucalyptus tree, and place that in a vase in your bedroom and other rooms (depending on how many vases and cuttings you can get) in your house.

These old tips are forgotten in favour of synthetic medicine or expensive bottled stuff . However, 'Vick's' does basically the same thing if you can't find a tree.

Lush is right about Garlic, which helps almost everything! Clears skin complaints too . Also correct that you have to take the Echinacea early. Once it's fully got you, a cold or flu is going to run its' course whatever you try to prevent it.

 

[Yorkie]

Instead of Friars Balsam as an steam inhalation you could try Olbas Oil. You can also put a couple of drops on your pillow to clear your head whilst sleeping and on a tissue to hold to your nose throughout the day.

It's eucalyptus oil and very powerful stuff. I tend to get sinusitus after a particularly bad cold and it works a treat for clearing my head.

I agree about checking out ibuprofen in propriety medicines as Ned is asthmatic and cannot tolerate any ibuprofen at all.