Physician Heal Thyself
Constitutional remedies and when to take them
As a child I could never stomach breakfast.
To my young mind, it felt wrong to be jolted awake and eat a hurried meal while my eyes were still adjusting the the rawness of the day. Forcing a sleepy digestive system into action the moment the cock crows was surely madness?
Starting the day was always a dragged out affair. My default morning mode was to wobble through the first few hours of low blood sugar fending off feelings of mild nausea until about 11 am, around about which time I’d feel ready to get something inside me.
Years later while studying Iridology, I came to understand that as a mixed biliary type, it was hardly surprising I wasn’t a natural “morning person.” It’s also interesting to note that according to the Chinese body clock, 11 am is associated with the spleen. Energetically this organ is intimately connected with digestion. It’s responsible for transforming nutrients from food into Qi and Blood, and closely linked to the pancreas, which is responsible for producing the enzymes needed to break down food and manufacturing the hormone insulin, which helps to control our blood sugar.
It’s taken me years to accept that when it comes to listening to the advice of others, understanding what suits your own particular body is often what works best.
The Constitution in Herbalism
I’ve come to learn that if you feel unwell, it’s usually because you’ve gone beyond your “band-with” and bypassed the wisdom of your body.
This happens because:
You’re going along with habits that don’t align with your natural make-up. This can be due to a multitude of lifestyle choices from what you eat, to where you work.
You’re following advice that isn’t suited to your individual, constitutional needs.
In short, you’re over-riding the signals your body is sending, or worse - you’re listening to what other people tell you is best.
In Ayurveda this is sometimes referred to as Prajnaparadha or “crimes against wisdom.” Put simply, living within your means, and in harmony with a pattern that’s suited to your natural disposition is way better than blindly following general advice. In my humble opinion, this is one of the reasons why modern allopathic medicine with it’s “one size fits all” approach is currently failing so many people.
“Treat the Person - Not the Disease.”
Unfortunately, not even the world of natural wellness is exempt from falling prey to the “quick fix” culture. The internet is awash with “take X herb for Y condition” articles which encourage people to waste their hard earned money on supplements that may not be suitable for their individual situation.
In a world where taking time to convalesce is seen as a weakness, and overnight results are an expectation, I’m increasingly seeing practitioners from all walks of life make promises they can’t deliver. The reality is, there are no simplistic solutions to wellness issues that are nuanced, unique and complex.
It’s simply not possible to take the individual out of the equation. The individual is the variable in every single case.
Sarah Donoghue ND (me)
Objectivity in Practice
“Physician heal thyself”
Taking steps to improve your own health and wellbeing (what this newsletter is all about!) is a really good thing to do. Part of that process involves taking time to get to know your unique constitution, and using best judgement when it comes to following advice. This is a wise approach. However, there is a difference between self treating and self diagnosis. There are times when getting out of your own way is absolutely paramount.
Let me offer a personal example:
After having Covid I had a number of health issues I desperately needed help with. This was partly due to the fact that I was exhausted by months of illness and didn’t have the physical energy to research, purchase and mix my own blends. This was compounded by the fact that I’d developed a horrible condition known as Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, a hyper immune disorder I knew absolutely nothing about.
I self prescribed a tried and trusted herbal formula for my wracking unproductive cough, but had begun experiencing chest pains. I was frightened! Had I developed a heart problem? Was there some more sinister inflammatory issue going on?
Two things quickly sorted out the situation:
A blood test (which I couldn’t possibly have performed on myself) revealed I had chronic anaemia and a good dose of iron was urgently needed to get my levels back up to normal.
A check up from a chiropractic friend revealed that I’d coughed so hard I’d pulled a muscle in my rib cage which was the source of the chronic chest pain.
All that was needed was proper rest and some iron supplements. I’d wasted two months trying to self treat a condition which wasn’t the root cause of what was going on.
The moral of the story:
Seek help from experienced practitioners when in need. It’s virtually impossible to be objective about yourself.
Follow advice prudently. Make sure that anything you try is suited to your own individual demeanour to ensure you get the best results.
In sum, find a practitioner who is willing to take the time to understand your individual needs. Someone who has training in constitutional diagnostic tools such as Iridology or pulse / tongue diagnosis, and never promises a quick fix. Most importantly of all, a practitioner who’s willing to work together in order to get results.
If you’re looking to find such a person, the following resources are a good place to start.
Other News
2024 marks a new adventure for me, as I embark on a course of study at the International College of Acupuncture. The training is intensive, which means that from January, I will be unable to accept new clients at the herbal clinic. Online consultations and dispensation of prescriptions will continue to be available for existing customers, and of course sausage tree cream and elderberry shrub can still be purchased from my website.
For the next few months my time will be focused around study, writing, and curating this newsletter. That said, I do have a couple of events planned which may be of interest to local readers.
My botanical drinks workshop is back by popular demand, and will be held at Mawgan Porth Village Hall on Saturday 10th Feb. During the course of the morning we’ll be making old fashioned haymakers punch, herbal shrubs & syrups, and infusions & decoctions from a range of seasonal plants, berries and flowers. The cost for the workshop includes downloadable notes & recipes, plus herbal refreshments & tasters. There are currently five spaces available.
On Saturday 13th April, we’ll gather at The Falcon Inn for the annual Vale of Lanherne herb walk. The wild medicine walk follows the ancient Saint’s Way, and is a combination of herbal folklore and facts, plant identification, story-telling, and drinking in the sounds of nature. Mid morning we’ll stop off at a boutique tea garden with views over the Vale of Lanherne where brunch / gin is an optional extra.
And finally…
Next months paid post will be an in depth exploration of garlic, including how to propagate, cook and make medicine with this amazing, under-rated bulb. As usual, I’ll be sharing recipes and detailed protocols. Over the next few weeks I’ll also be publishing my course on herbs for liver health, (a topic a lot of you have been in touch about over the new year.)
If you’d like to know more about either of these things, do take advantage of my special January offer of 25% off an annual subscription, (that’s less than the price of a haircut.)
Whatever your level of support and wherever you are in the world, may I take this opportunity to thank you all for continuing to open and read my work. I really am truly grateful.
Wishing you all a healthy, happy and prosperous 2024.