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Selftreatment advice
 
Painless disinfection

Maintaining hygiene and avoiding contact with infectious disease causative agents have become part of our everyday life since Louis Pasteur postulated his theory of microbes as causes of diseases in the nineteenth century. Even casual scratches may become dangerous if populated by harmful micro-organisms.

Dermospray is an antiseptic spray for skin protection, which destroys bacteria and fungi, and thus acts as a hygienic skin cleanser. It is easy to apply and starts acting after 30 seconds. It does not leave greasy residue on the clothes or trace on the skin and importantly, it does not produce a burning sensation. The last feature makes it especially suitable for use in children, as well as in adults.

Helpful advice

  • Protect the children’s skin with carefully chosen clothes and shoes, especially if they play in the sand or dirty environment
  • Teach them how to take care of their personal hygiene and to avoid playing in places that might be dangerous
  • When walking in nature, take DERMOSPRAY with you.
    
Pain

Pain is an unpleasant physical and emotional experience connected to real or potential tissue injury. The body uses pain to signalize an existing or looming danger. Pain, albeit disagreeable, has a protective role.

The many existing types of pain are variously described as sharp, stinging, burning, deep and stabbing. The pain may be short-lasting (acute) or, if it lasts longer than six months, long-lasting (chronic). In any case, the feeling of pain is individual and depends on physical, psychological, but also social, cultural and gender characteristics of the individual.

Paracetamol is a well-known and effective drug against pain and high body temperature that has been in use since 1893. Paracetamol-based products are especially recommended to children, young people and those with sensitive stomach mucosa.

Efferalgan 500 effervescent tablets act twice as fast as standard paracetamol tablets because dissolved tablets are absorbed faster in the stomach. They are not only practical but also have a pleasant taste. Efferalgan 500 alleviates headache, toothache, muscle ache and menstrual cramps. These are all “ordinary” pains that we have learnt to tolerate, yet they can be easily relieved.

Efferalgan in the form of rectal suppositories and effervescent tablets with added vitamin C is a convenient solution for relieving pain and reducing temperature in children.

Please read the instructions carefully before use. Your physician will explain indications for use, side effects and measures of precaution.

    
Sore throat and hoarseness


Sore throat is frequently a symptom of the common cold. The throat and occasionally tonsils are red and inflamed, which may make swallowing difficult and cause pain. Hoarseness is a sign of inflamed, swollen, and therefore less mobile vocal cords.

Helpful advice:

· Take a warm drink (we recommend Holyplant - Marshmallow tea ) to soothe sore throat and hoarseness.
· Throat lozenges (Septogal
) will reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth

If you do not wish to take sugar for the reasons of health, dental care or weight management, try Septogal with xylitol instead of sugar.

Xylitol is a sweetener found naturally in various fruits and vegetables (plums, strawberries, raspberries, cauliflower, onion, spinach and lettuce). It is as sweet as sugar but contains far fewer calories. It may be used in weight loss regimes because it reduces the need for carbohydrates and improves the use of fats by the organism. It has a particularly significant effect in the mouth. The caries-causing bacteria cannot digest xylitol and so do not use it in their nutrition. For that reason, xylitol reduces the number of bacteria in the mouth and soothes inflammation in the mouth and throat.

If you prefer a natural solution, you should put your trust in Septogal spray, which contains a tincture of sage, peppermint and thyme. These plants have an antibacterial and antiinflammatory effect. Thyme also mildly stimulates expectoration, while peppermint soothes the irritated throat.

    
Cough

Cough is a natural protective mechanism that frees airways from secretion, foreign bodies and other mucosa irritants such as cigarette smoke. It is usually caused by irritation of the respiratory tract mucosa, stay in a smoky place, inflammation, sometimes allergies, or a foreign body in the airways. While in most cases it is nothing but a protective reflex, it should not be ignored because a long-term cough may be a symptom of a serious disease.

Cough may be dry and irritable, and, if long-lasting, very tiring. Such cough is not productive and should be soothed.

By contrast, productive cough results in the secretion of sputum, which should be expectorated. Coughing is useful because it maintains the openness of the airways, so it should be stimulated and made easier.

Helpful advice:

-          Drink abundant quantities of warm fluid to soothe the irritated throat (Holyplant - Marshmallow tea , Holyplant – Marshmallow root)
-          Do not smoke
-          Avoid sudden temperature changes and dry air

Syrups and in particular those that contain plant extracts are the most popular medications. Holyplant syrups successfully soothes irritation and eases expectoration. It is exclusively based on plant principles.

If dry, unproductive cough disturbs your sleep and wears you down, you might want to ask your physician or pharmacists for Tusifan syrup.

With full force against the common cold and cough

 

How many times have you asked your physician to help you cure the persistent cough, but you were not sure if you just had a scratchy feeling in your throat, or sputum that had to be expectorated, or perhaps you needed something to soothe your cough? The causes of cough may be different, but even serious cough is usually a symptom of the common cold. In these cases it is best to avoid overcrowded physicians’ waiting rooms and visit the nearest pharmacy where, without a prescription and long waiting, you will get a syrup that will make expectoration easier or stop the long and tiring irritating cough.

Iceland moss (Lichen islandicus) is effective in all kinds of cough and in all phases of the common cold. It is a symbiotic organism of fungi and green algae that contains mucilaginous polysaccharides (lichenin and isolichenin), lichen acids, mucus and bitter substances. The part of the plant that has medicinal properties is the dried thallus. Iceland moss is also considered a natural antibiotic because lichen acids destroy bacteria and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Water-soluble polysaccharides cover the mucosa of the throat and upper respiratory tract, and thus alleviate the unpleasant irritation and reduce dry cough. But this is not all. In productive cough, Iceland moss helps the mucus mature, dissolve and thin down, which then makes expectoration of the sputum easier. As a result of that, cough, especially in the common cold, withdraws quickly and the organism, with the help of Iceland moss antiinflammatory activity, has more strength to fight disease.

The common cold and cough may be difficult to avoid, but we may be able to reduce the symptoms. Holyplant Iceland moss syrup brings together the excellent effects of the entirely natural, high quality raw materials and superb technological processing. It contains a concentrate of the Iceland moss so that even a small volume of the syrup has a full effect. It suffices to take half (children) or one (adults) teaspoon. The small dose and pleasant taste make it palatable even to persons who otherwise do not like syrups. It contains no sucrose so it is one of the few types of syrup that may be prescribed to patients who must avoid sugar.

In addition to Holyplant Iceland moss syrup, we recommend Holyplant Marshmallow infusion and Holyplant Flower infusion. They are not only very effective but also have a delicious, natural taste that you will find hard to resist.

The common cold and cough always threaten. Let us fight them with full force.

    
Influenza and the common cold

The common cold is an inflammation of nose and throat caused by virus or bacteria. The causative microbes are transmitted by immediate contact with the diseased person or through air. Symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, cough, hoarseness and occasionally high temperature. The common cold usually has mild course and lasts up to a week. If your temperature exceeds 38°C, you are sweating and shaking, and you feel muscle ache and general weakness, you probably have influenza.

Antibiotics have no effect on viruses, which cause the common cold, so they should not be taken without physician’s recommendation. Using antibiotics “just in case” may reduce their effectiveness when you really need them.

The common cold and influenza are especially dangerous to people with weak immunity, so in wintertime it is recommended to consume products with high amount of vitamin C. One Upsavit tablet a day, prepared in the form of a delicious drink, supplies enough vitamin C to the organism.

Upsarin with C vitamine  successfully eliminates unpleasant symptoms of cold and influenza. Effervescent tablets act quickly and do not irritate the stomach.

Your child is too big for syrup but too small for your tablets? For children of 7-15 years of age we recommend  Efferalgan with C vitamine, designed specially for this age group. It is believed that a certain quantity of vitamin C is lost from the organism in cold and influenza. Efferalgan plus vitamin C replaces the lost vitamin C and promotes faster recovery.

How to protect yourself and others:

· Wash your hands frequently
· Avoid shaking hands with infected persons or when you have cold
· Sneeze and cough into a handkerchief, and turn away from people. Use disposable paper handkerchiefs and throw them away immediately after use. 
· Keep away from infected people, especially if they are coughing or sneezing
· Do not share glasses or other kitchenware
· Avoid crowded places

    
Menopause

As menopause approaches, the function of ovaries begins to deteriorate and they start to produce less female hormones, estrogens. As a consequence, menstrual cycles become irregular, shorter or longer, and bleeding sudden or very abundant. Around 80% of women in menopause experience hotness and redness of the face and upper body, as well as frequent night sweats and insomnia. Most women experience irritability, depression, poor concentration and diminished libido. The mucosa of sexual organs becomes thin, dry and more susceptible to infections and injuries. The skin also becomes thin and dry, wrinkles appear, muscular tissue decreases and the fat increases. Osteoporosis and diseases of the cardiovascular system may befall any woman. Even if the symptoms of these diseases remain silent, they present a much more serious threat than hot flashes.

Red clover isoflavones are the most reliable phytohormones. Numerous research studies have shown them to be both safe and highly effective in reduction of unpleasant climacteric symptoms. They may be taken even when hormonal therapy is contraindicated. They are similar to estrogens so they partly take over the role of now reduced female hormones. They thus alleviate numerous discomforts and bring back the carefree smile to the woman's face. More and more studies have confirmed that isoflavones could contribute greatly to our nutrition as prevention of the diseases of heart and blood vessels, as well as osteoporosis. This conclusion is further proven by the observation that Asian women, because of their specific nutrition, tolerate menopause much better. Unlike Western women, they do not suffer from hot flashes, night sweats and insomnia. Osteoporosis develops less frequently and later than in Western women, and the mortality from cardiovascular diseases is significantly lower. It is not easy to change eating habits, but the lack of isoflavones in nutrition may be remedied by taking products that contain red clover isoflavones. Taking these products for a longer period has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system, in particular arteries, and on the bone health.

VITALIA Feminal capsules are a natural product that contains all four red clover isoflavones, as much as 40 mg in a single capsule. One capsule a day is enough.

They should be taken by women who wish to:

- alleviate menopausal symptoms
- preserve healthy bones
- preserve healthy heart and blood vessels

Helpful advice:

Eat more food of vegetable origin and less meat.
Wear layers so that you can easily remove excess clothes.
Choose a physical activity that you like, because light exercise is very useful.
Stop smoking and avoid alcohol, caffeine and strong spices.
Maintain normal body mass.

    
Prostate

As men reach older age, they also start to experience changes. Andropause, the period of a decrease in production of male hormones, is nowadays increasingly mentioned. Men notice a fall in their élan and strength; they more frequently experience tiredness, insomnia and irritability; their sexual power is also slowly decreasing. Changes of the blood vessels may be fatal and osteoporosis is also increasingly frequent. The prostate, the male sex gland, is also affected: about 50% men in their fifties have enlarged prostate.

Prostate is located in the pelvis, between the urinary bladder and rectum. It encircles the urethra. It participates in the production of the secretion that together with sperm cells makes the sperm. A healthy prostate measures around 3.5 centimetres and is shaped like a chestnut. A benign enlargement, meaning the excessive growth of the prostate tissue, may be found as early as the early forties, but symptoms usually start later. Every other man in his sixties suffers from more or less pronounced difficulties related to frequent, incomplete and night urination, as well as weak or interrupted urine stream.  These difficulties, caused by the pressure of the enlarged prostate on the urethra, are experienced by over 80% of men in their seventies.

Red clover isoflavones occupy a prominent place among natural products that have a positive effect on the prostate health. It has been confirmed that isoflavones act upon enzymes connected to the prostate and thus may improve its function and reduce the frequency of urinating at night, improve the urine flow and, more generally, improve the life quality. They also have a good effect on the heart and blood vessels, as proven by numerous studies that have shown isoflavones to reduce cholesterol and improve arterial elasticity. Studies have also shown that isoflavones have a positive effect on the prostate cancer and that they slow down the growth of certain tumour cells and prevent development of metastases. It remains to be confirmed if isoflavone-rich nutrition is the cause why men in Asian countries have a far lower incidence of benign enlargement and cancer of the prostate.

VITALIA Urostat capsules are a natural product that contains as much as 40 mg of red clover isoflavones and vitamin E in a single capsule. One capsule a day is enough.

This product is for men who wish to:

-  improve the function of the prostate and urinary system
-  maintain the prostate health
-  help preserve the healthy blood vessels and heart

Helpful advice:

·  regular check-ups with the urologist after the 45th birthday
·  if you have difficulties urinating, do see a doctor
·  do not drink fluids in the evening and avoid alcohol, coffee and strong spices
·  eat more food of vegetable origin
·  regularly repeat exercises of contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles
·  find a moderate physical activity that you enjoy

    
Stress, irritability and insomnia

The feelings of tension, restlessness, anxiety and irritability are so common that one wonders how it would be to live without them, in a free and relaxed way. We are constantly exposed to various pressures, lack of understanding in the work environment and in the family, conflicts that we wish to avoid, losses and crises. Fear, tiredness, insomnia, sweating, concentration loss, heart and digestion problems may make our life a very unsafe harbour.

People have always strived to attain the feeling of calm, relaxation and happiness, so early in history they discovered plants that could help. Valerian is, for a good reason, very popular. It soothes nervousness and tension, relieves stomach and intestinal cramps, helps with poor concentration and memory, as well as with increased sweating and high heart rate. It helps falling a sleep as well as prevents waking up during night. That effect has been confirmed in numerous studies. Valerian relieves tiredness and psychological exhaustion; it, simply, rebalances our nervous system.

Hops, a well known plant, also has a sedative effect during daytime and promotes a deeper and longer sleep at night.  Lemon balm additionally reduces irritability and restlessness, which makes it a good companion to valerian and hops.

A great advantage of these three plants is that they may be consumed without developing addiction, so that they can be taken for longer periods, by men and women, young and old. Studies that compared their effect with that of some synthetic sedatives showed that in milder conditions a combination of these three plants has the best result.

VITALIA Valeral are natural products that contain a combination of standardized extracts of valerian, hops and lemon balm. Each capsule contains an effective quantity of active substances.

This product should be taken by those who need natural help to relax:

-   if they are anxious, tense, irritated or stressed
-   if they have difficulties with sleep

Helpful advice:

·   dedicate part of your time to yourself
·   do something relaxing: listen to music, read or work in your garden
·   do not take everything too seriously. Most things are not as bad as they seem
·   do not eat heavy food or do something intense before bedtime
·   cut down on coffee and stimulants
·   avoid heavy and fatty food, strong spices, alcohol
·   make light exercise part of your daily routine– it relieves stress

    
Veins

Varicose veins vary in intensity from mild changes to bruises, inflammation and slow-healing wounds.

Varicose veins are very common and affect 10-20% of the population, more frequently women. They are often accompanied by a visible capillary network, slight leg swelling, felling of tiredness in legs, pain and, occasionally, cramps. In time they become larger and more numerous so they range in severity from mild changes that are predominantly of aesthetic concern, to bruises, inflammations and slow-healing wounds.

Varicose veins have many causes; in most cases they are caused by a combination of them. In addition to genetic predisposition, these include excess weight, long sitting or standing, insufficient physical activity, pregnancy, injuries and some other factors.

Health advice:

·   Rest your legs as often as you can in the elevated position. Avoid long sitting or standing.
·   Lightly massage your legs using upward motion, to stimulate venous blood flow.
·   Wear supportive stockings that will apply pressure on veins and thus stimulate (for a short period) venous blood flow.
·   Take up some light exercise (gymnastics, swimming, cycling, jogging)
·   Apply intermittent hot and cold baths

 ·  Loose excess weight and stop smoking.

·  Avoid sauna and strong sun.
·   Use ointments, creams and gel that contain wild chestnut extract, such as
 Holyplant – Wild chestnut balm , to relieve your problems.

Hepan is a heparin-based medication that prevents blood coagulation, promotes circulation in the treated body part and relieves symptoms of dilated and inflamed veins. It is applied without massaging on the painful area one to three times a day.

Please read the instruction leaflet carefully before use. Your physician or pharmacist will inform you about indications, side-effects and measures of precaution.

    
Dry skin

Is your skin elastic and taut, or dry, cracked, prone to scaling and irritations? Skin is the cover of the body and the largest organ. Its role is to protect us from blows, friction, light, radiation and other harmful influences from the outside. It also transmits stimuli from the external world and makes our life richer. Imagine the life without the feeling of light breeze on your face or warmth of the first spring sunrays! The skin also stores fats, water and nutrients, so it may be said that it has a manifold and extremely important role in the organism.

Healthy skin not only looks good but also functions well. Damaged skin has impaired function and shows visible unaesthetic or even painful changes.

One of the substances necessary for skin regeneration is vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). D-panthenol or dexpanthenol is a provitamin, which is the form in which pantothenic acid is found in nature. By entering a living cell, the provitamin converts into pantothenic acid, which helps skin regeneration, keeps the skin moist and prevents it from drying out. For that reason, d-panthenol is included in many products for the treatment and care of damaged skin.

Pantexol lotion is a light, refreshing emulsion that absorbs quickly, nourishes the skin, brings back its elasticity and prevents it from drying out. D-panthenol and vitamin E promote skin regeneration, while glycerine and almond oil bring back moisture and elasticity. The practical form of the spray enables easy application on large surfaces.

The product is recommended for:

* dry and sensitive skin,
* skin prone to scaling,
* sun burns,
* in the treatment of large skin areas irritated by X-rays or after corticosteroid treatment.

    
Problems of the digestive system

Problems of digestion are a “symptom” of the modern times. The feeling of pressure in the belly, bloating, occasional diarrhoea... why do they develop and what can we do to prevent them?

Let us start by getting to know our digestive system. It is populated by 400–500 kinds of bacteria that help digestion, produce vitamins and protect us from certain causative agents of diseases. They are called intestinal microflora and they are essential for normal digestion.

The modern way of life, poor nutrition, stress, fizzy drinks and uncontrolled taking of medications have a negative effect on our intestinal microflora. Food is then not digested properly and gases and harmful substances are produced.

Helpful advice:

  • If you are prone to bloating, avoid or cut down on fruit and vegetables rich in indigestible fibres, integral pulses, spices, red meat, fried and roasted food and fizzy drinks.
  • If you suffer from constipation, eat more fruit and vegetables and avoid chocolate, coffee, tea, fried food, fatty meat and red wine. Increase the amount of fluids you drink, ideally mild herbal tea and water.
  • In case of diarrhoea, you should eat simple, well cooked and easily digestible food. It is very important to replace the lost food and salt, so somewhat saltier soups and bitter tea are recommended. 
Prolife harmonizes intestinal microflora, and thus prevents and cures digestive problems. It is available at pharmacies and health stores in three forms: as capsules, chewable lozenges and in bottles.
    
Constipation

The food is composed of molecules that are too large to be absorbed into the organism in their unprocessed form. Digestion makes food liquid and chemically simpler to enable complete absorption. The rest, which has no nutritional use, is eliminated from the digestive system in the form of stools.

The intestines should be emptied once a day or at least every 48 hours. Normal stools are well formed, do not leave residue on the anus and do not have a particularly unpleasant smell. They do not require strong pushing.

Constipation may appear if the environment or diet are changed, during stressful periods or disease. Children may voluntarily decide to ignore the need to empty their bowels. This is, increasingly, also the case with adults who live fast and “do not have enough time” to regularly empty their bowels.

Those suffering from constipation should have a diet rich in ballast matter: fruit and vegetables. Chocolate, tea, coffee, fried food, fatty meat and red wine should be avoided. It is important to drink enough fluids and the best are water and mild herbal tea.

An herbal laxative, such as Holyplant tablet Purgal, will efficiently solve your problem, but unless you change your habits, constipation will reappear. Another quick solution is provided by Prolax glycerine suppositories. They are applied rectally and act within one hour. They are especially convenient for children who frequently suffer from this problem.

Helpful advice: 

- Eat food rich in ballast matter, such as fruit and vegetables
- Drink 2 litres of fluid a day
- Walk as much as you can everyday
- Drink a glass of lukewarm water at empty stomach in the morning.

    
Stuffy nose

Stuffy nose is caused by the swelling of nasal mucosa, which prevents the airflow. This is a protective mechanism because the increased blood circulation in the nose also increases the number of antibodies attacking the virus that causes the common cold. Furthermore, the increased temperature in the stuffy nose blocks viral reproduction. The secreted mucus (runny nose) helps eliminate the virus trying to break into the organism.

Difficult breathing may also be caused by dry air. This is very common in wintertime, especially in centrally heated or air-conditioned spaces. Dry nasal mucosa is prone to inflammations so it is important to keep it moist. The best way is by using products based on isotonised and sterilised sea water.

Keeping the nose open is especially important for babies, who may be kept awake at night by nasal congestion. For very young babies, we recommend Aqua maris baby, in a bottle with dropper.

As early as the Antiquity, physicians noticed that sea water had medicinal properties. The first written record of the positive effect of the sea dates from the year 180 AD, when Galen prescribed to his patients to inhale sea waves breaking on rocks.

Today we know that sea is a solution rich in various minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and sodium. Many of them have a positive effect on the nasal mucosa: they stimulate the natural process of elimination of impurities, they make it more resistant to micro-organisms, and they promote recovery.

Helpful advice: 

  • Sleep with your head elevated
  • Rinse your nose as often as possible with, for instance, Aqua Maris nasal spray. This will contribute to faster elimination of foreign particles from the mucosa, promote the mucus secretion and supply the mucosa with important micro-elements from the sea.
  • Wipe your nose with soft tissues that do not irritate skin around the nose. You may also use protective Aqua Maris ointment with d-panthenol and vitamins A and E.