For the past four months, I have experienced an unpleasant burning sensation that travels from the roof of my mouth to the tongue and back. My doctor has prescribed vitamin B and antifungal medication, but there has been no improvement.
This condition, commonly known as glossitis, can be due to anaemia, vitamin B deficiency, excessive use of spices, tobacco and alcohol, or herpes simplex viral infection. Carry on using a good vitamin B complex and avoid smoking, alcohol and spicy food. Ask your GP to check for anaemia and, if the herpes simplex virus is suspected, take supplements of the amino acid l-lysine as it blocks arginine, the food supply of the virus. Also, rinse with salt water, or Manuka Mouthwash (kiwiherb.com), which contains antibacterial and astringent properties of manuka and tanekaha, and soothing properties of aniseed and liquorice.
My partner is in his mid-40s and has recently had an attack of gout. He is on medication for high blood pressure and is reluctant to take more pills prescribed by the doctor. Are there any natural remedies he can use to prevent another attack?
Gout is caused by high concentrations of uric acid in body fluids. Urate crystals are deposited in joints, causing inflammation, pain and fever. Attacks are usually triggered by alcohol or overeating, or by drugs such as diuretics for high blood pressure, as these hamper uric acid excretion. Uric acid is produced when high purine foods (red meat, yeast, offal, poultry, oily fish) are metabolised. Avoid these, as well as spinach, rhubarb and asparagus, saturated fats and refined carbohydrates. Weight loss in the obese is recommended. In most cases, avoiding alcohol alone is successful in preventing gout. Historically, gout was more readily triggered by alcohol that had been stored in lead containers - even lead crystal decanters shouldn't be used. Increasing water intake dilutes uric acid while protecting the kidneys from stones developing. Cherries reduce levels of uric acid; eating 250g or so daily, fresh or canned, has been shown to prevent attacks of gout. Vitamin E, folic acid, bromelain and the flavonoid quercetin, borage oil and Devil's Claw (Bioforce) help to reduce the inflammation; quercetin and Devil's Claw also reduce uric acid levels.
· Emma Mitchell is a natural health therapist. Before following Emma's recommendations, you should consult your GP about any medical problems or special health conditions. Send your questions to Wellbeing, Guardian Weekend, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER.