The church, one of the only remaining buildings in the Southern part of the jungle.
I have been thinking about what I should write about my experience in the Calais Jungle for about two weeks. But it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and the most awful place I’ve been to, so I knew that my words alone could never capture the experience.
I could start with statistics, the charity Help Refugees’ census as of 1st April found that 4946 people are still living in the Calais Jungle. 4432 are adults, 514 are children, 294 of which are unaccompanied minors.
In March 2016, I went to volunteer with the Refugee First aid team in the Calais jungle, with three herbalist colleagues. During the three days that I worked as part of the Refugee First aid team we saw over 500 people, that was with a team of seven medics; three junior doctors and four medical herbalists.
The demolished Southern half of the Calais jungle.
On the first day of our trip we accidentally parked in the wrong part of the site and that meant we had to walk through the demolished Southern part of the refugee camp. Seeing the sheer expanse of the demolition and the feeling of desolation was a chilling first sight.
As we entered the Northern part of the camp we saw only a handful of people, and we walked past shops and cafes on the main street.
We got a little lost as we didn’t have any landmarks to navigate by, but we soon found the caravans that form the first aid centre on the camp.
There was already a queue and unfortunately the caravans had been broken into the previous evening, an often weekly occurrence, toilet paper and socks were taken but the drugs were left untouched.
Me outside two of the first aid caravans.
We spent the first few hours in shock but getting to know the basic medical supplies available and how to work around the things we didn’t have. Our herbs were used instead of the stepsils, and paracetamol that were usually given out, mostly because the former were in short supply and by lunch time, completely gone.
Respiratory conditions, bronchitis and ‘jungle lung’ were common conditions, and unfortunately when living in a tent and sleeping on the floor, there was little hope that the conditions would resolve quickly. Thankfully we only encountered a handful of more serious cases of pneumonia and they were referred to the free medical clinic for refugees.
It was a pleasure to work alongside three junior doctors who were not only excellent physicians, they were very open to working with medical herbalists and we each shared skills, equipment and medicines. The Dr’s would often ask for a herbal medicine to be given to their patient and in return we would ask for a particular drugs to be given to our patients. It was a harmonious relationship that really helped in such a demoralising situation, as we were only ever going to be able to help some of the symptoms that people came to us with.
Chamomile growing wild amongst the detritus.
After the shock of the first day I was more prepared for another extremely busy day the following day. Many of the young men we treated had tried to jump onto trains the night before and we had a lot more bruises, torn ligaments, and some broken bones. We did what we could and recommended rest but they said they could not do that. They had to try and jump again that night, they would take a chance and jump, even though it meant risking their lives.
On our third and final day we saw fewer people but they were more in depth cases needing examinations, tests and referrals to the medical clinic. Our two excellent interpreters (refugees in the camp themselves), really helped with the more complicated cases, and I got to know them a lot better.
I was really moved by how thankful everyone was for help, even if it was only something small like a clean dressing or some more cough syrup. Our help was really valued and that made it worth the trip.
We had to get a ferry straight from our shift on our third day and we were sad to leave, finally getting into a rhythm and feeling comfortable in our roles. Although it was a difficult place to be, I was glad to have helped some people there, even if it was only help for that one day that I saw them. I wish fervently that I could have done more for them.
Returning to the UK was shocking, the things we take for granted so easily; a roof over our heads, a job to go to, family around us. All of the things that people only 20 miles from the UK do not have.
Since returning I’ve felt helpless because I don’t know what I can do as an individual to help thousands of people across Europe who are struggling to survive every day after being forced to leave their homes and families.
So I have been thinking about not only what I can do, but what you can do, whomever is reading this. Because if we don’t help these people no-one else will.
So here is my list of what individuals can do to help the refugee crisis across Europe:
1. Donate to my friend Catherine’s fund, she is regularly taking herbal medicines to Calais and beyond. https://www.gofundme.com/acsrxpgk
3. Volunteer with your local group helping raise money or sort clothes etc for refugees across Europe. As far as I know there isn’t a UK wide list of these but a quick google search should show you what you’re looking for. For those near me, there’s a distribution warehouse in Taunton called RAFT https://www.facebook.com/rafttaunton/?fref=ts. You can volunteer with them most days, and the people there are lovely.
4. Petition the government to allow more refugees into the UK, look at Germany’s example.
Thank you to Helen, Dafydd and Carol for their support during a difficult time, and for the use of their photos.
Would you like to know more about treating children with herbs?
If you enjoyed my blog on herbs for children, you might be interested to know I have now written a herbal remedies for children distance learning course!
As with all of my distance learning courses you will be emailed the course material to work through (although in this particular module there is no quiz or test at the end).
You will also receive a herbal goody box containing herbs specific for children, as well as jars, bottles and sundries needed to make the herbal remedies in the module.
What does the course cover?
Safety – when to give herbs and when not to
Dosages and how they are different for children
Herbal preparations for children – from sweets to ice lollies
A developing immune system – when to boost immunity
Herbs for babies – colic to nappy rash
Herbs for toddlers – coughs and colds
Herbs for infants – eczema and ear infections
Herbs for primary age – conjunctivitis and diarrhoea and vomiting
Herbs at 11+ – tonsillitis and acne
Plus lots of tips and recipes to use at home
How much does the course cost?
£50
Who can complete the course?
Anyone with an interest in herbs and health. There is no prerequisite for this course.
A few years ago I decided to go on a Native Awareness course, native skills one, which is an introduction to bushcraft skills and the skills of native peoples’. Learning those native skills really got me thinking about how medicinal plants are used by native people across the world as well as our ancestors in Britain.
At the time my knowledge of British medicinal plants was limited and I suddenly saw that for the shame it was. I was a herbalist living and practising in Britain but the number of British plants I was prescribing could be counted on one hand. It was also obvious that my plant ID skills could also do with updating, especially poisonous plants.
That realisation sent me on a bit of a journey of personal study, and working with other herbalists who use a lot more British plants, expanding my knowledge and skills.
When James (the founder of Native Awareness) asked me if I would be interested in teaching a medicinal plants course with him, I was excited but also very nervous. James has a vast knowledge of plants himself and I was unsure what I could bring to such a course.
After months of planning we taught the first medicinal plants course in 2014, and it involved lots of experimenting. Neither of us had dried medicinal plants using fire before, and the results were interesting! But it forced me to look at alternative ways to make medicines like infused oils, balms, and poultices.
I couldn’t help feeling a deep connection with the medicine people across the world who must have had (and still do have) these problems. How breaking a plant down with a stone makes a very different poultice to one done in a food processor.
I was thrilled to be asked back to teach again in 2015, and I was raring to go with new ideas. The fire drying was improved and the infused oil was the strongest I’ve ever seen made. I also introduced a few new topics to the medicinal plant ID, wild crafting, and medicine making; poisonous plants and medicinal mushrooms.
Year on year as my knowledge and skills grow I add new things into my workshops. So no two courses are ever the same, this also stops me from becoming bored!
I also learn a great deal from the people on the courses, everyone has a story to tell about how they have used a plant, or how their granny always used to swear by nettle tea.
Here are some of the most common questions I get asked and the answers I give.
1. Can herbs be used to treat children?
The simple answer is yes but with everything that depends on what the situation is, is the child taking medication? For more information on herbs and children take a look at my recent blog.
That depends on the type of medication they are taking, the dosage and the reason they are taking it. There are many medications that are sensitive to not just herbs but foods too. It is important to always consult a medical herbalist if you are taking medication and want to take herbs too. They are trained to understand the interactions between herbs and drugs and they will be able to offer alternative herbs that do not interact with your medication.
I will be writing more about how herbs interact with drugs and safe herbs to use at home in a new blog.
4. Can I give herbs to my dog?
Lots of people want to look after the health of their pets in a more natural way and it’s understandable that they would want to look at using herbs for that. However, it is important to remember that only a veterinarian can prescribe medicines of any kind, whether herbal or not to any animal.
The rules around herbal medicines for animals are quite similar to people in that you can buy some herbal products over the counter from your vet. They are approved herbal medicines and include things like anti-anxiety drops for dogs which contain valerian.
There is a bit of a crossover however with herbs that are more foods than medicines. There are lots of recipes where culinary herbs are given in homemade dog food to improve nutrition. If you are wanting to do this make sure the information is from a reputable source (i.e. approved by a vet).
5. Can I make my own herbal medicines?
Yes, and I encourage you do to so. I have some tips and easy to follow recipes for using simple herbal medicines at home. Take a look at my free downloads here.
6. Can herbs be used in pregnancy?
There are some herbs that can be used in pregnancy, for example raspberry leaf tea, but I always recommend anyone who is pregnant and wanting to take herbs to speak to a medical herbalist before taking herbs.
7. Can herbs cure cancer?
This is a very important point. There is no ‘cure’ for cancer whether herbal or pharmaceutical. Chemotherapy for example is a treatment of cancer, not a cure.
The law states very clearly that no-one must claim to cure cancer. So if you see an advert for a new Amazonian herb that can ‘cure’ cancer please don’t go out and buy it.
Please remember if you are unsure or have any questions about herbs and whether they are right for you, it is important to get the advice of a medical herbalist.
You can find a qualified medical herbalist using any of these lists, or you can get in touch with me.
Traditionally herbal treatment of eczema would be two fold an external preparation to alleviate symptoms and an internal medicine to ‘cleanse the blood’.
Traditional blood cleansers would have been dandelion, burdock, yellow dock and nettle.
Modern herbal medicine treatment is very similar, although we now know that the blood cleansers are allowing the liver to detoxify, reducing circulating metabolites, decreasing inflammation and inflammatory markers.
An easy and safe remedy to try at home
An easy and safe remedy to try at home is nettle leaf tea. You can either gather your own (in the spring or summer) or buy the tea bags at a health food shop or supermarket.
I recommend drinking three cups a day.
External treatments for eczema
External treatments for eczema are many and varied but they usually consist of herbs that are antimicrobial (to stop infection within the eczema site), anti-inflammatory herbs (to alleviate the redness and swelling at the eczema site), and often an anti-pruritic (or anti-itch).
Clinical research
A study of 72 patients with moderate eczema showed that when half of the patients were given a chamomile cream, and half were given a hydrocortisone cream, they were equally effective.
Chamomile is one of the key herbs that I use in my practice for eczema. A cold, used, chamomile tea bag can be effective and relieving the itch and inflammation on very irritated eczema where the skin is completely broken.
Another study showed that St John’s wort when used topically on eczema can reduce inflammation and the condition of skin in the area. A study of 28 patients with moderate eczema used the St John’s wort cream in comparison to a plain cream. The St John’s wort cream was more effective and decreased the eczema symptoms.
If you or a someone you know suffers from eczema, I recommend they go and see a medical herbalist. A medical herbalist can make an individual prescription, for both the external and internal symptoms.
Find a qualified herbalist through any of these lists.
Herbalists have made the link between diet and skin health for some time but it’s taking modern research a little while to catch up.
Dairy products, are they bad for eczema?
As far as I am aware (please send me the link if I’m incorrect), there isn’t currently a published study can shows the link between dairy products and an increase in eczema symptoms. However, some doctors think there is a link and some are recommending that it is removed from the diet.
I always recommend that people with eczema may find that switching to a nut, oat or goat milk may find a reduction in their skin inflammation. It’s important not to use soya milk however, as that can have the same inflammatory action as cow’s milk.
Are pro inflammatory foods a problem in eczema?
The simple answer is yes. While each person is different, eczema is an inflammatory condition and therefore foods that increase an inflammatory state in the body may well increase the symptoms of eczema.
Foods to reduce
Soya
Alcohol
Refined sugars
Preservatives
Foods to add in
Just as there are inflammatory foods, there are also anti-inflammatory foods. I recommend my patients increase these in their diet if at all possible.
Oily fish
Nuts and seeds
Fruits and vegetables (as many different colours as you can)
Wholegrains
Beans and pulses
Don’t forget external irritants for eczema, as the skin is the body’s barrier it has to be strong to avoid infection. In the case of eczema that barrier is damaged and broken.
Where possible try to get the most natural form of the following products to avoid reactions:
Washing powder/liquid
Soaps and shower gels
Shampoos and conditioners
Any beauty products that may come in contact with the area affected e.g. make up or perfume
Laura Carpenter
If you or a member of your family suffers from eczema and you are interested in finding out if herbs could help, give your local herbalist a call.
If you’re in the Wellington area (in Somerset) feel free to give me a call or email to find out how herbal medicine could help.
I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to write a blog about eczema as it’s actually something that I not only see a lot of in my clinic but also suffer from myself. It was also what started me on the journey of becoming a medical herbalist.
Accrording to the Eczema society, one in five children and one in twelve adults suffer from eczema.
So what is it?
Eczema is actually a very broad term meaning ‘itchy red skin’, and that covers a lot of different skin conditions with different causes.
So what are the main types of eczema?
Atopic eczema
Atopic eczema is the genetic type of eczema, it often runs in families and has links to hayfever and asthma.
Contact eczema or dermatitis
This type of eczema flares up when in contact with for example harsh chemicals. It is most commonly found on hands but can show across the body, if for example the irritant to blame is washing powder.
Pompholyx (sometimes known as dyshidrotic) eczema
This type of eczema presents with blisters of clear fluid on hands and feet, restricting movement and causing pain.
There are other forms of eczema but these are the main types, for pictures and more detailed information visit http://www.eczema.org/types-of-eczema.
I personally suffer from all three of the main types of eczema. As I’m typing this my hands are covered in red scaly and dry skin typical of atopic eczema. I used a hand wash that was too strong my skin and it has taken over a week for my skin to recover.
In the next parts of this blog I will talk about the role of diet, and natural treatments that are available.
This is a question that I get asked quite a lot so I thought I would write about a few herbal remedies for children.
So are herbs suitable for children?
The easy answer is yes, but with all things there should be an element of caution. If you are ever unsure whether herbs are appropriate, please speak to your local herbalist. If a child is undergoing treatment for a medical condition, it is important to get advice from a herbalist before starting home treatment.
Matricaria recutita
The most common condition that I get asked about is eczema, and that really deserves a whole blog of it’s own (which I will be writing shortly). But here are a few tips to try before considering going to see a herbalist for treatment.
1. Eczema in children is often linked to dairy intake, in particular cow’s milk. Try switching to a goat milk for a period of a few weeks and see if there’s an improvement. Don’t be tempted to switch to soy milk, this can have the same effect as cow’s milk.
2. To reduce the itch, try chamomile and oat baths. Fill an old sock with oats and a handful of chamomile flowers (if you don’t have these you can use chamomile tea bags (6 should do it)). Tie the old sock over the hot tap of the bath so that the water runs through it. When the bath is full squeeze the excess water out of the sock (you should get a lovely foamy, creamy liquid come out).
3. Ensure that the eczema gets air to it and is allowed to dry out, try to ensure it’s not scratched (I know this can be difficult). A cold (used) chamomile tea bag can be applied to particular hot areas of eczema to provide relief (remember to dry the area well afterwards).
Another question I get asked is, how can I get my child to take herbs?
And this doesn’t just go for children, there are plenty of my adult patients who don’t like the taste of herbs! Here is my recipe for cold and flu fighting lollies.
Cold and flu fighting ice lollies
Getting children to take any form of medicine can be challenging but immune boosting ice lollies always go down well.
Based on 900ml worth of lolly mix making 6 lollies (adjust accordingly if your lolly mould is smaller).
You can use a ginger syrup or tincture if you have it (2tsp to the mix), or 15g of grated ginger (about a thumb size piece).
1tsp lemon juice
Add in 6ml of Echinacea tincture (for ages 6+ only) – Optional
Add in 200ml of elderflower infusion (2tsp to 1 cup of water) with 2 tsp of honey dissolved in it.
Add 690ml of fruit juice of your choice.
Mix together and pour into the lolly moulds, once frozen two lollies can be given a day to treat a cold in a child of 6+ (up to four daily if over 10yrs or no Echinacea in the mix).
(These can also be used for adults who won’t take medicine in a liquid form, double the amount of Echinacea and elderflower and reduce the amount of fruit juice).
What about helping children to sleep?
Children respond very well to herbal baths, so why not try some lavender flowers, chamomile flowers, and oats. You can use the old sock trick described above. This can help children relax before bed.
Another excellent remedy for children who struggle with getting to sleep, try a small amount of cold chamomile tea. Add to fruit juice or a hot drink to disguise the taste, and have at the last drink time before bed.
For more information about children’s remedies I thoroughly recommend Aviva Romm’s website. She is a herbalist and doctor and has some excellent tips and recipes. http://avivaromm.com/
A few years ago I decided to go on a 
I couldn’t help feeling a deep connection with the medicine people across the world who must have had (and still do have) these problems. How breaking a plant down with a stone makes a very different poultice to one done in a food processor.
Year on year as my knowledge and skills grow I add new things into my workshops. So no two courses are ever the same, this also stops me from becoming bored!
4. Can I give herbs to my dog?
7. Can herbs cure cancer?
Chamomile is one of the key herbs that I use in my practice for eczema. A cold, used, chamomile tea bag can be effective and relieving the itch and inflammation on very irritated eczema where the skin is completely broken.
