Menopause is said to take place when you have 12 months without a period, with no other explanation. The average age a woman will reach menopause is 51.5 years however this can happen earlier or later in women. 

We have outlined our advice for managing menopause utilising diet, lifestyle, and supplementation.

Read on to find out more.

The law concerning the sale of herbal medicines is changing. From 30th April 2011 only herbal medicines that have product licenses will be allowed to be sold across the counter. All unlicensed medicines will only be allowed to be sold by prescription, after a consultation with a qualified herbal practitioner.

Learn more here.

The Government's broken promise on Statutory Regulation for Medical Herbalists

February 2013

In 2010 over 11,000 people told a government consultation that they wanted herbalists to be regulated. That they wanted to save their right to access herbal medicines. 

Where are we now?

In February 2011, the Secretary of State for Health announced that UK herbalists were to be statutorily regulated. He promised that, subject to the usual procedures, the Department of Health would have this ready by early Autumn 2012. 

Six months later, it hasn't happened and no one seems able to say when it will happen!

Statutory Regulation is urgently needed to preserve your access to herbal medicine. In 30 April 2011, the law about over the counter medicines changed and all herbal medicines are now supposed to have a THR licence. You'll have noticed that here at Napiers we can't sell you some of our 150 year old formulas any more. But we have gone a long way down the road of getting THR licences - making huge personal sacrifices to do so - because we passionately believe that you have a right to the medical treatment of your choice. 

ONE LAW CAME IN AS ONE LAW WENT OUT

Alongside the THR licensing law, Section 12 of the old Medicines Act was abolished. In short, this technically means that it is currently illegal for your herbalist to prescribe you a herbal medicine from their dispensary unless it has one of the few THR licences - wiping out your access to around 200 medicinal herbs.

Statutory Regulation will allow trained herbalists to continue to practice. They will be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council which regulates dentists, dieticians and physiotherapists. Only qualified herbalists will be allowed to call themselves herbalists - surely this is in the public interest?

Since then, the MHRA has let herbalists practice, assuming that Statutory Regulation was going to happen. Two years later the Department of Health has failed to publish the draft legislation and there is no sign of progress. The fear is that with many other priorities the DoH is just going to let the issue drop. 

SO WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO HERBAL MEDICINE NOW?

For herbal medicine practitioners and their patients this is disastrous.

• Herbalists have lost the right to prescribe hundreds of commonly used herbal medicines so you may not be able to get the medicines you need 
• You have lost access to a wide range of herbal medicines available from herbalists for hundreds of years
• Your alternative choice of medical treatment could be lost forever
• Without regulation you are at risk from unqualified practitioners and substandard herbal medicines.
• For some people, especially those who experience adverse reactions to chemical drugs, this will cause misery and potential harm
• In short, statutory regulation is clearly in your interest! 

ASK YOUR MP WHY THE AGREED REGULATION HAS STALLED!

Please write, email or contact your MP as soon as possible and say that “ the only arrangement that meets my needs is for the Coalition Government to honour its promise and complete the Statutory Regulation of herbalists.” 

When you write to your MP, please also add your own personal reason for supporting Statutory Regulation (e.g. “I use herbal medicine” or “I find herbal medicine effective to treat many ailments”). In this way you personalise your reply and ensure it has maximum impact. 

In 2011, the Secretary of State declared that the decision to implement the statutory regulation of herbal practitioners marked ‘a significant milestone’. Please don’t delay – write in support of Statutory Regulation and make the Government honour its promise.

If you care about herbal medicine, please do not miss the opportunity to support this ancient and priceless healing system. 

Thank you very much for doing this. 

HOW TO CONTACT YOUR MP

Click on this link and enter your postcode to get your MP's details.

Remember that even if you just drop them an email, they have to reply!

DUNCAN NAPIERS DREAM

Duncan Napier founded Napiers on 25th May 1860 " to provide an affordable choice of natural medicine for all people." Although we have moved on from leeches and mercury poisoning, there is still the need for herbal medicines.

Don't delay, write today!

The medicinal plants we use in our pharmacopaeia all contain distinct biochemical components that can be analysed and measured. Herbalism has a proper scientific biochemical basis in phytochemistry.

Learn more here.

Over the last few years many patients have approached us, looking for alternatives to hormone replacement therapy.

The onset of the menopause can bring with it a lot of unpleasant symptoms, and the ones that often persuade women to take hormone replacement are hot flushes and mood swings. 

Learn more here.

Napiers THR Licensed Herbal Medicines

The following is a complete list of our own licensed traditional formulas and includes the active herbs and the indication. 

For the last 5 years we have worked hard to save these formulas, a vital part of our collective herbal heritage. We wanted to keep these unique combination herbal formulas alive as over-the-counter remedies as Duncan Napier, in 1860, founded Napiers on the principle of an "affordable natural alternative for ALL people". This was at a time when there was no NHS, surgery was dangerous and expensive and the toxic side effects of early pharmaceutical medicines were often worse than the original disease.

Cough, Cold and Flu Remedies

LANES CUT-A-COUGH THR15670/0021

A traditional herbal medicinal product used of the relief of coughs, such as chesty coughs and cough with catarrh, based on traditional use only.

Herbal actives: Squill oxymel (Mediterranean Sea Onion ( Urginea maritima) in vinegar & honey). Extract equivalent to 1250 mg per 5 ml dose.

Adults, the elderly and children over 12 years: One 5 ml teaspoonful to be taken three or four times a day.  

Herbal excipients: Capsicum tincture

NAPIERS HERBAL COLD AND FLU AWAY THR15670/0047

A traditional herbal medicinal product used to relieve the symptoms of cold and flu, sore throats and chills, based on traditional use only. Start at the first signs of a common cold.

Herbal actives: Bayberry bark ( Myrica cerifera), Hemlock Spruce ( Tsuga canadensis) and Elder flowers ( Sambucus nigra). Total extracts equivalent to 700 mg per 5 ml dose.

Adults, the elderly and children over 12 years: Two 5 ml teaspoonfuls in a third of a cup of warm or hot water three times a day.

Herbal excipients: Oils of Peppermint, Cassia, Pimento and Clove, stronger Capsicum tincture, stronger Ginger tincture.

NAPIERS WARMING COLD AND FLU ELIXIR THR15670/0040

A traditional herbal medicinal product used for the symptomatic relief of colds, sore throats, chills and flu-type symptoms, based on traditional use only.

Herbal actives: Oak bark ( Quercus robur), Ginger ( Zingiber officinale) and Capsicum ( Capsicum frutescens). Total extracts equivalent to 277 mg per 5 ml dose.

Adults and the elderly: One or two 5 ml teaspoonfuls in a glass of hot water or milk, every two hours when required. Maximum daily dose: 12 doses (120 ml) 

Adolescents and children over 12 years of age: One 5 ml teaspoonful in warm water every three hours if required. Maximum daily dose: 8 doses (40 ml) 

Herbal excipients: Oils of Cassia, Clove and Pimento.

LANES RED SAGE CATARRH REMEDY THR15670/0024

Lane’s Red Sage Catarrh Remedy is a traditional herbal medicinal product used to relieve the symptoms of colds, nasal congestion and sinusitis, and to relieve a chesty, mucus cough, based on traditional use only.

Herbal actives: Red Sage ( Salvia officinalis) and Liquorice root ( Glycyrrhiza glabra). Total extracts equivalent to 720 mg per 5 ml dose.

Adults and the elderly: One 5 ml teaspoonful three to four times a day, and during the night sipped slowly Maximum daily dose: 20 ml (4 doses). 

Adolescents and children over 12 years of age: Take one 5 ml teaspoonful three times a day (six hours apart). Maximum daily dose: 15 ml (3 doses).

Herbal excipients: Garlic oil, tragacanth, juniper berry oil, pumilio pine oil and mint (menthol).

NAPIERS HERBEASE CHESTY COUGH LOZENGES THR15670/0045

A traditional herbal medicinal product for the relief of sore throats and chesty coughs, based on traditional use only. 

Herbal actives: Senega root ( Polyaga senega), Liquorice root ( Glycyrrhiza glabra), Ipecachuana ( Carapichea ipecacuanha) and Marshmallow root ( Althaea officinalis). Total extracts equivalent to 350 mg per lozenge

Adults and the elderly: One or two lozenges to be sucked every four hours. Maximum daily dose: 12 lozenges  

Herbal excipients: Mint (menthol), oils of Anise, Lemon, Peppermint and Cubeb.

Stress and Sleep

NAPIERS VALERIAN TINCTURE THR15670/0022

A traditional herbal medicinal product used to aid sleep and for the temporary relief of symptoms of mild anxiety or mental stress, based on traditional use only. 

Herbal actives: Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis). Equivalent to 1000 mg per 5 ml dose.

Adults and the elderly. To aid sleep: Take one 5ml teaspoonful in water or fruit juice half to one hour before bedtime, with an earlier dose during the evening if necessary.  For the temporary relief of mild anxiety: Take one 5ml teaspoonful in water or fruit juice when necessary, up to three times a day. 

NAPIERS HERBAL STRESS AND SLEEP AID THR15670/0026 

A traditional herbal medicinal product used for the temporary relief of symptoms associated with stress, such as mild anxiety and to aid sleep, based on traditional use only.

Herbal actives: Scullcap ( Scutellaria lateriflora), Oats ( Avena sativa), Passionflower ( Passiflora incarnata) and Vervain ( Verbena officinalis). Total extracts equivalent to 1718 mg per 5 ml dose.

Adults and the elderly:  For temporary relief of mild anxiety: One 5 ml teaspoonful in water three times day.  To aid sleep: One 5 ml teaspoonful in water at bed time. An extra 5 ml in water can be taken during the night if needed. 

Herbal excipients: Liquid extract Wild Thyme, Orange oil, Lemon oil, Coriander oil and Aniseed oil.

Fatigue and Debility

NAPIERS PRO-VITALITY HERBAL TABLETS THR15670/0048  

A traditional herbal medicinal product used to relieve fatigue, exhaustion and debility, based on traditional use only.

Herbal actives: Damiana ( Turnera diffusa), Saw Palmetto ( Serenoa repens) and Kola nut ( Cola nitida). Total extracts equivalent to 320 mg per tablet.

Adults and the elderly: Two tablets three times a day.

NAPIERS PRO-VITALITY MAX STRENGTH HERBAL ELIXIR THR15670/0052

A traditional herbal medicinal product used to relieve fatigue, exhaustion and debility, based on traditional use only.

Herbal actives: Saw Palmetto ( Serenoa repens), Damiana ( Turnera diffusa) and Cornsilk ( Zea mays). Total extracts equivalent to 2196 mg per 5 ml dose.

Adults and the elderly: Take two 5 ml teaspoonfuls (10ml) three times a day for one week, then one 5ml teaspoonful three times a day.

Herbal excipients: Cinnamon oil, Orange oil and Beetroot powder.

Skin Problems

NAPIERS ORAL SKIN SOOTHER HERBAL RELIEF THR15670/0033

A traditional herbal medicinal product used for the symptomatic relief of minor skin conditions causing skin irritation, including allergic conditions, dermatitis, mild acne and mild eczema based on traditional use. 

Herbal actives: Burdock root ( Arctium lappa), Sarsaparilla root ( Smilax aristolochiaefolia), Red Clover flower ( Trifolium pratense), Queen's Delight root ( Stillingia sylvatica), Cascara bark ( Rhamnus purshiana), Poke root ( Phytolacca decandra). Total extracts equivalent to 625 mg per 5 ml dose.

Adults, the elderly and children over 12: One 5ml teaspoonful three times a day.

Herbal excipients: Orange oil.

NAPIERS MARSHMALLOW SKIN SALVE THR15670/0039

A traditional herbal medicinal product used for the symptomatic relief of minor skin conditions causing skin irritation such as dermatitis and mild eczema, based on traditional use only.

Herbal actives: Marshmallow Root (Althea officinalis L.) and Slippery Elm Bark (Ulmus fulva L. ).

Adults, the elderly and children over 12 years of age: Apply to affected skin sparingly once at night and once in the morning.

Mineral actives: Sublimed Sulphur (Flowers of Sulphur) and Zinc Oxide.

Herbal excipients: Eucalyptus oil and Rosemary oil 

Haemorrhoids (piles)

NAPIERS WITCH HAZEL PILE SALVE THR15670/0041

A traditional herbal medicinal product to relieve the itching and burning associated with haemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, based on traditional use only. 

Herbal actives: Pilewort herb ( Ranunculus ficaria), Witch hazel bark ( Hamamelis virginiana) and Tea Tree leaf oil ( Melaleuca alternifolia).  

Adults and the elderly: Apply to affected area night and morning, using a finger.

Mineral actives: Zinc oxide

Indigestion and Heartburn

NAPIERS HERBEASE INDIGESTION TABLETS THR15670/0038

A traditional herbal medicinal product used for the symptomatic relief of indigestion, based on traditional use only.

Herbal actives: Ginger ( Zingiber officinale), Capsicum ( Capsicum frutescens) and Gentian root ( Gentiana lutea).  Total extracts equivalent to 57 mg per tablet.

Adults and the elderly: One or two tablets night and morning, after meals.

Herbal excipients: Myrrh and Cajaput oil.

NAPIERS HERBAL HEARTBURN RELIEF THR15670/0043 

A traditional herbal medicinal product used for the relief of heartburn, stomach ache, indigestion, flatulence and dyspepsia, based on traditional use only. 

Herbal actives: Ginger ( Zingiber officinale), Milk Thistle fruits ( Silybum marianum), Holy Thistle herb ( Cnicus benedictus), Valerian root ( Valeriana officinalis), Dandelion root ( Taraxacum officinale) and Myrrh resin  Commiphora myrrha). Total extracts equivalent to 1500 mg per tablet.

Adults and the elderly: One or two tablets to be taken after meals three times a day.

Constipation

NAPIERS HERBEASE LAXATIVE TABLETS THR15670/0044 

A traditional herbal medicinal product used for the short term relief of occasional constipation, based on traditional use only. 

Herbal Actives: Senna leaf ( Cassia senna), Cape Aloe leaf ( Aloe ferox), Cascara bark ( Rhamnus purshiana), Dandelion root ( Taraxacum officinale), Valerian root ( Valeriana officinalis), Myrrh resin ( Commiphora myrrh) and Holy Thistle ( Cnicus benedictus). Total extracts equivalent to 127.5 mg per tablet.

Adults and the elderly: One or two tablets at bedtime when necessary before a meal or at bedtime.

Herbal excipients: Fennel seed ( Foeniculum vulgare)

NAPIERS SENNAMIX CONSTIPATION RELIEF THR15670/0046

A traditional herbal medicinal product used for the short term relief of occasional constipation, based on traditional use only. 

Herbal actives: Senna leaf ( Cassia senna), Cape Aloe leaf ( Aloe ferox), Cascara Bark ( Rhamnus purshiana), Dandelion Root ( Taraxacum officinale). Total extracts equivalent to 205 mg per tablet.

Adults and the elderly: One or two tablets to be taken at bedtime when necessary, or early morning.  

Herbal excipients: Fennel seed ( Foeniculum vulgare)

Joints and Muscles

NAPIERS JOINT ABILITY HERBAL REMEDY THR15670/0051

A traditional herbal medicinal product used for the symptomatic relief of backache, rheumatic or muscular pain, and general aches and pains in the muscles and joints based on traditional use only.

Herbal actives: White Willow Bark ( Salix alba), Black Cohosh Root ( Cimicifuga racemosa), Scullcap herb (Scutellaria lateriflora), Yarrow herb ( Achilliea millefolium) and Burdock Root ( Arctium lappa). Total extracts equivalent to 2225 mg per 5 ml dose.

Adults and the elderly: Take one 5ml teaspoonful three times a day.  

Herbal excipients: Cardamon tincture compound (Cardamom oil, Caraway oil, Cinnamon oil, Beetroot powder), Nutmeg oil,  Clove oil,  Cinnamon oil and Liquorice root extract.

JOINT ABILITY HERBAL TABLETS THR15670/0042

A traditional herbal medicinal product used for the relief of backache, rheumatic pain and general aches and pains in the muscles and joints, based on traditional use only.

Herbal actives: Capsicum ( Capsicum frutescens), Guaiacum resin ( Guaiacum officinale), Blue Flag rhizome ( Iris versicolor) and Uva ursi leaf ( Arctostaphylos uva-ursi). Total extracts equivalent to 250 mg per tablet.

Adults and the elderly: Take two tablets three times a day.

NAPIERS GOLDEN JOINT TABLETS THR15670/0049

A traditional herbal medicinal product used for the relief of backache, rheumatic or muscular pain, and general aches and pains in the muscles and joints, based on traditional use only. 

Herbal actives: Guaiacum resin ( Guaiacum officinale), Prickly Ash bark ( Zanthoxylum americanum) and Celery seed oil ( Apium graveolens). Total extracts equivalent to 120 mg per tablet.

Adults and the elderly: Two tablets three times daily after meals.

Herbal excipients: Capsicum oleoresin

Mineral excipients: Colloidal silica

NAPIERS ASCOVITA THR15670/0050 

A traditional herbal medicinal product used for the relief of rheumatic or muscular pain, and general aches and pains in the muscles and joints, based on traditional use only. 

Herbal active: Kelp thallus ( Ascophyllum nodosum) or ( Ascophyllum canaliculatum). Total extracts equivalent to 300 mg per tablet.

Adults and the elderly: Take one tablet three times a day.

Herbal excipient: Malt extract ( Hordeum vulgare)

Slimming and Weight Loss

NAPIERS HERBAL SLIMMING AID THR15670/0020

A herbal medicinal product used as an aid to slimming, in conjunction with a calorie controlled diet, based on traditional use only. 

Herbal actives: Bladderwrack kelp ( Fucus vesiculosus) and Clivers ( Galium aparine). Total extracts equivalent to 400 mg per tablet.

Adults over 18 years of age: Two tablets to be taken three times daily after meals.

NAPIERS HERBAL HIGH STRENGTH SLIMMING AID THR15670/0055

A traditional herbal medicinal product used as an aid to slimming as part of a calorie controlled diet, based on traditional use only.  

Herbal actives: Bladderwrack kelp ( Fucus vesiculosus) or ( Fucus serratus). Total extracts equivalent to 600 mg per tablet.

Adults over 18 years of age: Two tablets to be taken three times daily after meals.

Recurrent Cystitis

NAPIERS HERBAL CYSTITIS RELIEF THR15670/0053

A traditional herbal medicinal product used to help flushing of the urinary tract and to assist in minor urinary complaints associated with cystitis in women only, based on traditional use only.

Herbal actives: Couch Grass ( Agropyron repens), Marshmallow Root ( Althaea officinalis), Buchu leaf ( Agathosma betulina), Uva Ursi leaf ( Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), Juniper berries ( Juniperus communis) and Clivers herb ( Galium aparine). Total extracts equivalent to 2980 mg per 5 ml dose.

Herbal excipients: Tincture of Cardamon Compound (Cardamom oil, Caraway oil, Cinnamon oil, Beetroot powder), Nutmeg oil, Clove oil, Cinnamon oil and Liquorice root extract. 

Painful Periods

NAPIERS MONTHLY CRAMP RELIEF THR15670/0054 

A traditional herbal medicinal product used for the symptomatic relief of menstrual cramps, based on traditional use only. 

Herbal actives: Scullcap herb (Scutellaria laterifolia), Helionas root ( Chamaelirium luteum), Jamaican Dogwood bark ( Piscidia piscipula), Motherwort herb ( Leonurus cardiaca) and Buchu leaf ( Agathosma betulina). Total extracts equivalent to 1027 mg per 5 ml dose.

Women experiencing menstrual cramps: Take one 5ml teaspoonfuls four times a day.  

Herbal excipients: Tincture of Cardamon Compound (Cardamom oil, Caraway oil, Cinnamon oil, Beetroot powder), Nutmeg oil, Clove oil, Cinnamon oil and Liquorice root extract.

For own label enquiries please email wholesale@napiers.net

Natural Alternatives to HRT

A recent study has found that there may be an increased risk of Ovarian cancer for woman who use Hormone Replacement Therapy or HRT. Research by the University of Oxford found that the risk rises by 40% after five years on HRT compared to a woman who has never used it. It also found that the effect was the same for the two main types of HRT – whether it contained oestrogen only, or contained oestrogen combined with progestogen.

So, is there another option when it comes to managing the symptoms of menopause?

Read on to find out more

Some of the research behind natural supplements and herbal remedies that may support eye health and help to prevent or support the management of glaucoma or cataracts.

Find out more.

Burning and painful peeing is often due to cystitis. A doctor can confirm this for you and rule out any other problems, so do book an appointment. But what do you do if cystitis keeps on recurring over and over again?

There are some herbal homes teas you can make at home to help you get on top of things.

See them here.

In the case of migraines it seems that taking forms of cysteine such as l-cysteine and N-acetyl cysteine can help to reduce the incidence of migraines. One study1 concludes that this is because cysteine contains thiol which is depleted in people experiencing migraines. Thiol is also found in alpha lipoic acid a supplement also known as ALA.

Learn more here.

This article aims to clarify some of the confusion about iodine and its safe limits, as there is widely varying opinion and evidence. More information can also be found in the article Thyroid and Iodine by Dr. Craig Rose.

Learn more here.

Cough syrups vary widely. Some shop bought ones are little more than glycerine and flavouring, and clinical studies have shown that honey is often just as effective as a throat soother.

Herbs have antiviral and antibiotic qualities and can be added to antimicrobial honey, with antibacterial coconut oil, to make your own.

Learn more here.