Hi all
My dear old mum has just been diagnosed with BLEPHAROSPASM and i must admit i had never heard of it before. I found a reference in Bartrums encyclopedia of herbal medicine and of course it needs treatment from a proffesional medical herbalist as mistletoe is used, although i have a diploma in herbalism, i cannot use this herb and there is no way mum would go and see one). It also recommends Cramp Bark but of course that is only useful for use short term. I want to help my mum naturally. They have told her that there is no cure and treatment is injection of BOTOX in her eye lid, (not so good) but they say it has a good success rate and needs to be done every three months, they would only do this if it becomes so bad that she cannot open her eyes. Mum is under a lot of stress due to careing for my disabled father. She will not take capsule form of herbal medication so i was thinking of using tinctures. i am thinking along the lines of nervines, tonics, adaptogens and calminitives; i could even use homeopathic medicine. The doctor said it has nothing to do with stress but i think it has a lot to do with stress as it is an abnormal functioning of the brain's basal ganglia. Stress upsets the hormonal balance and therefor nerves are not being fed appropriatly. Magnesium is also indicated as this vital mineral feeds the nerves. Mum is in her seventies and what i call old school, so i need to reasure her that i can try to help and there will be no or very little side effects, also it is no good asking her to go jogging to destress because of her age. Please help any ideas would be greatful.
Suzie x (and i appologise for not checking in for a while been busy studying.)

Hi Suzie,
Sorry to hear about your mum.
I have seen a number of patients with this distressing condition and in my opinion, they were all related to stress.Valerian is a very useful herb to use in these circumstances due to it`s relaxing and antispasmodic action.Other herbs I would suggest are Scutellaria and Avena.
Whilst these will not solve her personal problems,they will support her nervous system and therefore make her feel stronger and therefore more able to find ways of dealing with her problems.
Good luck.

Linda

Hi Suzie

Sorry to hear about your mum. If my memory serves me correctly, Linda is suggesting scullcap and oats to help with the problem?

Rebecca Hartman suggests a very soothing tea with valarian and crampbark on her blog posting about cinnamon at http://crabappleherbs.com/blog/
Quote

"My favorite cinnamon tea (this week, anyway):

3 parts Cinnamon sticks

1 part Orange peel

1 part valerian, blackhaw or crampbark

1/2 part flaxseeds

Simmer as for flaxseed tea.

This tea is wonderful for increasing circulation, for “irritable bowel” and for menstrual cramps in people who tend to cold. (You can increase the valerian / blackhaw / crampbark for a stronger relaxing effect, but it won’t taste quite as good.)"

You could stick some oats in with this tea as an experiement or drink it with homemade flapjack or oatmeal cookies.

Is your mum getting any support from her local carers organisations? If not, email me off list and I'll send you some suggestions.

Best wishes

Sarah

Thankyou Linda and thankyou Sarah for your response,
I try to help as much as i can by taking care of him while mum has holiday breaks (much deserved), and i try to get her to chill. I know we cant cure this problem but i think with the support of help and herbs to help with the ongoing stress it may help alleviate the constant blinking and strain of it all. It is a most distressing syndrome and i agree with Linda oats would be a good tonic, she wont eat porrage so i could get it in tincture form along with Valerian and Scullcap. I will also try that tea you suggested Sarah it sounds a bit yummy. Mum is taking Thyroxin i dont think any of the above suggestions would be contra indicated. Dad is very selfish that he wont have a carer it is either mum or me end of story ( i hope i dont get like that when i get old). I am trying to set up a mediation group and i think i will get mum to come along it may help.
Thanks once again
Bright blessings
Suzie x

How about something local as well as the internal medicines.
I'd try St John's wort oil with some added lavender essential oil. Massage into the temples and forehead so as to get to the branches of the facial and trigeminal nerves. It will also help to relax your Mum.
Best wsihes - Jenny

Thanks Jenny I will try that too, i am devising a plan to help her relax more. Meditation, Reflexology and Aromatherapy massage at least twice a month. As well as herbal remedies. The pressures will not go away but hopefully she will be able to relax a bit better. Thanks again.
Bright blessings Suzie x

I love this forum every one is so friendly and helpfull

[Edited to change the person Suzie was thanking to the correct person.]

Hi Linda
i have now obtained Valerian, Scullcap and Oats in tincture form for my Mum, but i was thinking; if i blend these tinctures i presume they will work in synergy, so rather than give a dosage of 1-5ml of each, would it be 1-5ml of the blend? or do i give them seperatly? 3 x daily and continue til there is improvement?
Thanks Suzie

Hi Suzie,
yes,I would definetly combine the 3 herbs at the following ratio;
valerian 3 parts
skullcap 2 parts
oats 1 part

This would translate nicely to valerian 3mls skullcap 2mls oats 1ml
To be given 3 daily.

I don`t know if you have taken Sarah up on her offer,but I would strongly reccomend that you do so.

Hope your mum soon starts to recover.

Regards
linda

Suzie I just read your note about about your Mother having blepharospasm. I also have it(18 years). I have been trying for many years to convince the doctors that it is related to stress. I was wondering if your Mother had tried the herbs and how they were helping. Would appricate any feedback. Thanks. Nancy in Colorado USA

Hello Suzi,

I have just found your post. I agree with the herbal advice thats been given , I also have seen patients with this condition -stress related and I wanted to add that cutting out refined sugars and caffiene really helps. The sugars aggrivated and prolong inflammation and the caffiene does nothing positive for the nervous system.
A good veggie juice once a day maybe beetroot n carrot n cucumber would be helpful too and honey flapjacks are a good way t ge oatsin folks who aren+ keen on porridge!!

Loads o love
Karen x