You probably know already that taking care of your heart means cutting down on salt, eating healthily and exercising regularly but did you know that brushing and flossing your teeth could save you from a heart attack?

Experts have found that those with the worst blockages in their arteries had the most severe gum disease and there is now growing evidence of a connection between poor dental health, gum disease and heart disease.

It is not clear how gum disease may trigger heart problems, although it is thought that bacteria released from the infected gums are the key. The bacteria enter the bloodstream where they may activate the immune system, making artery walls inflamed and narrow, or attach directly to fatty deposits already present in the arteries and this causes further narrowing.

More research needs to be done but the very fact that a link is suspected should encourage us all to take better care of our teeth. So first of all buy a good quality toothbrush with soft, rounded bristles. Electric toothbrushes are fine too. Then it’s time to do the following:

• Make sure you brush for at least two minutes, twice a day after breakfast and before bed. Anything less than that and you’re looking for trouble.
• Brush each and every tooth. Use a gentle, circular motion and massage the gum as you go. Brush the tops of your teeth and don’t forget to do both the outside (near your cheek) and the inside (by the tongue). Don’t overdo it. Your aim is not to polish the teeth but to remove bacteria, so scrubbing hard isn’t necessary and can thin the enamel on teeth and, over time, cause your gums to recede.
• You should also remember to floss at least once a day. It’s not fun, but unfortunately it’s necessary if you want to clean those hard-to-reach spaces between your teeth.
• Don’t forget to book in to see your hygienist every six to 12 months for a thorough clean.
• And finally, it goes without saying that you should steer clear of sugary, sticky foods and eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, oily fish and vitamin C rich fruit and vegetables.

Research indicates that vitamin C may help decrease your chances of developing gingivitis, inflammation in the gums, which can cause dental disease. It is also known that Co-enzyme Q10 can help with bleeding gums.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there were swift, effective, natural pain-relieving remedies so that you didn’t have to constantly resort to over the counter drugs or medications? Potentially, the repeated use of such drugs could damage your stomach lining, your liver and your kidneys, not to mention the fact that overdoses can be lethal.

For example, aspirin will tear up the lining of your stomach and you may not even know it is doing it until it is too late and painkillers containing paracetamol can damage the liver and kidneys after prolonged use. Fortunately, if you’re reluctant to take drugs or worried about the side effects or becoming too reliant on them you don’t have to just live with the pain: there are plenty of safe and pleasant herbal alternatives. Let me, therefore, review some of the best.

Let’s begin with herbs for headaches and migraines which are increasingly common as allergies and general tensions in our everyday lives increase. Regular doses of the herb feverfew may ease or prevent them altogether, especially if they are caused by stress. Feverfew dilates the blood vessels in the head, reversing the constriction that results from tensing the neck and shoulders when under stress. Taking it regularly may help stop you getting tension headaches; but you can also keep it on hand to take at the first warning sign of a migraine, as the tincture can get into the bloodstream fast enough to stave it off.

Chamomile is known to be a good headache helper. It is naturally relaxing and can help with the upset stomach and nausea that migraines can cause. Because it is a mild sedative it can help a person relax during a headache, which often helps to ease the pain. There are different kinds of Chamomile, English and German being the most common; with the German variety being used the most often. It can be taken in pill form or drunk as tea. Chamomile is considered one of the safest herbs we use and is also great for easing menstrual aches and pains.

Sciatica, shingles, trapped nerves and general nerve pain all respond to the action of Hypericum (St John’s wort). The oil or tincture can be applied topically to the affected area and the tincture can be taken internally. Not only does it calm nerve pain quickly, but it can boost your mood at the same time as studies show that St John’s Wort is an effective antidepressant. For shingles, it has the added advantage of working against the virus that causes this painful condition. If you are prone to cold sores, it will help protect you against those too.

There are further remedies for specific types of pain. For many years Harpagophytum (Devil’s Claw) has been used as an anti-inflammatory. Additionally, there are no side effects connected to this remedy; it does not harm the stomach lining as many conventional anti-inflammatories do. Devil’s Claw, in both tincture and capsule form, is used for arthritic and rheumatic pains, being especially effective for rheumatoid arthritis as well as repetitive strain injury.

Another herb that is helpful for arthritis pain as well as back pain is ginger. Ginger is a delicious flavouring spice with warming effects. It increases circulation of the blood and lymph fluid. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used as a general pain killer, due to its ability to move “qi,” or energy. Ginger contains several chemical constituents which make it useful for pain, including zingabain. Ginger can help by taking it internally or using it externally as a compress on the painful area. Scientific studies have found that ginger is an extremely useful herb to ease pain and reduce swelling.

If you are looking for something to rub on the outside as well or instead of Devil’s Claw, try Arnica in gel form, made of organically grown flower heads from a sustainable source. Known for its effects on bruising for centuries, recent research has highlighted its effectiveness in reducing pain and inflammation in arthritic joints.

Finally, you can also use the good old earth’s natural “aspirins” for the pain of a headache and other general aches and pains. Willow bark and meadowsweet are the two most common herbs used instead of aspirin and won’t irritate the stomach like aspirin. In fact meadowsweet is used for the pain of stomach ulcers.

White willow bark can be used to relieve both chronic and acute pain and is therefore helpful in easing conditions from lower back pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and neuralgia to headaches, toothache and menstrual pain. It is also effective in reducing fever, related to colds and influenza. The helpful ingredient in these herbs is salicin that turns into salicylic acid in the stomach that helps with the pain. It reduces the pain and/or eliminates the pain by reducing pain producing prostaglandins. (A good combination of anti-inflammatory herbs is Boswellia Plus).

The kids are screaming; the lights are red; you’re running late or the cash point swallows your card. The following alternative therapies can all offer on the spot stress relief when other options aren’t available:

• Hand reflexology: Reflexologists believe that massaging key points in your hand can ease stress and tension. Try pinching the area between your thumb and forefinger about two centimetres into the palm to combat stress. This point is thought to correlate to the adrenal glands, responsible for releasing stress hormones into the body. Pinch the point firmly for three seconds and repeat three times or massage the area with circular movements.
• Breathe deeply: Breathing deeply is an instant tranquilliser reducing stress and releasing tension in your chest and neck. Breathe through your nose, inhale gently, then exhale slowly and feel the tension melt away from your shoulders and face.
• Look around: Direct your attention outside yourself to the sounds around you. Becoming aware of your peripheral vision helps you access a more open, state of mind. If you’ve been staring for hours at a computer screen this stresses your eyes and creates anxiety. The more relaxed your vision the more refreshed you’ll feel; so to instantly relax, unfocus your eyes and look around noticing what is around you as well as what is in front of you.
• Go green: Connecting with nature can help restore balance in your body, mind and spirit. There may not always be time for a walk in the park but you can spend a few moments gazing at a plant or a flower, in or outdoor. Study the plant in detail and develop a feeling of appreciation for nature and for your life.
• Drink tea: Make your own relaxation tea using chamomile, lime flower, linden flower, passion flower and lemon balm. The volatile essential oils in these plants can induce feelings of calmness.
• Yoga: Studies have shown that yoga positions can help ease stress and this spinal roll will help relax you, wherever you are. Lean forward, holding the elbow of your opposite arm with each hand and stay there for a minute or so. You’ll notice your breathing becomes deeper and tension is released across your shoulders and neck. Slowly roll your neck spine back to vertical then try it again; the rolling action really invigorates the spine and helps wash away tension.