Herb

Horsetail is principally used for its content of water-soluble, colloidal silica. It is therefore primarily a treatment for connective tissue problems and internal bleeding, but also has diuretic properties and may help to remove excess lead from the body. The plant should be boiled in water for three hours with a little sugar to extract the silica.

One of the most important uses of horsetail is as a urinary astringent, helping to reduce irritation of the bladder sphincter and therefore combating frequent urination. This astringent effect is thought to be particularly helpful against the problems associated with prostate enlargement in men.

Availability: From specialist outlets and herbalists.

Hydrazine sulphate

A man-made material which, it is theorized, can deprive tumours of the energy they need to grow, thus combating cancer. It is thought to work best against breast cancer, sarcomas, neuroblastoma, laryngeal cancer and Hodgkin's disease, but there has been little research to support this. Some studies of terminal cancer patients have claimed to show an inhibition of the cancer wasting syndrome known as cachexia. Hydrazine sulphate must not be used with alcohol or barbiturates.

Availability: Only available from specialist suppliers.

Hydrochloric acid

Composed of hydrogen and chloride atoms, hydrochloric acid is produced by the gastric glands in the stomach to aid protein digestion by 'uncoiling' proteins, preparing them for the later stages of digestion. The strong acidity of the stomach prevents bacterial growth and kills most bacteria ingested with food.

Hydrogen peroxide

A free radical initiator which must be removed by an antioxidant enzyme, either catalase or glutathione peroxidase. Hydrogen peroxide solution is also used as a disinfectant and bleach and, in some alternative circles, as a controversial oral treatment for candidiasis. However, most natural medicine practitioners feel that the claims made for this treatment are difficult to verify and, considering that there are many safe and effective natural remedies for candidiasis they are not prepared to take the risks associated with the deliberate introduction of large amounts of free radicals into the body.

Hydrogenated fats (see Fats)

Hydroxyl radical (see Free radicals)

Hydroxyproline

Amino acid

Hydroxyproline can be synthesized by the body from proline, using ascorbic acid (vitamin C) as the major cofactor. The primary role of this amino acid is in bone and connective tissue. It is highly concentrated throughout the body, except in cerebrospinal fluid.

Hyperglycaemia (hyperglycemia) (also see Blood sugar)

Literally means 'excess sugar in the blood'. Hyperglycaemia is characteristic of the disease diabetes.

Hypoallergenic diet (see Therapeutic diets)

Hypochlorhydria (see Achlorhydria)