The Wise Woman of Wellington, Shropshire: A Herbal Heart Medicine and Dr. William Withering

This report explores the intriguing historical account of the Wise Woman of Wellington, Shropshire, who is said to have sold a herbal heart medicine to the renowned English physician and botanist, Dr. William Withering. 

The story of this herbal remedy, which later became known as Digitalis purpurea or foxglove, holds a significant place in the history of medicine and pharmacology. This report aims to shed light on the key individuals involved, the context of the discovery, and the lasting impact of this encounter on the world of medicine.

1. Introduction:

The Wise Woman of Wellington, Shropshire, remains an enigmatic figure in the history of medicine. Her name may have been lost to time, but her contribution to the field was nothing short of remarkable. The story begins in the late 18th century when the renowned Dr. William Withering lived in the quaint town of Wellington in Shropshire, England, which was his birthplace. 

2. The Wise Woman of Wellington:

The identity of the Wise Woman of Wellington, Shropshire, is not definitively known. She was a local herbalist who possessed an extensive knowledge of native plants and their medicinal properties. Her reputation for effective remedies had spread beyond the town, and this reputation reached the ears of Dr. William Withering.

3. Dr. William Withering:

Dr. William Withering was a prominent English physician, botanist, and geologist. He was a respected figure in the medical community and had a keen interest in botanical medicines. In 1785, he made a fateful visit to Wellington, his home town, where he encountered the Wise Woman and her herbal remedy for heart ailments.

4. The Discovery:

During his visit to Wellington, Dr. Withering was introduced to the Wise Woman's herbal medicine for heart conditions. This remedy was made from the purple foxglove plant (Digitalis purpurea). Recognising the potential significance of this treatment, Dr. Withering obtained samples of the herbal remedy and started conducting extensive research to understand its properties and effects.

5. Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove):

The purple foxglove, or Digitalis purpurea, is a biennial plant native to Europe. The plant contains cardiac glycosides, including digitoxin and digoxin, which have a profound effect on the heart's contractions. These compounds, when used in appropriate doses, can help regulate heart rhythm and strengthen the heartbeat.

6. Medical Impact:

Dr. William Withering's research on Digitalis purpurea led to the development of an effective treatment for heart conditions, which he named "digitalis." This marked a significant breakthrough in the treatment of heart diseases and laid the foundation for modern cardiology and the use of digitalis-based medications. Digitalis preparations, such as digoxin, continue to be used today to manage various heart conditions.

7. Legacy:

The legacy of the Wise Woman of Wellington, Shropshire, lives on through the invaluable contribution of her herbal remedy and Dr. William Withering's ground-breaking research. The encounter between the Wise Woman and Dr. Withering underscores the importance of traditional knowledge and the synergy between local healers and scientific inquiry.

8. Conclusion:

The story of the Wise Woman of Wellington, Shropshire, and her herbal heart medicine is a fascinating episode in the history of medicine. Her contribution, when combined with the scientific rigor of Dr. William Withering, resulted in a ground-breaking discovery that continues to impact the field of cardiology. This tale serves as a testament to the collaborative potential between traditional wisdom and modern medicine, offering a valuable lesson in the evolution of medical knowledge.

Although there is much speculation about the exact location of the birthplace of Dr William Withering in Wellington, it is speculated that the family home was in Wellington's Market Square or also perhaps on what later became known as Park Street. But researchers have, as yet, been unable to establish the address of his family home, from which his father practiced as an apothecary. Although a drawing of the birthplace does exist.

He is commemorated in the town by the Wetherspoon Pub Company which named their pub in the town the William Withering in his honour. There is a display in the pub (including an animated portrait of the great man) which is well worth a visit. 

https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/shropshire/the-william-withering-wellington

https://lunarsociety.org.uk/lunar-men/william-withering/

Treat Coronary Heart Disease in Safety with New Thermobalancing Therapy States Fine Treatment

Fine Treatment introduces a new natural device to help prevent or control coronary heart disease and so reduce the risk of a first or repeat heart attack

New Thermobalancing Therapy for prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease(CHD) is now available at Fine Treatment worldwide. Dr. Allen’s Device for Heart Treatment is essential care of the heart as it works 24 hours a day (day-by-day) improving the condition of the heart muscle. See the video on this page where the interviewer form Oxford Innovation Centre asks questions and the interviewee, one of the Fine Treatment’s patients, answers to them.

As follows from the video, 89 year old lady has recovered from heart failure over 2-years ago and enjoys her life pain free because she wears Dr. Allen’s Device for Heart Treatment.

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (or CDC) each year heart disease kills more Americans than cancer. In recent years, cardiovascular risk in women has been increasing and has killed more women than breast cancer. So the most dangerous disease which causes one in three deaths in the USA can have a safe cure now.

Fine Treatment introduces a new natural device for the heart treatment that everyone will be able to use at home. The major ingredient the natural thermo-element is incorporated in the vest which keeps this thermo-element near to the heart increasing the blood flow inside the heart muscle. Learn more about how easy is to apply the thermo-element to the heart are by watching this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeKMF8UMPMk

“A natural coronary heart disease treatment that reaches your heart is the best way to improve condition of the heart muscle,” says Dr Allen. “Keep the heart muscle in a healthy condition and enjoy your life pain free.”

Dr Allen’s Device for Heart Treatment tackles the cause of the heart problems: by creating a favourable situation for the fine blood capillaries to stabilise the body temperature within the tissue of the heart. This improves the blood flow in the heart muscles on the capillary level which reduces the micro-swelling in the walls of coronary arteries dropping the internal pressure and, thus, stopping pain and discomfort. In addition, the heart muscle gets sufficient nutrients for the processes of recovery. Read more at the Fine Treatment website: www.finetreatment.co.uk/natural-alternative/heart-treatment.html.

FACTFILE:
Dr. Simon Allen is a highly experienced medical professional. His specialty is in the cardio-vascular field and he treated patients with coronary heart disease, joints, kidneys and prostate conditions. Fine Treatment produces and distributes devices for the prostate conditionssuch as chronic prostatitis and BPH, coronary heart disease, to dissolve kidney stones and to relieve back pain in the upper and lower spine.

What is your cholesterol level? And how could you cut it?

Millions of people in the UK are increasing their risk of heart disease – the UK’s biggest killer – by failing to take simple steps to lower their cholesterol, according to recent research undertaken out by HEART UK, the cholesterol charity, and Hovis Hearty Oats.

The research, which tested people on their knowledge and concerns about high cholesterol, shows that over 40% of respondents wrongly thought raised cholesterol resulted from drinking too much, while nearly 60% did not know that you can inherit the condition.

Almost half the population have never had a cholesterol check and only 2% of those surveyed named high cholesterol as their biggest health concern, even though almost one in ten fear a heart attack, of which high cholesterol is a major contributor. According to the survey, the top health worry for people was cancer, even though heart disease is still the biggest killer in the UK.

HEART UK ambassador, Dr Chris Steele, admitted he felt shocked by the findings. He said: “Raised cholesterol isn’t called the silent killer for nothing and I never cease to be amazed at how few people can be bothered to find out what their cholesterol level is. It is vital people in the UK start to take their cholesterol level seriously and I know, from my own experience, how heart disease can affect your life, whether it is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle or an inherited condition. Simple changes such as adding oats to your diet and cutting back on fried or fatty foods can make such a difference.”

Despite years of high cholesterol health warnings, huge numbers of us have not been tested, are not overly worried about it and don’t know how our diet can help reduce it.

Many people are unaware of the types of foods that could actually help them reduce their cholesterol levels and ultimately help them decrease their risk of complications from conditions such as heart disease and other circulatory disorders.

Only half of all those surveyed correctly identified that oats, being rich in soluble fibre, are an easy and affordable way to lower harmful cholesterol levels.

Staggeringly four of the top five foods thought to have a cholesterol-lowering effect, by members of the public, do not directly lower cholesterol at all and almost a fifth of people had no idea at all of which foods can do so.

HEART UK Chief Executive Jules Payne said: “HEART UK is passionate about helping people with raised cholesterol and the results of this survey underline the challenges we continue to face about the public’s misunderstanding of the condition and the simple changes that can save their life.

“Younger people in particular don’t think that raised cholesterol or heart disease can affect them and sadly we see too many cases of younger people who are afflicted by the condition. National Cholesterol Week gives us an opportunity to remind people that getting their cholesterol level checked may well save their life.”

More than 120,000 people in Britain have a form of inherited high cholesterol called FH which can cause premature death in those as young as 30 with only 15% aware that they have the condition.

HEART UK is the UK's only cholesterol charity and dedicated to providing support for people with inherited and non-inherited high cholesterol. They also work with governing bodies and medical stakeholders to develop better methods of detection and treatment for cholesterol-related conditions.

The research for HEART UK was carried out between August 10 and August 15 2011 and the sample included 1177 UK adults.

Some tips to reduce cholesterol levels:


• Replace animal fats with vegetable fats
• Include two or more slices of 50% oat bread such as Hovis Hearty Oats at breakfast or lunch
• Start the day with a bowl of oat based cereal such as porridge, muesli or instant oats
• Keep a hand full of unsalted almonds, walnuts, pecans or peanuts for snacks
• Eat foods (such as spreads, milk, yoghurt, cheese) fortified with plant sterols and stanols at mealtimes
• Make one of your five-a-day a portion of beans, peas or lentils
• Indulge in soya dairy alternatives or include vegetable proteins such as tofu and quorn more often

Figures by region:

Belfast
24% wrongly thought that high cholesterol results from drinking too much
48% did not know that you can inherit the condition.
38% of people have never had a cholesterol check
52% correctly identified oats as having cholesterol lowering benefits
29% knew that spreads fortified with plant sterols could lower their cholesterol levels

Birmingham
47% wrongly thought that high cholesterol results from drinking too much
60% did not know that you can inherit the condition.
52% of people have never had a cholesterol check
47% correctly identified oats as having cholesterol lowering benefits
24% knew that spreads fortified with plant sterols could lower their cholesterol levels

Brighton
42% wrongly thought that high cholesterol results from drinking too much
67% did not know that you can inherit the condition.
42% of people have never had a cholesterol check
33% correctly identified oats as having cholesterol lowering benefits
36% knew that spreads fortified with plant sterols could lower their cholesterol levels

Bristol
47% wrongly thought that high cholesterol results from drinking too much
51% did not know that you can inherit the condition.
41% of people have never had a cholesterol check
51% correctly identified oats as having cholesterol lowering benefits
40% knew that spreads fortified with plant sterols could lower their cholesterol levels

Cardiff
43% wrongly thought that high cholesterol results from drinking too much
47% did not know that you can inherit the condition.
43% of people have never had a cholesterol check
62% correctly identified oats as having cholesterol lowering benefits
45% knew that spreads fortified with plant sterols could lower their cholesterol levels

Ediburgh
45% wrongly thought that high cholesterol results from drinking too much
55% did not know that you can inherit the condition.
41% of people have never had a cholesterol check
47% correctly identified oats as having cholesterol lowering benefits
40% knew that spreads fortified with plant sterols could lower their cholesterol levels

Glasgow
36% wrongly thought that high cholesterol results from drinking too much
52% did not know that you can inherit the condition.
44% of people have never had a cholesterol check
46% correctly identified oats as having cholesterol lowering benefits
36% knew that spreads fortified with plant sterols could lower their cholesterol levels

Leeds
50% wrongly thought that high cholesterol results from drinking too much
56% did not know that you can inherit the condition.
48% of people have never had a cholesterol check
48% correctly identified oats as having cholesterol lowering benefits
44% knew that spreads fortified with plant sterols could lower their cholesterol levels

Liverpool
50% wrongly thought that high cholesterol results from drinking too much
59% did not know that you can inherit the condition.
24% of people have never had a cholesterol check
48% correctly identified oats as having cholesterol lowering benefits
35% knew that spreads fortified with plant sterols could lower their cholesterol levels

London
42% wrongly thought that high cholesterol results from drinking too much
51% did not know that you can inherit the condition.
46% of people have never had a cholesterol check
55% correctly identified oats as having cholesterol lowering benefits
38% knew that spreads fortified with plant sterols could lower their cholesterol levels

Manchester
41% wrongly thought that high cholesterol results from drinking too much
64% did not know that you can inherit the condition.
37% of people have never had a cholesterol check
52% correctly identified oats as having cholesterol lowering benefits
33% knew that spreads fortified with plant sterols could lower their cholesterol levels

Newcastle
39% wrongly thought that high cholesterol results from drinking too much
61% did not know that you can inherit the condition.
40% of people have never had a cholesterol check
51% correctly identified oats as having cholesterol lowering benefits
39% knew that spreads fortified with plant sterols could lower their cholesterol levels

Norwich
41% wrongly thought that high cholesterol results from drinking too much
54% did not know that you can inherit the condition.
44% of people have never had a cholesterol check
59% correctly identified oats as having cholesterol lowering benefits
28% knew that spreads fortified with plant sterols could lower their cholesterol levels

Nottingham
40% wrongly thought that high cholesterol results from drinking too much
61% did not know that you can inherit the condition.
36% of people have never had a cholesterol check
57% correctly identified oats as having cholesterol lowering benefits
42% knew that spreads fortified with plant sterols could lower their cholesterol levels

Plymouth
55% wrongly thought that high cholesterol results from drinking too much
36% did not know that you can inherit the condition.
55% of people have never had a cholesterol check
46% correctly identified oats as having cholesterol lowering benefits
12% knew that spreads fortified with plant sterols could lower their cholesterol levels

Sheffield
36% wrongly thought that high cholesterol results from drinking too much
74% did not know that you can inherit the condition.
60% of people have never had a cholesterol check
31% correctly identified oats as having cholesterol lowering benefits
38% knew that spreads fortified with plant sterols could lower their cholesterol levels

Southampton
53% wrongly thought that high cholesterol results from drinking too much
54% did not know that you can inherit the condition.
41% of people have never had a cholesterol check
61% correctly identified oats as having cholesterol lowering benefits
36% knew that spreads fortified with plant sterols could lower their cholesterol levels
ENDS

FACTFILE:

HEART UK was formed in 2002 following a merger of The Family Heart Association (FHA) and the British Hyperlipidaemia Association (BHA).

HEART UK - The Cholesterol Charity - promotes healthy hearts and better lives by:

• helping and supporting individuals, families and health professionals to understand and control cholesterol conditions
• promoting education and research to improve identification, prevention, treatment and care of cholesterol and lipid conditions
• working in partnership with government, the NHS, industry and other charities
• promoting best practice in addressing inherited and non-inherited cholesterol conditions

Two thirds of the UK have raised cholesterol. Over 120,000 people in Britain have a form of inherited high cholesterol called Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH) which can cause premature death in those as young as 30 – and only 15% of those with the condition are known.

The Chief Executive of HEART UK is Jules Payne. She was formerly Deputy Chief Executive at Allergy UK, a charity supporting people with all allergies and intolerances. Her previous background was in business development within the commercial arena and she has experience of a multitude of industries, including recruitment, advertising, energy and the grey market.

HEART UK ambassadors include actress Dame Judi Dench, chef Aldo Zilli and Dr Chris Steele.

Hovis Hearty Oats is the ONLY bread made with 50% Oats and is approved by HEART UK

People wishing to find out more about FH should contact: HEART UK on the helpline - 0845 450 5988, or visit www.heartuk.org.uk

(EDITOR: Clearly, as the same misinformation is, generally, prevalent throughout the land, then there is something at fault with the information people are being given, or the delivery of this information? And although the message given out is that certain foods can help lower cholesterol levels, some Trading Standard Departments have, foolishly, in the opinions of some, intervened by launching  court cases that might have given some members of the public the impression that it is not possible to use certain foodstuffs to reduce their cholesterol levels. Everyone needs to be singing from the same hymn sheet, or we see the situation that exists in the UK, fragmented advice and erroneous information that could put people's lives at risk.)

Weight loss. It's not rocket science!

Whilst working hard to lose weight, I realised that losing weight is not rocket science. It's more nutritional science, one would suppose.

There's a great deal of science out there, some genuine science and some pseudo-science about diet and nutrition, some of which impacts on how, or if, we can lose weight

For example there is the myth of how much water we must drink, which is said to have an impact on how much weight we can lose. The idea that we must drink a litre or even two litres of water a day has no basis in science whatsoever. There are a number of theories of how and where the myth started, from inaccurate medical research several decades ago. Some researchers even claimed that the myth can be traced back to a BBC science reporter who misread his shorthand notes and so because his shorthand was so poor, accidentally caused misery and confusion to dieters the whole world over.

Whilst it is true that we do need to keep ourselves rehydrated, it is not true that there is some mythical figure for optimum consumption of water, or that other moisture taken in to the body somehow doesn't count. That glass of milk, the glass of diet shake, the tea, coffee, beer and wine (being careful to be aware of alcohol consumption, naturally) the moisture in the food that we eat, all contribute to our overall consumption of water into our body.

Can too much water be harmful? Yes, it can. Some dieters and exercise fanatics who consume vast quantities of water in the mistaken belief that water is very good for one if one is on a diet have found that they can become addicted to water, sometimes with fatal consequences, as too much water in the body can result in brain damage or even, in extreme cases, death.

Water intoxication (or water drunkenness as it is also known) is a result of the electrolytes in the body becoming too diluted. It's not a common problem, but one all dieters who make water a part of their diet regimen need to think carefully about. One pretty rough rule of thumb is, if you are thirsty, drink. And if you are thirsty all the time and have problems with controlling your weight, might it be time to get a diabetes check at your doctor's surgery?

One of the other things I found out whilst looking at ways of losing weight was that, generally speaking, if one wants to lose weight one must ensure that the amount of calories coming on to your body must be outweighed (if you'll pardon that expression) by the amount of calories going out.

This means that if your consume 1,500 calories a day and burn off 2,000, you will have a gentle and sustainable weight loss over a period of time. Conversely if you consume 2,000 calories a day and only burn off 1,500 calories a day, you will have a significant weight gain over a long period of time.

There are many dieting aids available to the weight conscious amongst us, some potions, some pills, some machines and some psychological assistances by way of hypnosis, etc., and it is very much a case of horses for courses. Many of these aids work, but they might not work for everyone, but so long as they assist is in our goal of burning off more calories than we consume, then they are welcome assistances in our fight against being overweight.

There are, of course, no magic pills that will make us lose weight without exercise. Losing weight still requires a degree of dedication and effort on the part of the dieter. Losing weight in a sensible, sustainable way (no starvation diets, for example!) will help to benefit one in a number of ways such as a reduction in the possibility of heart conditions, less strain on joints and so forth.

Reveal the silent killers – and help prevent a stroke

This month sees the launch of One Heart, One Life Campaign – launched in the North West of England and coming to your area!

To help reduce the incidence of stroke, Macclesfield based company, Dot Medical, has developed a brand new, non-invasive screening programme to check people for Atrial Fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) as well as 12 other heart measurements.

Dot Medical Ltd. specialises in Cardiological (heart) equipment; so they decided to use their knowledge and expertise to develop a locally based, mobile screening programme to help people detect whether they may have Atrial Fibrillation, which can cause a stroke.

Why Now and why Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial Fibrillation often has no symptoms at all and it can cause small blood clots to form, increasing the chances of a stroke occurring five fold!

Every year an estimated 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke – and 1 in 4 of these victims has Atrial Fibrillation. Of all people who suffer a stroke, about a third is likely to die within the first 10 days.

In fact, stroke has a greater disability impact than any other medical condition.

The incidence of strokes has increased around the world so much that China and Europe are actively campaigning to check for Atrial Fibrillation in order to help reduce the number of people at increased risk of suffering a stroke.

Dot Medical decided they would initially roll out this programme locally, so that people living in the North West of England are the first to be offered the chance of this new initiative.

Managing Director of Dot Medical, Dr. Ian Rankin commented: ‘Dot Medical’s goal is to screen as many people as possible in local venues. If we can help people to reduce the chances of their having a stroke by checking their heart rhythm, using state of the art equipment, then our efforts will have been well worthwhile. In the case of a stroke, screening prevention could make all the difference between a high quality of life and a devastatingly poor quality of life’.

The screening programme is quick, non-invasive and affordable using the latest technology to check for Atrial Fibrillation. The screen only takes a few minuted and can be completed whilst sitting in a chair. Patients will receive a detailed result sheet which can be shared with their Doctor if they wish.

Screening starts on August 18th in Cheshire at: Tytherington, Prestbury and Alderley Edgeand costs only is £89.00: it only takes a few minutes and could save you years.

Garlic - a recommended natural step in the fight against heart disease

Following the publication of research from the Wolfson Institute at Barts Hospital and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry stating that offering treatment for heart disease to all those over 55 with statins and blood pressure pills would achieve the same results as screening through tests like blood pressure or cholesterol.

Dr Hilary Jones comments, “Professor Nicholas Wald’s report sets the age of 55 as the main predictor of heart disease. It is very important to also look at each individual patient’s circumstance and to consider the well publicised risk factors – overweight, blood pressure, diabetes and smoking. There is also a real concern over side effects: Indigestion, muscle pain and flatulence.

"These side effects are common and probably underestimated and it is thought you would have to treat a 100 people with statins to save just two lives. Undoubtedly there will be benefits for a few but many would experience unpleasant adverse reactions unnecessarily. Nor would it be desirable to abandon screening for high risk patients under 55 either.

"My recommendation is to consider lifestyle changes including lowering stress, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and adopting a healthy eating regime. Simple steps, such as including garlic in your daily routine has to be a better option than having half the population taking unnecessary pharmaceuticals,” comments Dr Hilary Jones. Other experts also acknowledge the circulatory benefits of garlic supplements.

Which Garlic Supplement to use?

Almost every clinical trial has shown that garlic extracts support heart health. That’s because the proven key compound, allicin, is only found in fresh and dried garlic.

Kwai is the original dried garlic supplement . Over 30 independent clinical studies and 190 published scientific papers show that it supports cardiovascular health.It provides the powerful benefits of garlic—without the smell.

Kwai’s suggested daily dose provides 1800mg of allicin — garlic’s most beneficial compound.

The Kwai garlic tablet features an inner core consisting of exclusive LI 111 pure garlic clove powder which undergoes analytical testing to assure the release of allicin, garlic's most beneficial compound.

Kwai's special coating ensures the freshness and intensity of the garlic and protects against odour.