Contemplation of the Hypothalamus and a Snot ridden child

Could a large quantity of modern health problems be traced back to hypothalamic malfunction?
Why not? And why are most treatments aimed at the possible symptoms of hypothalamic malfunction, rather than at helping the hypothalamus regain balanced function? What things definitely mess up the hypothalamus?  Trauma and tumors are two obvious things. What about little explored or understood chemical and environmental causes of malfunction? Hmmm. Here I go bashing alcohol consumption again, since alcohol consumption is known to cause numerous health concerns. If it affects mood, organs, hormones and other enzymes, it just has to be bad for the hypothalamus, since the hypothalamus is the data collection center and command post for so many vital functions. Is there hope and understanding for the hypothalamus in our modern world?

http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~uzwiak/EndoSpring10/Endo08_Lect4.htm (Ouch-now I have a headache, but this is satisfyingly detailed information!)

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001202.htm

Since my youngest daughter has contracted an upper respiratory infection and is snot logged,and generally unenergetic, I'm plying her with a tisane of fresh ginger, lemon thyme, lemon balm, sage, anise seed and honey. We have had good luck with this combination before, and I hope it works again.