FOLK REMEDY SUGGESTIONS
Various ideas for handling health, beauty, pet and fix-it problems. If you have a serious health problem, always consult with a health care provider before starting treatment. Note: There are no guarantees that these remedies work. You will have to find out for yourself.
ACHY MUSCLE & JOINTS REMEDIES
For Achy muscles from flu, mix 1 tablespoon of horseradish in cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as a massage oil, for instant relief for aching muscles.
For achy feet, use a tennis ball to massage, stretch and soothe foot arches. Slip off shoes and roll each foot over a tennis ball, golf ball, or soup can for a minute or two. To cool throbbing feet, roll them over a bottle of frozen water.
For joint pain, capsaicin ointment, made from fiery cayenne peppers, can make your joints feel as good as new by interrupting pain signals. Rub the ointment into your joints every few hours. You may feel a mild burning sensation in your skin when you first apply it, but any discomfort will subside in a few minutes. Be sure to keep your hands away from your eyes until you have washed them thoroughly.
For muscle strain, Epsom salt bath works magic on sore or strained muscles. Epsom salts contain magnesium, a mineral which relaxes muscles when absorbed through your skin. The salts also soothe pain and kickstart your body's muscle repair process. Add 2 cups of Epsom salts into a tub filled with warm water and soak for 20 minutes.
BLISTER REMEDIES
Do not pop your blister, no matter how tempting it is. Doing so increases the chance of infection. Instead, dab a cotton ball dipped in plain old drugstore witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) on the area at least four times a day. Witch hazel contains astringent tannins that dry up the fluid-filled skin and relieve pain by increasing circulation. It also contains alcohol, which is drying.
BRUISE REMEDIES
Arnica can be used for minimizing bruises and healing them fast. As soon as you bump your knee or other body part or notice a swelling or discoloration, gently rub a dollop of this homeopathic cream on it. Arnica shrinks inflammation and increases circulation to flush away the stagnant blood that turns your skin black and blue.
BURN REMEDIES
Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns.
For treating the burned roof of the mouth from eating hot foods, soothe it with a spoonful of ice cream or frozen yogurt. Swigging a cold drink or putting an ice cube in your mouth can help bring temporary relief. Remove the ice cube quickly before it becomes painful.
Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia), best for its soothing scent, can be used to take the sting out of a first-degree burn (the kind you might get by touching a hot pan). Not only does this oil speed the healing process and prevent scarring, it also fights bacteria on vulnerable new skin. Gently clean the burn with soap and water first. Then combine one part pure lavender essential oil and three parts carrier oil, like almond or olive oil, and apply the mixture liberally to the burn at least three times a day, leaving the wound uncovered.
For sunburn relief, smear yogurt on your skin as soon as it turns pink to cool your skin and reestablishes its pH balance so it heals faster. Use plain, full-fat yogurt that contains few additives. Let it sit on your skin until it warms up and then rinse it off with tepid water. Apply as often as needed.
COLD SORES - HERPES OUTBREAK REMEDIES
Lemon balm is an herbal treatment for cold sores, which are cause by a type of herpes virus. Lemon balm has antiviral properties that work to tame outbreaks. Prepare lemon balm tea by brewing 2 to 4 tablespoons of lemon balm her per cup of boiling water. Let it cool, then dab with a cotton ball on the cold sore several times a day.
CONGESTION, COUGH & STUFFED NOSE REMEDIES
Before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints. They'll clear up your stuffed nose.
For nasal congetion and to clear clogged sinuses, use horseradish. The oils in this plant boost circulation in your nasal passages, which then loosens mucus. Mix a teaspoon of grated fresh horseradish with a little apple cider vinegar or honey, and eat it on toast (the vinegar and honey take the edge off the potent horseradish taste). Inhale deeply as you grate the horseradish; the fumes alone will start breaking up your congestion.
For cough, steep a licorice root tea bag or 1 teaspoon of loose dried root in 1 cup of boiling hot water for five minutes. Drink up to three mugs of it throughout the day to improve cough for up to three days. Do not use licorice if you have high blood pressure or diabetes.
CONSTIPATION REMEDIES
If you do not like prunes, you have another option for constipation relief. Dried figs work just as well as prunes. They contain soluble and insoluble fiber, both of which flush out your intestines. In fact, five figs supply at least 20 percent of your daily fiber requirement, more than almost any other fruit. Nibble on four or five at the first sign of constipation and drink at least one glass of water. If you do not get results within three hours, eat a couple more every three hours until you do.
DIGESTION
For gas and bloating, chew on a small handful of anise, dill, or fennel seeds when you feel bloated. The compounds in these seeds relax the muscles in your digestive tract, which allows trapped gas to pass. They also freshen your breath.
For heartburn, try this heartburn remedy called a heel drop. This sounds strange, but it works. Roll up onto your toes as high as you can, and then allow your heels to quickly drop down onto the ground. Repeat this 20 to 30 times, holding onto the back of a chair for balance if you need to. The downward motion pulls the acid that causes heartburn back into your stomach.
For indigestion, drink a mug of chamomile tea (Matricaria recutita). The essential oils in this herb ease muscle spasms in your gastrointestinal tract and may also decrease your body's production of pepsin, a digestive enzyme that exacerbates indigestion. Brew your tea using loose chamomile flowers rather than the less-potent tea bags. Steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of the dried flowers in boiling hot water for 20 minutes, strain, and sip slowly.
DIARRHEA REMEDIES
For diarrhea caused by an imbalance of intestinal bacteria, take a quality probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacter with 20 billion live organisms daily (read product labels). Improvement should be seen within one or two days.
DIZZINESS REMEDIES
For a case of the spins, simply drop a pinch of cayenne into a glass of warm water and sip. The warmth of the water and the heat of the cayenne cause your body to pump more blood and oxygen to your brain, which makes you feel clearheaded and steady. If you continue to experience dizziness, see your health care provider.
EAR CARE REMEDIES
For earaches, mullein and garlic infused oils kill pain and fight bacteria. Before bed, warm the oil by placing the bottle in your armpit for 45 seconds, tilt your head and squeeze 5 drops into the infected ear and then place a cotton ball in your ear for only a few minutes to keep the drops from running out. This should give immediate relief.
EYE CARE REMEDIES
For dry eyes you will need to shed a few tears to remedy it. The easiest way to stimulate your tearing action is to apply moist heat to your eyelids. Dip a small towel or washcloth in warm water, wring it out, lie down, close your eyes, and put the cloth over your lids for 15 minutes. Do this two or three times a day or as needed.
To revitalize tired eyes, use a chamomile compress twice a day. The chamomile soaks through the eyelids, soothing eye tissue and reducing swelling in the capillaries. Make the compress by steeping 1 teaspoon chamomile flowers or 1 chamomile tea bag in 1 cup of boiling hot water for 20 minutes. Strain and allow the tea to cool. Soak a washcloth in it, wring it out and lie down, placing the compress over your closed eyes for 15 to 20 minutes.
For sties, a warm compress is recommended to heal sties. It can be made more effective if you soak the compress in a solution containing the herb eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis). Steep 1 teaspoon dried eyebright in 1 cup boiling hot water for 10 minutes and strain. Soak a washcloth in the solution, gently wring it, and apply it to the stye for 15 minutes two or three times a day.
For puffy eyes in the morning, go straight for a cube of ice. Wrap it in a paper towel and hold it over each eyelid for a few minutes. The cold will reduce the swelling.
Eliminate puffiness under your eyes, all you need is a dab of preparation H, carefully rubbed into the skin, avoiding the eyes. The hemorrhoid ointment acts as a vasoconstrictor, relieving the swelling instantly.
FATIGUE REMEDIES
If you are overtired, sleep is what you need. But for a quick pick-me-up, drink a mug of mate (Ilex paraguariensis). This tea contains caffeine, but in lower doses than coffee. It also contains theobromine, an energizing compound. Steep a mate tea bag or 1 teaspoon dried mate in boiling hot water for 5 to 10 minutes, strain, and drink. This earthy-tasting tea is good black or with milk and sugar.
FEVER REMEDIES
Maintaining your fever, rather than breaking it right away, can fight the virus that's making you sick. If you have a mild fever (up to 100 degrees), wrap yourself in a blanket and drink a cup of yarrow tea (Achillea millefolium). Make the tea by steeping 2 yarrow tea bags or 2 teaspoons dried yarrow in 1 cup boiling hot water for 15 minutes. Reheat it until it's piping hot, and sip it slowly. Your temperature may rise or fall a degree as you start to sweat. If your starting temperature is 101 to 103, drink the tea but skip the blanket. Check your temperature every 30 minutes throughout this process. Eventually your temperature will drop. If your starting temperature is 104 or more, or if the tea-drinking brings your temperature to 104 or more, call your health care provider. Do not do this with babies or children, or if you're pregnant; consult your health care provider instead.
FIRST AID REMEDIES
Smart splinter remover, just pour a drop of Elmer's Glue all over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.
Hunt's tomato paste boil cure, cover the boil with Hunt's tomato paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.
For cuts, sprinkle powdered cloves on the wound to keep it from becoming infected. Clove oil is rich in eugenol, a chemical that is both antiseptic and pain killing.
For cuts, open a capsule of vitamin E with a sterile needle and squeeze the oil onto your cut at least three times daily. Cover it with a bandaid if it is a serious wound. Use natural vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) as it has more antioxidant power than synthetic vitamin E.
For halting a mild nosebleed in minutes, try using this simple, albeit strange trick. Tear a piece of brown paper from a grocery bag, place it inside your mouth between your top lip and your gum, and leave it there until your nose stops bleeding. No one knows why it works, but people have used this trick successfully for many years.
For treating poison ivy, stop the itch of a poison ivy rash and prevent it from spreading with the following homemade paste: Mix 1 tablespoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita) with 1/2 cup green clay, and add enough water to form a paste. Apply the paste liberally to the rash and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes. Store leftover paste in a tightly sealed jar and reapply as needed. The remedy soothes the itch by absorbing the irritating plant oils and drying the rash. It also works for poison oak.
INSECT RIDDING & TREATMENT REMEDIES
Cleaning liquid that doubles as bug killer - If menacing bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you cannot find the insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409. Insects drop to the ground instantly.
Kill fleas instantly. Dawn dish washing liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog's bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations. Goodbye fleas.
Eliminate ear mites - All it takes is a few drops of Wesson corn oil in your cat's ear. Massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat's skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing.
To relieve the itch from bug bites, try it with an onion. The sulfur in onions neutralizes the chemicals that cause the itch, explains Candee. Simply slice a yellow onion in half and rub one of the cut sides on the bite. The itching should stop immediately. Refrigerate the onion in a sealed container to use again if the itching resumes. Make a fresh slice before reapplying it.
HAIR BALL REMEDIES
Vaseline cure for hair balls. To prevent troublesome hair balls, apply a dollop of Vaseline petroleum jelly to your cat's nose. The cat will lick off the jelly, lubricating any hair in its stomach so it can pass easily through the digestive system.
HEADACHE RELIEF REMEDIES
Drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately - without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional "pain relievers."
Dull a tension headache by massaging a few drops of peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita) into your temples. Peppermint works as well as 1,000 mg of acetaminophen, the main ingredient in aspirin, according to one German study. The peppermint appears to prevent your body from sending pain signals to your central nervous system.
HELPFUL FIX-IT REMEDIES
Easy eyeglass protection - To prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening, apply a small drop of Maybelline Crystal Clear nail polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them.
Coca-Cola cure for rust - Forget those expensive rust removers. Just saturate an abrasive sponge with Coca Cola and scrub the rust stain. The phosphoric acid in the coke is what gets the job done.
HEMORRHOID RELIEF REMEDIES
The tannins in witch hazel tighten the weak veins that trigger painful hemorrhoids. Apply witch hazel cream (be sure to buy the cream and not the clear liquid) three times daily.
HICCUP RELIEF REMEDIES
A teaspoon of sugar swallowed dry can stop hiccups in minutes. The sugar is believed to modify the nerve muscles that would otherwise tell the muscles in the diaphragm to contract spasmodically and contribute to hiccups.
Put a straw in a 6-ounce glass of water, press the tips of your index fingers into the indentations behind your earlobes where your neck and jawbone meet, and drink through the straw. Drink as much as you can while keeping pressure on those points. When the glass is empty, your hiccups should be gone.
INSOMNIA REMEDIES
For insomnia - On nights when you cannot get to sleep, a gentle herbal extract can do the trick. Take 2 teaspoons of valerian liquid extract (Valeriana officinalis) mixed in 1/4 cup warm water. As you wait for the herb to take effect, read a book. You can safely take two more doses of valerian throughout the night if you wake up again. Be aware that valerian makes some people jittery. If you have that reaction, try skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) or passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) instead.
LISTERINE ANTISEPTIC THERAPY REMEDIES
Listerine therapy for toenail fungus - Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.
Antiseptic balm for broken blisters, moisten a cotton ball with Listerine and dab it on the blister 3 times daily to disinfect and continue until the area dries out and no longer hurts.
MENSTRUAL - MENOPAUSE REMEDIES
For menstrual cramps, cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) would work wonders for menstrual pain. It contains at least six compounds that relax muscles, as well as salicin, the pain-relieving compound from which aspirin is derived. Take 1 teaspoon of the liquid extract every hour until your cramps subside. If they do not ease within 48 hours, stop taking cramp bark.
For vaginal dryness triggered by a hormone imbalance, try vitamin E oil combined with the herb black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) restores vaginal moisture and tips your hormones back into balance. Simply squeeze the oil from six vitamin E capsules into a small cup, add about 5 teaspoons of black cohosh cream, and stir. Apply the mixture to the inside and outside of your vagina two or three times a day until you find relief.
MOTION SICKNESS & NAUSEA RELIEF REMEDIES
Motion sickness causes you to produce excess saliva, which can make you nauseated. Pop a couple of olives in your mouth at the first hint of nausea. Compounds in olives called tannins dry out your mouth and soothe the queasies.
Sucking on a lemon can help with nausea.
ODOR ELIMINATION REMEDIES
If your feet smell less that sweet, wipe them down with a vodka-based washcloth to get rid of the bad odor. Rubbing alcohol works equally well if you would rather drink your vodka. The alcohol is an antiseptic and is drying, so it destroys odor-causing fungus and bacteria and dries ou the moisture that lets these organisms grow.
For foot odor, try chlorophyll. Chlorophyll, the same plant compound that gives plants their green color, can also sweeten your feet. Pour 2 to 3 teaspoons liquid chlorophyll into a bucket filled with a gallon of warm water, and soak your feet for 15 minutes. Dry your feet completely afterward, and wear cotton socks which let your feet breathe.
Rainy day cure for wet dog odor - Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh.
Eating active culture yogurt with live bacteria can suppress bad breath causing bacteria by crowding out the bad bacteria with the good yogurt bacteria..
Eat parsley sprigs to kill bad sour mouth odor or after eating garlic or onions. Chlorophyll is a natural deodorizer.
If your body odor persists despite good hygiene, your problem may be clogged pores. When your skin cannot properly eliminate body wastes, bad body odor can result. Gently dry-brushing your skin just before every shower exfoliates the dead skin that traps those odor-causing wastes. You will find body brushes in most drugstores. If you brush with long, gentle strokes moving toward your heart, you will also improve circulation, which will help your body detoxify more efficiently. (This will not eliminate your need for deodorant, but you may be able to use less of it.)
ORAL - MOUTH RELATED REMEDIES
For painful canker sores, douse with raspberry leaf tea (Rubus idaeus). Steep 2 tablespoons of dried raspberry leaves in 1 cup boiling hot water until it cools. Strain the tea, and then swish a few mouthfuls for about one minute each three times a day. The tannins in this tea (which tastes a little like black tea) reduce the swelling and clean the sore so it can heal faster.
For inflamed, tender gums, mix a dropperful of myrrh liquid extract (Commiphora myrrha) in 1/4 cup of water, swish it around in your mouth, and spit it out. Myrrh soothes sore, swollen gums. Do this twice a day.
For a sore throat, try Echinacea. Most people know that echinacea (Echinaceae spp) can help you fight off a cold. But it also acts as a mild local anesthetic when taken in liquid extract form. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of the liquid extract with about 1/4 cup water, gargle, and swallow. Do this every hour for up to 48 hours or until the soreness disappears.
For a toothache, numb a throbbing tooth with clove essential oil (Syzygium aromaticum). The aromatic chemical in clove called eugenol anesthetizes pain and kills bacteria. To apply it, soak a cotton ball or swab with the oil and use it to wipe your sore gums and tooth. Repeat this four to five times a day until you can see your dentist.
SKIN & NAIL REMEDIES
Apply antioxidant-rich olive oil directly to an irritated skin area to treat eczema and repair skin damage. It is moisturizing and prevents skin from drying out. Rub 1 teaspoon per square inch of skin and cover oil-slathered skin with plastic wrap overnight to lock in moisture.
For hives, at the moment you feel yourself starting to break out, take 1,000 mg of vitamin C and 500 mg of pantothenic acid, advises Orlarsch. The combination of these supplements helps your body produce antihistamines, which fight hives, he explains. If the hives do not disappear after the first dose, take another dose every 10 minutes, up to three doses. The high vitamin C dose may cause diarrhea. Reduce your dose if this occurs.
Apply vegetable oil to your hands before going to bed, then put on vinyl gloves or wrap your hands in plastic wrap to keep the oil off your bedding. The hand coverings force the oil to penetrate your skin, preventing your hands and nails from getting too dry.
Almond and grapeseed oil are the quickest fixes for dry skin. They soak into your skin faster than creamy moisturizers. If your skin is extra dry and rough, opt for thicker oils like castor and avocado. If you're prone to breakouts, try filtered jojoba oil. Spread a thin coat of whichever oil you choose to the dry areas twice a day.
For smoother skin, grind 2 tablespoons of washed and peeled papaya in a food processor and add 1 tablespoon of dry oatmeal. Pat this mixture onto clean skin and let it set for 10 minutes before wiping off with a wet washcloth. The enzymes in papaya are gentle, which is why this is an ideal treatment for sensitive skin. Papaya contains papain, a protein-eating enzyme that dissolves the dead skin cells on the surface that can make it look dull and rough, leaving it prone to breakouts. Use this papaya peel remedy twice a month for softer, smoother and more radiant skin.
For a razor burn, it is recommended that you slather aloe gel (Aloe vera) on your skin when you are done shaving. Look for a pure product when obtaining aloe vera.
To clear blemishes quickly, keep a small sealed jar of this natural topical remedy on hand (it keeps for a few months): Combine 2 tablespoons of green clay, 1 tablespoon of goldenseal powder (Hydratis canadensis), 2 to 3 drops of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia), and enough water to form a paste. Apply the paste to your blemish at bedtime and leave it on all night. The clay dries up pore-clogging oil, and the goldenseal and tea tree oil kill the bacteria that cause infection.
For chapped lips, toss out your Chapstick. Conventional lip balms contain petroleum and sometimes alcohol, both of which dry the sensitive skin on your lips. Instead, moisturize and protect your parched, peeling lips with castor oil. Carry a small squeeze bottle of the oil and apply it with your finger often throughout the day. If you plan to be out in the sun, use a natural petroleum- and alcohol-free balm with an SPF of 15 a few minutes after rubbing in the castor oil.
For Corns, to soften thick, callused skin use a little castor oil. Apply a drop of oil to the corn with your finger first thing in the morning, as soon as you get home from work, and right before bed. Cover the corn with a Band-Aid before putting on socks and shoes. You should see slow and steady improvement over several weeks.
STRESS RELIEF REMEDIES
For stress while driving, peppermint or cinnamon gum can lower feelings of frustration, fatigue or anxiety. Peppermint or cinnamon aromatherapy can be used in place of chewing gum.
When you are stressed or anxious, put a pencil crossways between your teeth but do not bite or chew the pencil. This will automatically relax the jaw muscle to prevent jaw pain from clenching your jaw and teeth, straining the muscle that connects the jaw to your temple, triggering tension headaches.
URINARY TRACT INFECTION REMEDIES
Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer. Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly - even though the product was never been advertised for this use.
At the first sign of UTI symptoms, drink a solution made with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda mixed with 8 ounces of water. Continue this once a day until you can get a culture done at a health care provider's office and start antibiotics. Baking soda makes the bladder environment more alkaline, which reduces bacteria's ability to muliply.
Drink cranberry or blueberry juice when you feel a urinary tract infection coming on. Both contain compounds that fight the infection by preventing troublesome bacteria from adhering to the walls of your urinary tract. Drink one to two 8-ounce glasses of 100 percent cranberry or blueberry juice daily until the infection disappears. Obtain juice that is unsweetened and pure, if possible. If you buy cranberry juice cocktail, drink four glasses a day. Or take 2.5 grams of cranberry extract capsules (Vaccinium macrocarpum) twice a day with meals. If you still have symptoms after two days or if your symptoms worsen, see your health care provider.
VARICOSE VEIN REMEDIES
For varicose veins, put your feet up and apply a compress made with sage tea (Salvia officinalis) can minimize the swelling of your varicose veins. Rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, sage reduces swelling by shrinking vein walls. Steep 6 teaspoons dried sage in 3 cups boiling hot water for 30 minutes (double the recipe if you are treating both legs) and strain. Dunk a medium-size hand towel in the tea and gently wring it out. Sit in a spot where you can put your feet up above your heart and wrap the towel snugly around your problem leg.
WART REMEDIES
Covering warts with duct tape eliminates them better than freezing them. To use duct tape safely, clean the area, Cut a piece of duct tape the size of the wart and slightly bigger. Apply the duct tape to the sit and rub into place. Every 3 days, remove the tape and file down dead skin with a pumice stone or nail file. Repeat unti the wart disappears. Chemicals in the tape suffocate and kill the wart.
Gently rub the wart with your finger for 15 seconds at the same time each day. Rubbing the wart stimulates blood flow to the area and prompts your immune system to fight the wart virus. Doing this at the same time every day trains your immune system to kick in on its own.
YEAST INFECTION REMEDIES
Ease the maddening itch of a yeast infection with a suppository made with boric acid. Although its name sounds harsh, boric acid acts as a mild antiseptic and has antiviral and antifungal properties. Insert one suppository every night as long as needed. Do not exceed 14 days. If you do not find the suppositories in your natural food store, ask your pharmacist to make them.
SPECIFIC FOODS USED IN FOLK REMEDIES
All foods have properties and agents that aid the body in natural health and prevention. A number of foods can help with minor ailments and health concerns; foods that are commonly found in most kitchens. (Remember, if you have a serious health condition, always seek medical advice.)
FOOD FOLK REMEDIES - APPLES
An apple a day keeps the doctor away is not too far from the truth. Apples can lower cholesterol levels, clean teeth, help gums, and prevent constipation, and are full of vitamins and fiber.
Drinking apple juice three times a day can help prevent viruses from spreading.
For heartburn and digestive problems, eat an apple with every meal.
Two medium apples a day reduce cholesterol levels by 10 percent.
Eating fresh apples daily can help with gout and rheumatism.
Apples or apple juice are a wonderful treatment for infections, hoarseness and fatigue, and are a good source of energy.
Fresh apples are good for the mouth, teeth and gums and can work on tooth enamel to remove stains.
FOOD FOLK REMEDIES - APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Apple Cider Vinegar helps retain calcium in the body. It encourages strong bones, hair and nails. Vinegar is considered an antibacterial and antiseptic.
Apply vinegar to wasp stings to reduce swelling.
Simmer vinegar in a pan with a little water, cover with a towel, and inhale to reduce spasms from bronchitis and lung infections.
Drink vinegar daily to treat thrush. Can be mixed with water and used as a douche to treat yeast infection (candida).
Drink a cup of hot water to which a tablespoon of vinegar and a spoonful of honey has been added to help with coughs, colds, respiratory infection. This mixture may also help ease the discomfort of arthritis pain.
Sip vinegar first thing in the morning (before breakfast) to reduce appetite and encourage digestion.
For a sore throat, just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.
Vinegar can be used to heal bruises by soaking a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and speeds up the healing process.
To clear up dandruff, change the acidic pH level to restore natural alkaline levels, first wash and condition your hair, then while still in the shower or bath pour a cup of apple cider vinegar on your head and rinse with water.
FOOD FOLK REMEDIES - ASPARAGUS
Asparagus helps promote elimination through urine. It is considered a liver tonic and contains amino acids.
For arthritis and urinary problems, drink the water of asparagus after it has been steamed.
Freshly cooked asparagus will help detoxify the liver, aid in digestion, and may help control breast tenderness and bloating during PMS.
Eating fresh asparagus can help with symptoms of hepatitis.
FOOD FOLK REMEDIES - AVOCADO
Avocado, although saturated in fatty oils, is rich in vitamins A, C, E and B-complex. It is used for skin treatments and has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Avocado paste can be used to help treat dry skin, rashes, and other skin problems by applying the paste to the affected area. It also soothes sunburn, and the paste applied to the face can act as a facial for mild eczema.
Eating avocados regularly can help with digestive problems.
Avocado can help release toxins from the body.
FOOD FOLK REMEDIES - BREAD
There are a variety of breads on the market: whole wheat, seven-grain, 12-grain, white, potato, rye, oat. Each provides a variety of vitamins and important nutrients. Bread is an anti-inflammatory as well as a styptic (stops bleeding).
Apply cold bread to closed eyes to reduce irritated eyes and swelling.
Put a piece of fresh bread on a wound to stop bleeding.
Apply warm bread to infected cuts to reduce pain and itching.
Apply hot bread to a boil to ease the pain and bring the boil to a head.
FOOD FOLK REMEDIES - CABBAGE
Cabbage is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. As a regular part of the diet, cabbage acts as an anti-cancer agent. It is high in amino acids, potassium and magnesium.
Dab a little white cabbage juice on mouth sores or gargle with white cabbage juice to help soothe a sore throat.
Drink fresh cabbage juice daily to reduce the distress of gastric ulcers, asthma, headaches, bronchitis, psoriasis and cystitis, and to disinfect the colon.
A warm cabbage leaf compress placed on the head can help reduce headaches.
A cold cabbage leaf compress placed on the engorged breast with mastitis can help relieve inflammation and pain.
Cabbage leaves can relieve sore, infected eyes.
FOOD FOLK REMEDIES - CARROTS
Carrots were one of the first vegetables used for medicinal purposes. Carrots are rich in vitamins A, B, C and E, and are one of the best sources of beta-carotene. They also contain high levels of calcium. Many believe carrots are good for liver energy.
Eaten daily, raw carrots can help relieve eye and skin disorders. They can also help with glandular problems, and they may help regulate menstrual cycles.
Carrot soup is good for diarrhea. It slows the bowel while it regulates bacterial growth.
Drinking carrot juice each day can energize and cleanse the body. It can help boost the immune system and may help relieve effects of fatigue and stress.
Dried carrot powder can help with headaches and joint problems.
Carrots are an antitoxin.
FOOD FOLK REMEDIES - CELERY
Celery can be used to calm the nerves, reduce high blood pressure, reduce spasms in the digestive tract and stimulate the thyroid. It is full of vitamins A, B and C.
Celery seeds can be used as an anti-inflammatory, and when digested can reduce arthritis pain and relieve muscle spasms.
Raw, grated celery can be used as a poultice and applied to swollen glands.
Celery juice can act as a digestive aid.
Eating raw celery can help stimulate the thyroid and pituitary glands.
FOOD FOLK REMEDIES - HONEY
Honey has many medicinal purposes - from treating allergies to soothing coughs and sore throats - and it has vitamins and amino acids, too. It can help retain calcium in the body.
Honey water can be used as an eye lotion if the eye is infected.
Honey and lemon mixed together makes an excellent cough remedy.
Honey is a wonderful moisturizer. It has soothing effects on raw tissue, and can be rubbed on the skin.
A teaspoon of honey can help soothe a sore throat and help with respiratory infections.
Honey rubbed on athlete's foot several times a day can helps reduce itching and may promote healing.
Honey mixed with apple cider vinegar can help with arthritic deposits.
Honey remedy for skin blemishes... Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a band-aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin, sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.
FOOD FOLK REMEDIES - LEMONS
Lemons are rich in potassium and high in vitamins B and C. They have many therapeutic properties, including anti-fungal and antiseptic, and also aid in digestion.
Lemon juice used on cuts can help stop bleeding.
Lemons act as a natural insecticide, working well to keep away flies and mosquitoes.
Drinking a combination of lemon juice and warm water each morning helps to detoxify the liver.
Regular use of fresh lemon can be a good treatment for hemorrhoids, kidney stones and varicose veins.
A few drops of fresh lemon can help cold sores and mouth ulcers, and can help freshen the tongue and breath.
A slice of lemon on your favorite foods each day can help strengthen the circulatory and immune systems.
Lemon, either squeezed or bottled, can help with colds and flu, and is a beneficial treatment for other infections.
FOOD FOLK REMEDIES - OATS
Oats are extremely rich in minerals and vitamin B. Oats help lower cholesterol levels, balance hormones, and they are considered an all-around therapeutic food.
Eating raw oats can ease constipation.
Cooked oats eaten daily can relieve fatigue, lower blood cholesterol, and can help reduce depression, stress, addictions and other nervous disorders.
It is said that eating oatmeal on a regular basis can help prevent colon cancer.
Quaker Oats for fast pain relief.... It's not for breakfast anymore! Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain.
Oats added to a soaking bath can help with itchy skin.
FOOD FOLK REMEDIES - ONIONS
Onions can help the body "weep" by releasing toxins and increasing blood circulation.
Onions strengthens the lungs and helps reduce cholesterol levels. Onions have vitamins A, B, C and E.
If you have an abscessed tooth or a boil, apply a piece of onion to that area to draw out infection and encourage circulation for faster healing.
For minor earaches, place a roasted onion on the ear.
Ingesting onions can help with gastric infections and disorders.
For sprains or bruises, apply a finely chopped, moistened onion.
Onion, whether cooked or raw, is a natural antibiotic and draws out infection.
FOOD FOLK REMEDIES - POTATO
Potatoes are filled with potassium and vitamins A and C. They are extremely nutritional and are a wonderful source of fiber. In addition, potatoes have alkaline which helps detoxify the body.
Eaten daily, potatoes can help prevent constipation, heart disease and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Eating a raw potato can help reduce heartburn.
Potato juice helps relieve stomach ulcers and arthritis pain.
A warm baked potato applied to the elbow can help ease discomfort of tennis elbow.
FOOD FOLK REMEDIES - RICE
Rice contains high levels of carbohydrates. It is rich in vitamin A, B, C and E. In addition, rice has high levels of potassium, iron, and is sodium-free. Rice is a good digestive aid. It helps lower and blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Eating rice each day can help reduce heartburn and edema, and it can lower blood pressure.
Drinking rice water (the water after rice has been steamed) can calm an upset stomach.
Ingested before a menstrual cycle, rice can help reduce bloating and symptoms of PMS.
A rice flour poultice can help with acne, burns, and other skin disorders.
If you have more folk or home remedies that you would like me to include here, please email me and let me know what they are.
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MoonDragon's Alternative Health Index
