Home remedies, or natural healing methods, have been passed down from generation to generation and, although their efficacy is not always scientifically proven, they continue to be used as natural alternatives to healing. A home remedy is based upon the practice of traditional and folk medicines. From honey to stinging nettles, from lemons to onion water, these remedies can be an invaluable part of the modern medicine cabinet.
Honey
As a substitute for an over-the-counter cough syrup, a tablespoon of honey is an effective soother for sore throats and coughs. Honey can be applied to a boil to relieve pain and also to burns. Dr. Peter Molan at the Honey Research Unit at the University of Waikato in New Zealand has studied the positive anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of honey and has found chemicals similar to hydrogen peroxide in Manuka honey.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle, botanically known as urtica dioica and urtica urens, is useful in a variety of ailments. Drinking a cup of nettle tea or juice is good for acne, psoriasis and eczema. Nettles are rich in iron, and drinking nettle tea for anemia will replenish the blood and will increase appetite. Nettle tea can be used as a remedy for people losing their hair--as a tonic and as a lotion for massaging into the scalp. Nettle leaves applied directly to the skin when muscles or joints ache will relieve pain as the chemicals released from the plant act to combat inflammation and pain.
Raw Onions
Cutting a large onion and applying it to the pit of the stomach is a folk remedy useful in treating vomiting, so writes Jan De Vries in "Traditional Home & Herbal Remedies." Drinking the water in which onions have been boiled is beneficial to stomach complaints. Onion poultices are good for indigestion when applied to the stomach and good for earaches when applied to the affected ear. For colic in babies, give half a teaspoon of onion water--warm water into which a slice of onion has been dipped--several times a day.
Lemons
Lemons, although acidic, are alkaline-forming in the body, which means they are beneficial to the system because they balance the pH. A balanced pH keeps harmful bacteria from flourishing and causing disease. Drinking a cup of hot water with lemon is a healthy way to start the day. A gargle made from the juice of one lemon and a cup of water soothes sore throats and fights bacteria. Washing with lemon juice and water is good for acne and pimples. A mixture of lemon juice added to an equal amount of olive oil is a cure for gallstones. Using lemon juice in the final rinse after shampooing will lighten hair.
Garlic
The use of garlic as healing agent stretches back to the Romans and Greeks. Garlic is useful in the treatment of angina and other circulatory problems because it cleanses the blood. Taking garlic helps the body combat bacteria and keeps the toxins thought to cause arthritis from accumulating and causing disease. Eating plenty of garlic deters insects and mosquitoes from biting and stinging. Dr. Jan De Vries says eating garlic every day keeps emphysema and eczema away.
References
- Stinging Nettle
- Anti-bacterial Action of Honey
- "Traditional Home and Herbal Remedies";Jan De Vries; 1986
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