Natural cures for minor ailments, using everyday things found around the home and garden, are becoming more popular.
They’re inexpensive, contain no harmful chemicals, rarely give any side effects and they take some pressure off doctors.
The kitchen is a great place to start, as scientists are discovering more and more positive properties in our everyday foods. So whether we want to soothe menstrual cramps, ease a sore back or get a good night’s sleep, why not turn to some of Granny’s old remedies, which aren’t nearly as archaic as they might sound.
CONSTANT BACK PAIN
Backache affects between 80 and 90 per cent of adults. Much of this is caused by modern sedentary lifestyles, hazardous work conditions or stress, which can lead to muscle spasms in the back.
Treatment
■ Warmed garlic oil rubbed into the sore part of the back two to three times a day, for about 15 days, should help ease pain.
■ Warmed garlic oil rubbed into the sore part of the back two to three times a day, for about 15 days, should help ease pain.
■ Menthol is a natural ingredient found in the mint family and camphor occurs in spike lavender and coriander. Grind the leaves of both menthol and camphor plants to a paste, add a little olive oil and massage well into the affected area.
MENSTRUAL PROBLEMS
Before their period, many women experience depression, headaches, painful breasts, insomnia and irritability. When the menstrual flow starts, they can have cramps. Most of these problems are due to a hormonal imbalance.
Treatment
■ One of the most effective natural remedies is the regular consumption of parsley, either the raw leaves or in the form of a juice (other vegetables can be mixed with it). Parsley contains apiol, which is a constituent of oestrogen. Taken regularly, parsley can help with cramps and regulate the flow and regularity of your periods.
■ One of the most effective natural remedies is the regular consumption of parsley, either the raw leaves or in the form of a juice (other vegetables can be mixed with it). Parsley contains apiol, which is a constituent of oestrogen. Taken regularly, parsley can help with cramps and regulate the flow and regularity of your periods.
■ Eat a teaspoon of sesame seeds with a glass of hot water twice a day to reduce spasmodic cramps.
NAGGING ARTHRITIS
Arthritis means ‘inflammation of the joints’. The two most common forms are osteoarthritis, which develops from general wear and tear, and rheumatoid arthritis, a condition where the body’s defences attack its own cells.
■ The alkaline action of raw vegetable juices helps to dissolve the accumulation of deposits around the joints. Drink a glass of green leafy vegetable juice mixed in equal proportions with carrot, celery and beetroot each day.
■ One age-old natural remedy is the use of raw potato juice. Slice up a medium-sized potato with its skin still on and leave it soaking in a bowl full of water overnight, or use a juicer to extract all the juice, then dilute in water. Either of these should be drunk first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
CHRONIC INSOMNIA
Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Some people become obsessed with trying to get at least eight hours’ sleep a night. This is not always necessary as it is the quality of sleep that counts. The most common cause of insomnia is mental anxiety.
Treatment
■ Make a tea from aniseed (one teaspoon) and 375ml of boiling water. Infuse for 15 minutes, strain and drink while still warm.
■ Make a tea from aniseed (one teaspoon) and 375ml of boiling water. Infuse for 15 minutes, strain and drink while still warm.
■ Lettuce is good at inducing sleep as it contains lactucarium. The juice of lettuce can have a mild sedative effect.
PESKY HAY FEVER
Hay fever is an allergic reaction that can be triggered by pollen, household dust and other allergens present in the air throughout the year. Symptoms can include coughing, headaches, an itchy nose and eyes.
Treatment
■ Buy some local honey and add to boiled grapefruit and lemon juice. Take this solution three times a day. (Local honey is recommended because the allergy may be to a specific pollen. If the honey contains some of that pollen, then eating the honey little and often can help desensitise the body.)
■ Eat a diet rich in vitamin C and avoid flour, sugar, salt and dairy products for one week. Drink plenty of water and herbal teas.
■ Buy some local honey and add to boiled grapefruit and lemon juice. Take this solution three times a day. (Local honey is recommended because the allergy may be to a specific pollen. If the honey contains some of that pollen, then eating the honey little and often can help desensitise the body.)
■ Eat a diet rich in vitamin C and avoid flour, sugar, salt and dairy products for one week. Drink plenty of water and herbal teas.
Source: Yahoo.com
