Home and Folk Remedies


I have personally used all of these remedies, and they have usually helped me -- even if they did not entirely solve my problem. I have always found these remedies to be useful, mild and largely side-effect free. You should be aware that I cannot guarantee that you will have the same results. I have never had an adverse reaction to any of these remedies, but that does not guarantee that you will not. Adverse effects are unpredictable, and you may have or develop an allergy to something in one of these remedies. You may notice that I do not give dosage instructions. This is because the proper dose will vary from individual to individual. Taking too much of anything is dangerous, and one must be especially careful with all medicines (herbs are mdicines too). Use good judgement in using these remedies. Remember: None of this information is intended as a substitute for a doctor or other qualified health practicioner's advice.







Allergies:
Drink mint tea (peppermint or wintergreen – not spearmint). This should help relieve sinus pressure/discharge.
If the allergy manifests as a rash or swelling, bathe the area in mint tea or Witch Hazel extract (avoid the eyes and other sensitive areas). If this doesn’t work, try bathing the area in a basil and water infusion (steep dried basil in warm water until the water has cooled). If any of these rinses burns or becomes too uncomfortable, rinse in clear water. Aloe Vera is a good treatment – cover the area with aloe and gently rub in or let it absorb. For itchy rashes, soaking in a tub of warm water with baking soda can help. For wet or weeping rashes, cover the area in honey and cover with bandages. Rinse after two hours. Aloe Vera is a good treatment – cover the area with aloe and gently rub in or let it absorb.


Bruises/Swelling:

Soak the area in water to which Epsom salts have been added. Taking a bath with Epsom Salts added to it is a good remedy for a stiff back.


Colds/Sinus Problems:

Drink mint tea (peppermint or wintergreen – not spearmint). This should help relieve sinus pressure/discharge. Drinking hot water with lemon juice in it may help as well. A mixture of lemon juice and honey, heated and drunk will help cold symptoms as well as sore throat. Tincture of Echinacea can also be useful. Use as directed.


Cramps:

Chamomile is an antispasmodic, as is Ginger (ginger is also an anti-inflammatory). Drink ginger or chamomile tea. Avoiding meat in the week before menstruation and eating foods rich in vitamin E will reduce severity (broccoli, spinach, celery etc…). Soaking in a bath with Epsom salts can also help.


Diarrhea:

Drink plenty of clear liquids. Chamomile tea can reduce cramping and gas. Eat fresh vegetables and fruits (such as carrots, apples or celery).


Fever:

Take aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen sodium, drink plenty of clear liquids and take a nap. Note: Consult a doctor or other medical professional before administering aspirin to children. There is a danger of Reyes Syndrome.


Headache:

Drink mint or chamomile tea, take an over the counter pain reliever and take a nap. Note: Consult a doctor or other medical professional before administering aspirin to children. There is a danger of Reyes Syndrome.


Hiccups:

Eat a spoonful of sugar without opening your mouth until you have swallowed the sugar.


Insect Bites/Itch:

Place a cotton ball soaked in witch hazel extract over the bite and hold for 10 minutes. A paste of baking soda may also be used in this way. A bath with baking soda in it can also help.


Indigestion:

Drink Chamomile or Ginger tea. Cinnamon will also help. Mix a teaspoon of cinnamon in hot water. Let stand for five minutes and drink.


Insomnia:

Chamomile tea is a relaxant. Valerian root (tea or capsules) is also a relaxant.


Nausea:

Ginger will reduce nausea. Drink ginger tea or eat ginger snaps. Cinnamon will also help. Mix a teaspoon of cinnamon in hot water. Let stand for five minutes and drink. Peppermint tea can help, as can chamomile tea.


Rash:

Bathe the area in unsweetened mint tea or Witch Hazel extract (avoid the eyes and other sensitive areas). If this doesn’t work, try bathing the area in a basil and water infusion (steep dried basil in warm water until the water has cooled). If any of these rinses burns or becomes too uncomfortable, rinse in clear water. For itchy rashes, soaking in a tub of warm water with baking soda can help. For wet or weeping rashes, cover the area in honey and cover with bandages. Rinse after two hours. Aloe Vera is a good treatment – cover the area with aloe and gently rub in or let it absorb.


Urinary Tract Infections:

Cranberry (juice or capsule) is useful for avoiding UTIs and during an infection. Drink plenty of (unsweetened if possible) cranberry juice or take cranberry capsules. Caffeine will make one more prone to infection, as can carbonated beverages. Avoid them during infections, and during times which you may be susceptible to them.



Herbs and Aromas a resource page for preparing herbal items

The Herbal Encyclopedia

The American Naturopathic Medical Association




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