‘Tis the season for home remedies
As we approach the Winter Solstice in our area, bulletin boards and flyers attempt to implore us to get flu shots; folks take inventory of the medicine cabinet, and children start developing sniffles and tummy aches.
It may be a comfort to discover that many common kitchen items can be combined to make effective tinctures that are often safer, less-costly, and more effective than the chemical remedies found at the drug store. Now, what is 鈥渃ommon鈥� in one household, may not be in another, but most of the ingredients are easily obtainable locally. If not, the world of on line shopping has made almost everything 鈥渓ocal鈥� via a computer. It should go without saying, that if your condition is severe or life-threatening, it probably needs the attention of a doctor.
No matter the season, menstrual cramps put a damper on the day. Turns out, a cup of fresh ginger tea can help. According to Mary Rosser, MD, PhD, assistant professor of gynecology and obstetrics at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, ginger can 鈥渋mprove blood flow and reduce inflammation in your muscles, including those in the uterus where cramps originate.鈥�
Ginger is also lauded for centuries for its anti-nausea properties. A great way to use it is to make frozen ginger cubes. First, infuse fresh ginger in hot water. Strain, then freeze in ice cube trays. Suck on the cubes to let the juice drip down to relieve symptoms. This can be very helpful after anesthesia. On a related note, it has been suggested that PMS can be reduced with calcium-rich foods. While not conclusive, it has been demonstrated that people with PMS have lower blood calcium levels than those without PMS.
To settle hiccups, swallow 1 to 2 teaspoons of sugar. Salt can also work. Pretty much any coarse dry edible substance stimulates the irritated nerve that causes the diaphragm to spasm. If you have sugar- or salt-related issues or sensitivities, this remedy is not for you. This remedy comes recommended by Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, medical director of the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers.
According to Ronald Hoffman, MD, medical director of the Hoffman Center in New York, you can soothe a sore throat with garlic, because fresh garlic juice has antimicrobial properties that fight pain-causing bacteria. Gargle twice daily for 3 days with a solution of six pressed garlic cloves mixed into a glass of warm (not hot) water.
Great news for us chocoholics is the research on dark chocolate and coughs. Turns out that chocolate蘑菇视频 compound theobromine is more effective than codeine at suppressing coughs, without the side effects (drowsiness and constipation). For suppressing a cough that is keeping you awake, adults and children over 1 year old can take 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey. Research shows that honey works better than either a cough suppressant or no treatment at all for relieving children蘑菇视频 cough, and promoting sleep.
For a urinary tract infection, reach for cranberries. They contain proanthocyanidins, a compound that fends off the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. It works more as a preventative than acute treatment, so if you are prone to them, drink one to two glasses a day of 20 percent pure cranberry juice.
To lower a fever, Eric Yarnell, ND recommends linden flower tea, which stimulates the hypothalamus to better control temperature, and dilates blood vessels, inducing sweating. His instructions are as follows:
鈥淪teep 1 tablespoon of dried herb (available in health food stores) in a cup of hot water for 15 minutes, then sip. Drink three to four cups a day. For fever above 102掳F, take a tepid bath, which cools the body to match the water temperature. Bathe until temperature decreases to 101掳 to 102掳F, then sip linden flower tea to lower it more.鈥�
Flatulence is a potential problem year round, but during the holiday season, many of us indulge a bit extra, which leads to extra gastric distress. Two enteric-coated peppermint capsules of 500 mg each, taken three times daily can bring relief. Peppermint kills bacteria that cause bloating, and relaxes gastrointestinal muscles for spasm-free digestion. The enteric coating prevents capsules from opening in the stomach, which could aggravate heartburn and indigestion. The peppermint instead releases in the lower gastrointestinal tract, where it is most needed.
The winter months leave many less active, and more tense from cabin fever and inactivity. According to Laurie Steelsmith, ND, you can loosen a stiff neck with 鈥渃ontrast hydrotherapy.鈥� This involves a quick blast of hot, then cold water to get the blood pumping. First, run hot water over your neck for 20 seconds to increase blood flow, then switch to cold for 10 seconds to constrict blood flow. Alternate three times, always ending with cold. When you get out of the shower, your body will send the blood back out to the skin, which results in a final dilation of blood vessels to loosen the area.
One last item for today蘑菇视频 overview of home remedies is sleep. Everything else we do to take curative and preventive measures is enhanced many times over by a good sleep. Here are a few things you can do to induce better sleep: Eat a handful of cherries before bed time, or drink some cherry juice, which research says are packed with melatonin 鈥� the same hormone created by your body to regulate sleep. Then take a hot bath to relax muscles and mind. In bed, rest your head on a lavender-filled pillow鈥搕he fragrance induces sleepiness.
There are many more natural remedies, and a number of good books on the topic. In my opinion, it is time well spent educating yourself, and stocking your kitchen with ingredients to create these miraculous natural healing remedies.