Good Old Fashioned Folk Cures ~ by Jen
Submitted by jen on April 17, 2009 - 2:46pm.
CCN Series Blogs | Health Care | Survival Series
CCN SURVIVAL SERIES
HEALTH
~ by Jen
As more and more people join the 47 million Americans already without health insurance, increasing numbers look towards alternative health care, including home health and folk remedies for minor ailments that once prompted them to run to the doctor, or just suffer through the discomfort.
Most of us remember some of the remedies our grandparents used. But as families have become more mobile and moved away from each other, many have missed that firsthand exposure to old folk remedies that were once common knowledge and a part of every household.
Some of these cures are still known and widely used today, such as lemon and honey in hot water for sore throats, colds and digestive problems, or chamomile tea for lulling children to sleep, and upset tummies. Raw honey – which has not been pasteurized or filtered, and ideally taken directly from the hive – is a treasure chest of nutritional value and medicinal remedies. It can help arthritic joints, when combined with apple cider vinegar; or applied topically, speeds the healing of tissues damaged by infection and/or trauma.
http://www.naturalnews.com/021506.html
It can get confusing with all the information available today ranging from common herbs available in dry form to make teas, tinctures, and healing salves, to flower essences, extending to Chinese herbs and homeopathic remedies. Without a extensive reading and experience, it can just get downright overwhelming to know where to turn for any particular ailment.
Called "Goji" by Native Chinese, Wolfberries Have Been Used in Traditional Folk Medicine for Over 5,000 Years
One of the best sources for bulk teas, herbs, flower essences, and carrier oils is a wonderful little company in Eugene, Oregon, called Mountain Rose Herbs. They grow and produce everything you need to either buy prepared product, or make your own, at very reasonable prices. Of course, those of you lucky enough to have good health food stores nearby won’t need this resource, but for difficult to find items, they have just about everything.
Earth Clinic is an excellent resource for finding home remedies. There is a remedies section, stocked with home remedies from around the world, as well as a cures section -- an alphabetically arranged database of ailments with holistic cures using home remedies, folk remedies and supplements. Earth Clinic is unique in that readers have written in with reports (yea or nay) about each remedy.
The knowledge and use of some simple cures can also be extremely useful during emergency situations when no other means of treatment are available or accessible. Speaking of emergencies – one item to have on hand at all times is Rescue Remedy.
Rescue Remedy is totally natural and contains five of the 38 Bach ® Flower Essences. It is helpful in any stressful or traumatic situation, physical or emotional, for both people and pets. I always have a little bottle at home and one in my purse.
Of course, anyone with ongoing medical problems should always consult your doctor before taking any herbal or natural remedy. Herbs have volatile oils and certain interactions with other prescription drugs and health conditions.
I think what would be most fun and useful is for everyone to weigh in with their own knowledge and experience. Things they've used that worked, or things they've heard passed down from grandparents, parents, etc. As with the other Survival Series blogs, we're trying to keep them focused on information, so when someone comes in searching for info on their topic, they don't have to scroll through scores of unrelated posts.
So, questions or advice about a particular folk remedy, or an anecdotal experience with some remedy you’ve tried would be most appreciated and beneficial to all!
A votre sante!
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LINKS
TEAS: http://coffeetea.about.com/library/herbs/blherbs.htm
SALVES: http://possumsal.homestead.com/Bruises/healing.html
TINCTURES: http://home.teleport.com/~howieb/catalog/about.html
HERBS: http://www.pioneerthinking.com/ld_herbs.html
FLOWER ESSENCES: http://healing.about.com/cs/floweressences1/a/aa_flressences.htm
http://www.bachflower.com/
CHINESE HERBS: http://www.allnatural.net/pages/chinese-herbs.shtml
HOMEOPATHIC: http://www.besthealth.com.au/homeopathy.htm
MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/
EARTH CLINIC: http://www.earthclinic.com/index.html
RESCUE REMEDY: http://www.bach-flower.com/rescue_first_aid.html
if you don't recall what the objective of the Survival Series was .... or just want a refresher on the types of topics that might be covered here....
This is the original blog about the Series:
http://securingamerica.com/ccn/node/16080
--with a lot of helpful input in the comments as well.
I have sent you an email in regards to Survival logo... You should be able to plug the logo by using the URL or copy/past the logo itself on anywhere and it should show up…
If you need me to include the logo on the document, I am assuming it's Word, then I can do it for you; send me the Word.doc and I will take it from there...
but (as I said in my email) the urls did not work. :(
And I tried them all. But thanks for trying.
Next "episode" I'll get the coding from Kat-
to come in and do "cleanup" here is welcome by the way!
Great job, Jen! And thanks to ms and Kat for re-initializing this.
Back later to read more thoroughly - gotta go work now.
;-) Kelly
"Our public servants work for us - we don't work for them. We have an obligation, as citizens of this country, to always remember that - and to never let them forget it." - DeadMessengers
No one's talking! So I'll just add my own home remedy or two.
Leg cramps, foot cramps.
Ever have them? I used to dance all night, and come home to horrible leg cramps in bed that would keep me up. I have discovered after many years of trying all the usual remedies: Ben Gay, walking around the room, stretching, rubbing, eating bananas-- that a simple extra magnesium intake does the trick. You can either buy magnesium cream and apply it directly which is really good, or you can just take a chelated magnesium supplement (pill) from your vitamin stash. If you tend to cramp--- alcohol and caffeine will exacerbate the tendency, so keep magnesium tabs in your purse in case you're out to prevent your foot from launching into spasms! I've had them driving and had to pull over.
I also swear by echinacea in the cold/flu season and I don't get flu shots. Or the flu (well almost never!)
Joint pain:
I hike and for a few months last year, I had a bothersome nagging hip pain - I doubled my fish oil intake and Presto! No more pain. Fish oil seems to help so many common complaints. I take Nature's Bounty 1200 that promises there's no mercury in the formula. Two a day unless there's extra some ache or pain and I up it an extra one.
The marvels of Baking Soda!
For the first time ever, recently I had this pre-ulcer stomach problem, acidic stomach, that feels like deep hunger pains all day long regardless if you just ate. It was a time of heavy stress and a very sick Mom I was helping to caretake-- eating crackers and bread constantly just to quell the pain... when I discovered that a teaspoon of baking soda in water can do the trick. Along with a small glass of kefir that also helped. Never having had any stomach issues before, I was at a loss - and my Health Insurance (is that the right term??) doesn't really cover anything, so I of course don't even consider going to a doctor. Which is probably a good thing. This way I don't get useless pharma that gives me 6 other symptoms and disorders I need to treat.
Bronchitis:
Vicks Vapo Rub! Talk about old fashioned! In the steamer or rubbed right onto the chest and neck -- this has always helped me sleep if I do happen to get one of those whopper cases of bronchitis that clogs everything up so that you can't breathe.
I'm sure there are dozens more but that's a start.
Now somebody else please-- give us your remedies!
I live in a facility where most of the residents are 80+. Many of them have problems with leg and foot cramps. They swear by putting a bar of regular soap (not Dove) at the foot of the bed, under the covers.
Yes...Vicks Vap-O-Rub on the chest, then a hot towel, and a vaporizer with some kind of gunk in it. (Never knew what that gunk was.) That was Mom's standard remedy.
A related story: I had a bike accident when I was 8. I and a friend were racing around the block. I was just a little behind him when we entered Turn 1. Our wheels touched, mine front to his rear, and we both went down -- he to the left on the grass and I on the cement street. I wasn't wearing a shirt, so my chest became raw hamburger.
That night I was uncomfortable, so my Dad found something to sooth the burning sensation. When he applied it, I screamed bloody murder. He thought I was just scared and kept applying. I screamed more loudly. Dad started to get mad because I wasn't cooperating. Eventually he gave up, but was disgusted because he only wanted to help.
The next morning he looked at the tube of ointment, where he saw the label "Mentholated." He never forgave himself the whole rest of his life.
Stan Davis
Lakewood, CO
Wes Clark: "We're no better than our own sense of humility."
Vicks is wonderful stuff - don't forget to also put it on the soles of your feet, then put socks on (this for cold/flu), as well as a little just under your nose - will unstuff your nose quickly so you can sleep.
Headaches: for bad headaches - especially concentrated in around your forehead/temples or back of the neck - use a small amount of Icy Hot (BenGay probably works too), right where the pain is. Rub it in gently. Then just close your eyes for about 15 minutes or so, and the pain should subside. Worked great for me after some very long hours in front of the computer with little sleep.
Jen - thanks for reminding me about the wonders of Apple Cider Vinegar!
"Our public servants work for us - we don't work for them. We have an obligation, as citizens of this country, to always remember that - and to never let them forget it." - DeadMessengers
If jen did the research to find these websites, that's a good recommendation for them. Jen has a lot of experience trying these various remedies and making suggestions for people. I've used the dried lavender from my garden to make a tincture (or tea) to drink when I feel "fluish" as it's supposed to have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Sometimes I manage to not get sick, so since it tastes pretty good sweetened, I'll keep doing it. I still get a flu shot every year.
Well, Jen, I really don't have any home remedies to share.
But I wanted to acknowledge your informative blog just the same, so I'll add this little tidbit.
Something I do regularly is stretching yoga exercises.
The usual, I'm sure everyone has heard of.
What I have found to be beneficial and is often overlooked is deep breathing.
Where you start by slowly expanding your diaphragm and then gradually moving up into your lungs, pausing for a short (or long) moment, then slowly exhaling, pause, inhale. Nothing forced, calm breaths. Release muscle tension while exhaling. In stressful times I have found these techniques helpful. Stress can make your muscles tight, the breathing exercises counteracts the muscle tension. Notice how when you go to lift something heavy, you naturally hold your breath, I have tried difficult yoga poses and find myself holding my breath, which makes it much harder to hold the pose, and I am not getting the full benefit of the exercise. Deep breathing can be helpful in all sorts of stressful environments.
Otherwise, eat right, get plenty of rest, make the best out of life.
Good points, Amiel.
My doctor asked me to check my blood pressure every day. I've found that I can affect my BP significantly by deep breathing and relaxing. In just a few minutes I can go from 135/84 to 116/74 or thereabouts this way. The pulse rate takes a little longer to lower.
I also never have any trouble going to sleep. I do a muscle version of "Dem Bones" -- the toe muscles connected to the ankle muscles (relax), the ankle muscles connected to the calf muscles (now hear the word of the Lord). Often a whole limb or shoulder will change positions. I selcom make it above the waist before I'm asleep. (Of course the martini or bourbon and water I have before lying down might help, too.)
Stan Davis
Lakewood, CO
Wes Clark: "We're no better than our own sense of humility."
from Natural Solutions Foundation:
Folk Medicines and Herbs to use and avoid with Bird Flu
Below is a list of foods that are said to contain substances that are natural
antivirals, immune boosters or they decrease cytokines TNF-a and IL-6.Alternative medications that are most likely to help us during a severe
pandemic:Garlic (allicin) - Very effective antiviral. Best if fresh (raw) and crushed.
Must be consumed within 1 hour of crushing. Dosage is initially 2 to 3 cloves
per day but later reduce until no body odour occurs. No toxic effects noted.
(Pubmed PMID 9049657)Vitamin C - Boosts the immune system and is an antiviral by blocking the
enzyme neurominadase. Viruses need neurominadase to reproduce. There are
anecdotal stories of people taking large amounts of Vitamin C (children ½)
surviving the Spanish Flu. Research shows that it may reduce the production of
cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. A study on 470 people involved giving the test group
1000 mg hourly for 6 hours and then 1000 mg 3 times daily after reporting flu
symptoms. Symptoms decreased by 85%. (Pubmed PMID 10543583, 634178, 16169205,
12876306)Green Tea (possible Tamiflu/Relenza alternative)- Very effective antiviral.
Also decreases the production of the cytokine (catechins) TNF-a. Inhibits
neurominidase. May have antiviral activity that is equal to other antivirals
such as Tamiflu. (Pubmed PMID 16137775)St Johns Wort (Hypericum) - Very effective antiviral. Also decreases the
production of the cytokine IL-6. Hypericum is an extract from St John’s Wort.
There have been some very successful field trials in commercial flocks
infected with H5N1 in Vietnam. (Pubmed PMID 7857513, 11518071, 11362353,
7857513, 11518071)Vitamin E - Immune booster. Also decreases the production of the cytokine
TNF-a. (Pubmed PMID 155882360, 10929076) Experiments involved using mice. Very
suitable for immune compromised people, especially the elderly. Effects
enhanced when taken with Vitamin C.Apple Juice - Antiviral. Fresh apple juice including the pulp and skin has
greater antiviral activity than heated commercial apple juice. More research
is needed. Effectiveness on H5N1 is unknown. (Pubmed PMID 32832, 12452634)Resveratrol - Antiviral. In addition to inhibiting neuraminidase, Resveratrol
also sends a message to cells to stop manufacturing viruses. This is a proven
antiviral found naturally in red wine, peanuts, mulberries, Japanese Knotwood
root (richest source), raisins and red grapes. Resveratrol supplements are
relatively inexpensive, are more stable than wine and is available in liquid
form for absorption in the mouth. No toxic effects noted. (Pubmed PMID
1583880, 12817628, 15985724)Scuttellaria (Skullcap) - Antiviral. A herb used as a tea. It has no side
effects and is also a mild tranquillizer. Research suggests neurominidase,
which is a substance needed by the H5N1 virus to reproduce, may be inhibited.Cranberry Juice - Early research shows that it may be an antiviral, making
viruses less able to invade or multiply. Effectiveness on H5N1 is unknown.
(Pubmed PMID15781126)Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) - Decreases the production of the cytokine
TNF-a. Also boosts immune system. The number of white blood cells was
significantly increased during treatment. No toxicity was noted.
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?CMD=search&DB=pubmed) Active
constituents can be found in the leaves, bark, vine, and roots. Water
extraction from bark used. Children and pregnant women are to avoid. Has a
potentially damaging effect on the DNA of proliferating cells. (cancers,
fetuses, growing children)Curcumin (Tumeric Spice) - Decreases the production of the cytokine TNF-a.
This is the yellow compound in turmeric spice. Research shows that this may be
very good for preventing a cytokine storm although this is not proven. Must be
taken with food or gastritis or peptic ulcers may occur. Pregnant women and
feeding mothers should avoid this. The medicinal properties of curcurmin
cannot be utilized when used alone due to rapid metabolism in the liver and
intestinal wall. When combined with Piperine found in black pepper the
absorption is increased with no adverse effects. Obtainable from health stores
in tablets, liquid, capsules already combined with piperine. Dosage is 500mg
to 4000mg daily.Astragalus root (Astragali Radix) - Boosts immune system. (Pubmed
PMID15588652)Tea tree Steam Inhalation - Reduces the cytokine TNF-a. Add 2 drops of tea
tree oil in a bowl of steaming water. Cover head with a towel and inhale for 5
to 10 minutes. Relieves congestion and fights infection. Its effectiveness is
unknown. (Pubmed PMID 11131302)
*************************************
The following substances MAY BE BEST TO AVOID during a H5N1 pandemicElderberry juice (Sambucal) - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a
and IL-6. This substance is very effective against the common flu but may not
be desirable for the H5N1 virus. Increases in these cytokines may trigger a
lethal cytokine storm. (Isr Med Journal2002 Nov;4:944-6)Micro Algae (Chlorella and Spirulina) - AVOID - Increases production of
cytokine TNF-a. (Pubmed PMID 11731916)Honey - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. (Pubmed
PMID12824009)Chocolate - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. (Pubmed
PMID 12885154, PMID 10917928)Echinacea - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. Although
it is often used for normal flu, research shows that it may increase the
chance of cytokine storms for H5N1. (Pubmed PMID 15556647, 9568541)Kimchi - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. (Pubmed
PMID15630182)Dairy products & Bananas - AVOID - These foods increase mucous production.
References:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/ (search using Pubmed ID number listed
after each food)
**********************************And this email we received, quoting information regarding various miscellaneous remedies and concerns: dehydration, mercury toxins, magnesium, etc and that old-stand-by, Iodine:
Long article. Go to Natural solutions Foundation to read it:
http://www.healthfreedomusa.org/?p=2581#misc
Once in a while you get shown the light, In the strangest of places if you look at it right.
I'm like Barry... I was with you up until the No Chocolate part and then.... I started to weigh the downside... :)
Another interesting thing I noticed at that site was the recommendation of Iodine (20 drops) in a half glass of water!
Also green tea, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) - exposure to sunlight for Vit D, taking magnesium, Vit E, Vit C, Vit A, selenium (but not too much- witness the polo ponies....) and alpha lipoic acid.
I'm taking notes!
is one of the best things you can do to keep your immune system strong.
(NaturalNews) There are many natural remedies that will raise your immunity to the Swine Flu and other viral and bacterial diseases. Many people do not have immunity to the current strain of Swine Flu. This is not unusual because most viruses alter as the virus season goes along. Most people will not become sick because the issue is not the virus but SUSCEPTIBILITY.
Viruses will not multiply in a healthy body. We constantly have Streptococcus in our throats, yet we rarely experience Strep Throat. The same is true of this Swine Flu and other viral strains. Exposure will lead to disease only if the immune system is suppressed and if the vitality of the person is weakened. Do NOT suppress mucus. It is important to let the body discharge toxins.
Most viruses become less aggressive over time because they want to spread and not to kill their hosts. If they kill their hosts, they die as well. The viruses that do survive --the ones in humans with strong immune systems-- become less virulent so that their hosts, us humans, go to work, shake hands and sneeze on others to continue to spread the virus.
Using herbs, homeopathy, and vitamins will increase your health and reduce your susceptibility.
DIGESTION
Some say that the flu "begins in the gut and ends in the gut". This means that if you have good digestion, you will increase your resistance to this and other flu strains. Take a probiotic daily. Live probiotics are available in natural food stores, and probiotics are now more widely available in grocery stores, in yogurt culture and even in chocolate.HOMEOPATHY
The homeopathic remedy Anas Barbariae (sold by the name Oscillococcinum) is made from the liver of migrating geese. Because they travel the world, they build immunity to many viruses years before humans do. Be sure to get the 2009 version by checking the expiration date. It has been found that the remedy Ferrum phos is effective in treating the early stages of the flu, when used in the first 24 hours. Also the remedy Influenzinum can be taken as a prophylaxis. This remedy is made from the same disease strain as the CDC uses to make each season's flu vaccine.LIFESTYLE ADVICE
1. Get Plenty of Sleep
To improve your resistance to any disease, the most important thing you can do is get enough rest. Your body knows how to heal, and it does this best when sleeping. Get adequate rest on a daily basis, and if you begin to feel fatigue during a time of increased stress to your immune system, take naps, get into bed earlier, relax and let your body do what it does best: restore and rebuild.2. Hydrate
Our bodies are 80% water. Drink plenty of water each day to stay hydrated and to allow the body to flush toxins from the blood and the liver. Drink pure water, not soda or juice, for best results.3. Exercise
Exercise increases your resistance to disease. It stimulates the cleansing blood flow and increases your natural stress reducing hormones. Exercise doesn't have to be strenuous to be beneficial. Science has shown that walking daily is good for your health and well being.4. Spend time outdoors
The healing benefits of nature are yours and all you need to do is step outside. The fresh air cleanses your lungs and the vitamin D from sunshine is great for general health. Even on a rainy day or at night, the fresh air is beneficial.5. Exercise
Exposure to nature and the great outdoors helps healthy emotions.HERBS TO BUILD PROTECTION AND NATURAL IMMUNITY
1.Echinaea--Echinacea is best taken in advance of getting sick.
2.Olive Leaf
3.Elderberries
4 Adaptogens
Adaptogens are plants that have the ability to resist chemical and biological stressors and to pass that ability on to humans. Eleutherococcus research has shown a 30% to 50% decrease in influenza in Russian workers. Shisandra has long been used in Chinese medicine to improve immune function through its healing action on the liver. In recent research, Shisandra proved curative to the viral hepatitis. Codonopsis is another adaptogen used in Chinese herbal medicine. It increases the red and white blood cell counts and strengthens the immune system.VITAMINS
1. Vitamin A is one of the main components of the skin. To strengthen the skin's protective ability, take vitamin A daily. Vitamin A also increases the white blood cells that fight disease.2. Vitamin C --Research has shown that vitamin C improves resistance to disease and prevents flu symptoms when 1,000 mg doses are taken every six hours.
3. NAC is an amino acid that has been shown to raise immunity to the flu in clinical trials.
4.Probiotics. Healthy flora in the gut supports immune function.
By improving your lifestyle, your diet, and supplementing with natural herbs, homeopathy, and vitamins, you can improve your immune system and your overall vitality.
Seek medical help if symptoms persist of if you develop a high fever.
Once in a while you get shown the light, In the strangest of places if you look at it right.
What about high-quality H20?
Also, another 'green' option - carry a wood bat for knocking some sense into parents who take their infected 6-7 year old spawn into public places like a theater. Went to a movie last night and couldn't believe these f-'ing parents taking their daughter to a show who had the sniffles and a really nasty cough (luckily, they weren't watching Inglourious Basterds)
with that, is they go out if it's just a common cold or mild illness. If there's any sign of infection (like green or yellow snot and/or fever), then they stay home. Most schools advise parents to keep children home who have been running a fever or had vomiting within the past 24 hours.
If I kept them home every time they sneezed, we'd never go anywhere in the winter. The child you saw could have been too ill to be out, or she also could have ragweed allergies which are really bad around these parts right now.
"What the best and wisest parent wants for his own child, that must the community want for all of its children. Any other ideal for our schools is narrow and unlovely; acted upon it destroys our democracy." -John Dewey
with kids, believe me. I volunteer at a pet rescue facility on Thursdays, and it never fails that someone comes in coughing, sneezing, dripping. Or one of the employees comes in sick, and soon it spreads through the office. It's really disgusting and got to the point a few weeks ago where I seriously thought about stopping volunteering. I actually may stop because last winter I did get really sick (for the first time in many, many years) and then my dad got it. The morning he woke with a sore throat I called his doctor and got him in that day. It's one thing for me to catch something, but for an 82 year old, it could be fatal. I understand there are some circumstances where a person who's sick can't stay home, but to come to a pet shelter to look at dogs and cats? That can't wait until one is well? Grrrrr. I get really angry at such inconsiderate behavior.
Once in a while you get shown the light, In the strangest of places if you look at it right.
This is my first attempt at posting an actual Series piece as I just got the keys to the car!
So I don't know how to put our regular Survival logo in and just made a temp one... you get the idea.
And didn't know how to word wrap around images or add those hyperlinks Jen had in her word doc....otherwise, this is the basic skeleton of the entry and I hope you all enjoy it and will contribute Good Old Fashioned cures of your own!
Thanks.
I think I need some training... :-)
We have a few survival blogs in the queue ready to be published in the order they came in - however if anyone has any ideas for an entry they'd like to contribute to help us all survive this Post Bush Era-- all submissions are welcome!