You will be amazed with what you can do with the common household items you already have!
Take charge of your health today—Do it yourself, do it at home, do it naturally!!
CINNAMON & GINGER IN MILK WHEN A COLD HAS JUST BEGUN: This is a great treatment for use at the onset of a cold. Scald ½ cup milk. Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger, and 1 tablespoon honey. This will soothe the symptoms while stimulating healing.
HEATED LEMONADE WITH HONEY FOR COLDS/FLU WITH FEVER: This is great when a cold is accompanied by a fever. Make a glass of lemonade, heat it (to coffee temperature), and sweeten with honey to taste. This will relieve discomfort and help you to relax.
RICE TEA FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA: This is excellent remedy to help alleviate vomiting and diarrhea. It tastes great, is nutritious, and really soothes the digestive system. To make, simmer ½ cup of rice in approximately 1 ½ quarts of water for fifteen minutes. Flavor to taste with vanilla and sugar. You can sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon for added flavor.
LEMON JUICE FOR CONGESTION: Lemon juice can be added to herbal teas to help combat congestion. Lemon juice adds Vitamin C to the diet and is an astringent that helps to cut through mucous and congestion.
ASPARAGUS FOR BRONCHITIS AND CHRONIC BRONCHIAL PROBLEMS: This is a great aid for bronchitis and chronic bronchial problems. Liquefy a can of asparagus in the blender. Refrigerate. Drink ¼ cup upon rising and before bed. Water can be added to taste, and the drink can be heated and consumed as a hot drink if preferred.
THYME COUGH SYRUP: Add 1 ounce of dried thyme to 1 pint of boiling water. Cool. Strain. Add 1 cup honey. Place in a jar and shake well to mix. Store it in the refrigerator. The suggested dosage is 1 tablespoon several times a day. This is great for sore throats, colds and coughing.
ONION AND HONEY FOR ASTHMA: This needs to be made fresh daily. Thinly slice one onion, place in a bowl and cover with honey. Let it sit overnight. Scrape the honey off the onion the next day. The recommended amount to take is 1 teaspoon 3-4 times per day.
SALT WATER NASAL RINSE: This is great for congestion accompanying colds, flu, allergies, and hay fever. Add ½ teaspoon baking soda or salt to 1 cup of warm, filtered water. Pour into a neti pot, a creamer with a long spout, or an eyedropper. To administer the rinse, turn your head to one side. Lower it over the sink. Keep your forehead slightly higher than your chin. Gently pour the solution into the uppermost nostril, allowing the solution to drain out the lower nostril. (A bit may run down your throat, if this happens you can spit it out.) This will flush out allergens and bacteria while helping to thin the mucus so it will be easier to expel.
VITAMIN C DROPS FOR CHRONIC SINUS INFECTIONS: This is made by dissolving a 500 mg vitamin C tablet in 1 cup of warm water. Use an eye dropper and apply ½ dropper full in each nostril 2 times per day.
GARLIC OIL CAPSULES AS AN ANTIBIOTIC: My family uses 3,000 mg three times per day for a week, in place of an antibiotic with huge success.
OATMEAL FOR VOMITING: This usually settles the stomach quickly. Using a broiler toast 5 tablespoons of oatmeal. Pour 1 pint of boiling water over the oatmeal, making a thin gruel. Add cinnamon and sugar to taste. Drink until vomiting stops.
LEMON JUICE FOR HEARTBURN: Warm ½ cup of water and add 2 teaspoons of lemon juice. Sip, should relieve heartburn.
SAGE AND GINGER FOR COLD SORES: Boil 1 cup of water. Add 1 teaspoon of dried sage. Steep 15 minutes. Strain. Add 1 teaspoon powdered ginger and honey to sweeten. Drink three cups of this throughout the day. Usually brings relief within 24 hours.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR FOR HEAD COLDS OR MIGRAINES: Mix together a half cup of apple cider vinegar and a half cup of water. Boil and inhale the fumes.
VINEGAR AND HONEY FOR COLDS AND SORE THROATS: Mix together 1 cup of honey and 2 cups of apple cider vinegar. Drink a wineglass of this three times per day.
BRANDY AND BROWN SUGAR FOR SORE THROAT: Mix ½ cup brown sugar and ½ cup brandy. Mix well and sip as needed for sore throat.
CAYENNE PEPPER FOR COLDS AND SORE THROATS: This remedy will ward off sore throats and colds, and if you already have a cold or sore throat will drastically reduce the length of the illness. Boil 1 cup of water and add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Drink this mixture three times a day.
SAGE AND CAYENNE SORE THROAT GARGLE: Boil a pint of water. Pour add one ounce of dried sage and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Steep overnight. Use as a gargle.
LETTUCE TEA FOR INSOMNIA: Lettuce tea is a fast acting sedative. Add 1 cup shredded lettuce to 1 cup boiling water. Steep 30 minutes. Strain and drink before bed.
BAY LEAF TEA FOR HYSTERIA: Add 2 bay leaves to 1 cup boiling water. Steep 10 minutes and sweeten with honey. Very relaxing!!
PARSLEY AND LEMON JUICE TO PASS KIDNEY STONES: Boil 1 cup of water and add ¼ teaspoon dried parsley. Steep at least 15 minutes. Strain. Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Drink daily for at least a week.
Sources:
- Stengler, M. (2010). The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies: Proven Remedies Medical Doctors Don’t Know. New York: Prentice Hall Press.
- White, L. &. (2000). The Herbal Drugstore. New York: Rodale Press.
- Williams, J. (1995). Jude’s Herbal Home Remedies. St. Paul: Llewellyn Publications.
By Becki Baumgartner Herbalist, Certified Tennessee Naturalist, Certified Reiki Master at LuminEarth.com