Post by Admin on Jul 7, 2020 18:16:29 GMT
When feeling ill or in pain, a visit to the doctor is the way to go. Whilst western medicine provides us with fast relief and targeted treatment in the form of a pill, injection, liquid, and in fact any other form you can think of, only a few people question the implications that may arise whilst taking these medicines without complaint.
One thing that most people don’t seem to understand nor consider is the fact that western medicine, although it provides fast relief from various illnesses, simultaneously affects the rest of the bodily organs negatively. As an example, some cholesterol medication will lower the bad cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of a heart attack; however, the side effects of this one pill include liver problems, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, rashes and in some cases kidney failure.[4],[9]
As a result, we end up visiting the doctor more frequently than necessary as more aches, pains and other illnesses arise, so more pills, injections, and liquids are prescribed to aid us, and this cycle continues in a never ending loop.
It is very rare these days for a General Practitioner to offer an alternative method in medicine, unless he or she has experience or a background of some sort, other than the Western kind. So, very few people are aware of how Western medicine affects their bodies.
Although western medicine has come a long way and is the orthodox way of treatment, a lot of people are starting to resolve in original methods of natural and healthier ways to get better. They try to apply these ways in their everyday life, so that they will not have to depend on the “magic” pills we so easily obtain off the shelf.
There are many ways in which herbs can be prepared to be used for medicinal purposes; these include decoctions, compresses, essential oils, infusions, extracts, ointments, poultices, powder, tinctures and syrups.
There are some rules that need to be respected when such remedies are prepared, so that they can be used effectively.
Remedies must be applied repeatedly and regularly and for an extended period, especially if the illness in a chronic one.
The plants must be gathered in the proper season and dried as soon as possible after collection, by spreading them out well in the shade, unless using the sun is specifically indicated.
Thoroughly dried plants should be stored in a closed glass container in a dry, darkish place.
No dried plants should be kept for more than two to three years at the most, because they gradually lose their therapeutic effectiveness.
Care must be taken that the plant being collected or bought is really the one required.
If after two weeks of using a certain plant remedy it shows no result whatsoever, a different method or a different plant should be tried instead. Not every human organism reacts in exactly the same way.
Also
Please, when you find the species of plant you wish to use, do not abuse it by crippling it hopelessly. Never uproot the plant unless it is the root you need to use, take only the part of the plant which is needed and leave some of the flowers for natural re-seeding to repair the damage.[7]
Preparing Remedies
Teas or Tisanes depend for their effectiveness on proper preparation. Whether they are made with cold water only, heated, or boiled for a while has a crucial effect on the active constituent of the plant.
Infusions are made by either pouring boiling water on to the plant and allowing the liquid to stand for 10-15 minutes, or putting plant and water in a covered pan, heating it to boiling point, removing it from the heat at once, and letting it stand for 10-15 minutes.
Decoctions are made by placing the plant in cold water, heating slowly, boiling for 10-15 minutes, and allowing to stand for 15 minutes before straining.
For poultices, the plants are bruised with the flat side of a strong knife or ground in a mortar to make a pulp, and applied externally.
By keeping these rules in mind, we proceed to the next stage of this article. [7],[2]
15 Natural Remedies For Common Complaints
There are various ailments that may affect you in a post apocalyptic world where the use of Western medicine is no longer available or the medicine has ceased production. Dependency on Western medicine has helped us forget the knowledge we all once shared about common remedies for ordinary illnesses and diseases.
To list all the common diseases in one article is next to impossible, so I have added the 15 most common global complaints according to Nielsen.com, followed by recommended natural remedies I have gathered from various sources.
Next to the ailment you will see a sub-ailment that refers to the original. I have expanded upon this to try and cover as much as possible without information overload.
-Please use the remedies described at your own discretion. Take into consideration your knowledge about your body. (e.g. you may be allergic to some herbs; if you are aware of this, then please do not use the remedy).
-I will not be held accountable for any misuse of the methods described. Not all methods have been tested personally except for those with an asterisk (*) beside them.
Headache/Migraine
Lemon
There are several natural remedies for various types of headaches. The juice of three or four slices of lemon should be squeezed in a cup of tea and taken by the patient for treating this condition. It gives immediate relief. The crust of lemon, which is generally thrown away, has been found useful in headaches caused by heat. Lemon crusts should be pounded into a fine paste in a mortar and applied as plaster on the forehead. Applying the yellow, freshly pared-off rind of a lemon to each temple will also give relief.
Apple
Apples are valuable in curing all types of headaches. After removing the upper rind and the inner hard portion of a ripe apple, it should be taken with a little salt every morning on an empty stomach in such cases. This should be continued for about a week.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is useful for headaches caused by exposure to cold air. A fine paste of this spice should be prepared by mixing it with water and it should be applied over the temples and forehead to obtain relief.
Other
Try rubbing peppermint or lavender oil on your temples and the base of your neck; sniffing these oils may also help.
Rub a fresh cut lemon or lime on your forehead.
Have a little caffeine by way of green tea, and don’t forget to use an ice pack for 20 minutes to dull the throbbing.*
Add hot water in a plastic container (like the size you use to carry laundry in) and dip you feet in it. It will be hard to bare in the beginning so try slowly until your feet get used to the water. Don't let the water go cold until you put your feet in it. Leave the feet in the hot water for about 10-15 minutes or until water cools.*
[7],[10],[11]
Common Cold/Flu/Fever
-Common Cold
How can you tell whether it is a heavy cold—or the flu? Here are the differences:
Headache - prominent in flu, but rare in a cold.
Fever- frequent and sudden in flu; rare in a cold.
Fatigue - extreme in flu and can last 2-3 weeks; there is only mild fatigue with a cold.
General aches - common and often severe in flu; slight in a cold.
Runny nose - occasionally in flu; common with a cold.
Cough - common with flu and can become severe; only mild to moderate in a cold.
A cold is always in the upper respiratory tract (nose, mouth, throat, and upper bronchial tubes). If congestion develops in the chest, the cold is worsening into something even more serious!
In acute stages when fever is present, the person should abstain from all solid foods and only drink fresh fruit and vegetable juices, diluted (50-50) with water, plus herb teas.
As soon as the crisis subsides, let the person have some protein and other food.
Drink potato peeling broth twice a day. The peelings should be one-half inch thick (throw away the centers, or boil them for lunch). Boil it for about 20-30 minutes; strain, cool, and drink. Make it fresh every day.
Avoid chills, get adequate bed rest, and take a little salt to replace that lost in sweat. *
After the fever subsides, a low calorie raw fruit and vegetable diet can be eaten. This should include plenty of raw juices and herb teas, sweetened with a little honey. Some raw seeds and nuts can be eaten, but should be chewed well.
Herb teas can include rose hips, golden seal, chamomile*, peppermint, slippery elm, ginger, desert tea. Eucalyptus oil is helpful. Put 5 drops in a hot bath or 6 drops in a cup of boiling water. Put a towel over your head and, without burning yourself, inhale it.* Licorice root tea, drunk daily, soothes an irritated throat and relieves coughing. You might wish to take hop tea to help you get to sleep at night.
take vitamin C, zinc, and garlic.
Camomile-Make a cold infusion by soaking one tablespoon of the flowers in a litre of cold water. Do not heat.*
[2],[3],[5][6],[7]
-Flu
Half a teaspoon of the powder of long pepper, mixed with two teaspoons of honey and half a teaspoon of juice of ginger; should be taken three times a day. This will help greatly if taken in the initial stages of the disease.
Garlic is an excellent remedy for influenza. It is useful as a general antiseptic and the patient should take as much as they can bear.
A teaspoon of turmeric powder should be mixed in a cup of warm milk and taken three times a day. It will prevent complications arising from influenza, and also activate the liver which becomes sluggish during the attack.
Equal amounts of onion juice and honey should be mixed, and three or four teaspoons of this mixture should be taken daily in the treatment of this disease.
A teaspoon of fresh ginger juice, mixed with a cup of fenugreek decoction and honey to taste. It increases sweating and reduces fever in this disease. The fenugreek decoction may be prepared by boiling one tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in half a litre of water, until it is reduced by one third.
[2],[3],[7],[10]
-Fever
Artichoke-Make a decoction from the green flower heads and the leaves by boiling for 20-30 minutes, and drink one or two glasses of the resulting liquid daily.
Celery- Crush raw leaves and drink the resulting juice.
If the fever gets too high (above 102o F. in adults or 103o F. in children), immediately immerse the body in tepid water to lower the temperature.
Other suggestions would include: ice packs on the forehead, running cool water over the wrists, cool baths and drinking certain herb teas, such as feverfew, cinchona bark, and/or white willow. Others include meadow-sweet, sea buckthorn, European holly. A poultice can be made from echinacea root to lower fever. Linden tea can induce sweating to break a fever. Black elder tea is also good.
Keep in mind that the fever is not the infection; the infection must be solved, as well as the fever.
There is a loss of protein during a fever. Caloric needs are higher, and metabolism is increased. Greater fluid intake is required. As fluid is lost, sodium and potassium are lost.
[2],[3],[7]
Sleeping Problems/Insomnia
-Insomnia
Of the various food elements, thiamine or vitamin B is of special significance in the treatment of insomnia. It is vital for strong, healthy nerves. A body starved of thiamine over a long period will be unable to relax and fall asleep naturally. Valuable sources of this vitamin are wholegrain cereals, pulses, and nuts.
Lettuce seeds taken in a decoction are also useful in insomnia. One tablespoon of seeds should be boiled in half a litre of water, until it is reduced by one-third.
Milk is very valuable in the treatment of insomnia. A glass of warm milk, sweetened with honey, should be taken every night before going to bed in treating this condition. It acts as a tonic and a tranquilliser.*
Honey is beneficial in the treatment of insomnia. It has a hypnotic action and induces a sound sleep. It should be taken with water, before going to bed, in doses of two teaspoons in a large cup of water. Babies generally fall asleep after taking honey.*[7][10],[11]
Back Problem/ Back Ache/Back Sprain
-Back Ache
Hot and Cold Therapy- Many people seek immediate relief from severe back pain, by placing a hot water bag on the area. This normally gets rid of the pain within a short while. It has been seen that applying an ice pack on the back can also bring about the same results.
Herbs- There are many herbs that have anti-inflammatory properties, which is what makes them effective upper, lower, and middle back pain remedies. Some of the most widely recommended herbs include willow bark and devil’s claw, which need to be taken orally. Pureed capsicum, applied topically, can also be very effective in relieving back pain.
Exercises- There are many back pain exercises like low impact aerobic exercises that can help to ease and prevent back pain. Apart from stretches for back pain, most doctors also advise people to walk or swim regularly.
Lemon is another useful remedy for backache. The juice of one lemon should be mixed with common salt and taken by the patient twice daily. It will give relief.[2],[3],[7],[10]
Cough/Bronchitis/Laryngitis/Sore Throat
–Cough/Bronchitis
Agrimony- Boil 100 gr of Agrimony to 1 litre of water, until the liquid has been reduced to one third of its original volume. After straining, add 50g of honey. Use as gargle.
Coltsfoot-Make an infusion with one or two tablespoons of dried flowers to 1 litre of water and drink regularly.
Violet- Boil one or two tablespoons of the finely chopped dried plant in half a litre of water and drink the tisane in the place of tea.
Apply eucalyptus oil inhalations, 10 min. a day, will help.
An excellent cough syrup is made by mixing equal parts lemon juice and honey, with a little cayenne pepper tea. Take 1 tsp. when needed.
Boil a quart of water; lower the fire as much as possible and add a half tsp. cayenne pepper. Wait a few minutes, then wet a towel in the water, wring it out and wrap it around the neck. Keep the water hot and change this fomentation every 3-4 min, doing this for a half hour while feet are soaked in hot water.
Helpful herbs include licorice, mullein, oregano, bay leaves, hyssop, and thyme. Take 3 cups a day, of one herb of your choice.
Mix thick flaxseed tea with 1-2 drops eucalyptus oil, and drink slowly.
Add a tsp. salt to a pint of soft, warm water; snuff it up the nose, then blow it out gently. Repeat till the nose is entirely clean of mucus. Then gargle the throat and rinse the mouth out thoroughly with similar salt water.
[2],[3],[7]
-Laryngitis
Saltwater gargle is the best home remedy for laryngitis and a sore throat. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gargle with it several times a day. The salt water helps to soothe your throat and kills any infections.
A solution made from equal amounts of vinegar and water can also be used to kill the bacteria. Gargle with this solution four to five times a day.
Drink lots of liquids, 8-10 glasses a day, but do not drink cold drinks or anything with ice in it.
Put your head over a hot bowl of water for 5 minutes, twice a day.
Helpful herbs include the following: slippery elm plus lemon and honey, which is very soft and soothing on the throat.
[7]
Sore Throat
Artichoke-The leaves are finely chopped and mixed with butter to make thick paste which is applied thickly, externally to the throat. Tie with cloth and leave as long as possible.
You can relieve the pain by gargling with warm salt water a few times a day and then drinking a soothing honey-lemon tea.*[10],[11]
Drink plenty of fluids—fruit and vegetable juices and lots of water
Use a mixture of raw honey and lemon juice, to coat and soothe the throat.
Gargle alternately with chlorophyll liquid and sea salt (one half tsp. in a glass of warm water) every few hours.[3],[7]
Stomach Upset/Stomach Ache/Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea
-Stomach Ache
An excellent remedy to soothe a sore stomach is a warm camomile with a teaspoon of honey.*[7]
-Nausea
The classic cure for nausea or carsickness is ginger tea or candied ginger. *
Sniffing real peppermint or lavender oil can also help.
Use the treatments suggested for motion sickness; especially the charcoal and ginger root. It is said that powdered ginger root will definitely eliminate nausea. Do not forget the final solution: Go ahead and vomit.[2]
-Vomiting
Some of the effective home remedies for vomiting are as follows.
Have a cup of ginger tea.
Have a glass of chilled lime juice.
Have a mixture of 1 tsp mint juice, 1 tsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp ginger juice and 1 tsp honey.
Slowly sip a glass of honey water.
Have one tsp onion juice in regular interval.
Slowly sip a glass of chilled cola.
Relax for some time. [3],[7],[10]
- Diarrhea
Agrimony-Make an infusion, using a handful of fresh dried agrimony to 1 litre of water, and drink the resulting tisane two or three times a day.
Lemonade-get a can of Sprite or other lemonade, swap liquid from one glass to another until the fizz is gone and drink. (guaranteed to work)*[7,][11]
Agrimony tea
Pain/Sprains/Bruising/Earache
-Sprains
Put the injured part in very hot water, and keep it there 20-30 minutes. Every few minutes take it out of the hot water and plunge it into cold water for about 10 minutes, then back into the hot. Keep the hot water hot. This can continue for up to 2 hours with good results.
Repeat this for several days; and, twice a day, massage around the area.
If you use the cold method alone on a sprain, you may not be able to walk on a sprained ankle for days; use the alternate hot and cold method, and you may be much better in half the time. *
If the sprain or strain is in the back or shoulder, treat it with hot fomentations (compress), short cold, and massage.
A bad bruise on any part of the body can be treated as for a sprain or strain.[3],[7],[11]
-Bruising
As soon as possible after an injury, place an ice pack on the bruised area and keep it there for 30 minutes. If done right away, this will keep it from swelling. Often the swelling does more damage than the bruise. Later apply a poultice of greens (fresh or dry), oatmeal, wheat bran, comfrey, or charcoal. Pulverize the charcoal, tie it in a cloth, wet it in warm water, and lay it over the bruise for several hours. Repeat until it is better.[3],[7]
Earache
If you seem to have pain in the ear, pull on the earlobe. If the pain increases, then you probably have an ear infection. If the pain does not increase, you may have a dental problem.
Blow warm air from a hair dryer 18-30 inches from the ear, and blow air toward it.
Warm some oil to body temperature, and place a drop or two in the ear. This will help lessen pain. But do not do this if you think the drum has burst! *
Yarrow- Soak 2 or 3 tablespoons of dried flowering stems per 1 litre cold water, and allow to stand. Pour a few drops of the almost cold infusion into the ear.[3],[7],[10],[11]
Indigestion
Every 3 to 4 hours drink water with 2 to 3 drops of mint essence in it.
Massage your stomach with a mixture of 2 to 3 drops of garlic oil and half a cup of Soya oil.
Ginger tea after meal promotes digestion.
Herbal tea prepared using blackberry, raspberry, mint and camomile is effective for indigestion.
Take one glass of honey and lemon juice, both mixed in equal quantity.
For instant relief add some baking soda to one glass of water and drink it.[3],[6]
Tooth ache
Among the most effective home remedies for toothache is garlic. A clove of garlic with a little rock salt should be placed on the affected tooth. It will relieve the pain and, sometimes, may even cure it. A clove should also be chewed daily in the morning. It will cure the teeth making them strong and healthy.
Eating a raw lime, along with the peel, can offer some much needed toothache relief. The effectiveness of lime for toothaches can probably be best explained by its rich composition of vitamin C and the lower levels of acidity as compared to lemons.[2][11]
Hayfever
Chamomile oil can be smeared onto a tissue and inhaled, or chamomile tea is known to help as one of the beneficial hay fever cures.
Aroma therapy or steam inhalation is known to help. Mixing a few drops of eucalyptus oil to hot warm and inhaling the steam is known to lessen the severity of the conditions.
Garlic also helps clear congestion and is known to be effective against hay fever symptoms.[3],[7]
Hangover
Let's hope that you are not caught with a hangover in a post-apocalyptic world; however, if you slip and decide to have a little too much of the alcoholic goodness, here are some options to help you when you wake up:
Eggs-They contain a substance called cysteine which breaks down the hangover causing toxin acetaldehyde(if you can pronounce it). They also provide you with the very much needed energy after a long night.
Bananas/Kiwis-Replenish electrolytes and potassium that’s lost due to the alcohol’s diuretic effect.
Water-Alcohol dehydrates the body so it is wise to drink water before, during, and after your drinking session to replenish lost fluids. You will feel much better in the morning. (the more you drink the more you will pee, making you lose a lot of fluids. Part of the elimination process of alcohol from your body is urination.)
Fruit juices-rehydrate the body and provide you with essential vitamins that are lost due to alcohol. Studies show that fruit juices increase the body’s rate at which it gets rid of toxins.
[12]
Other/Asthma/Stings/Burns/Head Lice/Bleeding
Asthma
Coltsfoot-Burn dried flowers and leaves and inhale smoke. This will relieve asthmatic attacks.
Boil a pot of water and place your head directly over it, cover your head with a towel to prevent the steam from escaping and inhale the steam deeply.*[7],[11]
-Bee/Wasp Stings
Dandelion-Express the milky sap from the root, and apply to the skin once a day.
Onion- Put a poultice of crushed raw onion, or even just a slice of raw onion and let the juice soak into the skin.
A good way to remove the stinger and surrounding poison is to use a ring and press it around the sting (not on it). Think of the hash symbol # where the ring presses with the sting being in the middle.*
Apply a paste of baking soda and water on the area or a compress that is wet with ammonia water (more useful for scorpion stings).
An old school trick that some of the villagers in Greece have mentioned is to kill and eat a scorpion, if it ever stings you again, you will not be affected, not sure how true this is.[3],[7],[10]
-Burns
First degree: Mix equal parts of white vinegar with water and cover the burn surface, twice a day. Also apply aloe vera or vitamin E oil locally. Tannic acid has been used in clinics for surface burns that have begun to heal, so you can use white oak bark tea. Apply locally as a tea and wet compress.
Second degree: Apply vitamin E oil or zinc oxide. Take vitamin C to bowel tolerance. Apply aloe vera after healing begins.
Third and fourth degree: Immediately take the person to a professional. Do not try to remove clothing stuck to the burned area. Apply aloe vera after healing has begun.
Soak the clothes, so the hot cloth will not increase the burn. Apply cold until the pain subsides.
Cold water or cold, wet cloths on the area reduce pain and swelling. Cover the burn to reduce likelihood of infection. Mix and apply olive oil with baking soda to the area. Elevate the area, to reduce swelling, and keep it out of the sun. Do not break the blisters, and never put salves or butter on burns. Watch for indications of infection, odor, pus, or angry redness. Cold clay poultices are useful.
Second degree, and up, requires a high protein diet and 5,000 calories per day. Increase fluid intake. Also important: vitamins A, B, C, E, and F.
Fresh aloe vera juice is outstanding on burns, to hasten healing. But this can only be done if you have a growing plant to cut the leaves from.
Carrot-Finely grate fresh carrot and put the paste on the affected area.[2],[3],[7]
- Head Lice
Launder clothing and bedding in hot water. Non-washable items should be sealed in a plastic sack for 10 days.
Soak the place on the body for 30 minutes in very warm, soapy, water.
The hair can be doused in kerosene and then wrapped in a towel. Garlic compresses can be placed on the scalp for 2 hours. Hot vinegar (or a 50-50 vinegar/water mixture) applied to the scalp will loosen eggs, so they can be vigorously combed out of the hair with a fine-toothed comb. A 50-50 mixture of kerosene and olive oil can be put on the scalp to get rid of the nits.
Be careful what you place on the eyebrows; you do not want to damage the eyes. Petroleum jelly has been recommended to suffocate the lice.
If all else fails a haircut/shave always works. Sorry ladies, but it makes things more manageable.[2],[7]
Bleeding-Cuts,Scrapes,Wounds
If the wound is small, let the blood flow for a short time as you clean it. This helps cleanse the wound better. If the wound is larger, then you need to stop the bleeding first, and then cleanse the wound. Superficial cuts can be cleaned with soap and water.
Golden seal root powder helps stop bleeding and promote healing.
Wounds may be bathed with several herbal washes or poultices, including aloe vera, comfrey, or plantain.
To stop bleeding, apply direct pressure. If an artery has been cut, the blood will spurt with each heart beat. Small artery cuts should receive direct pressure by your finger, pressed down over clean cloth on the wound. Placing the wound in ice-cold water will also tend to stop the bleeding.
If blood soaks through your bandage, add a new one over the old one.
If inflammation or redness occurs later where the cut was, make a strong tea of a non poisonous, green herb (Goldenseal powder is the best), and soak the injured area in this hot tea for about an hour every day until it is all right. Re-bandage after each soaking.
Apply tee tree oil to prevent infection, and reapply every 2-3 hours. To accelerate healing, apply locally one or more of the following: vitamin E (it will also reduce scarring), fresh aloe vera juice, or a comfrey poultice.[3],[5],[6],[7]
Heat Exhaustion
First, get out of the sun, so the body temperature will not continue to rise and the body will not lose more water and salt. If you remain in the sun, even though resting and drinking fluids, your temperature will continue to rise. Do not return to the sun for many hours.
In the early stages, drink large amounts of mineral-rich vegetable and fruit juices to replace water and electrolyte loss in perspiration. Water, by itself, does not replace electrolytes. Potassium-rich vegetable broths are helpful[3],[7].
Honorable Mentions
Worthy of a special mention for its healing properties in a wide range of ailments is the Agrimony. If you don’t have the flower in your garden already, I would advise to either plant one or two, or buy a potted plant and keep it outside your door.
The plant can be used to help with Migraine, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Dermatological Complaints, Rheumatism, Bronchitis, Cough, Sprains, Swellings, Bruises and Varicose veins to name a few.[7]
Garlic is also used as a remedy for many diseases and it is praised for its anti-bacterial and anti-biotic benefits. It is known for curing colds, flu, bronchitis, middle ear infections, and coughs. Studies show that it can prevent breast, bladder, skin, and stomach cancers and can help diabetics by lowering their sugar levels.
This herb is a must have in your garden as it is a great stimulant for the immune cells, improving your immune system and making you practically inaccessible to the common viruses like the common cold.
One of my favourite teas has to be the Chamomile, it is known to aid with stomach cramps, sore throats, skin inflammations, sleep problems, and is even used as a mild laxative.
It is also used in baths for aches and pains and even as a shampoo for fair hair.
Its mild but sweet smell is very attractive and its dry flowers can be also used as potpourri, to feel a pillow up and aid with sleep.
Another favourite is Honey. It has been known for its healing properties for thousands of years and it is commonly used for arthritis, colds, sore throats, respiratory infections and constipation. As an antiseptic, honey has a drawing agent for poisons from bites, stings or infected wounds. It is even known to speed up the healing process of tissues from a trauma or infection.
Some of the most common herbs, flowers and other natural sources you will come across in this article are pictured below.
1. Artichoke
2. Cinnamon
3. Eucalyptus Oil.
4. Lemon
5. Licorice
6. Milk
7. Cinchona Bark
8. Chamomile
9. Garlic
10. Ginger
11. Lime
12. Honey
13. White Willow
14. Coltsfoot
15. Fenugreek
16. Lettuce Seeds
References :
[1] Nielsen.com
[2] www.home-remedies-for-you.com
[3] www.pathlights.com/nr_encyclopedia/index.htm
[4] www.naturalnews.com/021397.html
[5] health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/home-remedies
[6] health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/herbal-remedies
[7] Medicinal Plants of Greece-George Sfikas
[8] Practical self sufficiency-an Australian guide to sustainable living" Dick and James Strawbridge
[9] Dr.Prem (Personal)
[10] Mum & Dad (old school/personal)
[11] Myself (own experience)
[12] health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/drugs-alcohol/hangover6.htm
One thing that most people don’t seem to understand nor consider is the fact that western medicine, although it provides fast relief from various illnesses, simultaneously affects the rest of the bodily organs negatively. As an example, some cholesterol medication will lower the bad cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of a heart attack; however, the side effects of this one pill include liver problems, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, rashes and in some cases kidney failure.[4],[9]
As a result, we end up visiting the doctor more frequently than necessary as more aches, pains and other illnesses arise, so more pills, injections, and liquids are prescribed to aid us, and this cycle continues in a never ending loop.
It is very rare these days for a General Practitioner to offer an alternative method in medicine, unless he or she has experience or a background of some sort, other than the Western kind. So, very few people are aware of how Western medicine affects their bodies.
Although western medicine has come a long way and is the orthodox way of treatment, a lot of people are starting to resolve in original methods of natural and healthier ways to get better. They try to apply these ways in their everyday life, so that they will not have to depend on the “magic” pills we so easily obtain off the shelf.
There are many ways in which herbs can be prepared to be used for medicinal purposes; these include decoctions, compresses, essential oils, infusions, extracts, ointments, poultices, powder, tinctures and syrups.
There are some rules that need to be respected when such remedies are prepared, so that they can be used effectively.
Remedies must be applied repeatedly and regularly and for an extended period, especially if the illness in a chronic one.
The plants must be gathered in the proper season and dried as soon as possible after collection, by spreading them out well in the shade, unless using the sun is specifically indicated.
Thoroughly dried plants should be stored in a closed glass container in a dry, darkish place.
No dried plants should be kept for more than two to three years at the most, because they gradually lose their therapeutic effectiveness.
Care must be taken that the plant being collected or bought is really the one required.
If after two weeks of using a certain plant remedy it shows no result whatsoever, a different method or a different plant should be tried instead. Not every human organism reacts in exactly the same way.
Also
Please, when you find the species of plant you wish to use, do not abuse it by crippling it hopelessly. Never uproot the plant unless it is the root you need to use, take only the part of the plant which is needed and leave some of the flowers for natural re-seeding to repair the damage.[7]
Preparing Remedies
Teas or Tisanes depend for their effectiveness on proper preparation. Whether they are made with cold water only, heated, or boiled for a while has a crucial effect on the active constituent of the plant.
Infusions are made by either pouring boiling water on to the plant and allowing the liquid to stand for 10-15 minutes, or putting plant and water in a covered pan, heating it to boiling point, removing it from the heat at once, and letting it stand for 10-15 minutes.
Decoctions are made by placing the plant in cold water, heating slowly, boiling for 10-15 minutes, and allowing to stand for 15 minutes before straining.
For poultices, the plants are bruised with the flat side of a strong knife or ground in a mortar to make a pulp, and applied externally.
By keeping these rules in mind, we proceed to the next stage of this article. [7],[2]
15 Natural Remedies For Common Complaints
There are various ailments that may affect you in a post apocalyptic world where the use of Western medicine is no longer available or the medicine has ceased production. Dependency on Western medicine has helped us forget the knowledge we all once shared about common remedies for ordinary illnesses and diseases.
To list all the common diseases in one article is next to impossible, so I have added the 15 most common global complaints according to Nielsen.com, followed by recommended natural remedies I have gathered from various sources.
Next to the ailment you will see a sub-ailment that refers to the original. I have expanded upon this to try and cover as much as possible without information overload.
-Please use the remedies described at your own discretion. Take into consideration your knowledge about your body. (e.g. you may be allergic to some herbs; if you are aware of this, then please do not use the remedy).
-I will not be held accountable for any misuse of the methods described. Not all methods have been tested personally except for those with an asterisk (*) beside them.
Headache/Migraine
Lemon
There are several natural remedies for various types of headaches. The juice of three or four slices of lemon should be squeezed in a cup of tea and taken by the patient for treating this condition. It gives immediate relief. The crust of lemon, which is generally thrown away, has been found useful in headaches caused by heat. Lemon crusts should be pounded into a fine paste in a mortar and applied as plaster on the forehead. Applying the yellow, freshly pared-off rind of a lemon to each temple will also give relief.
Apple
Apples are valuable in curing all types of headaches. After removing the upper rind and the inner hard portion of a ripe apple, it should be taken with a little salt every morning on an empty stomach in such cases. This should be continued for about a week.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is useful for headaches caused by exposure to cold air. A fine paste of this spice should be prepared by mixing it with water and it should be applied over the temples and forehead to obtain relief.
Other
Try rubbing peppermint or lavender oil on your temples and the base of your neck; sniffing these oils may also help.
Rub a fresh cut lemon or lime on your forehead.
Have a little caffeine by way of green tea, and don’t forget to use an ice pack for 20 minutes to dull the throbbing.*
Add hot water in a plastic container (like the size you use to carry laundry in) and dip you feet in it. It will be hard to bare in the beginning so try slowly until your feet get used to the water. Don't let the water go cold until you put your feet in it. Leave the feet in the hot water for about 10-15 minutes or until water cools.*
[7],[10],[11]
Common Cold/Flu/Fever
-Common Cold
How can you tell whether it is a heavy cold—or the flu? Here are the differences:
Headache - prominent in flu, but rare in a cold.
Fever- frequent and sudden in flu; rare in a cold.
Fatigue - extreme in flu and can last 2-3 weeks; there is only mild fatigue with a cold.
General aches - common and often severe in flu; slight in a cold.
Runny nose - occasionally in flu; common with a cold.
Cough - common with flu and can become severe; only mild to moderate in a cold.
A cold is always in the upper respiratory tract (nose, mouth, throat, and upper bronchial tubes). If congestion develops in the chest, the cold is worsening into something even more serious!
In acute stages when fever is present, the person should abstain from all solid foods and only drink fresh fruit and vegetable juices, diluted (50-50) with water, plus herb teas.
As soon as the crisis subsides, let the person have some protein and other food.
Drink potato peeling broth twice a day. The peelings should be one-half inch thick (throw away the centers, or boil them for lunch). Boil it for about 20-30 minutes; strain, cool, and drink. Make it fresh every day.
Avoid chills, get adequate bed rest, and take a little salt to replace that lost in sweat. *
After the fever subsides, a low calorie raw fruit and vegetable diet can be eaten. This should include plenty of raw juices and herb teas, sweetened with a little honey. Some raw seeds and nuts can be eaten, but should be chewed well.
Herb teas can include rose hips, golden seal, chamomile*, peppermint, slippery elm, ginger, desert tea. Eucalyptus oil is helpful. Put 5 drops in a hot bath or 6 drops in a cup of boiling water. Put a towel over your head and, without burning yourself, inhale it.* Licorice root tea, drunk daily, soothes an irritated throat and relieves coughing. You might wish to take hop tea to help you get to sleep at night.
take vitamin C, zinc, and garlic.
Camomile-Make a cold infusion by soaking one tablespoon of the flowers in a litre of cold water. Do not heat.*
[2],[3],[5][6],[7]
-Flu
Half a teaspoon of the powder of long pepper, mixed with two teaspoons of honey and half a teaspoon of juice of ginger; should be taken three times a day. This will help greatly if taken in the initial stages of the disease.
Garlic is an excellent remedy for influenza. It is useful as a general antiseptic and the patient should take as much as they can bear.
A teaspoon of turmeric powder should be mixed in a cup of warm milk and taken three times a day. It will prevent complications arising from influenza, and also activate the liver which becomes sluggish during the attack.
Equal amounts of onion juice and honey should be mixed, and three or four teaspoons of this mixture should be taken daily in the treatment of this disease.
A teaspoon of fresh ginger juice, mixed with a cup of fenugreek decoction and honey to taste. It increases sweating and reduces fever in this disease. The fenugreek decoction may be prepared by boiling one tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in half a litre of water, until it is reduced by one third.
[2],[3],[7],[10]
-Fever
Artichoke-Make a decoction from the green flower heads and the leaves by boiling for 20-30 minutes, and drink one or two glasses of the resulting liquid daily.
Celery- Crush raw leaves and drink the resulting juice.
If the fever gets too high (above 102o F. in adults or 103o F. in children), immediately immerse the body in tepid water to lower the temperature.
Other suggestions would include: ice packs on the forehead, running cool water over the wrists, cool baths and drinking certain herb teas, such as feverfew, cinchona bark, and/or white willow. Others include meadow-sweet, sea buckthorn, European holly. A poultice can be made from echinacea root to lower fever. Linden tea can induce sweating to break a fever. Black elder tea is also good.
Keep in mind that the fever is not the infection; the infection must be solved, as well as the fever.
There is a loss of protein during a fever. Caloric needs are higher, and metabolism is increased. Greater fluid intake is required. As fluid is lost, sodium and potassium are lost.
[2],[3],[7]
Sleeping Problems/Insomnia
-Insomnia
Of the various food elements, thiamine or vitamin B is of special significance in the treatment of insomnia. It is vital for strong, healthy nerves. A body starved of thiamine over a long period will be unable to relax and fall asleep naturally. Valuable sources of this vitamin are wholegrain cereals, pulses, and nuts.
Lettuce seeds taken in a decoction are also useful in insomnia. One tablespoon of seeds should be boiled in half a litre of water, until it is reduced by one-third.
Milk is very valuable in the treatment of insomnia. A glass of warm milk, sweetened with honey, should be taken every night before going to bed in treating this condition. It acts as a tonic and a tranquilliser.*
Honey is beneficial in the treatment of insomnia. It has a hypnotic action and induces a sound sleep. It should be taken with water, before going to bed, in doses of two teaspoons in a large cup of water. Babies generally fall asleep after taking honey.*[7][10],[11]
Back Problem/ Back Ache/Back Sprain
-Back Ache
Hot and Cold Therapy- Many people seek immediate relief from severe back pain, by placing a hot water bag on the area. This normally gets rid of the pain within a short while. It has been seen that applying an ice pack on the back can also bring about the same results.
Herbs- There are many herbs that have anti-inflammatory properties, which is what makes them effective upper, lower, and middle back pain remedies. Some of the most widely recommended herbs include willow bark and devil’s claw, which need to be taken orally. Pureed capsicum, applied topically, can also be very effective in relieving back pain.
Exercises- There are many back pain exercises like low impact aerobic exercises that can help to ease and prevent back pain. Apart from stretches for back pain, most doctors also advise people to walk or swim regularly.
Lemon is another useful remedy for backache. The juice of one lemon should be mixed with common salt and taken by the patient twice daily. It will give relief.[2],[3],[7],[10]
Cough/Bronchitis/Laryngitis/Sore Throat
–Cough/Bronchitis
Agrimony- Boil 100 gr of Agrimony to 1 litre of water, until the liquid has been reduced to one third of its original volume. After straining, add 50g of honey. Use as gargle.
Coltsfoot-Make an infusion with one or two tablespoons of dried flowers to 1 litre of water and drink regularly.
Violet- Boil one or two tablespoons of the finely chopped dried plant in half a litre of water and drink the tisane in the place of tea.
Apply eucalyptus oil inhalations, 10 min. a day, will help.
An excellent cough syrup is made by mixing equal parts lemon juice and honey, with a little cayenne pepper tea. Take 1 tsp. when needed.
Boil a quart of water; lower the fire as much as possible and add a half tsp. cayenne pepper. Wait a few minutes, then wet a towel in the water, wring it out and wrap it around the neck. Keep the water hot and change this fomentation every 3-4 min, doing this for a half hour while feet are soaked in hot water.
Helpful herbs include licorice, mullein, oregano, bay leaves, hyssop, and thyme. Take 3 cups a day, of one herb of your choice.
Mix thick flaxseed tea with 1-2 drops eucalyptus oil, and drink slowly.
Add a tsp. salt to a pint of soft, warm water; snuff it up the nose, then blow it out gently. Repeat till the nose is entirely clean of mucus. Then gargle the throat and rinse the mouth out thoroughly with similar salt water.
[2],[3],[7]
-Laryngitis
Saltwater gargle is the best home remedy for laryngitis and a sore throat. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gargle with it several times a day. The salt water helps to soothe your throat and kills any infections.
A solution made from equal amounts of vinegar and water can also be used to kill the bacteria. Gargle with this solution four to five times a day.
Drink lots of liquids, 8-10 glasses a day, but do not drink cold drinks or anything with ice in it.
Put your head over a hot bowl of water for 5 minutes, twice a day.
Helpful herbs include the following: slippery elm plus lemon and honey, which is very soft and soothing on the throat.
[7]
Sore Throat
Artichoke-The leaves are finely chopped and mixed with butter to make thick paste which is applied thickly, externally to the throat. Tie with cloth and leave as long as possible.
You can relieve the pain by gargling with warm salt water a few times a day and then drinking a soothing honey-lemon tea.*[10],[11]
Drink plenty of fluids—fruit and vegetable juices and lots of water
Use a mixture of raw honey and lemon juice, to coat and soothe the throat.
Gargle alternately with chlorophyll liquid and sea salt (one half tsp. in a glass of warm water) every few hours.[3],[7]
Stomach Upset/Stomach Ache/Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea
-Stomach Ache
An excellent remedy to soothe a sore stomach is a warm camomile with a teaspoon of honey.*[7]
-Nausea
The classic cure for nausea or carsickness is ginger tea or candied ginger. *
Sniffing real peppermint or lavender oil can also help.
Use the treatments suggested for motion sickness; especially the charcoal and ginger root. It is said that powdered ginger root will definitely eliminate nausea. Do not forget the final solution: Go ahead and vomit.[2]
-Vomiting
Some of the effective home remedies for vomiting are as follows.
Have a cup of ginger tea.
Have a glass of chilled lime juice.
Have a mixture of 1 tsp mint juice, 1 tsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp ginger juice and 1 tsp honey.
Slowly sip a glass of honey water.
Have one tsp onion juice in regular interval.
Slowly sip a glass of chilled cola.
Relax for some time. [3],[7],[10]
- Diarrhea
Agrimony-Make an infusion, using a handful of fresh dried agrimony to 1 litre of water, and drink the resulting tisane two or three times a day.
Lemonade-get a can of Sprite or other lemonade, swap liquid from one glass to another until the fizz is gone and drink. (guaranteed to work)*[7,][11]
Agrimony tea
Pain/Sprains/Bruising/Earache
-Sprains
Put the injured part in very hot water, and keep it there 20-30 minutes. Every few minutes take it out of the hot water and plunge it into cold water for about 10 minutes, then back into the hot. Keep the hot water hot. This can continue for up to 2 hours with good results.
Repeat this for several days; and, twice a day, massage around the area.
If you use the cold method alone on a sprain, you may not be able to walk on a sprained ankle for days; use the alternate hot and cold method, and you may be much better in half the time. *
If the sprain or strain is in the back or shoulder, treat it with hot fomentations (compress), short cold, and massage.
A bad bruise on any part of the body can be treated as for a sprain or strain.[3],[7],[11]
-Bruising
As soon as possible after an injury, place an ice pack on the bruised area and keep it there for 30 minutes. If done right away, this will keep it from swelling. Often the swelling does more damage than the bruise. Later apply a poultice of greens (fresh or dry), oatmeal, wheat bran, comfrey, or charcoal. Pulverize the charcoal, tie it in a cloth, wet it in warm water, and lay it over the bruise for several hours. Repeat until it is better.[3],[7]
Earache
If you seem to have pain in the ear, pull on the earlobe. If the pain increases, then you probably have an ear infection. If the pain does not increase, you may have a dental problem.
Blow warm air from a hair dryer 18-30 inches from the ear, and blow air toward it.
Warm some oil to body temperature, and place a drop or two in the ear. This will help lessen pain. But do not do this if you think the drum has burst! *
Yarrow- Soak 2 or 3 tablespoons of dried flowering stems per 1 litre cold water, and allow to stand. Pour a few drops of the almost cold infusion into the ear.[3],[7],[10],[11]
Indigestion
Every 3 to 4 hours drink water with 2 to 3 drops of mint essence in it.
Massage your stomach with a mixture of 2 to 3 drops of garlic oil and half a cup of Soya oil.
Ginger tea after meal promotes digestion.
Herbal tea prepared using blackberry, raspberry, mint and camomile is effective for indigestion.
Take one glass of honey and lemon juice, both mixed in equal quantity.
For instant relief add some baking soda to one glass of water and drink it.[3],[6]
Tooth ache
Among the most effective home remedies for toothache is garlic. A clove of garlic with a little rock salt should be placed on the affected tooth. It will relieve the pain and, sometimes, may even cure it. A clove should also be chewed daily in the morning. It will cure the teeth making them strong and healthy.
Eating a raw lime, along with the peel, can offer some much needed toothache relief. The effectiveness of lime for toothaches can probably be best explained by its rich composition of vitamin C and the lower levels of acidity as compared to lemons.[2][11]
Hayfever
Chamomile oil can be smeared onto a tissue and inhaled, or chamomile tea is known to help as one of the beneficial hay fever cures.
Aroma therapy or steam inhalation is known to help. Mixing a few drops of eucalyptus oil to hot warm and inhaling the steam is known to lessen the severity of the conditions.
Garlic also helps clear congestion and is known to be effective against hay fever symptoms.[3],[7]
Hangover
Let's hope that you are not caught with a hangover in a post-apocalyptic world; however, if you slip and decide to have a little too much of the alcoholic goodness, here are some options to help you when you wake up:
Eggs-They contain a substance called cysteine which breaks down the hangover causing toxin acetaldehyde(if you can pronounce it). They also provide you with the very much needed energy after a long night.
Bananas/Kiwis-Replenish electrolytes and potassium that’s lost due to the alcohol’s diuretic effect.
Water-Alcohol dehydrates the body so it is wise to drink water before, during, and after your drinking session to replenish lost fluids. You will feel much better in the morning. (the more you drink the more you will pee, making you lose a lot of fluids. Part of the elimination process of alcohol from your body is urination.)
Fruit juices-rehydrate the body and provide you with essential vitamins that are lost due to alcohol. Studies show that fruit juices increase the body’s rate at which it gets rid of toxins.
[12]
Other/Asthma/Stings/Burns/Head Lice/Bleeding
Asthma
Coltsfoot-Burn dried flowers and leaves and inhale smoke. This will relieve asthmatic attacks.
Boil a pot of water and place your head directly over it, cover your head with a towel to prevent the steam from escaping and inhale the steam deeply.*[7],[11]
-Bee/Wasp Stings
Dandelion-Express the milky sap from the root, and apply to the skin once a day.
Onion- Put a poultice of crushed raw onion, or even just a slice of raw onion and let the juice soak into the skin.
A good way to remove the stinger and surrounding poison is to use a ring and press it around the sting (not on it). Think of the hash symbol # where the ring presses with the sting being in the middle.*
Apply a paste of baking soda and water on the area or a compress that is wet with ammonia water (more useful for scorpion stings).
An old school trick that some of the villagers in Greece have mentioned is to kill and eat a scorpion, if it ever stings you again, you will not be affected, not sure how true this is.[3],[7],[10]
-Burns
First degree: Mix equal parts of white vinegar with water and cover the burn surface, twice a day. Also apply aloe vera or vitamin E oil locally. Tannic acid has been used in clinics for surface burns that have begun to heal, so you can use white oak bark tea. Apply locally as a tea and wet compress.
Second degree: Apply vitamin E oil or zinc oxide. Take vitamin C to bowel tolerance. Apply aloe vera after healing begins.
Third and fourth degree: Immediately take the person to a professional. Do not try to remove clothing stuck to the burned area. Apply aloe vera after healing has begun.
Soak the clothes, so the hot cloth will not increase the burn. Apply cold until the pain subsides.
Cold water or cold, wet cloths on the area reduce pain and swelling. Cover the burn to reduce likelihood of infection. Mix and apply olive oil with baking soda to the area. Elevate the area, to reduce swelling, and keep it out of the sun. Do not break the blisters, and never put salves or butter on burns. Watch for indications of infection, odor, pus, or angry redness. Cold clay poultices are useful.
Second degree, and up, requires a high protein diet and 5,000 calories per day. Increase fluid intake. Also important: vitamins A, B, C, E, and F.
Fresh aloe vera juice is outstanding on burns, to hasten healing. But this can only be done if you have a growing plant to cut the leaves from.
Carrot-Finely grate fresh carrot and put the paste on the affected area.[2],[3],[7]
- Head Lice
Launder clothing and bedding in hot water. Non-washable items should be sealed in a plastic sack for 10 days.
Soak the place on the body for 30 minutes in very warm, soapy, water.
The hair can be doused in kerosene and then wrapped in a towel. Garlic compresses can be placed on the scalp for 2 hours. Hot vinegar (or a 50-50 vinegar/water mixture) applied to the scalp will loosen eggs, so they can be vigorously combed out of the hair with a fine-toothed comb. A 50-50 mixture of kerosene and olive oil can be put on the scalp to get rid of the nits.
Be careful what you place on the eyebrows; you do not want to damage the eyes. Petroleum jelly has been recommended to suffocate the lice.
If all else fails a haircut/shave always works. Sorry ladies, but it makes things more manageable.[2],[7]
Bleeding-Cuts,Scrapes,Wounds
If the wound is small, let the blood flow for a short time as you clean it. This helps cleanse the wound better. If the wound is larger, then you need to stop the bleeding first, and then cleanse the wound. Superficial cuts can be cleaned with soap and water.
Golden seal root powder helps stop bleeding and promote healing.
Wounds may be bathed with several herbal washes or poultices, including aloe vera, comfrey, or plantain.
To stop bleeding, apply direct pressure. If an artery has been cut, the blood will spurt with each heart beat. Small artery cuts should receive direct pressure by your finger, pressed down over clean cloth on the wound. Placing the wound in ice-cold water will also tend to stop the bleeding.
If blood soaks through your bandage, add a new one over the old one.
If inflammation or redness occurs later where the cut was, make a strong tea of a non poisonous, green herb (Goldenseal powder is the best), and soak the injured area in this hot tea for about an hour every day until it is all right. Re-bandage after each soaking.
Apply tee tree oil to prevent infection, and reapply every 2-3 hours. To accelerate healing, apply locally one or more of the following: vitamin E (it will also reduce scarring), fresh aloe vera juice, or a comfrey poultice.[3],[5],[6],[7]
Heat Exhaustion
First, get out of the sun, so the body temperature will not continue to rise and the body will not lose more water and salt. If you remain in the sun, even though resting and drinking fluids, your temperature will continue to rise. Do not return to the sun for many hours.
In the early stages, drink large amounts of mineral-rich vegetable and fruit juices to replace water and electrolyte loss in perspiration. Water, by itself, does not replace electrolytes. Potassium-rich vegetable broths are helpful[3],[7].
Honorable Mentions
Worthy of a special mention for its healing properties in a wide range of ailments is the Agrimony. If you don’t have the flower in your garden already, I would advise to either plant one or two, or buy a potted plant and keep it outside your door.
The plant can be used to help with Migraine, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Dermatological Complaints, Rheumatism, Bronchitis, Cough, Sprains, Swellings, Bruises and Varicose veins to name a few.[7]
Garlic is also used as a remedy for many diseases and it is praised for its anti-bacterial and anti-biotic benefits. It is known for curing colds, flu, bronchitis, middle ear infections, and coughs. Studies show that it can prevent breast, bladder, skin, and stomach cancers and can help diabetics by lowering their sugar levels.
This herb is a must have in your garden as it is a great stimulant for the immune cells, improving your immune system and making you practically inaccessible to the common viruses like the common cold.
One of my favourite teas has to be the Chamomile, it is known to aid with stomach cramps, sore throats, skin inflammations, sleep problems, and is even used as a mild laxative.
It is also used in baths for aches and pains and even as a shampoo for fair hair.
Its mild but sweet smell is very attractive and its dry flowers can be also used as potpourri, to feel a pillow up and aid with sleep.
Another favourite is Honey. It has been known for its healing properties for thousands of years and it is commonly used for arthritis, colds, sore throats, respiratory infections and constipation. As an antiseptic, honey has a drawing agent for poisons from bites, stings or infected wounds. It is even known to speed up the healing process of tissues from a trauma or infection.
Some of the most common herbs, flowers and other natural sources you will come across in this article are pictured below.
1. Artichoke
2. Cinnamon
3. Eucalyptus Oil.
4. Lemon
5. Licorice
6. Milk
7. Cinchona Bark
8. Chamomile
9. Garlic
10. Ginger
11. Lime
12. Honey
13. White Willow
14. Coltsfoot
15. Fenugreek
16. Lettuce Seeds
References :
[1] Nielsen.com
[2] www.home-remedies-for-you.com
[3] www.pathlights.com/nr_encyclopedia/index.htm
[4] www.naturalnews.com/021397.html
[5] health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/home-remedies
[6] health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/herbal-remedies
[7] Medicinal Plants of Greece-George Sfikas
[8] Practical self sufficiency-an Australian guide to sustainable living" Dick and James Strawbridge
[9] Dr.Prem (Personal)
[10] Mum & Dad (old school/personal)
[11] Myself (own experience)
[12] health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/drugs-alcohol/hangover6.htm