Home Remedies: Old Wives’ Tales or Great Health Practices?
by Lynne | Sunday, January 4th, 2009I was x-country skiing this weekend and came across a book of old recipes at the inn where I was staying. In the back of the book was a list of remedies for various ailments which got me thinking about the ones we may have been given in childhood for a cold or as a preventative measure (cod liver oil, anyone?) as well as ones we take today. Some are foolproof and great ways to cure what ails you or as preventative measures and to build your immune system. Others may not be proven but many will swear by them (although best to consult your doctor or do some good research).
I consulted a small focus group today and asked them to share their lists of remedies that they’ve either heard of or practiced. Some fascinating stuff that might just help you through the cold & flu season and beyond. Here’s to a happy and healthy 2009. Feel free to share remedies you’ve tried or recommend. We’d love to hear from you.
- Cod liver oil – grandma was right! Cod liver oil is good for you. It’s a great source of Omega fatty acids which can help reduce the risks and symptoms of heart disease. Mercury is now an issue so be sure to get your fish oil from a trusted source and keep refrigerated. It has a short shelf life.
- Nutmeg on a string around your neck to stop a nosebleed.*
- A spoonful of sugar to stop hiccoughs (works for me).
- Raw almonds are great for an upset stomach. Bring some along on plane trips or long car rides.
- Raw garlic can help for constipation. I know it’s a touchy topic but hey, it happens.
- Suck on a cinnamon stick for nausea.
- Sucking on pickled umeboshi plum pits is a great Japanese remedy for an upset stomach. It works!
- Add flax seeds to your diet to help fight against cancer.
- For cough or sore, tight throat – 1/2 cup bee’s honey, juice of 1 lemon and 1-1/2 jiggers of whiskey. Stir and drink.*
- Dark chocolate, at least 70 %, is high in antioxidants (chocolate lovers around the world rejoice). Go ahead. Whip up a batch of Mexican Hot Chocolate.
- Oatmeal lowers cholesterol in those tending to be high (been tested to be true although results vary person to person).
- Cinnamon has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels (say, up to 1/2 teaspoon or so a day on foods).
- Lard and kerosene mixed on a brown paper bag – apply to the chest to draw out a cold.*
- Celery and hibiscus tea have been found to lower blood pressure in some people tending to be high.
- Swish sesame oil (or sunflower oil will work too) around in your mouth and suck it through your teeth for 10 – 20 minutes in the morning, spit out, then rinse your mouth. This is an old Eastern Indian remedy that has been found (some research was just done on it that says this remedy significantly reduces plaque). And some swear it is a good detox of the whole body and gets rid of other problems.
* These remedies are from ”Yesterdays. Lodging places of Jackson and their recipes” published by the Jackson Historical Society, edited by Margaret B. Garland
Tags: a healthy 2009, beneficial remedies, cod liver oil, fish oil, healthy, healthy remedies, remedies
Great Suggestions!
My family has a few also that we can add to the list.
1. Gingerale – Fixes an upset stomach in no time! lots and lots of it!
2. Salt water and some gargling action fix a sore throat or if you loose your voice
3. the BRAT diet – Bread, Rice, Apples and Tea – easy foods to digest when you’re not feeling your best
4. chicken soup – fixes EVERYTHING
That’s it for now! Keep the videos comin’!
These are great!
I would like to add a twist to the lemon and honey for a sore throat remedy…
My mom used to crush up a vitamin C between two spoons and then cover that with honey and a few drops of lemon juice. It was great when I was little because it made it much easier for me to swallow the vitamin C and the honey covered up the bitter taste. It soothed my sore throat every time. Thanks mom!
Im also going to have to agree with tubgoddess on the chicken soup. That stuff is magical.
Selzter – good for ridding of stains on clothes and rugs
Pomegranate Molasses – great antioxidant-rich fruit. This thick, rich, tart and sweet syrup is often used with meats and poultry in marinades, rubs, and glazes and drinks!
Celery – good for upset tummies
- chicken soup cook with lots of ginger and rice wine: fixes cold-related symptoms. (good for the ladies, guys not so much, don’t know why but that’s what my mom told me)
- i have more, will add later
This one’s from my friend, Michael Heasley. Thanks Mike!
I am about to make a tonic my Greek grandmother made that is absolutely fantastic, called mountain tea–not to be confused with an actual tea-like plant they are now cultivating in Greece for its anti-oxidant properties. Here’s the recipe:
4 cups boiling water
1/2 tsp dried camomile, sage or mint ( I like camomile)
2 tsp honey
1 slice lemon
Dash of ground cinnamon
Boil water. Add leaves. Steep for 5 min, then strain. Add honey, lemon, cinnamon. Good pick-me-up and to help with colds.