Folk medicine to the rescue.
In this day and age, it is so easy to reach for a pill without ever considering the side-effects they may cause. We as a population suffer from many common conditions; conditions that in many cases could be avoided all together or treated with natural alternatives to pharmaceutical medicines.
Let us take a look at 3 common treatments for 3 common conditions, these are:
- Antihistamines for hay-fever
- Anti-inflammatories to reduce arthritic pain
- Antacids for heartburn
Now join me on a journey into the best of folk medicine and suggested treatments.
1. Antihistamines for hay-fever
The many antihistamines available will come with a warning not to drive or operate machinery as they may cause drowsiness while others will state they will not cause drowsiness yet are they the best treatment option for you?
Consider nature’s antihistamine. This product is a natural antihistamine and a support for your immune system at the same time. In fact, it is a product you will throw away as you consider it to be of no value. Guessed what it is yet?
Orange peel, yes people orange peel and I bet you do throw it away. So if you suffer from hayfever then you must start saving those peels.
How to use
Peel the skin off the orange and make sure you use a peeler to avoid taking off the pith as that is quite bitter. Once you have the skin then you can air dry (in the oven with the open door set at 100 degrees C) and place in a jar to use as required or you can simply chop up the skin fresh as is. OK, I can hear you asking how to use it as a medicine?
Orange peel tea is the best way.
Take 2 teaspoons of fresh or dried orange peel and place in a cup of boiling water and allow to draw (or to steep). This action draws out the healing properties and by drinking this tea you have made your own anti-histamine tea. Add honey if you wish.
2. Anti-inflammatories to reduce arthritic pain
So many people present with arthritis and painful muscles in the clinic. As a matter of course they take over the counter anti-inflammatories without realising they may actually be eating foods that are causing the inflammatory process to flare. In addition, the medication they are taking may be causing side-effects such as an aggravated digestive system.
One food that will cause havoc with inflammation is sugar AND artificial sweeteners. Reducing these culprits from the diet will often provide amazing results. One of my clients stated in an exasperated way ‘why aren’t we told this where we purchase the anti-inflammatories from’? Before I could offer an answer she jumped in and said ‘oh, I know they would not then sell the product’! True but maybe they do not know either as they are focused on treating the condition NOT trying to TREAT and PREVENT.
Natural medicine is focused on treatment and prevention, but that is for another blog.
What about a few anti-inflammatory foods to consider as an alternative!
- Deep sea fish such as maceral, sardines, and salmon consumed three times a week
- Eat flaxseeds and walnuts
- Eat avocados
This list (although not exhaustive) is a good starting point yet you MUST (yes I am yelling here) take out the processed sugary foods AND stop LOW CAL foods. Remember to really hydrate the body by sipping water across the day; about 30mls per 1 kg of body weight is a good start.
3. Antacids for heartburn
Well, this is a condition that so many people suffer with. While popping the plethora (don’t you love that word) of readily available antacids very few people understand the damage they are causing to the entire gastro-intestinal tract. So what was used with success before we had such access to these products?
Dried orange and lemon peel tea with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg is the answer. So instead of throwing away the peel of these wonderful medicines air dry them.
How to prepare
- Take a sharp knife and cut the skin away from the pith (that is the white stuff). You could grate if you wish.
- Air-dry these skins or place in an oven on a low temperature and leave the door open as you want to dry not cook (say 100 degrees C)
- Place skins on a tray and dry them until brittle
- Allow to cool and then place in a glass jar to use as required
How to use
- Take 2 tablespoons of combined orange and lemon dried peel and place in an infusion mug. If you do not have an infusion mug no problems. Simply put in a mug and turn a saucer over to trap the steam.
- Allow to draw for about 20 minutes and then drink
- Eat the peel as well.
- Alternatively simply chew the peel without making the tea to simply settle the digestive system
So there we have it 3 tried and tested natural remedies that have stood the test of time and here you have been throwing some of these medicines away. No more people! Turn those products into medicines and fill your pantry with foods that are healing medicines. Not only will you feel better your bank balance will also be healthier to spend on good stuff such as maybe a holiday. Work what you can save by using foods as medicine instead of all those pills and potions but that will be another blog!
Find happiness in every moment
Sandi