DISQUS

Louisa · 1 year ago

1: Chilli added to everything if i'm feeling feisty...an Italian chef told me once it's like natural valium...
2: Apple cider vinegar for nausea and my weird knee arthritis which swells up occasionally: -i drink 1/4 cup and nausea/swelling goes down almost instantly!
3: Back sleep rescue remedy because sleep cures a multitude of ills!
4: Manuka honey - i tablespoon at the slightest hint of a sore throat!

Laurie · 1 year ago

Rescue Remedy: drops (added to water) or spray (on tongue) to relax and fall asleep

Joanne · 1 year ago

A hot toddy when I have a cold - whiskey, hot water, lemon juice and honey.

Kristin (The Goat) · 1 year ago

Vitamin E ---I keep Vitamin E caplets next to the stove and if I ever get a burn or even a steam burn, I break it open ad slather it on the burned body part - it is a like an instant healer. no burn, no redness, no nothing.

Julia · 1 year ago

Homemade chicken soup for colds/sinus problems...
Hot coffee for asthma attacks...
Chardonnay and citrus bubble bath for lousy day!

Anna · 1 year ago

Ginger Tea - Peel and slice fresh ginger and add to boiling water. Let simmer or steep about 5 minutes. The longer it steeps or sits, the stronger the ginger taste. Sweeten with a little honey. Ginger is good for colds as well as numerous other ailments. My daughter and I drink this regularly. Try it for a nice tea - sick or not.

Onion Syrup - Chop onions and place in container with a lid. Add enough sugar to coat all onions. Cover and let sit. The syrup that develops is taken to prevent a cold at the first onset of symptoms. Both my grandmother and great grandmother used that. (Old Wives Tale)

Vinegar on Brown paper to break a fever. Soak a piece of brown paper in plain vinegar. Put in the hand of the person with the fever and close hand into a fist or you can also place on the forehead (Just maintain contact with body I think). Fever should break. I have never used this but this is another one from my Grandmother that he got from her mother and grandmother. I think the brown paper comes from the fact that they used the paper grocery bags. A rag or cloth would probably do just as well.

I need to write these things down or put in a family legacy album. I haven't thought about the old family remedies in years.

Mini · 1 year ago

1. Camomile Tea - soothing and settles nerves and an upset tummy.
2. Breathing - hey how much more natural can you get! When I am stressed I sit back and just breathe through my nose. Deep cleansing breaths.Ommmmmmmm
3. Cinnamon in my afternoon coffee - settles the blood pressure if I am working to a deadline.(That's the only time I have coffee)

Colette · 1 year ago

All right! This is my niche. How serendipitous this question comes today. Just yesterday I pulled out my herbal guide book to look up remedies available for a certain ailment. The plant recommended is plantago major. Google that one. I spent time at my local natural health shop seeing if a source for this herb could be found. Nadda. I went on with my day, but in the evening I Googled the herb and clicked on images. Up pops rows of photos of this plant. I begin laughing very hard. Why? It is growing in the flowerbed in my front yard and is there because we just built a new home and I wanted to plant local natural plants, so I went into the field next door and dug up and transplanted several different plants and put them there, not knowing what some of them are. (Some of the other wild foilage are flax, basil, sage, rosemary, oregano, and mint. In the spring the air smells like an Italian eatery.)

I have no one single cure all, but plantago is herald as a panacea, so who knows. I am the natural cure guru as well as a natural food promoter. I know what makes you well keeps you well. I am NOT a vegetarian by any stretch of the imagination.

Kristin · 1 year ago

Melatonin for sleep aid (especially before transatlantic flights)
Fennel or nettle tea for a midafternoon pick-me-up
Garlic and chili in everything!
Water - 2 litres a day, at least!
Hanging upside down for headaches (try it!)
Fruits and veggies whenever possible!

Kristin · 1 year ago

Great idea to write them down! I'll be doing that, too.

Chantal · 1 year ago

Manuka Oil for any topical skin issue - sunburn, skin rashes, acne, insect bites, Athlete's Foot, fungal infections, and sore muscles It's stinky but really effective!

FrequenSea (with Marine Phytoplankton) is a unique food from the sea and offers complete & totally natural source of PLANT BASED vitamins, minerals, proteins, essential fatty acids and fiber.

Joannie · 1 year ago

I have a friend who believes that if we need an herb it will be growing right in our back - or front - yard! She's proven her theory many times.

Jamie · 1 year ago

Sleep.

Joannie · 1 year ago

Daily I take Vitamins D & E, CoQ10, Calcium. I put three drops of lavender essential oil on a Kleenex and place it under my pillow every night. I put it under my nose when the skunk family living under our shed goes out for a middle of the night stroll! I have a therapeutic massage once a month. Wish I could afford it more often! I've had acupuncture for lower back problems. I grow herbs in my garden, bring them in the house and enhale their aroma before I cook with them. I also use St. John's Wort spray orally when I'm feeling depressed.

becciebeth · 1 year ago

Wow Carrie I can't believe you wrote of Bach Rescue Remedy. Whenever I have mentioned this, I have yet for one person to know what it is. I love many of the flower remedies and enjoy making my own concoqtion, (although finding good Brandy for preservation is a never ending quest. I know it can be made without, but why would I do that?) :) I also can enjoy/ appreciate a very time involved bikini area shave knowing I have hot oatmeal to put on area. I have yet to have any burns or any skin irritations. And apple cider vinegar. 2 Tsp. mixed with 8oz. of water. It's a cure all, especially UTI'S.

Colette · 1 year ago

oooohhh! Well then, I wonder what else is growing in that field? Thanks!! Oh BTW I tried the hot toady once - I decided whiskey is not my cup of tea! LOL

Kirsty · 1 year ago

My morning detox: a glass of warm water with a slice of lemon. Keeps my liver smiling.

Colette · 1 year ago

oops, my mistake - it was Joanne and not you with the hot toddy, sorry.

Colette · 1 year ago

I never use melatonin for sleep because it messes with you pineal gland, but I can see how this would be very effective to reset ones internal clock when traveling around the world. Thanks for the tip!

Colette · 1 year ago

Ditto. I like to mix lime with it occasionally as well.

Xai Vicente Charles · 1 year ago

One of my favorite natural remedies is sleep. I can't seem to get enough of it lately but when I do, I feel like a new person.

Then there is this one. A little strange but my Brazilian grandmother swore by it. Coca-Cola, onions and ginger reduced down to a syrup for a chest cold. Yes. I drank this as a child and somehow it worked.

My all time favorite is a little mom spit. This cures anything. : )

Xai Vicente Charles · 1 year ago

I must try the chardonnay and citrus bubble bath. This sounds delish!

don · 1 year ago

Running- I am sure that inspite of my resistance to run more often, running solves more issues for me than anything else.

Dena · 1 year ago

Rosemary tea - it's a natural diuretic. Take loose rosemary, add a bit of peppermint for flavour - it actually tastes quite good - refreshing!

Romana Mirza · 1 year ago

Plain Yogurt, no sugar, for breakfast to soothe allergy symptoms (runny, itchy nose, et al) - out of balance bacteria in the gut causes most allergic reactions!

Physillium husk to balance the digestive system. Now that's fibre!

laurel · 1 year ago

When I was younger I went through repeated bouts of sinus infections. Anybody who's had them knows how they can suck the joy right out of life. Finally I hit on the best remedy: boil water, add a *few* drops (not too many!) of tea tree oil (a strong natural antiseptic), put a towel over your head and inhale the steam. It stings at first -- don't overdo it and don't use too much oil. You'll need to repeat the treatment a few times but it's worth it.

Also: if you're getting a sore throat, gargle with warm salt water. The doctor who delivered me told my mom about this one and it absolutely works.

Mary · 1 year ago

Apparently good for our four footed friends as well. My dog gets hot spots and will obsessly lick until it's sore - he can even esape the cone. Remedy Remedy seems to help.

Mary · 1 year ago

One of the toughest things to get in our world, but the most effective. I'm sure in years to come sleep deprivation will be seen as a risk factor for many chronic ailments.

Mary · 1 year ago

Good one.And running trails is the icing on the cake. The woods are so healing and smell so good on a hot summer's day.

Ellen · 1 year ago

1. Borage Oil or Evening Primrose oil capsules for PMS. It. Works. Be sure to make sure it contains at least 300mg of GLA (an omega 3).

2. I am allergic to mold and I live in the South...a recipe for sinus infections. So....I get a plastic or rubber bulb like those used to wash baby's ears, and wash out my sinuses with very warm salt water. Again, it works.

Susie Hutchinson · 1 year ago

Sleep and repeating 10 times each day, "I'm the healthiest woman on the planet." Works for me.

Daniel Gibbons · 1 year ago

Yes to sleep! I've been trying to turn in early for the last few nights and it's made an amazing difference to my energy levels.

Missy · 1 year ago

1. Trail running in the forest
2. sitting by the river and just listening

Daniel Gibbons · 1 year ago

My natural remedy is extremely simple: sleep, regular exercise and a healthy diet. But it's amazing how easy it is to say this and how often I find myself slipping out of the habit... and paying the price for doing so.

Amy · 1 year ago

Hanging upside down for a headache....I've never heard that. I'll definitely give it a try. Thanks!

Kat the Drumming Diva · 1 year ago

rooibos tea from south africa - completely caffeine free, more antioxidants than blueberries, great for digestion, makes yummy iced tea, too! (best flava has dried orange peels mixed in)

anactoria · 1 year ago

Sleep. Cold water. Lavender oil on my pillow at night. Jasmine oil (the real stuff, not just fragrance ^_~ ) in my hair. Warm salty baths with those same oils (and rose) and a graphic novel. (short chapters, easy to read in an hour!) Laughter. Tiger Balm. Fresh air. Pets. Planting herbs. Olbas inhalers.

Doreen · 1 year ago

Wow! I always tell friends about these couple things I started taking a few years ago. For the chronic seasonal cough I had that seemed allergy triggered, Boswellia 3K from TrueBotanica.com and their Sinus Comp for the itchy watery eyes nose and scratchy throat during peak allergy times. The products are amazing. The cough that was just always there is now gone. TrueBotanica preparing their medicines using Anthroposophical processes makes such a good product. They have a website - you should ck them out. I'm in awe of these two natl medicines particularly, but hear other people are very impressed by many of them. Happy End of Summer! Enjoy that goldenrod and grass and everything going to seed!!! :-)

Krystl · 1 year ago

These are mine, too. But I like to use rosemary essential oil in the head steam! I actually have a sore throat at the moment, and used the salt-water gargle last night. It definitely gave me some relief.

alligator_kate · 1 year ago

Well... I'm an herbalist, so it could be a long list.

Chamomile tea is underrated. Calming, digestive, Antiviral, pain relieving, soothing to the stomach, (anti-diarrhea) beautifying as a face wash, brings down swelling--

Tulsi (holy basil) is another simple tea you can find most places nowadays that is calming, mood elevating, strengthens the lungs and immune system, among a host of other benefits. It is a great everyday beverage choice for someone under stress who tends to get sick often, or otherwise has a compromised immune system.

Here is my recipe for the most delicious herbal cold remedy you will ever have. People fain colds just to try it. When someone is getting sick, or is already sick, take a tablespoon every hour or so. It works like a charm and everyone loves the taste. Lasts in fridge for 6 months. Elder is supremely immune boosting and anti-oxidant. Star anise has been studied as a remedy for avian flu, so it isn't just for flavor, and the cinnamon and ginger help when there is stomach trouble mixed with cold/flu, as that can often happen.
Elderberry syrup:
full strength infusion of elderberries (1/2 cup of dried berries steeped in boiled water overnight in half gallon mason jar with lid tightly closed)
Next day steam off (no bubbles) half the liquid (will take several hours) in a pot on the stove. While decocting, add big chunk of fresh ginger, 2 cinnamon sticks, and a small handful of star anise.
When there is half the amount of liquid (measure with a chopstick), remove pot from stove. Add: 2-4 oz. elderflower tincture(best) or plain brandy and 1/2 cup raw honey as preservatives. Store in fridge. Lasts up to 6 months!
My favorite place to purchase the berries and tincture is: sunstoneherbs.com mountainrose.com is another good source.

Mackenzie · 1 year ago

I am wild about naturopathy!...I've had alot of success with natural remedies. Some of my favorites are:

Calendula - good for healing burns, preventing scarring and helping with bruising.

Camomile tea bath - excellent for sunburns!

Aloe plant - I always keep one in my house for scrapes and cuts.

Boil garlic, hot chilis, lemon, ginger and honey (to mask the taste) and drink!...the best concoction for any cold or flue; completely kills off any nasty little beings in your body.

Licorice paste - tastes awful but kills off a sore throat immediately.

I could go on forever!

alligator_kate · 1 year ago

Psyllium seeds are from a type of plantago! You can use your local seeds the same way. Externally, plantago major is excellent for bug bites, especially mosquitoes. Just take a leaf, crush it up, and slap it on where it itches-- secure with bandaid for best results. Also works great for small cuts. Excellent for the urinary system--- stopped my old dog from peeing inside when we mixed fresh leaves into his food. Anti-inflammatory, so it helped with his old joints too. An excellent food for convalescence. Chop young leaves and put in soup or salad.

alligator_kate · 1 year ago

Great for the liver and memory, too!

alligator_kate · 1 year ago

Another great use of chamomile :)

Steph · 1 year ago

For those of you living in the Vancouver, BC area, I highly recommend Andrea Lamont's acupuncture practice at Glow Wellness: http://www.glowellness.com/. Recently rated Vancouver's Favorite, Andrea and her partner have created a very special experience that will leave you feeling nothing shy of fabulous!

Ngonzi Truth Crushshon · 1 year ago

Cod liver oil for cleansing your body of waste
Hot tardy for a sore throat/the flu
Egg yolk as protein for healthy hair (yes, u put it in your hair)
Excercise cures insomnia....u will fall right to sleep
Forgiveness helps you live longer!!! Ok maybe it doesn't but it does help you live a more fulfilled life!

Ruth · 1 year ago

My remedy for colds and sore throats is similar to Mackenzie's (boil garlic, hot chilis, lemon, ginger and honey ), but I also add fresh thyme to it.
My husband has the strangest reaction when he is sick. Whenever he has a fever, he insists that I hug and hold him and voila the fever goes down. As soon as I get up the fever comes back. It's the strangest thing, but works every time. So I guess his natural remedy would be body contact and LOVE! :-)

laurie_matthews · 1 year ago

Acupuncture. It has cured me of a wicked case of insomnia, helped me lose weight, tackled my stagnant digestion, and alleviated knee pain. Coupled with a commitment to get a good night's sleep I was the only one in my office who did not miss work because of a cold/flu during the winter.

Carol Z · 1 year ago

Acupuncture and any traditional Chinese medicine treatment always work for me. I lived in China for 4 years & HK for 3, so I've had plenty of experience with TCM. I go to for acupuncture here in Vancouver and have great results. I also find essential oil good for things like burns (lavender), athlete's foot (lavender & tea tree oil), etc. I believe in eating the right food, too. I also do Reiki, which is very helpful for relaxing and for healing.

Karryn Ransom · 1 year ago

I keep cranberry tablets around for that UTI "twinge". Effective if taken at the VERY first sign with huge amounts of water. If you're travelling, and won't always be able to find the loo, take some with you.

Karryn Ransom · 1 year ago

I swear by Rooibos. My husband is from South Africa and when he smells the loose leaves, he says, "Smells like home." I buy the pure organic loose leaves from the Granville Island Tea Company (www.granvilletea.com). They have Cream Earl Grey Rooibos with lavender, they have Provence Rooibos...you name it, they have it.

Lisa M. · 1 year ago

I do this too...instant hydration...before the coffee. For an easy lemon addition to water in the AM, add a splash of bottled organic lemon juice called Santa Cuz lemon. It's on the shelves of most grocery shops.

Karryn Ransom · 1 year ago

Fierce snuggles cure most things.

Kat the Drumming Diva · 1 year ago

i heard that South Africans even give it to babies, as a healthy drink and to soothe them... but your husband could likely confirm that!
: )

Karryn Ransom · 1 year ago

Yes! We DO give it to Roo (our two-year-old). She drinks about 50/50 Rooibos and milk...always has. You can also cool it (from a strong brew) and apply it topically to baby's skin for nappy rash. My in-laws told me that they used it for sunburn soothing too.

Colette · 1 year ago

Ya! I was so surprised how amazing this plant is, which explains the panacea claim. I went and plucked one of the stems off last night, shook our the seeds and ate them. They are like flax seed. How do you know about plantago?

kerrymac · 1 year ago

Essential oils, lavender for tension, peppermint for headaches around my hairline. Something we call Good Morning drink... hot water, fresh lemon and high quality maple syrup...it cleanses and helps soothe sore throats. I also love craniosacral treatments, acupuncture and have had good results with acupuncture in the past....I also take my kids for these when needed.
www.snickerdoodles.typepad.com

kerrymac · 1 year ago

Forgot about that, I love good rooibos. There is a South African lady here at the market (Angela JAmes) that sells lots of kinds loosely. I gave bottles of it to Ryan when he was a babe for reflux and I drank it too so he got the benefits through my milk. I love the African Dream blend.

Audrey · 1 year ago

1.) A "Hot Toddy"- 1 cup of hot black tea, 2-3 teaspoons of sugar or honey, a splash of milk or cream, and a splash of rum! (honestly this remedy soothes you, and helps you fall to sleep when you are sick- my Grandma used this remedy all her life its very old-fashioned)

2.)Eucalyptus Salts or Oil in a warm bath to rejuvenate tired muscles and thoughts.

3.) Hot Mint Tea (when you have an upset stomach) Use a few fresh mint leaves (from my garden), place in cup and pour hot water... you may put honey in, but I think it tastes the best without.

Candace · 1 year ago

Homemade body cooling spray: rose water, fresh lavender, star anise, 1/2 teaspoon of almond oil. Everyone loves it.

Skinny Baths: ground oatmeal and sea salt body scrub and add buttermilk to a hot bath

alligator_kate · 1 year ago

I know about plantago because I am a herbalist by profession. So many-- the majority, really-- of common "weeds" are actually wonderful medicine plants. Chickweed, stellaria, for example, a common lawn weed, helps to melt cysts and boils, and helps emulsify fat... it is a common ingredient in many over the counter diet aids. It makes a delicious salad addition...
I agree with Joannie's friend, too. The herbs come to where we need them!

Tara · 1 year ago

Fresh Air! I don't live in the city, but even when I feel dreadful, I pull myself out of bed and ride one of my horses. I know not everyone has a horse, but get out of bed and go for a bike ride or a walk. And a cup of tea, tea makes everything better!

Colette · 1 year ago

You mean Chickweed is good for something? Tell me more! Seriously! I can use a fat emulsifier that I get from "weeding" my garden. How did you get into herbology? (sounds like I talking Harry Potter-ese lol)

Mary · 1 year ago

And if you live in an apt. in the city?

Brenda · 1 year ago

1. Noni for energy.
2. Pancakes for, shall we say, regularity.
3. French onion soup for nasal congestion.

katie · 1 year ago

Glass of greens plus in the morning before my coffee.....my lover thanx me. also take Vitamin d, iron and omegas to kick start the body. Love peppermint tea anytime i am feeling overdone.

Mary L. · 1 year ago

I use tea tree oil for everything, and I can't believe I hadn't thought of that sinus remedy. I 'll definitely give that a try!

MarieLeona · 1 year ago

When I feel I'm coming down with a cold and/or sore throat, I drink loads and loads of orange juice. In a day or so, it's all cleared up.
Omega 3 capsules for my achy joints (fingers).
Molasses and ginger for a nagging cough (especially the night time kind of cough).

Julia · 1 year ago

Why doesn't our culture value sleep??? I am a mess when I don't get enough quality sleep. I'm cranky, teary, unable to concentrate and generally out of sync. Think I'll turn in early tonight after hot bath!

Julia · 1 year ago

It will cure what ails you! Good luck! Treat yourself.

Julia · 1 year ago

Tiger balm is totally magical, isn't it!?

anactoria · 1 year ago

It is! I love the balm, the patches, the 'white' version... I need a whole series: bath salts, lotions, bath & shower wash, and maybe a t-shirt. ^_^

Dolly Hopkins · 1 year ago

Hi in my house hold home remedie kit is Lavander oil and yes I second what Danielle has to say about it ...also good for burns put on right away and oh yes bug bites. The other remedie is Tea Tree oil so goood for infections and sores. I also use it for pimples/acne.

andrea · 1 year ago

migraines
At the first sign of a migraine there are a few things that I do that seem to help:
1) shot or two of espresso
2) warm head, cool feet (this will draw the blood from your head to your feet, to warm them up, and relieve the pressure in your head)

skin
I swear I have tried every skin product available and the best thing that I have ever found is called black soap. It is a soap originally made in West Africa. The African name for this soap is Ose Dudu and you can find out more about it at http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art26846.asp

Keiko · 1 year ago

My go-to response for most complaints is "drink some water". I also have a live aloe plant to soothe burns or any other irritations. In Trinidad, if you get stung by a bee or brush up on stinging nettle, you find 3 soft leaves, crush them in your fingers and rub on the spot -- instant soothing. If you get stung by a jelly fish, pee on it. I found this out the hard way...

LolaBloom · 1 year ago

Raw Foods, plain and simple.

When I stick to a high raw food diet I will not have any asthma symptoms nor attacks, my allergies and stuffiness go away, I sleep better, my tummy and digestive tract are pain, cramp and bloating free, my pms symptoms disappear, my mental focus and clarity are at their peak and I have loads of energy!! For me it has relieved me of so many medical symptoms and issues that years of poking, prodding and pill after pill could not. I'm a happy camper!

JoeM · 1 year ago

Earl Gray Tea, a hot tub, incense, low light, reduce stress, extra sleep, and knowing everyday I'm going to feel a lot better than I did the day before.

Jane · 1 year ago

Carrie...sorry to hear about your dog bite! That sounds awful. My favorite remedies are water and sleep.

Shug · 1 year ago

I met a woman who, at 103 years old, said that was her trick, too. I'd been doing the hot water, lemon and honey thing for years prior to that; now I add the whiskey :)

Shug · 1 year ago

my mother would often place a few slices of raw onion next to the bed when any of us had a cold. supposedly, onions draw bacteria (which is also why, she says, it's best not to eat onions once they've been sitting out for a while (like at picnics, on buffets, etc.)

Shug · 1 year ago

I used to send sprigs of rosemary to my daughter when she was in college, to aid with memory . . . and isn't there something about rosemary taking one's mind off of sex? (thought that would be appropriate at the time, too)

Shug · 1 year ago

I use a drop of tea tree oil on my toothbrush every now and again, if I accidentally bit the inside of my cheeks or food/drink acid is irritating them. I do it at night and by morning, all is well. (I add a drop or two directly on the bristles then run the brush briefly under water before putting it in my mouth; then rinse thoroughly)

Shug · 1 year ago

Big fan of Tiger Balm, here, too. My boyfriend, unfortunately, really dislikes the aroma. I think it's brilliant.

Julia · 1 year ago

Along with Tiger Balm, I find Vick's VapoRub another underappreciated remedy. That heavy salve with its strong eucalyptus healing powers makes me feel better everytime I have a bad cold! I put it all over my chest and right under my nose....complete relief!

Shannon Fitzgerald · 1 year ago

1. Vitamins and supplements. 2 weeks ago, I had a holistic doctor test me recently to see what organs need help and where I am lacking. He gave me supplements to help boost those areas and I already feel better!
2. Chiropractor. Not a remedy exactly but I go habitually to one that combines traditional practices with holistic approaches/elements and it has enhanced my life ten fold. It's also good for things outside of back, joint problems. If you have the right person, you almost don't need a GP. Who knew?
3. Water.

Nancy · 1 year ago

Sleep is deffo one of my natural remedies. My Mother taught me to get plenty of "beauty sleep" and it works for me! On the rare occaision I become sleep deprived, I almost always get sick. Not to mention, cranky and dull in feeling.

Nancy · 1 year ago

There are a lot of great ideas here! :)
Personally I have done the Sleep, water, herbal teas, a bit of daily stretching to avoid kinks, garlic, onions, Aloe for almost any skin problem including acne (works too!) Oh gosh, I know I have done more... I love anything natural.