Folk Medicine Remedies and Cures

The Nature Cure For Acne

Acne is perhaps the most common chronic skin disease. It is an inflammatory condition of the sebaceous ( that is fat or grease) glands and hair follicles usually found on the face, the neck, chest and shoulders. Nearly eight out of ten young people between the ages of 12 and 24 suffer from some degree of acne. It is closely related to the disturbance in the hormones experienced at puberty.

The majority of patients recover between the ages 20 and 30 years. But it is still common in men over 30 years. In women, it rarely lasts beyond the early thirties and is normally worse before each menstrual period. This disease causes a great deal of embarrassment at an age when people tend to be sensitive about personal appearance.

The skin, covering the entire body, is a marvelous and intricate mechanism. It serves three main purposes ; namely, protection of the inner organism, regulation of body temperature and elimination of cell waste and systemic refuse. The skin is directly connected with and intimately bound up with the working of the whole system. All skin diseases, including acne, are the outcome of malfunctioning of the body as a whole.

Symptoms

Acne is characterized by the presence of blackheads, pimples, small superficial sebaceous cysts and scars. There are over half a dozen forms of acne. All of them are concerned with sebaceous glands or the glands connected with hair follicles. The most common form of acne is blackheads. The areas chiefly affected are the forehead, temples, cheeks, and chin, the chest and back. In rare cases, almost the entire body may be covered with black heads with extensive scarring.

Causes

All forms of acne have their origin in wrong feeding habits, such as irregular hours of eating, improper food, excess of starches and sugar, excess of fatty foods. Chronic constipation is another major cause of acne. If the bowels do not move properly, waste matter is not eliminated as quickly as it should be and the bloodstream becomes surcharged with toxic matter. The extra efforts of the skin to eliminate excess waste result in acne and other forms of skin disease.

Yet another important cause of acne is a devitalized condition of the skin resulting from unhygienic living habits. Other causes of the disorder are excessive use of tea, coffee, alcohol or tobacco, strenuous studies, masturbation and sedentary habits which lead to indigestion and general debility.

Treatment

The treatment of acne by the administration of salve or ointment does not serve any purpose. They only suppress the action of the sebaceous glands temporarily. In nature cure, the main emphasis is on diet and certain water applications.

To begin with the patient should resort to all fruit diet for about a week. In this regimen, there should be three meals a day, consisting of fresh juicy fruits, such as apples, pears, grapes, grape-fruit, pineapple and peaches. Citrus fruits, bananas, dried, stewed or tinned fruits should not be taken. Unsweetened lemon or plain water, either hot or cold, should be drunk and nothing else.

During this period, warm water enema should be taken daily to cleanse the bowels and all other measures adopted to eradicate constipation. After a week of all fruit diet, the patient can gradually adopt a well-balanced diet. Emphasis should be on raw foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, sprouted seeds, raw nuts and whole grain cereals, especially millet and brown rice.

Further shorter periods on the all-fruits for three days, or so may be necessary at a monthly interval till the condition of the skin improves. Strict attention to diet is essential for recovery. Starchy, protein and fatty foods, should be restricted. Meats, sugar, strong tea or coffee, condiments, pickles, refined and processed foods should all be avoided, as also soft drinks, candies, ice cream and products made with sugar and white flour.

Two vitamins, namely, niacin and vitamin A have been used successfully to treat acne. The vitamin therapy which may comprise a niacin, 100 mg. three times daily and vitamin A in large doses upto 1,50,000 units per day should not exceed one month. Vitamin E is also vitally important to prevent scarring from acne and in removing old scars.

Another effective remedy in the realm of nutrition that seems to offer new promise of help for acne is zinc. It has shown dramatic results in some cases. Zinc should be taken in therapeutic doses of 50 mg. three times a day. After noticeable improvement it can be gradually reduced.

Local Treatment

As regards local treatment, hot fomentation should be applied to open up the pores and squeeze the waste matter. Then rinse with cold water. Sun and air baths by exposing the whole body to sun and air are highly beneficial.

  • Healing packs made of grated cucumber, oatmeal cooked in milk, and cooked, creamed carrots used externally, have been found to be effective.
  • Orange peel is valuable in the treatment of acne. The peel, pounded well with water on a piece of stone, should be applied to the affected areas.
  • Lemon has also proved beneficial in removing pimples and acne . It should be applied regularly.
  • A teaspoonful of coriander juice, mixed with a pinch of turmeric powder, is another effective home remedy for pimples and blackheads. The mixture should be applied to the face after thoroughly washing it, every night before retiring.
  • The juice of raw potatoes has also proved very valuable in clearing skin blemishes. This cleansing results from high content of potassium sulphur, phosphorous and chlorine in the potato. These elements are, however, of value only when the potato is raw as in this state they are composed of live organic atoms.
  • A hot Epsom-salt bath twice a week will be highly beneficial in all cases of acne. This bath is prepared by adding one and a half kg. of Epsom -salt to 50 litres of water having a temperature of about 100 o F. The patient should remain in the bath from 25 to 35 minutes till he perspires freely. After the bath the patient should cool off gradually.

From: A Complete Handbook of Nature Cure

Pow Wow Cures For Dropsy

Dropsy is a disease derived from a cold humidity, which passes through the different limbs to such a degree that it either swells the whole or a portion of them. The usual symptoms and precursors of every case of dropsy are the swelling of the feet and thighs, and then of the face; besides this the change of the natural color of the flesh into a dull white, with great thirst, loss of appetite, costiveness, sweating, throwing up of slimy substances, but little water, laziness, and aversion to exercise.

Physicians know three different kinds of dropsy, which they name:

  • 1. Anasarca, when the water penetrates between the skin and the flesh over the whole body, and all the limbs, and even about the face and swells them.
  • 2. Ascites, when the belly and thighs swell, while the upper extremities dry up.
  • 3. Tympanites, caused rather by wind than water. The belly swells up very hard, the navel is forced out very far, and the other members fall away. The belly becomes so much inflated that knocking against it causes a sound like that of a large drum, and from this circumstance its name is derived.

The chief thing in curing dropsy rests upon three points, namely:

  • 1. To reduce the hardness of the swelling which may be in the bowels or other parts.
  • 2. To endeavor to scatter the humors.
  • 3. To endeavor to pass them off either through the stool or through the water.

The best cure therefore must chiefly consist in this: To avoid as much as possible all drinking, and use only dry victuals; to take moderate exercise, and to sweat and purge the body considerably.

If anyone feels symptoms of dropsy, or while it is yet in its first stages, let him make free use of the sugar of the herb called Fumatory, as this purifies the blood, and the Euphrasy sugar to open the bowels.

A Cure For Dropsy (said to be infallible)

Take a jug of stone or earthenware, and put four quarts of strong, healthy cider into it; take two handfuls of parsley roots and tops, cut it fine; a handful of scraped horse-radish, two tablespoonfuls of bruised mustard-seed, half an ounce of squills, and half an ounce of juniper berries; put all these in the jug, and place it near the fire for 24 hours so as to keep the cider warm, and shake it up often; then strain it through a cloth and keep it for use.

To a grown person give half a wineglassful three times a day, on an empty stomach. But if necessary you may increase the dose, although it must decrease again as soon as the water is carried off, and, as stated before, use dry victuals and exercise gently.

This remedy has cured a great many persons, and among them a woman of 70 years of age, who had the dropsy so badly that she was afraid to get out of bed, for fear her skin might burst, and who it was thought could not live but a few days. She used this remedy according to the directions given, and in less than a week the water had passed off her, the swelling of her stomach fell, and in a few weeks afterward she again enjoyed perfect health.

  • Or:

Drink for a few days very strong Bohea tea, and eat the leaves of it. This simple means is said to have carried away the water from some persons in three or four days, and freed them from the swelling, although the disease had reached the highest pitch.

  • Or:

Take three spoonfuls of rape-seed, and half an ounce of clean gum myrrh, put these together in a quart of good old wine, and let it stand over night in the room, keeping it well covered. Aged persons are to take two teaspoonfuls of this an hour after supper, and the same before going to bed; younger persons must diminish the quantity according to their age, and continue the use of it as long as necessary.

  • Or:

Take young branches of spruce pine, cut them into small pieces, pour water on them and let them boil a while, then pour it into a large tub, take off your clothes, and sit down over it, covering yourself and the tub with a sheet or blanket, to prevent the vapor from escaping. When the water begins to cool let some one put in hot bricks; and when you have thus been sweating for a while, wrap the sheet or blanket close around you and go to bed with it. A repetition of this for several days will free the system from all water.

The following Valuable Recipes, not in the original work of Hoffman, were added by the publisher.

Cure For Dropsy

Make of the broom-corn seed, well powdered and sifted, one drachm. Let it steep twelve hours in a wineglass and a half of good, rich wine, and take it in the morning fasting, having first shaken it so that the whole may be swallowed. Let the patient walk after it, if able, or let him use what exercise he can without fatigue, for an hour and a half; after which let him take two ounces of olive oil, and not eat or drink anything in less than half an hour afterward. Let this be repeated every day, or once in three days, and not oftener, till a cure is effected, and do not let blood, or use any other remedy during the course.

Nothing can be more gentle and safe than the operation of this remedy. If the dropsy is in the body it discharges it by water, without any inconvenience; if it is between the skin and flesh, it causes blisters to rise on the legs, by which it will run off; but this does not happen to more than one in thirty: and in this case no plasters must be used, but apply red-cabbage leaves. It cures dropsy in pregnant women, without injury to the mother or child. It also alleviates asthma, consumption and disorders of the liver.

From: Pow-Wows, or Long Lost Friend, by John George Hoffman, [1820]

Sweet Oil

Sweet oil (another term for olive oil) possesses a great many valuable properties, and it is therefore advisable for every head of a family to have it at all times about the house in order that it may be applied in cases of necessity. Here follow some of its chief virtues:

It is a sure remedy, internally as well as externally, in all cases of inflammation in men and animals.

Internally, it is given to allay the burning in the stomach caused by strong drink or by purging too severely, or by poisonous medicines. Even if pure poison has been swallowed, vomiting may be easily produced by one or two wine-glasses of sweet oil, and thus the poison will be carried off, provided it has not already been too long in the bowels; and after the vomiting, a spoonful of the oil should be taken every hour until the burning caused by the poison is entirely allayed.

Whoever is bitten by a snake, or any other poisonous animal, or by a mad dog, and immediately takes warmed sweet oil, and washes the wound with it, and then puts a rag, three or four times doubled up and well soaked with oil, on the wound every three or four hours, and drinks a couple of spoonfuls of the oil every four hours for some days, will surely find out what peculiar virtues the sweet oil possesses in regard to poisons.

In dysentery, sweet oil is likewise a very useful remedy, when the stomach has first been cleansed with rhubarb or some other suitable purgative, and then a few spoonsfuls of sweet oil should be taken every three hours. For this purpose, however, the sweet oil should have been well boiled and a little hartshorn be mixed with it. This boiled sweet oil is also serviceable in all sorts of bowel complaints and in colics; or when anyone receives internal injury as from a fall, a few spoonfuls of it should be taken every two hours; for it allays the pain, scatters the coagulated blood, prevents all inflammation and heals gently.

Externally, it is applicable in all manner of swellings; it softens, allays the pain, and prevents inflammation.

Sweet oil and white lead, ground together, makes a very good salve, which is applicable in burns and scalds This salve is also excellent against infection from poisonous weeds or waters, if it is put on the infected part as soon as it is noticed.

If sweet oil is put in a large glass, so as to fill it about one-half full, and the glass is then filled up with the flowers of the St. Johnswort, and well covered and placed in the sun for about four weeks, the oil proves then, when distilled, such a valuable remedy for all fresh wounds in men and animals, that no one can imagine its medicinal powers who has not tried it. This should at all times be found in a well-conducted household. In a similar manner, an oil may be made of white lilies, which is likewise very useful to soften hardened swellings and burns, and to cure the sore breasts of women.

From: Pow-Wows, or Long Lost Friend, by John George Hoffman, [1820]

Old Fashioned Cures for A Toothache

I am so grateful for modern dental care, and the fact that is readily available. There was a time, however, when a toothache was a major ordeal. For this reason, there is quite a lot of folklore that covers an amazing array of cures for a toothache. Some of them might even actually work – and if you really don’t want to go to the dentist, you might want to give one or two of them a try. The first one, oil of cloves, actually works really well when applied directly.

  • Oil of cloves for a tooth ache.
  • Bite into a hot raisin right on the tooth that aches.
  • To cure tooth aches, hold whiskey over tooth in the mouth.
  • Take blood from around the tooth that aches and carry that to an oak tree that’s been struck by lightning. On the north side of the tree, pull the bark down, put the blood in there, and then shove the bark back up. This will kill your toothache.
  • Get a wasp’s nest and smoke it. That will cure a toothache.
  • If you’ll take the ear drum from a hog and paint it and tie it around your neck and wear it like a necklace it will cure the tooth ache.
  • Another method of treating toothache is to tie knots in a string, one knot for every tooth which does not ache.
  • To cure toothache, cut bits of your hair and nails, bore a hole in an apple-tree, and plug in the cuttings. The tooth will never ache again.
  • Chewing tobacco is a good pain reliever for tooth aches and insect stings.
  • For tooth ache- inhale the aroma of coffee beans being roasted over a slow fire, under cover of a blanket.
  • Asparagus root (because of its shape) will cure a tooth ache.
  • Cinnamon. Chewing gum strongly impregnated with cinnamon was obtainable at stores. Packing a tooth cavity with this alleviated the ache.
  • For teeth which ache and have worms (ca. 9th century): Work up radishes with goat’s fat and heat it and anoint the patient therewith and let him open his mouth that the worm may come up out of it.
  • Chew the seed of Jimson weed (Stramonium) for tooth ache.
  • For a tooth ache go out a find a garter snake and bite it, and there will be no more toothache.
  • A mother should always swallow the first baby tooth her child loses, as this protects the child from every having a tooth ache as long as she lives.
  • To relieve toothache, heat up salt and put it in a little back and hold it to place where ache is.
  • Wash your hands before your face and you will never get a tooth ache.
  • For teeth which ache and have ache and have worms (ca. 9th century): Take a thick reed and cut in one end of it a small slit, and put on the fire a rose of the rhododapus tree so that the smoke thereof may enter (the reed and pass by it) to the teeth, and the worms will die.
  • If you have the tooth ache, just chew a garlic button.
  • Remedy for toothaches: Apply tip of a kitchen match (with sulphur tip) to the spot that aches.
  • If a tooth has been pulled because of a toothache, it must be thrown into the fire, or the ache will return.
  • Hellebore. The powder of the Root put into a hollow tooth, is good for the tooth ache.
  • All donkeys have on their backs a small black cross. This was their reward for witnessing the birth of Christ in the stable. If a person takes one hair from this cross and puts it in the tooth that aches, the pain will go away.
  • For teeth which ache and have worms (ca. 9th century): Pound raisins, boil them in olive oil and rub the teeth therewith, and let some of it remain in thy mouth.
  • Cure for toothaches: use salt that has been formed in a solid shape by water and rub it on the teeth that ache.
    Wash the mouth with lemon extract and hold some of it in the mouth covering the affected tooth to stop tooth ache.
  • For a toothache, let someone who is not a relative of the sufferer, drill a hole in a tree. Then the sufferer spits into it three times, drives a nail in after the ache, and takes care never to return to the place.
  • For teeth which ache and have worms (ca. 9th century): Boil roses, myrtle, raisins, root of tamarisk, sumach, thorns and olive leaves in vinegar and let the patient hold it in his mouth.
  • To cure a tooth ache, you tie a string around a cotton wood tree, tie as many knots as you have teeth in your mouth and your tooth ache will go away.
  • I have heard taught one for ye tooth ache, to go thrice about a church yarde, and neuer thynke on a fox tayle.
    The tooth is to picked with a splinter from a tree struck by lightning – the ache will cease but the tooth will decay.
  • For a toothache, prick the bad tooth with nine kinds of wood till blood flows. Put the spikes in a tree, and when they wilt, the ache will be gone.
  • To calm a tooth ache, rinse the mouth with very salty water with a little vinegar.
  • To cure tooth aches, people will help a bug or insect to get on its feet if it has turned over.
  • For the tooth ache, if the tooth be hollow. Take gum opium, gum camphor, and spirits of turpentine, equal parts, rub them in a mortar to a paste, dip lint in the paste, and put it in the hollow of the tooth every time after eating. Make use of this three or four days, and it will entirely cure the tooth from ever aching. All components are well-known tooth-ache remedies. Opium is used because of its content of morphine, the queen of pain relievers. It seems that turpentine is used to kill the nerve, while opium acts as a pain reliever during the process.
  • Put some tobacco in the tooth to cure a toothache.
  • Biting in a tree to rid oneself of a tooth ache.
  • Take the forelegs of a mole and one of the hind legs, and put them into a bag. Wear it round your neck, and you will never have the toothache.
  • To calm a tooth ache, rinse the mouth with brandy.
  • Smoke wicker sticks for tooth ache.
  • Put your right shoe on first thing in the morning and you won’t have the tooth ache.
  • Put your left shoe on first and you will never have the tooth ache.
  • For a toothache, hold a little liquor in your mouth on the side where the tooth aches.
  • A cat’s skin is a good remedy for toothache. You should keep a dried cat’s skin and hold it to your cheek when your tooth aches.
  • The people of Stamfordham some eighty years ago, had an “excellent” recipe for the curing, and prevention, of toothache. They walked to Winters Gibbet, on Elsdon Moor, some twelve miles away, for a splinter of wood from the gibbet. This, applied to the tooth, disposed of the ache in a jiffy!
  • Use cake- flavor for tooth aches.
  • Baking powder sometimes put into a tooth cavity for [treating] a tooth ache.
  • For teeth which ache and have worms. (ca. 9th century): Pound thorns and olive leaves with honey and strong vinegar and let some of the mixture remain in thy mouth.
  • He who drinks from all three of the spouts of the San Cayetano fountain will no longer suffer tooth aches.
  • If you have a toothache, put some spices on the tooth and the ache will stop.
  • Ireland had two popular superstitions for this unpleasant ache. The first one entailed either the drinking of water from a human skull, or the taking of a pinch of clay from the grave of a priest and putting it into your mouth. You then had to kneel down, say a Paternoster and an Ave, following which it was credibly supposed that you would never again have toothache so long as you lived.
  • Pick the sore tooth with a skinned stick until the gums bleed. Hide the stick in the woods, and the ache will vanish
  • Put the first aching tooth you have pulled in a glass of whiskey. Then drink the whiskey, and you will never have occasion to have another tooth pulled because it aches.
  • If you have a toothache, put a horseradish poultice on the wrist opposite the side the tooth is on, and the ache will go away.
  • If you have a toothache, put a horseradish poultice on the wrist opposite the side the tooth is on, and the ache will go.
  • To treat toothache, go to the fields or woods and find the jawbone of a horse. Get down on your knees and pick up the bone with your teeth, then walk backward, keeping yours hands behind you. The number of steps you take before dropping the bone indicates the number of years that will elapse before the tooth aches again.
  • Cold iron is best remedy for tooth ache.
  • A spider web put in an aching tooth will cure the ache.
  • Let the person that is troubled with the tooth-ache lay on the contrary side, drop three drops of the juice of rue [final letter of rue not quite distinguishable] into the ear, upon that side the teeth acheth. Let it remain an hour or two, and it will remove the pain.
  • Catch a frog under open sky, spit into its mouth, conjure it to take ache with itself so that one will suffer toothache no more and then release it..
  • If you have a toothache, you can cure it by tying three knots in your fishing line before you begin to fish. The ache will leave soon.
  • If you have a toothache, tie a fishing line around it (the tooth), with a dozen knots in it and the tooth ache will leave.
  • If you have a toothache, take the piece of grass which a cow brings home after the first day in the pasture, dry it and whenever the tooth aches, place it on the tooth.
  • For toothaches, boil roots of Aralia cordata and drink the liquid.
  • Vanilla on a tooth will ease a tooth ache. So will straight whiskey.
  • To stop a tooth ache put green black walnut juice on it.
  • Tooth Ache Drops – One oz. of chloroform, one oz. of spirits of camphor and half a drachm of oil of cloves. Keep in a tightly in a tightly corked bottle and apply a cotton batting to the cavity of the tooth or on a piece of flannel if applied to the face or jaw.
  • To burn the “little nerve ” in the ear will cure the tooth- ache forever.
  • For tooth ache, mingle a wood goats gall with oil; smear very frequently with that; then they, the teeth, shall be hole.
  • If your tooth aches before seven o’clock, it will end before eleven.
  • To stop tooth ache go find an old dead cow’s skull. Wrap it up and hide it. The tooth ache will go a way.
  • When a tooth is pulled, take it and place it under a rock or throw it over your left shoulder, and none of your remaining teeth will ache.
About worms in the teeth:

It was the common belief amongst country folk when I was a child, twenty-five years ago, in Derbyshire, that tooth ache was caused by a worm or grub eating at the root of the tooth. The belief has not yet died away. There was a curious mode of extracting this worm. A small quantity of a mixture of dried and powdered herbs was placed in a tea-cup or other small vessel, and live coke from the fire was dropped in. The patient then held his or her open mouth over the cup and inhaled the smoke as long as it could be borne. The cup was then taken away and a fresh cup or glass, containing water, was put before the patient. Into this water the person “hosted,” that is breathed hard, for a few moments, and then, by those with much faith, could be seen the worm or grub in the water, and of course the cure was complete.

A personal account of something that apparently worked:

“Two years ago we had a neighbor that had two bad teeth aching. He didn’t know about this cutting your toe-nails [Some say finger-nails] on Friday to keep from having the toothache, so he went to the dentist one Thursday and had his teeth worked on, and the dentist told him to come back the next week and he would fill them. That night he was telling me about it, and I said, ‘Trim your toe-nails on a Friday.’ The next day he got up and trimmed his toe-nails on Friday, and has been doing it ever since. And he never went back to have the two teeth filled, because they have not ached since, and that is two years ago.”

Note:

If you do try some of these cures, please be sure to use common sense, and do a little research to make sure that any plants or herbs prescribed are not poisonous.

Source: UCLA Folk Medicine Database

How to Make a Tincture


Tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts that are made using alcohol and chopped herbs. The tincture is especially effective in drawing out the essential compounds of plants, especially those that are fibrous or woody, and from roots and resins. Since this method ensures that the herbs and their nutrients can be preserved for a long time, it is often mentioned in herbal books and remedies as a preferred way of using herbs.

Your tincture will not be of the same potency of the tinctures that registered herbalists make because they have access to much stronger alcohol. We use the best quality vodka possible. Although some people say you can use run, brandy or whiskey this changes the flavor. No matter what you choose it must be 40% to prevent mildew starting on the plant material. (For those who cannot drink alcohol use quality apple cider vinegar or glycerin.)

The container for the tincture should be glass or ceramic. Never use a metallic or plastic container because these can react with the tincture or leach dangerous chemicals over time. Items such as a mason jar, a glass bottle with an attached stopper, etc., are ideal for steeping a tincture. You will need to get some small dark glass tincture bottles for storing the tincture in once it has been made; these bottles should have a tight screw-on or tight clip-on lid to prevent air intrusion during storage but to allow for ease of use. Ensure that all containers are both washed clean and sterilized prior to use.

You can prepare a tincture by measurement or by sight; it really depends on your level of comfort with simply adding herbs and judging by eye, or whether you feel more comfortable adding them by measured weight. Also, you should know whether you want to add fresh, powdered, or dried herbs to the tincture. Some suggestions for adding the herbs in the order of fresh, powdered, or dried are as follows:

  • Add enough fresh chopped herbs to fill the glass container.
  • Cover with alcohol.
  • Add 113g of powdered herb with 473ml of alcohol (or vinegar/glycerin).
  • Add 198g of dried herb material to 1 liter of alcohol (or vinegar/glycerin).
  • Using a butter knife, stir around the edge of the glass container to ensure that all air bubbles are released.

Seal the container. Place it into a cool, dark area (in a cupboard). The container should be stored there minimum 8 days to a month.

  • Shake the container twice a day.
  • Be sure to label the steeping tincture so that you know what it is and the date on which it was made.
  • Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Strain the tincture. Once the steeping time is finished (the specific tincture instructions you’re following will inform you of this) strain the tincture as follows:

  • Place cheesecloth across a sieve.
  • Place a large bowl underneath to catch the strained liquid.
  • Gently pour the steeped liquid through the lined sieve. The cheesecloth will capture the plant material.
  • Press the herb material with a wooden spoon to squeeze out some more liquid, and then twist the cloth to extract any leftover liquid.

Decant the liquid into a prepared tincture bottle. Use a small funnel for this step if you don’t have a steady hand. Tighten the lid and date and label the tincture.

Store and use:

A tincture can have a shelf life of up to 5 years because alcohol is a preservative. However, know the properties of the particular herbs you’ve used, and follow the guidance of the recipe from which you’re making the tincture in terms of how long to keep the tincture for.

Follow the instructions relevant to your tincture for usage; consult a qualified, reputable herbalist or a health professional if you need more information and bear in mind that herbal treatments can be dangerous if you don’t know the properties of the herb and its consequences.

Found at: Wild Edible Food

How to Make a Healing Salve

The best way to make a salve is to allow your herbs to solar infuse in your choice of carrier oil anywhere between 4 and 6 weeks. Fill (not stuff) a jar with herbs and pour the carrier oil over top.

  • Be sure to cover all plant matter and poke out any trapped air bubbles.
  • Be sure to use plant matter that has NO moisture on it at all!! (No rain, dew, etc.)

Cover the jar and let sit in a room that gets sunlight but do not place in direct sunlight. It’s a good idea to date the jar so you don’t forget when you started it.

A faster method is to place your herbs and the carrier oil into a Pyrex container over top of a large pot that is about ¼ full of water. Once the water is boiling turn the stove down to a simmer and allow the herb/oil mixture to infuse for about 40 minutes.

DO NOT SPLASH WATER INTO THE HERB/OIL INFUSION!

After either of the above methods, place three layers of cheesecloth over a large bowl. Pour the infused oil over the cheesecloth to strain and be sure to keep herbs out of the oil. Once drained ~ with your clean hands ~ squeeze out remaining oil. After measuring out what you will use to make salve store the remaining oil and again, be sure to date it.

Measure out 114 grams of infused oil (or 4 oz which is ½ cup) and set aside.

Weigh 8 grams of beeswax on a scale. Shave or cut into small pieces your beeswax. Place in a Bain Marie and melt.

Once melted add to the oil and stir well with a clean wooden stick. Test it for hardness by taking a small amount on a spoon and tip it – the mixture should adhere to it. If it is too soft add a tiny bit more melted beeswax.

Add 4 drops of Benzoin oil as a preservative and add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance if desired. Pour mixture into jars. Cap only when cooled. Store in a dark, cool location.

NOTE:

In addition to making salves for muscle aches, skin ailments, or other health ailments, make a health-nourishing salve for your skin. When infusing oil, use vegetables that are well-known for skin health such as broccoli, spinach, bell peppers, asparagus or carrots.

From: Edible Wild Food

Herbal Remedies For Toothache Pain

A toothache is one of the most annoying and painful experiences that one can have. It can really put a damper on someone’s entire day if he or she cannot find something to tame it. Because of the infection that can spread to other parts of the head, without treatment, a bad abscess and toothache can be life threatening. For this reason, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible.

If you’re desperate, these inexpensive, effective and easily accessible toothache home remedies may help alleviate your pain before you get to your appointment.

There are quite a few natural herbal remedies that work excellent for calming down a toothache. Whether a person’s pain is from a cavity, recent dental work, injury, or pure sensitivity, herbs provide a safe and natural way for pain management. Listed here in alphabetical order are some very effective herbal remedies for toothache pain.

  • Cayenne pepper:

Cayenne pepper is a well-known herb, contained in most spice cabinets. What is not well known is that cayenne pepper, which contains capsaicin, is good for curing toothache pain. The hot ingredient in it restricts the action of substance P, that plays a role in transmitting pain. To use cayenne for a toothache: Soak a smidge of the powder in a small amount of water, and then using a cotton swab apply it to the tooth.

  • Clove:

Cloves are one of the most popular remedies for a toothache. The distinctive taste of cloves comes from the chemical eugenol, which is an antiseptic. Cloves have a very strong taste, but they quickly relieve tooth and gum pain. The best way to use cloves is to administer them directly to the site of the pain. Clove oil is commonly used for treatment. Few drops of the oil can be applied to the pain area using a cotton swab. If there is a cavity present, the oil can be applied directly over the cavity for maximum results. Chewing clove seeds is equally effective.

  • Garlic:

Garlic is one of the most effective home remedies for tooth pain. There is a chemical found exclusively in garlic called allicin with antibiotic properties that slow down bacterial affects. When the bacteria decrease, so does the pain. By applying a clove of crushed garlic directly on the affected tooth, the allicin is released and should immediately help alleviate the pain.

  • Ginger:

Ginger helps to alleviate toothache pain. The steps for preparing the remedy are: Cut ginger root into small pieces, grind it well and mix it with little water to make a paste. This paste can be applied over the pain area to get some quick relief. Chewing small slices of ginger is also effective, but it is too hot to withstand.

  • Guava Leaves:

Guava tree leaves have been used for this purpose in many tropical cultures. There are 2 common uses. You can chew 1-2 leaves until the liquid comes out on the tooth, or you can put 4-5 guava leaves in a pot with some water. Bring nearly to a boil, then let cool to a warm temperature. Add some salt to the solution, swish or gargle in the mouth and spit. Repeat this process, being sure to allow the liquid to swish into the aching tooth.

  • Ice:

Apply an ice pack to the cheek above the affected tooth. You can also do an acupressure ice massage. Rub an ice cube into the V-shaped area where the bones of the thumb and forefinger meet. Gently push the ice over the area for 5 to 7 minutes.

  • Onion:

Raw onion has antiseptic properties, so chewing raw onion for 3 minutes can help. If it is too painful to chew, you can simply place a piece of raw onion directly on your tooth.

  • Plantain:

Raw plantain leaves crushed and placed on the aching tooth will also help stop a toothache. If you happen to have a little salt with you, mix a little salt with the chewed leaves.

  • Sage:

Garden age serves many medicinal purposes such as calming anxiety and controlling menopausal symptoms. On top of all of its other great abilities, this herb is fantastic for a toothache. The best way to use sage is in the form of infusion or tea. The user can make a strong infusion by boiling the leaves in a cup of water for 10-15 minutes. Holding it in mouth for sometime reduces inflammation and gum infection. Sage will work to calm the toothache and whiten the teeth as well. It has a natural ability to whiten the teeth.

  • Salt and Pepper:

Salt mixed with pepper is an age-old remedy for a toothache. Mix 1/4 teaspoon pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt with a few drops of water into a paste. Apply directly on the affected tooth and let sit for several minutes.

  • Spinach Leaves:

Raw spinach leaves provide a similar effect to the guava leaves. Simply chew raw spinach leaves against the aching tooth or crush it into a paste to press against the affected area.

  • Tea Tree Oil:

A few drops of tea tree essential oil can be infused in water. Cleansing the mouth with this solution can give rapid relief to inflamed gums. It is a very potent antibacterial.

  • Turmeric:

This herb has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is used in several natural tooth care products. The steps for preparing a toothache remedy are: Make a paste with 1 teaspoon turmeric powder and ½ teaspoon salt, mixed with mustard oil (water will do). Applying this paste onto the affected tooth will ease the pain.

  • Vanilla Extract:

Vanilla extract can also help, aided by its alcohol content. Apply 3-4 drops of vanilla extract onto a cotton swab and hold directly against the affected tooth several minutes for immediate relief.

  • Wheatgrass Juice:

Wheatgrass juice is another natural way to stop pain as well as help reverse tooth decay. Being a natural antibiotic, wheatgrass juice naturally draws out toxins that may be in the gums. This toothache home remedy helps stop the infection from spreading which in turn reduces tooth pain. Use wheatgrass juice as a mouthwash to draw out toxins, or you can chew on wheatgrass for similar results.

  • Whiskey:

Take a “shot” to numb the pain. Hold a swig of whiskey over the painful tooth. Your gums will absorb some of the alcohol and that will numb the pain. Spit out the rest (optional).

  • Yarrow:

Yarrow is a natural anesthetic that has a sweet and spicy flavor. It is also widely used for its aroma. Yarrow is also known as the nosebleed plant. It is great for toothaches because it is an anesthetic. However, yarrow also has the ability to stop bleeding and promote wound healing. Because of its usefulness in stopping bleeding the herb was called herbal militaris for almost hundred years. To treat a problem area, one would simply need to apply the extract of roots or leaves to the gums or teeth.

Collected from various sources

A Very Good Remedy For The Gravel

From Pow-Wows, or Long Lost Friend, by John George Hoffman, [1820], we have this “very good remedy” for kidney stones (the gravel).

The author of this book, John George Hohman, applied this remedy, and soon felt relieved. I knew a man who could find no relief from the medicine of any doctor; he then used the following remedy, to wit:

he ate every morning seven peach-stones before tasting anything else, which relieved him very much;

but as he had the gravel very bad, he was obliged to use it constantly. I, Hoffman, have used it for several weeks. I still feel a touch of it now and then, yet I had it so badly that I cried out aloud every time that I had to make water. I owe a thousand thanks to God and the person who told me of this remedy.

Honey and Cinnamon Cure Alls

It is found that a mix of honey and cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also note honey as very effective medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects which is also a plus. Today’s science says that even though honey is sweet, when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm even diabetic patients. Researched by western scientists:

Arthritis:

Arthritis patients can benefit by taking one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken daily even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week (out of the 200 people so treated) practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain — and within a month, most all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis now started walking without pain.

Bad Breath:

People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

Bladder Infections:

Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder….who knew?

Cancer:

Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder three times a day for one month.

Cholesterol:

Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol-could be cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

Colds:

Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses, and it’s delicious too!

Diabetes:

Cinnamon reduces blood sugar levels and increases insulin sensitivity. It might help prevent diabetes altogether, and support diabetics in managing their blood sugar levels.

While honey still contains sugar (quick-burning carbs) it doesn’t affect blood sugar levels as much as regular sugar. Of course, the key is also to combine a small amount of honey with cinnamon. This way the cinnamon can work to keep your blood sugar levels steadier than if you ate honey alone.

Fatigue:

Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.

Gas or Flatulence:

According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

Hair loss:

Those suffering from hair loss or baldness, may apply a paste of hot olive oil, 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tteaspoon of cinnamon powder before a bath and keep it on for approx 15 minutes and then wash the hair. It was found very effective if kept for 5 minutes also.

Hearing Loss:

Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing.

Heart Diseases:

Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, put it on toast instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol and could potentially save one from heart attack. Also, even if you have already had an attack studies show you could be kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of cinnamon honey strengthens the heart beat.

In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.

Immune System:

Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

Indigestion:

Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

Infertility:

Yunani and Ayurvedic have been using honey for years in medicine to strengthen the semen of men. If impotent men regularly take 2 tablespoon of honey before sleeping their problem will be solved. In china, Japan and far-east countries, women who do not conceive may take a pinch of cinnamon powder in half tsp honey and apply it on the gums frequently throughout the day, so that it slowly mixes with the saliva and enters the body.

A couple in Maryland , America had no children for 14 years and had no hope of having a child of their own. When told about this process husband and wife started taking honey and cinnamon as stated, the wife conceived after a few months and had twins at full term.

Influenza:

A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ‘Ingredient’ which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

Longevity:

Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of boiling water to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

Pimples:

Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.

Raspy or Sore Throat:

When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.

Skin Infections:

Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin Infections.

Toothache:

Make a paste of 1 tsp of cinnamon powder and 5 teaspoons honey and apply on the aching tooth. This may be done 3 times a day daily till such time the pain subsides.

Upset Stomach:

Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also is said to clear stomach ulcers from its root.

Weight Loss:

Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

Source: Jim Power

Soapwort Shampoo

Soapwort is easy to grow – in fact, it is rather invasive and aggressive. It is steadily winning against the mint that I planted in the same pot as an experiment to see who was stronger! It is also important to keep in mind that the very same properties that make soapwort a useful plant can also cause harm if you plant it too close to water features or ponds. The saponins in the plant can kill fish and other water creatures, but the saponins are what make this beautiful plant so wonderful!

Saponins are the part of the plant chemistry that create a soap-like cleaning action. Soapwort does not produce big bubbles like one might come to expect from soap, but the gentle soapwort infusion is a truly effective cleanser that doesn’t irritate the skin.

Harvest the tops, stems, and roots of soapwort. The whole plant works, and since it is such a quick grower, don’t be afraid to just continually harvest parts throughout the spring and summer when the flowers are blooming. Dry the plants and use them throughout the fall and winter as well.

Soapwort shampoo is a gentle cleanser for sensitive skin and dry hair. It cleans enough to leave you squeaky and fresh, but it does not strip all of the good and necessary oils away. People with chronic acne, psoriasis, or other sore skin problems can generally use soapwort infusion to clean without issues.

Simple Soapwort Shampoo

Here’s how you can make shampoo and body wash from either fresh or dried soapwort!

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons fresh soapwort or 1 tablespoon dried
  • 1 cup water

Directions

  • Boil the water and add the soapwort leaves.
  • Cover the pan and turn it down to a simmer for fifteen minutes.
  • Let everything cool off.
  • Strain the infusion through a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth into a jar or bottle.
  • That’s it!

Give the jar or bottle a good shake to bring out the bubbles and pour it in your wet hair while you shower. Use your fingertips to massage your scalp. Soapwort infusion is not as bubbly as regular shampoo, but you’ll notice your hair is squeaky clean when you rinse.

You can also add any of the following herbs for skin and hair to the pot with the soapwort:

  • Mint
  • Lavender
  • Rose Petals
  • Hibiscus (red hair)
  • Chamomile (fair hair)
  • Rosemary (dark hair)
  • Nettles
  • Sage
  • Calendula

You can follow it up with a vinegar rinse, or use any of the above herbs brewed as tea for a conditioning rinse.

Soapwort Shampoo with Lemon and Catnip

Lemon Verbena for a citrus fragrance and catnip to promote healthy hair growth.

The Ingredients

  • 2 cups distilled water
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons dried soapwort root (chopped) (most health food stores would carry this)
  • 2 teaspoons Lemon Verbena and/or 2 teaspoons Catnip

The Instructions

Bring water to a boil add soapwort and simmer, cover for about 20 minutes. Remove from heat, add herbs then allow mixture to cool. Strain the mixture keeping the liquid. Pour into a bottle. Makes enough for 6-7 shampoos. Must be used within 8-10 days. Store in a cool dark place.

Sources:

Of Interest

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