Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s Foot is a fungal infection of the feet, being usually found between the toes.

Vinegar was considered to be effective against fungal infections and was commonly used in cases of athlete’s foot. Clove oil, being a natural disinfectant, was also used.

Garlic was also used in the treatment of athlete’s foot. Sometimes crushed garlic was used, sometimes it was sliced and macerated in oil, and sometimes it was made into an ointment.

People suffering from athlete’s foot were sometimes advised to bathe their feet in a decoction of burdock. Some drops of eucalyptus oil were mixed with almond oil or olive oil and applied to the skin directly.

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Avens

Some common names for avens include colewort, herb bennet, wild rue and clove root. The herb itself and the root were thought to have medicinal properties.

Avens in traditional herbal medicine was considered useful as an antiseptic and as a tonic. It was also used to cheek bleeding, to reduce fever and induce perspiration.

Avens was used in the treatment of stomach complaints, such as colic, and in the treatment of diarrhea.

Headache, sore throats and chills were also treated with it, and it was used in heart disease and disorders of the liver.

It was used externally to remove blemishes and spots and relieve skin conditions. Another use was as a gargle and mouthwash.

Because it is a strong aromatic it was once alleged to have the power to drive away evil spirits. It was once believed that anyone carrying a sprig of avens would not bitten by a rabid dog or by a poisonous snake.

It was once held to be an antidote to poison and animal blites. Another piece of folklore advised that if someone dug up the root of an avens plant before sunrise and hung it in a linen bag round the neck it would improve the eyesight. The same strange practice was also once thought to be a cure for piles.

Backache

An old remedy for backache involved making a poultice from hot aniseed and nettle leaves and applying it to the painful area of the back.

Another cure involved massaging with comfrey oil.

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Baldness

There were various traditional remedies designed either to prevent or cure baldness. These were recommended also in cases of bald patches, known as alopecia.

One suggested preventive was washing the hair once a week at least in water containing egg yolk or a piece of quillia bark. This was particularly recommended during periods of ill-health, when people were thought to be particularly susceptible to baldness.

To stimulate the hair follicles it was suggested that a few drops of cantharides were added to vinegar. This was used to wash the hair and was also rubbed on the scalp.

An alternative recommended was a mixture of onion juice and honey. This was to be rubbed on the scalp every morning and evening.

The regular application of a mixture of glycerine and lime water, or a mixture of olive oil and lime water, was another suggested remedy. This was thought to be effective in the case of hair that was already showing signs of thinning.

Those whose heads were already quite bald were advised to try to revive the roots of the hair that was still there by brushing the scalp until it was red and felt warm. Then a lotion consisting of lavender oil, rosemary oil, eau de Cologne and tincture of cantharides was applied to the head once or twice daily. Alternatively, a mixture of rosemary oil and olive oil was advised as a massage for the scalp.

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Balm

Popular names for this herb include lemon balm, sweet balm and cure-all.

Balm was noted for its supposed powers to break fevers and encourage perspiration, and was thus a recommended cure for all feverish illnesses.

It was also used to treat colds, influenza, catarrh and hay fever. Balm was thought to be effective in the treatment of flatulence and digestive disorders, and was considered to be a remedy for menstrual cramps.

Headaches and dizziness were treated with it, as was high blood pressure.

It was used to raise the spirits of people who were depressed, particularly menopausal women, to allay anxiety and to improve concentration.

It supposedly also improved poor memories. Balm tea was sometimes given to listless or lazy children in an effort to stimulate them.

Externally it was used to dress wounds, to bring boils to a head and to relieve insect stings. It was used to treat eczema, inflammation of the eye and as a gargle for sore throats.

Barberry

This woodland plant is often known as sowberry.

In ancient Egypt barberry was used in combination with fennel seeds as a cure for the plague.

Later it was used as a purgative and was used in cures for dysentery. Barberry contains berberine, which has astringent properties, and was commonly used in gargles and mouth washes as a cure for sore throats. Other disorders thought to be helped by it were high blood pressure and kidney stones. Barberry is high in vitamin C.

Barley

In ancient Greece and ancient Rome barley was used to increase vitality and build up strength. It is easily digested and is highly nutritious, and was much used in soup or gruel to try to tempt patients' appetites and thus help bring them back to full strength.

Digestive and bowel upsets, such as colic, diarrhea and constipation, loss of appetite and nervous disorders were also treated by it.

Barley water was also used in the treatment of respiratory disorders, being thought to help disorders of the lungs, to relieve sore chests and to ease dry coughs. It was also used to treat cystitis and other disorders of the urinary.

This was made by adding a tablespoonful of pearl barley to a pint of water that was then boiled, although quantities varied. The boiled water was then drained off and a pint and a half of clean water added. The barley and water were then simmered gently and strained. Sugar and lemon could be added if desired.

Barley flour could be used in poultices. Such poultices were applied to the skin to soothe inflammation.

Basil

Most of us think of basil, also sometimes known as sweet basil, as a herb used in cooking. However, it was also used in herbal medicine.

In the Middle Ages basil was used to relieve the pains of women in labor. It was also thought to be able to draw out the poison from scorpion stings.

It was later used as a cure for various ailments. Nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps were thought to be alleviated by it, as were obstructions of the internal organs and constipation.

Headaches were also said to be soothed by basil, and it was used to relieve insomnia. Vertigo and dizziness were thought to be cured by it, as were mild nervous disorders. Usually administered as an infusion, the herb was said to have the power to increase the flow of breast milk in nursing mothers.

Oil basil was recommended for treating insects stings, bites and minor cuts and abrasions.

Ampalaya | Bitter Gourd

What home remedies can ampalaya do? Also called bitter melon and bitter gourd, ampalaya is a tropical plant which is probably among the most bitter of all vegetables.

Bitter gourd predominantly grows in tropical areas where it is used both as food as well as a medicine. The plant's fruit truly lives up to its name, because it really tastes bitter. Although the seeds, leaves, and vines of this fruit have different uses, the fruit is considered as the safest and most predominantly used part of the plant in traditional herbal medicine.

Ampalaya as a herbal medicine is very popular, specially for treating diabetes. The Philippine variety is known for its more potent anti-diabetic components. It is also a very good source of vitamins A, B and C, iron, folic acid, phosphorous and calcium.

The fruit's leaves are often used for children's coughs and are utilized in the treatment of skin diseases, sterility in women, as a parasiticide, an antipyretic, as well as a purgative. Like most bitter-tasting fruits and vegetables, bitter gourd stimulates digestion and can be very potent in people with dyspepsia and constipation.

Ampalaya is noted to be an effective component in herbal medicine, and the fruit is known to help treat, or alleviate the symptoms of rheumatism and gout and ailments of the spleen and liver. It also is effective in helping lower the body's blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

Bearberry

Sometimes called bear’s grape, bearberry was used in early Welsh folk medicine as an antiseptic.

Later it was commonly used to promote the flow of urine and in kidney and urinary disorders, such as cystitis. It turns the urine green. Prolonged use of bearberry resulted in constipation.

Bed Sores

Alcohol was rubbed on bed sores to harden the skin and to alleviate the condition. Witch hazel was also used, either in the form of a poultice or in the form of a compress.

Bed Wetting

One particularly unpleasant early remedy for bed-wetting to give child boiled mouse flesh. Practically anything would be more palatable than that.

Another early remedy, fortunately a great deal less gruesome, was tea made from St. John’s wort and plantain and sweetened with honey. Also more pleasant was a mixture of thyme and honey.

An infusion of various herbs was also recommended, the herbs being basil, betony, golden rod and tansy. A later remedy involved the use of cardamom. This was also used in cases of incontinence.

Other herbs thought to be useful for curing bed-wetting were bearberry, fennel, hollyhock, pansy and St. John’s wort.

One rather strange suggestion related to the way the child lay in bed. To prevent children who persistently wet the bed from so doing, it was recommended that they were discouraged from sleeping on their backs by taping an empty cotton reel to the back of their nightwear. This was also used in an attempt to stop people from snoring.

Beef Tea

Beef tea was much used in cases of debility or convalescence where the strength of patients had to be built up. There were various methods of making this.

One method involved mincing or cutting up beefsteak and then putting it in a jar or dish with a pint and a half of cold water or barley water. The jar was covered, placed in a saucepan of water and simmered for several hours.

Alternatively, the container was placed in a cool oven overnight. The contents were strained and the fat removed.

Belladonna

Belladonna is better known to most of us as deadly nightshade. It is extremely poisonous and, although it was used in the treatment of several disorders, it was also known to result in accidental poisoning or even death.

It was used in the relief of pain, as in cases of sciatica, rheumatism, bunions and toothache. The plant was also used as diuretic in cases of fluid retention.

Betony

This woodland plant was once thought to confer protection against evil and sorcery. It was also believed that if betony was planted in churchyards it would prevent the spirits of the dead from appearing at night.

In early times the plant was thought to be an antidote to snakebites and to be cure for the bites of rabid dogs.

Another early theory was that it would cure drunkenness if it were gathered by means other than by using an iron implement.

Bilberry

Bilberry is also commonly known as whortleberry, blueberry, blueberry and whinberry. The ripe fruits and leaves had various uses in folk medicine.

The fruit was used as a diuretic in cases of fluid retention and was also thought to be effective in other urinary disorders. Diarrhea, dysentery and other bowel complaints were also treated with the fruit of the bilberry.

Bilberry was also used in the treatment of scurvy. The leaves of the plant were used in the same way as bearberry.

Lactose Intolerance

Common symptoms of lactose intolerance are gas, bloating, and cramping. If you suffer from these after drinking milk, eating ice cream or anything that has cheese and dairy products, then you might have lactose intolerance, here are some home remedies for lactose intolerance:

First, determine your level of lactose intolerance by fasting on dairy products and then taking in milk or cheese little by little until the symptoms show up. Now you know how much lactose you can tolerate.

Then, slowly increase your dosage as the days go by. It helps if you take something with your dairy product. A biscuit or a cracker for milk and some fruits for that ice cream.

Some home remedies to avoid or minimize discomfort of lactose intolerance or good alternative sources of calcium are:

Cocoa powder - minimizes discomfort
Sardines - alternative source
Chocolate milk - minimal discomfort
Hard cheese - alternative source with minimal discomfort
Soy milk - alternative source
Yogurt - alternative source

Biliousness

One suggested remedy for a bilious attack was to take a glass of hot water containing lemon juice before retiring for the night.

Another involved drinking a small cup of coffee containing lemon juice and a pinch of salt, fasting for a period of twenty-four hours and then eating only raw apples for the next period of twenty four hours.

Epsom salts were also thought to be helpful in the treatment of biliousness. Another remedy advocated washing out the stomach wit large quantities of water or soda water and taking purgatives. Thereafter fasting was advocated.

Birch

The bark and leaves of the birch tree were used in herbal medicine. Skin diseases were treated with an ointment made from an oil made from birch bark.

Birthwort

The root of the birthwort was once used to clear obstructions after childbirth. It was also used in the treatment of gout and rheumatism.

Bittersweet

A common name for bittersweet is woody nightshade. The twigs and root bark were used in herbal medicine.

It was used as a diuretic in cases of fluid retention and disorders of the kidneys. Disorders of the skin and catarrh, bronchitis, asthma and whooping cough were also thought to respond to bittersweet.

Avocado

Avocado has a lot of health benefits and is a good source of glutathione. That's why avocados are good for making your skin whiter and fairer.

It is also used for good eyesight. To learn more, here are the avocado health benefits.

Blackberry Fruit

Blackberry is commonly known, particularly in Scotland, as bramble. The root and leaves were used in herbal medicine. It was used to treat dysentery, diarrhea and piles.

Whooping cough was also treated with blackberry, as were feverish colds.

Philippine Herbal Medicines Approved By The Department of Health

According to the Philippine Department of Health (DOH), there are ten (10) herbal medicines that have been clinically proven to have medicinal value. Here are they:

1. Akapulko (Cassia alata) - also known as "bayabas-bayabasan" and "ringworm bush" in English, this herbal medicine is used to treat ringworms and skin fungal infections.

2. Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) - known as "bitter gourd" or "bitter melon" in English, it most known as a treatment of diabetes (diabetes mellitus), for the non-insulin dependent patients.

3. Bawang (Allium sativum) - popularly known as "garlic", it mainly reduces cholesterol in the blood and hence, helps control blood pressure.

4. Bayabas (Psidium guajava) - "guava" in English. It is primarily used as an antiseptic, to disinfect wounds. Also, it can be used as a mouth wash to treat tooth decay and gum infection.

5. Lagundi (Vitex negundo) - known in English as the '5-leaved chaste tree". It’s main use is for the relief of coughs and asthma.

6. Niyog-niyogan (Quisqualis indica L.) - is a vine known as "Chinese honey suckle". It is effective in the elimination of intestinal worms, particularly the Ascaris and Trichina. Only the dried matured seeds are medicinal -crack and ingest the dried seeds two hours after eating (5 to 7 seeds for children & 8 to 10 seeds for adults). If one dose does not eliminate the worms, wait a week before repeating the dose.

7. Sambong (Blumea balsamifera)- English name: Blumea camphora. A diuretic that helps in the excretion of urinary stones. It can also be used as an edema.

8. Tsaang Gubat (Ehretia microphylla Lam.) - Prepared like tea, this herbal medicine is effective in treating intestinal motility and also used as a mouth wash since the leaves of this shrub has high fluoride content.

9. Ulasimang Bato (Peperomia pellucida) - also known as "pansit-pansitan" it is effective in fighting arthritis and gout. The leaves can be eaten fresh (about a cupful) as salad or like tea. For the decoction, boil a cup of clean chopped leaves in 2 cups of water. Boil for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain, let cool and drink a cup after meals (3 times day).

10. Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii) - commonly known as Peppermint, this vine is used as an analgesic to relive body aches and pain. It can be taken internally as a decoction or externally by pounding the leaves and applied directly on the afflicted area.

Some notes regarding these herbal plants:

• If possible, buy herbs that are grown organically - without pesticides.
• Medicinal parts of plants are best harvested on sunny mornings. Avoid picking leaves, fruits or nuts during and after heavy rainfall.
• Leaves, fruits, flowers or nuts must be mature before harvesting. Less medicinal substances are found on young parts.
• After harvesting, if drying is required, it is advisable to dry the plant parts either in the oven or air-dried on screens above ground and never on concrete floors.
• Store plant parts in sealed plastic bags or brown bottles in a cool dry place without sunlight preferably with a moisture absorbent material like charcoal. Leaves and other plant parts that are prepared properly, well-dried and stored can be used up to six months.

How To Prepare These Herbal Medicines:

• Use only half the dosage prescribed for fresh parts like leaves when using dried parts.
• Do not use stainless steel utensils when boiling decoctions. Only use earthen, enamelled, glass or alike utensils.
• As a rule of thumb, when boiling leaves and other plant parts, do not cover the pot, and boil in low flame.
• Decoctions loose potency after some time. Dispose of decoctions after one day. To keep fresh during the day, keep lukewarm in a flask or thermos.
• Always consult with a doctor if symptoms persist or if any sign of allergic reaction develops.

Blackcurrant

The fruit, leaves, bark and root of the blackcurrant bush were used traditionally in herbal medicine. Blackcurrant was used as a diuretic in cases of fluid retention.

It was used in feverish illness to reduce and break the fever. Other uses included the reduction of swelling and the cure of hemorrhoids or piles.

It was also used as a general tonic and as a gargle.

Eye Strain From Computer Use

I think I'm experiencing some eye strain because I've been using the computer too much. Good thing that there are some easy home remedies for treating eye strain.

A friend of mine suggested that I should go out and see a movie. Which is what I'll be doing today. I'm going out to watch Angels and Demons movie later. I hope to get some relaxation before I go back to work.

Swine Flu

If you think you're coming down with a flu and you fear that it may be Swine Flu, then here are some home treatments, home remedies and precautions you can do.

Wash hands often. Drink less alcohol and a lot of water. Get plenty of rest and have enough sleep. Take pain relievers and go to the doctor and have yourself checked.

Bleeding

In folk medicine there was various recommended cures for bleeding. Yarrow was a very early one. The Greek hero Achilles is said to have used it to stop the bleeding from the wounds of his companions.

The application of cobweb was a well-known cure for bleeding. Sometimes this was accompanied by a dressing of brown sugar placed on a piece of cloth.

Powdered rice placed on a piece of cloth and applied to the bleeding area was thought to be an effective cure. Sometimes a handful of flour was sprinkled over the wound to try and stop it bleeding or a dry dressing made of flour and salt.

Cinnamon was thought to reduce or stop bleeding, particularly in the case of nose bleeding or heavy periods. Lemon juice was recommended for bleeding gums or for applying to the nostrils in the case of nose bleeds.

Vinegar was applied to wounds to reduce bleeding, and alcohol was used in the same way. Tea, because of its astringent properties, was also used, as were witch hazel and eucalyptus oil.

Plantain applied externally was thought to be able to reduce bleeding, as were rosemary leaves applied externally. Nettle leaves were also used, as were marigold flowers or leaves and meadowsweet flowers.

Comfrey taken internally was also used to stem bleeding being also used externally for bleeding gums. Rose taken internally was another cure.

One older cure involved some advance action. In the month of May people were advised to take a piece of cloth and wet it in frog spawn for nine days, drying it off each in the wind. Pieces of the cloth could then be used to stem bleeding, as the need arose.

Mint

Mint can be used as a herbal medicine and has many uses for home remedies. First, it can be used as a breath freshener. Also, the aerial parts of the mint herb are the most commonly used parts to make herbal remedies. The mint is great for healing in cases of digestive disorders, colic and flatulence.

Furthermore, mint is often used to treat motion sickness and nausea. If you are suffering from flu or fever, mint can be used to help promote sweating to break the illness.

A mint herbal remedy is best used right after harvesting. You can also use the mint plant’s aerial parts to prepare an inhalation, tincture, compress, or an infusion, depending upon your needs. The easiest way to ingest mint is through consuming a herbal tea.

Blisters

As a home remedy for blisters, it is recommended that a poultice of cabbage leaves is used. Crushed dock leaves applied to the blisters were also thought to soothe them and to help to heal them.

A cure for blistered feet recommended using a mixture of salicylic acid, starch and pulverized soapstone. This was to be applied to socks or stockings and shoes. The remedy was also advised for swollen feet.

Hatton Will Need Some Olive Oil

On May 2, Ricky Hatton will be fighting Manny Pacquiao for the IBO Light welterweight title and The Ring Magazine Junior Welterweight title. The Hatton vs Pacquiao video live stream will be the most watched sporting event that day, I'm sure.

After the fight, I'm sure Hatton will need some olive oil for his bruises because Pacquiao will win. However, his bruises may heal but once he loses to Manny, there will be little he can do with his bruised ego.

Good luck Manny!

Blood Clots

How do you prevent excessive blood clotting? Ginger was used to prevent excessive blood clotting, as was cayenne pepper.

Garlic was used to counteract a tendency for blood to clot too much, and olive oil was thought to reduce the risk of blood clots. Onions were used to thin the blood and dissolve blood clots, and broom was sometimes used as an anticoagulant.

Blushing

A suggested old cure for excessive blushing involved taking a half wine-glassful of an infusion containing gentian.

Bogbean

Bogbean is a plant that had various uses in herbal medicine. It was used as a tonic and to reduce fever. Constipation and obstruction of the bowels were also thought to be relieved by bogbean.

The plant was used to treat rheumatism and skin complaints and to reduce glandular swelling. In some areas bogbean was used in the treatment of stomach complaints, particularly ulcers.

Broken Bones

Home treatment of broken bones is quite difficult. You need to consult a doctor. But in any case, Comfrey was used to speed the knitting of broken bones.

Body Odor

For body odor home remedies, read more.

Before the days of patent deodorants and antiperspirants, it was suggested that the body odors could be kept at bay by washing twice a day with carbolic soap or coal tar soap then dusting oneself with boracic acid.

It was also suggested that socks and stockings should be dipped in a boracic lotion before being hung up to dry.

Boneset

Boneset is a plant of the daisy family, also known as feverwort and Indian sage.

It was used to treat the common cold, catarrh and influenza. In addition, it was regarded as being a tonic, an expectorant to bring up phlegm, a laxative, a stimulant and as a means of bringing down fevers.

Disorders of the bowel, stomach, liver, bowel and uterus were treated by it, as were some diseases.

Boils

There were various old methods for bringing a boil a head. One of these was the application of a flour and treacle poultice. Another one, and one that sounds agonizing, involved heating a glass jar with very hot water, pouring the water out of the jar, and placing the hot jar on the boil.

Poultices were made from watercress, lemon balm or honey and applied to the boil. More usual poultices made from bread and milk were also used to bring boils to a head. To draw the boil a paste of mashed cooked leeks was applied, and grated raw carrot was used in a poultice to speed up the healing process.

Onion juice was also used to cure boils, as was a poultice made from crushed boiled turnips. A burdock poultice could be used to reduce inflammation and a comfrey hot poultice to draw the pus. A compress using eucalyptus oil was thought to be effective in speeding the healing process. Horseradish was also used externally as a cure for boils.

Another folk cure to bring a boil to a head used an egg. The egg was boiled and the skin peeled from it while it was still wet. The skin was then placed on the boil.

Boils were also cured using Epsom salts. Sufferers from boils were advised to put some Epsom salts in a dish and place it in an oven until it became powdery. A little glycerin was then added and the mixture put on a piece of cloth or lint and placed on the boil.

Haricot beans were used in a cure for boils. The haricot beans were reduced to a powder and mixed with fenugreek and honey before being applied to the boil.

A simpler and more pleasant method used chamomile flowers. These were used in hot fomentation that were applied to the boil.

Some remedies were internal. A drink was made from the root of the duck plant and boiling water and taken to purify the blood. Alternatively, the centers of blackberry shoots were boiled, left to soak and strained. The resultant liquid was to be drunk every morning.

Boils were thought to be a sign that the sufferer was not in the best of health. Tonics and purgatives were recommended.

Borage

Borage in medical times was thought to promote courage. From early times it was thought also to have a cheering influence on people.

In herbal medicine it was used in many ways. As well as lifting the spirits, it was thought to have the ability to stop palpitations and to restore energy during a period of convalescence. It was used also to increase the production of sweat and as a diuretic in cases of fluid retention.

The symptoms of respiratory infections were also treated with it, as it relieved congestion and helped to bring up phlegm. Borage was used in the treatment of sore throats, chest infections and bronchitis.

A poultice made with the leaves and flowers of borage was used to relieve skin conditions, such as eczema and ringworm. A poultice made with borage was wrapped round painful joints in arthritis and gout.

Borage was used to make gargles and mouthwashes to treat sore throats, laryngitis or bleeding gums.

The leaves and seeds of borage were given to nursing mothers to increase their milk supply.

Increase Milk For Breastfeeding

How do you increase the milk for nursing mothers? Carrots were taken by nursing mothers to increase their milk supply. Parsley was taken to achieve the same effect, as were nettles. The leaves and seeds of borage were also thought to increase the flow of milk in nursing mothers.

Breast, Soreness of

An old treatment for the relief of painful, swollen breast, in nursing mothers, was the eating of sprouted barley, which was thought to dry up the milk. Crushed fresh parsley leaves applied externally were also thought to relieve engorgement of breast when breast-feeding. A poultice or compress using witch hazel was supposed to relieve breast engorgement.

Sore breast or nipples were thought to be relieved by the application of mixture of groundsel and daisies. A poultice made from chamomile flowers and bruised marshmallow roots was also said to bring relief.

An ointment could be made from alum, sugar, vinegar and salt. This was simmered and spread on a piece of cloth that was applied to the area of the sore breast.

A drink made of vervain, betony and agrimony was also said to relieve breast pain. The herbs were crushed and mixed with the beer and boiling milk.

Breathlessness

Hawthorn was used to treat breathlessness, particularly when it was a symptom of heart disease.

A mixture of caraway seeds, aniseed, nutmeg, licorice and sugar was recommended for shortness of breath. This mixture was crushed and a pinch of it was to be taken every morning and evening.

Bronchitis

Many herbs were used in the treatment of bronchitis. These included angelica, borage, bugle, butterbur, caraway, chervil chickweed, coltsfolt and comfrey. Daisy, fennel, fenugreek, ground ivy, knotgrass, liquorice, madder, myrrh, marjoram were other herbs that were commonly used in the treatment of bronchitis.

Other herbs that were thought to bring relief to sufferers from bronchitis were mullein, onion, parsley, plantain, primrose and sage. Savory, speedwell, thyme, watercress and white horehound were also used as treatments for bronchitis.

Cinnamon, honey, ginger, and tea were used a bronchial treatments, as was eucalyptus. Carrot and turnip were also used.

All of the mentioned herbs and plants here have an article here. Just use the search function to see all of them so you can find a herbal remedy for bronchitis.

Broom

Broom is a shrub that was used in medieval times. Herbalist used to mix the ashes of burnt broom with white wine to cure fluid retention.

In more recent times it continued to be used as a diuretic. It was also used in remedies for kidney, bladder and liver disorders. Gout and sciatica were also treated with it.

Broom was also used in cases of excessive menstrual flow and was an anticoagulant. It was used to treat low blood pressure and sometimes heart disease. However, it had to be used with great caution, since it could adversely affect the heart or respiratory system.

Bruises

There were many remedies in folk medicines for the treatment for bruises. A local application of vinegar was once a popular cure for bruise. Alternatively, vinegar could be used in a poultice made from bran and breadcrumbs or oatmeal. This was applied to bruises and sprains.

Water was used in some suggested remedies. One of these advocated wrapping the bruised area with cloths dipped in very hot water and repeating the treatment several times. This was to prevent the bruise from swelling. Also to prevent the bruise swelling, a cloth could be folded five or six times, dipped in very cold water and applied to the bruise. When the cloth ceased to be cold it was to be removed and the process repeated.

Olive oil was the basis of another cure. A piece of cloth or wool was dipped in it and the bruises rubbed with it. The bruise was then covered with a compress saturated in oil.

Alternatively, a tallow candle was used. The bruise was rubbed with the cold tallow candle to prevent discoloration occurring.

A mixture of chopped parsley mixed with butter could also be applied, as could a piece of brown paper with treacle spread on it. A mixture of feverfew, ribwort, plantain, sage and bugle crushed and boiled in unsalted butter or vegetable oil was another suggested cure. This was strained and applied to the bruise.

A poultice could be made of hyssop leaves and applied to the bruise, and poultices could also be made from cabbage leaves or burdock. Mallow leaves crushed and mixed with unsalted butter or vegetable oil were advocated to be smeared on bruises to stop the pain and reduce the swelling.

A lotion could be made from infusing a handful of rosemary leaves in a pint of boiling water and adding the white of an egg and a teaspoon of brandy to the mixture when it was cool. Another lotion could be made from boiling some comfrey leaves.

The crushed fresh leaves of plantain were also thought to relieve bruising when applied to the bruised area, and yarrow and hops were both used externally. Rose water was thought to reduce swelling , as was lavender oil, while a poultice or compress of witch hazel was thought to be particularly effective in the treatment of bruises. Wintergreen , tansy, and white horehound were thought to be useful in the treatment of bruises, as were celery, herb Robert, fenugreek and hyssop.

Buckthorn

The bark of buckthorn alder was used as a treatment for chronic constipation and hemorrhoids.

Buckthorn is less common in Britain than buckthorn alder is. It too was used as a purgative and was also used as a diuretic. Externally it was used to treat bruises.

Bugle

Bugle was used to stem the flow of blood from cuts and to stop the flow of menstrual blood. It was also used in heart disorders and in the relief of bronchitis.

Bugloss

Bugloss was used in respiratory disorders to help bring up phlegm. It was also used as a diuretic. Feverish diseases were treated with it, as was inflammation. It was used in the relief of nervous complaints.

Bunions

There are many home remedies and treatments for bunions. Now, I will give you some of them so you can cures for bunions which you can easily do at home.

Belladonna and glycerin, painted on the affected area, was one cure. Later, iodine was used.

Also, a cold compress can help relieve the pain. You can likewise do a little massage on the bunion to ease the pain.

Another cure is to dissolve epsom salts in warm water and soaking the affected area in it for half an hour.

Burdock

Burdock is a plant that was used in the treatment of boils, eczema and other skin complaints. It was also used to relieve bruising and burns.

Arthritis and rheumatism were said to be relieved by it, as was neuralgia. It was also used in the treatment of asthma and bronchitis and in the relief of indigestion.

Burnet

Burnet is a plant that was used as a tonic and in heart disease. It was also used for stopping the menstrual flow. When applied externally it helped to speed up the healing process of wounds and running sores.

Burns

Home treatments for burns vary, depending on the degree of burn. For mild burns, it may just be enough to put it under cold running water and kept there for a considerable time. Alternately, the burned area can just immersed in cold water.

In folk medicine there were several cures. Honey was thought to be an effective cure, and grated potato was also thought to do good. An application of cold tea was another old remedy.

Grated raw carrot in poultice was thought to be curative, as was onion juice and a lotion made from leeks cooked in milk. The crushed fresh leaves of plantain applied to the area were considered to speed healing, as were fresh nettle leaves and crushed dock leaves. Sage tea and an ointment made from comfrey were both thought to be curative.

Marigold, elderflowers and yarrow were all used as remedies for burns, and lavender was held to be particularly useful in minimizing scarring caused by burns. Witch hazel, eucalyptus and glycerin were all used to soothe burns.

One folk cure was based on pulverized charcoal and linseed oil. Another cure involved treating the area of the burn with a soft soap and linseed oil and then sprinkling wheaten flour over it to form a coating. A cloth saturated with linseed oil and lime water and bound round the burn was a suggested remedy for burns.

Chalk and linseed oil mixed to a thick compound was thought to be curative. Fern leaves, were the basis of another cure. These were to be boiled with two pints of cream or vegetable fat and allowed to simmer. The mixture was cooled, strained and applied to the burn.

A lotion made from yellow dock, dandelion, plantain and greater celandine was held to be curative for burns.

Burr Marigold

Burr Marigold is used to relieve gout and dropsy and to bring down fever. It was used in the treatment of hemorrhages and internal bleeding.

Butterbur

Butterbur is also known as bog rhubarb. In early times it was used to bring down fever and promote perspiration.

Cabbage

In ancient Rome cabbage was thought of as being a sovereign remedy that was useful for most things.

In folk medicine it was used as a tonic and in the treatment of stomach disorders, as well as for purifying the blood and cleansing the system. It was thought to have diuretic properties and was used in the treatment of arthritis.

Ulcers were thought to be healed by it, as was heartburn. It was considered to have antiseptic properties and was used to protect against respiratory infections.

In early times raw cabbage was taken to cure nervous complaints. It was also used in some liver conditions and was used to treat alcoholic and as a hangover cure.

Externally, cabbage was used to soothe, cleanse and heal the skin. It was used in the treatment of stings, burns, blisters, ulcers and sores. In the form of poultices, cabbage was used to bring boils to a head, to soothe chest infections and to bring relief to inflamed joints.

Carrots

In folk medicine carrots were used from very early times and for various conditions. They were traditionally considered to be aids to sharp eyesight and were thought to be helpful in regulating the circulation. They were also thought to regulate the menstrual cycle and increase the flow of milk in nursing mothers.

Carrots were also taken in the belief that they would act as an appetite stimulant and be effective in a number of disorders associated with the digestive system. They were used to treat flatulence, colic, ulcers, constipation, diarrhea and hemorrhoids.

They were thought to be diuretic and were used in the treatment of cystitis, gout and arthritis. They were also thought to be expectorant and were used in various respiratory disorders.

Externally carrots were used, sometimes in a poultice, to speed up the healing of wounds, ulcers, boils and styes. They were also used to treat eczema and chilblains.

Castor Oil

Castor oil is one of the oldest remedies known, and it has been used as a laxative for thousands of years. It has a particularly unpleasant odor and taste and so was difficult to take.

One old remedy suggest floating it on hot milk and eating a piece of orange or lemon peel before taking it. Alternatively, something with a strong taste, such as peppermint, could be taken before, with, or after it.

Externally Castor oil was used as a hair conditioner and as a remedy for dandruff and hair fall. It was also thought to be effective in treating eye irritation caused by the presence of a foreign body in the eye.

Catarrh

Honey taken with tea was an old remedy for catarrh, as was a mixture of cinnamon and lemon juice taken in warm water. An infusion of elderflowers, peppermint and yarrow was also thought to be effective.

A mixture of herbs taken in the form of a tea was thought to be useful in the treatment of catarrh. The herbs involved were coltsfoot, mullein, thyme and yarrow.

Another cure involved heating a pint of milk with mace, nutmeg, cinnamon and sugar until it was on the point of boiling. Two glasses of white wine or sherry were then added and the mixture heated and stirred until it curdled. It was then strained and given to the patient.

A snuff made from a mixture of roasted coffee, menthol and sugar ground together to make a powder was another suggested old remedy.

It was often thought that the bowels were involved in a whole range of illness, and aperients were recommended in catarrh.

Cinnamon, ginger, cloves, chamomile, rosemary, sage, thyme, rose, lavender, borage and balm were used in the treatment of catarrh, as were pepper, tea, vinegar, witch hazel and olive oil. Onions, leeks and garlic were thought to be effective catarrh remedies, as were watercress, turnip juice, elder, plantain, yarrow, marigold, myrrh and nettle. Eucalyptus was a common remedy.

Catnip

Catnip is also known as catmint. Cats are attracted to it because of its distinctive smell.

In folk medicine it was used as a remedy for colic and flatulence and also to treat stomach upsets and diarrhea.

Catnip was also used to treat bronchitis, colds and influenza. Anemia was also treated with it, and it was used to induce the menstrual flow.

It was thought to be useful in treating nervous conditions and insomnia.

Externally it was used to treat cuts, bruises and sores.

Centaury

Centaury was used as an aid to digestion and as a stimulant of the appetite. It was used as a remedy for indigestion and as a tonic. Nervous disorders were treated with it.

Chamomile

Chamomile is frequency used by early herbalists to cure cases of fluid retention and jaundice. It was also used to treat menstrual pain, painful joints and asthma. It was thought to reduce fevers, cure insomnia and stimulate the appetite.

It was used as sedative in nervous disorders. Externally, it was used to soothe rashes and bruises, to heal sores and to reduce inflammation.

Chervil

Chervil was used in folk medicine to purify the blood. High blood pressure was treated with it, and it was used as a remedy for gallstones and bronchitis. It was also used as a diuretic and as an aid to digestion.

Externally, it was used to treat skin disorders, abscesses and sores.

Chickweed

Chickweed is also known as adder’s mouth and starwort.

In folk medicine it was used as an expectorant in the treatment of bronchitis. It was also used as a laxative and as a cure for rheumatism and arthritis. Period pains were treated with it, and it was used externally to treat skin diseases, wounds, bruises, burns and abrasions.

Chilblains

Old remedies for chilblains included angelica, garlic, glycerin, hawthorn, horseradish and mugwort. Onion, shepherd's purse and watercress were also used. Other curses slices of raw potato, a lotion made from raw carrot, turnip poultices, crushed fresh marigold flowers applied to the chilblains or mustard taken internally.

An old cure for unbroken chilblains involved applying a lotion made from linseed oil, oil of turpentine and spirits of camphor. Another was made from oil of lavender, liquid carbolic acid and oxide of zinc ointment.

Childbirth, Making It Easy

For childbirth, several courses of action were recommended well in advance of the actual labor to ease childbirth. Once old piece of advice was that raspberry tea should be taken when women were about six months pregnant. This was thought to prevent miscarriage and increase the milk supply. Another suggestion was that pregnant women during pregnancy should take linseed tea with added honey.

During labor, clove oil was sometimes used as a massage oil to increase the strength of the contractions. Marigold was also thought to strengthen contractions, as was myrrh. Parsley was thought to be helpful to get the uterus back to normal after childbirth, although, since it was thought to stimulate the muscles of the uterus, pregnant women were advised to avoid it during pregnancy. Chamomile was used as relaxant during childbirth.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon was used to stimulate the circulation and in the treatment of colds, catarrh and respiratory infections, especially when there was fever present. It was also used as a remedy for disorders of the digestive system and was used in diarrhea, flatulence, colic and nausea.

It was also thought to stop heavy bleeding, and it was used in nosebleeds and in heavy menstrual bleeding. Muscle pains and arthritis were also treated by it.

Externally, it was used as an antiseptic for the relief of wounds, abrasions and stings and in skin conditions. Cinnamon was also used to treat head lice.

Cinquefoil

Cinquefoil is also known as wild tansy, silverweed and gooseweed.

It was used as an antispasmodic to relieve muscular spasm and spasm of the uterus. Stomach pains and painful menstruation were also thought to be relieved by it. Early herbalist used it to treat epilepsy.

It was used as a gargle for sore throats and as a mouthwash for mouth ulcers. Externally it was used in the treatment of abrasions and wounds.

Cloves

Cloves were particularly used for the relief of toothache because of the numbing effect that cloves can produce. It was used as an aid to digestion and as a cure for indigestion and to relieve nausea.

They were used in the treatment of nervous disorders, such as excessive anxiety, and also in the treatment of depression. They were thought to have expectorant properties and were used in the treatment of colds and other respiratory infections.

Clovers were also thought to be able to induce perspiration and bring down fevers. They were also thought to relieve hay fever. Diarrhea and flatulence were both treated with cloves.

Oil of cloves was used as a massage oil to strengthen uterine contractions in childbirth. Rubbed on the temples it was thought to be a remedy for headaches. Cuts, wounds and ringworm were treated with it, and it was used as a liniment for aching joints.