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.