Herbal Remedies for Common Ailments

I understand some people's fear of the natural remedy over the allopathic drug, however, people should understand there are those of us who went to school to learn about this and it is not just natural or herbal remedies your diet and general health practices play a very important role in how effective herbs will be for you. Toothache, bee sting, bump, bruise, cold , earache, the herbals are less expensive and rarely have a side effect ( unless you have an allergy to the herb). A more major illness or condition should not be treated on your own with herbs. Find a local herbalist,naturopath, holistic healer to assess you and your condition and advise you. We have the training and resources to help you. Thanks for listening.

For toothache, make a paste with red pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon and apply directly to where it hurts.

For GI tract problems -- including indigestion, nausea, bad breath, mucus, cough, gas, diarrhea, flatulence, and even ulcers -- mix honey, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon into warm milk. For sore throat or headache or general aches and pains, add red pepper and turmeric to the mix.

Red pepper contains capsaicin, which numbs pain. Turmeric, ginger, pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon are all highly anti-inflammatory, which reduces pain, swelling, allergies, itching, and other auto-immune responses.

Both nutmeg and cinnamon have been scientifically shown to be a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin (inflammatory agent) biosynthesis, acting like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but without the adverse side effects and toxicity of aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen. The prostaglandin action is also implicated in why these spices act as a digestive tract tonic. They have for millennia been used to treat these digestive issues. Nutmeg is actually an ingredient in some commercial cough syrups and vapor rubs. Both spices also have strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and tend to enhance immunity. They have been found to be active against Candida albicans, Helicobacter pylori (the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers), and the bacteria responsible for halitosis (which is why they are incorporated into some toothpastes, mouthwashes, and chewing gums).

It simply makes sense to start with the gentlest solution first. i.e. diet and lifestyle. If something more is needed then herbs, and if that still isn't enough (and it often is) then conventional medicine.

Herbal medicine is very safe and effective. Not all of the herbs have been studied in depth using modern methods of scientific inquiry, but many are, and more are coming. However, an example of a herb showing wonderful benefits through scientific study is Hawthorn. Just do a search of the medical journal databases and you'll find it. But lets not forget another form of science, that of clinical observation (Doctors use this too, and I've seen them prescribe medication for a condition that the drug isn't meant for because of what they've observed clinically). I have often had clients come in with irregular heart beats (for example) that when they take Hawthorne they experience a regulation of heart beats. I've also read several studies that show herbs to be safer and as effective (sometimes more effective) than their pharmaceutical drug counterparts.

I agree that just because something is natural doesn't mean that it's always safe. We expect medicinal herbs to have therapeutic value, therefore they are susceptible to causing problems too. For example, licorice is great for many things (incl. ulcers) but if you have high blood pressure you may want to avoid it... or at least make sure that you eat plenty of potassium rich foods.

Essential Oils are herbs personified - there is plenty of medical research on the effectiveness of essential oils on the ailments listed in the chart and many more that are not listed. For example, therapeutic grade lavender essential oil will heal burns; however, inexpensive adulterated lavender oil will actually turn a burn into a 2nd or 3rd degree burn due to the crap it is cut with.

In all remedies you must find the one that works best for you, whether it be natural or from the doctor. Personally, I try the natural remedies first and then go to the doctor if I get no relief. I very rarely go to the doctor!

There is no need to go immediately to antibiotics in the case of strep. Strep bacteria can easily be killed with a solution of raw honey, garlic and cayenne. The ratios are: 1 Tbls honey; 1/4 tsp. cayenne; 4 cloves garlic - minced or put through a garlic press. Take 1/2 teaspoon of the mixture every 30 - 60 minutes; let it coat the throat. This remedy will generally relieve you of strep within 24 hours.

I'm pretty worried about this whole article as well as the chart. For instance, tonsillitis is often caused by group A beta-hemolytic strep, which can cause rheumatic fever, glomerulonephritis, and heart valve damage if not promptly treated with appropriate antibiotics. Herbs for this one will not prevent complications and can allow this infection to cause permanent disability and even death. There is NO evidence anywhere that herbal preparations are effecitve in treating alcoholism, and stomach ulcers need proper diagnosis to ensure proper treatment (some are caused by bacterial infection) and avoid life-threatening complications such as GI bleeding.

Mr. Castleman certainly has written many articles, which is expected from someone with a couple degrees in journalism. However, I could find no credible backing for his assertion that any of the remedies listed in the chart accompanying his article are 'safe and effective'. It is vitally important to realize that 'herbal' and 'natural' do not mean a substance is safe, let alone effective.

Sincerely,

CJ Ewell MS, APRN,BC (family nurse practitioner with 20 years practice experience)
Altamont, UT

Cinnamon is good also for helping to control your blood sugar levels, about a teaspoon a day.

Something that works great for ear aches is slso Garlic oil. Put a few drops in your ears and a little cotton to keep it from running out and it really helps with ear infections. But you won't smell the greatest for awhile. LOL

Apple cider vinegar works great for athlete's foot fungus, just soak your feet in it for about a half hour or so and no more fungus. May require a second time if your fungus is very severe. Also sage tea bags work fantastic for a toothache. Put a tea bag in a small amount of hot water (as hot as you can stand) to moisten it. Then place it on your pain for as long as possible, I usually put it on my toothache and lay down and take a nap or sleep all night and when I awake, I no longer have a toothache or inflamation from it. And making a rosemary mouthwash, take Rosemary boil it in water, strain and let cool works great for gingivitis. Also makes a great hair rinse, good for helping to stop hair from falling out.