Home remedies can often be substituted for other medications when the health or other problem is not too serious.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are commonly known as piles. One of the treatments for this is an infusion of watercress which is applied externally as a lotion. Crushed fresh leaves of plantain are also applied externally on the affected area. A poultice or compress of witch hazel is also effective. One of the earliest cures for piles was yarrow, marigold and meadowsweet which was applied externally. With this condition, eating a good portion of carrots and oats is helpful. Another cure that is also recommended is eating a large leek and drinking a glass of nettle liquid several times a day.

Halitosis

Halitosis, or simply bad breath, could be a very embarrassing condition. Halitosis may be caused by some disorder of the stomach. To avoid this, a suggestion is taking a concoction of powdered vegetable charcoal and bicarbonate of soda. Other cures are avens, dill and peppermint.

Chapped Hands

Chapping of the hands can be caused by many things. It could be due to strong detergents and chemicals and the main cure for this is intensive moisturizing. A remedy that is effective for chapped hands is taking a piece of melted mutton fat then straining it and pouring it into a basin to harden. Before totally hardening, it is worked into a ball and then it is held before a fire until the surface begins to soften. The substance is then rubbed into the hands.

The next traditional cure is a little more complicated. Unsalted hog's lard is washed in spring water and then in rose water. The lard is then mixed with honey and egg yolks then with fine oats and formed into a paste. This paste is rubbed into the hands.

Hangover

Hangovers can be very annoying and painful. Drinking a lot of water is said to be very effective in curing a hangover. Some would even recommend eating a beaten raw egg. Other traditional cures are eating raw cabbage and rosemary.

Hay Fever

Hay fever is one of the many types of allergic reactions. Thought to calm the symptoms of hay fever is clove tea. An infusion of plantain and of nettles can also be effective. A hot infusion of balm is also taken to soothe the sufferer. One traditional cure for hay fever is adding chamomile to boiling water and then inhaling the steam while boiling and another involves soaking elecampane in boiling water, straining it and drinking a glass at regular intervals until the symptoms subside.

Head Lice

Head lice are a condition that is very embarrassing and bothersome. It is also very easily transmitted. A common treatment is using cinnamon, applied externally, to wash away the head lice. Lice are also cured with the application of fresh parsley juice. Rosemary was also thought to be effective. A slightly smelly remedy that is also effective is mixing equal parts of kerosene and water and applying it to the hair as a lotion.

Michael Russell

Your Independent Herbal guide.