Gentle Alternative's for Treating Health Problems
Many of our modern drugs have harsh side-affects and cost the
"earth", so the next time you come down with a cold or the flu,
why not try a gentle alternative that costs next to nothing?
Instead of immediately forking over large amounts of money for
over-the-counter drugs, go to the kitchen cupboard and see what
you can find to relieve your symptoms.
Here are some helpful hints...
A simple hot compress applied to the face is very soothing to
those throbbing aches and pains of a blocked sinus, while a few
drops of eucalyptus oil on a handkerchief can provide welcome
relief for similar conditions. While supplements of vitamin C, D
and zinc will shorten the lifespan of a common cold, a hot lemon
drink is also extremely good. And be sure to cuddle-up in bed
when you have a cold, as it will make the body sweat out the
germs.
Cool lemon juice and honey are a great soother for a sore throat
and gives the body much-needed vitamin C at the same time The
juice of one lemon in a glass of water is sufficient. Melt the
honey in a little hot water for ease of mixing.
A smear of Vaseline or petroleum jelly will do wonders for those
sore lips and nose that often accompany a cold.
A 'streaming cold' where the nose and eyes water profusely, can
respond to drinking onion water. Simply dip a slice of onion
into a glass of hot water for two seconds, then sip the cooled
water throughout the day. Half an onion on the bedside table
also alleviates cold symptoms because its odor is inhaled while
you sleep.
People prone to catarrh may find that chewing the buds from a
pine or larch throughout the day will clear up their condition
in just a few days.
Do you suffer from sore eyes? If your eyes are sore from lengthy
exposure to the sun, try beating the white of an egg and then
spread it over a cloth and bandage the eyes with it. Leave the
preparation on overnight. Soft cheese (quark) is also a good
remedy for this condition.
For those unpleasant times when you suffer from diarrhea, two
tablespoons of brown vinegar will usually fix the problem.
Vinegar can be rather horrible to take, but who cares! The
problem is more horrible. Vinegar can usually be found in most
people's cupboards, so you don't need to worry about finding
someone to run to the shop for you in an emergency.
Sleepless? Instead of reaching for sleeping pills, which can
quickly become addictive, try this: Drink only caffeine free tea
or coffee starting late in the afternoon.. Go to bed earlier
rather than later, as being overtired tends to keep people
awake. Make sure the bedroom is dark and quiet. Use only pure
wool or cotton sheets and blankets. Polyester materials can
cause sweat and make you thirsty (if your child constantly asks
for water throughout the night, this could be the reason).
And don't watch those scary movies just before retiring! If you
still can't sleep, make a tea of lemongrass or drink a nightcap
of herbal tea containing chamomile. It's easy to grow lemongrass
in your garden or start a flower pot on the balcony for ease of
picking. Simply steep a handful in boiling water for five
minutes. Honey may be added for a sweetener.
Of course there will be times when you do need modern drugs, so
if these simple remedies don't have the required affect, be sure
to see a health care professional.