Natural Cures and Home Remedies

Health care in the United States has recently begun seeing a new trend. As America's costs rise, more and more people are looking for alternatives to paying the high prices dealt by our healthcare institution. Even though scientific research continually produces technical breakthroughs, newer and (supposedly) better drugs, and expensive equipment capable of quite an amazing gamut of procedural complexities, in many cases it appears science is missing the mark. What is missing in the scientific equation? A new dimension is needed in healthcare- a new field, you could say. That field is called "Wellness".

What many people want is to get back to the simple, basic, healing home remedies. The kind Grandma used- and she was hale and hearty well past the age of 80. Pharmaceutical therapies are too harsh, too often harmful to other parts of the body, and they only suppress the symptoms of the conditions they are prescribed for. Maybe "symptom suppression" is not true healing. Vitality and glowing health do not come from a prescription bottle. What people really want is good health, but not if it means staying on expensive and dangerous medications forever.

Grandma had a better way, AND she lived to the ripe old age of 93. She was a great believer in the healing properties of apple cider vinegar, lemon, honey, baking soda and cod liver oil. There was hardly a bug you could "get bit by" that Grandma didn't have a remedy and good, solid advice for- in her kitchen or bathroom cabinet. To this day the middle shelf of my hall closet and the cabinet over my sink are both dedicated to home remedies, many of which I learned about from Grandma.

Consider Grandma's lifestyle as well. That old porch swing got plenty of use, and many a Friday night was spent quietly swinging and chatting. I remember visiting as a child, and falling asleep in the south bedroom listening to the sounds of a game of bridge being played in the living-room. A stay at Grandma's meant the rich sweetness of apple butter made from the apples on the big tree outside the back door, a walk around the block to the library to borrow a book to be read on the front porch on a quiet afternoon. Hectic did not apply to Grandma's lifestyle.

As probably the most wellknown home health remedy, the natural healing properties of Apple Cider Vinegar have been recognized and utilized by millions of people for centuries. As far back as 400 BC, the physician Hippocrates recorded using a mixture of vinegar and honey as a health elixir.

ACV has been used for everything from preserving and flavoring foods to killing weeds and polishing metals. I've even spritzed my cats with it (diluted, of course) to repel fleas. Additionally, it contributes its versaltility to the field of health and wellness. Studies have confirmed its benefits in the area of diabetes control by lowering blood sugar when taken before bedtime. High blood pressure sufferers should also be aware of the promising results of studies conducted with ACV and heart disease. Studies indicate that ACV may even be a cancer cell killer- great news for cancer patients. So whether treating wasp stings or cancer, Apple Cider Vinegar's reputation is sterling. And don't forget one of the benefits ACV has been known for since my grandmother's time- weight loss!

Yes, simple kitchen spices can actually do your body good. One of the most common spices with multiple health benefits is none other than- cinnamon! Cinnamon has been studied and found to lower cholesterol, help regulate blood sugar levels and even reduce arthritis pain and inflammation. Not only that, it's delicious! Adding cinnamon to your diet, whether it's cinnamon sticks for your tea or sprinkled on your oatmeal in the mornings, can boost your energy levels and thin your blood- all at the same time!

Here's another wonder spice- turmeric. Turmeric has an arsenal of healing properties, from anticarcinogenic to antiarthritic- it may even help prevent Alzheimers. Used to flavor stews, chicken and rice dishes, turmeric can be incorporated into many everyday dishes, providing flavor and health benefits to a wide range of dishes.

If you've ever had the flu or any other stomach bug, chances are you've already sampled the stomach-soother known as ginger. Remember when Mom brought you that ice-cold glass of ginger ale to keep you hydrated when you ran a fever? Ginger also soothes nausea, has been studied as a cancer treatment, as well as providing soothing benefits to those suffering with arthritis pain and inflammation.

Cayenne Pepper, oddly enough, helps your body maintain a healthy pH balance. This hot little spice breaks down to an alkaline "ash" during the digestive process which helps create an unfriendly environment for cancers and diseases. So if you like your chili a little hotter, go ahead and enjoy!

Lower your cholesterol, your triglycerides and raise your protection against cancer with the aromatic little powerhouse known as garlic. If your pets have problems with fleas, you might mix a few drops of garlic into their food every day. It works to repel those nasty villains, but be careful. According to Earthclinic, you should use garlic sparingly in your pet's food as garlic contains sulphates that can cause allergic and toxic reactions at higher doses. Watch for reactions and adjust if necessary. Garlic is a well-known blood thinner as well, so vampires should not be a problem either!

Hangover- Cucumber is great for that stress headache as well as the one you get after a wee tad too much alcohol!

Sore throat- gargle with warm salt water.

Freckles- lemon juice will fade your freckles as well as lighten your hair.

Acne- dab a bit of toothpaste on a zit before bedtime, by morning the zit should be gone.

Bee stings- toothpaste will alleviate the pain of a bee sting better than anything else.

Heartburn- chewing sugarless gum after eating fatty foods alleviates heartburn.

Poison Ivy- dishwashing detergent within two hours of exposure to poison ivy will deter the rash. Just rub it on, wait 25 seconds and rinse.

Nausea- a slice of ginger steeped for 10 minutes and drunk like tea relieves motion sickness as well as morning sickness.

Acid indigestion- a teaspoon of baking soda in warm water works wonders as an antacid.

Swimmers ear- after a swim, a couple of drops of rubbing alcohol in each ear (then drained out) will prevent ear infection.

Bee sting- bee stings may be soothed with a baking soda compress.

Dirty windows and mirrors- white vinegar and water gets your mirrors and windows clean and streak-free.

Constipation- a tablespoon of olive oil relieves constipation.

Stomach ache- a banana will relieve cramps or a stomach ache.

I've only mentioned a few of the home remedies that I am personally familiar with- if you know of any that I haven't included, feel free to comment. Who knows, you might just provide the perfect solution for someone's suffering!