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Loading...DIY Medicine Cabinet: Grandma’s Remedies
- Mel, selected from DivineCaroline
- November 4, 2009
- 5:01 pm
- 67 comments
By Sarah Irani, EcoSalon via Divine Caroline
Is the economy beating you up? It’s time to get creative. Next time you have an ache or pain, forget about a costly trip to the drugstore and test drive some of your grandmother’s remedies instead. It’ll save money and be gentler on your body and the environment. Recessionistas (and Gents), welcome to the DIY medicine cabinet.
Indigestion and Heartburn
It almost goes without saying–but consider why yoe’re getting heartburn in the first place. Did you overeat? Too much grease or spicy food? Eating late at night? Scout out the cause and try to stop this before it happens. Then, put down the antacids. The belching, bloat, and heartburn caused by indigestion come about because you don’t have enough stomach acid to do the job right. A spoonful or two of apple cider vinegar will help break down the excess food that is causing you trouble and bring your stomach back to balance.
Sore Throat
Sore, scratchy throats are usually a sign of a cold or flu coming on, so you don’t want to ignore this symptom, but you can relieve the pain by gargling with warm salt water a few times a day and then drinking a soothing honey-lemon tea.
Sore Muscles and Bruises
After a hard afternoon of rowing with a friend, I resigned myself to a few days of burning muscles and soreness. But my friend saved the day with a tube of arnica cream. He rubbed it on my shoulders and voila, instant relief and absolutely no aches the next day. The humble arnica flower makes an incredible cream that no medicine cabinet should be without. Use it immediately to speed up the healing of bruises, sprains, sore muscles, and other general aches.
Stop Bleeding
You’d think it would burn, but a sprinkle of cayenne pepper on a cut will quickly stop the bleeding and actually relieve the pain.
Ear Infections
Ear infections can become quite serious and cause permanent damage, so please see a doctor if your ear ache has become severe. But if you feel like your infection is mild and at the beginning stages, put a few drops of garlic oil or white vinegar into your ear canal and lay down on the opposite side to let those drops do their work. Garlic and vinegar create an environment that won’t support the bacteria causing the infection. Repeat a few times a day until the symptoms disappear. (If your symptoms last longer than a few days, you should definitely see a doctor!)
Read more: Eating for Health, General Health, Health, Natural Remedies, arnica, cayenne, ginger, green tea
Mel, selected from DivineCaroline
At DivineCaroline.com, women come together to learn from experts in the fields, of health, sustainability, and culture; to reflect on shared experiences; and to express themselves by writing and publishing stories about anything that matters to them. Here, real women publish like real pros. Together, with our staff writers, they’re discussing all facets of women’s lives from relationships and careers, to travel and healthy living. So come discover, read, learn, laugh and connect at DivineCaroline.com.
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may
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people are talking
Wonderful, thanks for sharing.
While the man-made ones are impressive the natural wonders can't be beat!
Always check before believing
I love Bees...they are hard worker and doing just good things.Ty
I think avocado might be my favorite in this list.
67 comments
+ add your ownI have an appointment next week to see my dentist for a toothache. I've been using Ambesol, but I think I will try the Clove oil and see if it helps better! Thanks for the tips!
Great article...needless to say nature's medicine is so much better for you barbecue it works with your body, and not against it like most "modern" medicine does
Thanks....
Thank you
these are all awesome! thank you.
cleaning the system for constipation and digestive issues, worked really well for me. i used the lemonade cleanse (pure maple syrup, lemon juice, cayenne pepper and filtered water) for 3 days and it was kind of amazing. it also helped me recognize more of my food allergies right after that, which helped me transition easily to a vegan way of life. No more stomach problems since (and those i had my entire life).
i think i might try these
Interesting tips. Thanks for sharing, Melissa.
This article and the comments are much appreciated for anyone (including myself) on a tight budget.I have Aloe Vera growing in my garden and the comments are all very correct.
Great tips! By using these not only do you not have to come in contact with chemicals, but your saving tons of money. Pain relivers, anti-acids, and other meds cost so much, the natural method always wins in my book!
Wonderful tips and comments. Thank you! Lavender is realy
an incredible source-helps me sleep and great for jet-lag.
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