Healing From Your Pantry and Garden, On The Cheap

Before there were prescription pills and modern technology to help relieve your symptoms from illness or pain, there were alternative methods that used Herbal Remedies and Holistic Healing to help treat and prevent sickness and injury. Herbs and healing foods have been used as a source of nutrients and also medicine for thousands of years. Patients have reported Holistic Healing and Herbal Medicine to have had far greater healing powers than those of prescription drugs. The reason we still see Chinese remedies today is simply because they work. Our ancestors didn't have access to the technology that we have today. At the end of a long day, the Ancients did not have TV, the Internet or video games to occupy their time. Instead they enjoyed the company of their fellow people and learned to live and survive in this world. They were constantly in tune with their bodies and the land, so much that they were able to diagnose very complex problems and learn to not only treat them but prevent them from happening again; All without any of the technology we have today. 

As Holistic Healing becomes more mainstream, we should wonder if we have weakened ourselves over generations from the use of contemporary medicine and overuse of prescription drugs (often unnecessary) and also the chemical engineering of our food and beverages (enter GMO foods here - genetically modified organisms - please google the dangers of GMO's in our food chain). The use of herbs worked so well for our ancestors because their bodies lacked the contamination from the SAD DIET - Standard American Diet (google the term and learn) we currently view as normal. The dyes and sugars in your every day food and beverages, the fillers that are used in prescription pills, ingredients on the label that don't pertain to anything that you are trying to consume - all of these things have effects on our bodies. Holistic Healing would definitely be more effective on those who maintain a more Holistic Life. You must know what you are putting into your body, and understand what effect it can have on you. 

Ever thought you can treat your family's coughs, colds, upset stomachs and headaches with fresh and dried herbs or with healing foods? YOU CAN! Find these food items at our Marketplace, your local grocer or online apothecary, then plant your own medicine in the back yard.  **As always, for serious medical problems or illnesses lasting more than a few days, consult your physician or health-care professional - I am no doctor, just a lady who has been very sick in the past (even further sickened from the "required" prescription drugs) and made some simple changes after educating myself. There IS a better way - pumping yourself with drugs your trusted Doctor prescribed will have a lasting negative affect. Filling yourself with fresh, local RAW foods and learning how herbs can help you avoid symptoms you currently experience will EMPOWER you. 

Here are some examples for herbs used in ancient remedies. 

■ Calendula (Calendula officinalis). A relative of the common marigold, calendula has brilliant yellow-orange flowers and blooms prolifically. The flowers' antiseptic and skin-soothing properties make for an excellent healing salve.

■ Echinacea (Echinacea spp.). Every part of this plant contains immune-stimulating compounds, which help fight colds, flu and other infections. Echinacea can be made into tinctures or dried for teas. (Avoid if you are sensitive to ragweed.)

■ Onions -  Onions were introduced to America by Christopher Columbus in 1492.  Studies have shown that onions protect against stomach cancer, prostate cancer, and esophageal (throat) cancer.  Onions also help build stronger bones, compounds in onions help increase calcium absorption from food and block the cells that break down bones (like pharmaceutical drugs without the side effects).  Onions are also full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds which are helpful in treating allergies.

■ Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). An ancient digestive remedy, fennel seeds contain essential oils that enhance digestion and relieve gas and heartburn. Harvest the seeds in late summer when they turn greenish-gray, and use them in teas or tinctures.

■ Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis). This mint contains compounds that ease coughs and congestion. Make teas or tinctures from the leaves and flowers.

■ Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). Fragrant lavender blossoms calm stress, relieve indigestion, ease headaches and soothe burns. There are at least two dozen kinds of lavender; English lavender is best for medicinal use. Lavender can be made into tinctures, teas, baths or sleep pillows.

■ Red clover (Trifolium pratense). Red clover can help the body eliminate toxins and is also good for skin problems such as acne and eczema. The herb's phytoestrogens may help menopausal women with symptoms such as hot flashes.

■ Rosebud (Rosa spp.). Rosebud is beneficial to the heart and brain and relieves colds, coughs and kidney complaints. Rosewater tastes sweet and revives tired skin and eyes.

■ Valerian (Valeriana officinalis). Valerian's musty-smelling roots contain powerful sedative compounds that relieve stress, anxiety and insomnia. Harvest 2-year-old roots in fall, and make tinctures or dry for teas.

■ Yarrow (Achillea millefolium). With antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, yarrow helps heal cuts and wounds, and soothes hemorrhoids and varicose veins when applied topically. As a hot tea or bath, yarrow aids in lowering fevers.

Common healing foods:

• Garlic - Garlic is one of the oldest medicines on the planet, mentioned prominently in the world's oldest medical text, the Ebers Papyrus.  Garlic has been shown to lower cholesterol, prevent blood clots, lower blood pressure, be an antioxidant, and kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites. (my friends will attest that I keep heads of garlic in my purse, pockets, my desk at work, the center console of my car - I am never without garlic and eat a few cloves at every meal!)
• Ginger - In Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine), ginger is considered a universal remedy.  Studies have shown benefits to the digestive system, the heart and blood vessels, with fevers and in pain relief.  Ginger soothes upset stomachs and relieves nausea (in one study, even better than Dramamine).  Other benefits include inhibiting cancer cells and boosting the immune system, and it is also effective against bacteria and viruses.
• Honey - Honey is a precious thing.  One bee over her lifetime will only produce one-twelfth of a teaspoon of honey.  Honey is formed when bees gather pollen from flowers and mix it with enzymes found in their saliva.  Honey, if unprocessed (raw, unheated, and unfiltered), is packed with nutrients and enzymes.  Honey has been shown to stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation.
• Oregano - Oregano is rich in nutrients and has the highest antioxidant activity found in any herb to date (four times more than blueberries).  Oregano is effective against bacteria, fungus, and parasites, and has been shown to prevent mutations in our DNA and fight cancer.

Making Medicine from these items:

• Onion juice, ginger, and honey (for coughs) - Blend half an onion with two teaspoons of honey and one teaspoon of ginger for 20-30 seconds.  Take 1-2 tablespoons 1-3 times per day.
• Oregano & garlic tea (for coughs and chest colds) - Boil three tablespoons of dried oregano and three cloves of chopped garlic in four cups of water for 10 minutes, then allow to cool for 10 minutes.  Cover your head with a towel (to keep the steam in) and lean over the steam breathing deeply for 5 minutes.  Be careful not to burn yourself, if the steam feels painful to your face, it is too hot.  The treatment can be repeated as often as needed, re-heating the water to a steam.  The liquid itself should also be consumed, half cup every two hours (sweeten with honey as needed)
• Onion, garlic, and honey (immune booster) - Chop up one onion and a head of garlic and soak in two cups of honey overnight.  Eat a teaspoon of the honey 1-3 times per day as a good preventative against colds and flus.

Grab some HEALING from your pantry:  

• Allspice - increases circulation, aids indigestion and gas
• Anise - aids cough and other respiratory problems by breaking up mucus, helps increase milk production for nursing mother
• Basil - good for indigestion, fevers, colds, flus, headaches, nausea, vomiting and cramps
• Black pepper - in proves digestion by stimulating hydrochloric acid production in the stomach, stimulates the breakdown of fat cells
• Cardamom - good for headaches, indigestion and gas, warms the body
• Cayenne - good for circulation, helps prevent heart attacks, strokes, cold, flu, headache, indigestion and arthritis
• Cinnamon - warms the system, balances blood sugar levels, treats diarrhea, cramps, abdominal pain, coughing, wheezing and lower back pain
• Clove - increases circulation, improves digestion, treats vomiting and nausea, oil of cloves can relieve toothaches
• Cumin - prevents and relieves indigestion, gas, nausea, and morning sickness, helps relieve cold symptoms
• Dill - useful for abdominal pains and cramps, indigestion, cold, flus and coughs
• Mint - aids digestion, the aroma eases nausea headaches and respiratory disorders
• Nutmeg - can help relieve nervous disorders and heart problems
• Paprika - increases saliva production which aids digestion, helps regulate blood pressure, improve circulation
• Rosemary - helps treat headaches, indigestion, colic, nausea, gas and fevers
• Sage - useful for diarrhea and early stages of cold, flu and sinus congestion, useful for bladder infections
• Tarragon - relieves stomach cramps and promotes appetite, aids digestion by increasing bile production in the liver
• Thyme - useful for eliminating intestinal worms, bronchial problems, chronic gastritis and lack of appetite
• Watercress - blood cleanser, has anticancer properties, aids in eye health, increases digestive juices
• Yellow mustard - aids respiratory and kidney problems, helps protect against gastrointestinal cancer

Heard recent stories on Turmeric: The Wonder Herb? 

What is turmeric? Turmeric is a culinary and medicinal herb.    

What can I do with turmeric? Turmeric is a natural antibiotic. The beauty of turmeric is that it serves as an antibiotic while strengthening digestion and improving intestinal flora. In place of antibiotics, I encourage those educated in alternative options to take turmeric because antibiotics can weaken digestion and upset the balance of the intestinal flora.

Here is a short summary of the benefits of turmeric:

• Natural antibiotic/purifies the blood
• Promotes proper metabolism (aids in the digestion of protein)
• Tonic for the skin
• Works on/supports the digestive, circulatory and respiratory system, but really supports all tissues of the body
• Acts as a nutritive tonic, antibacterial/antiseptic agent, demulcent (soothes and protects), expectorant (promoting discharge of toxic fluids/mucus), emollient (softens/relaxes) and mild astringent (i.e. cleans and constricts pores, etc.) 
• Helps heal skin disorders, diabetes, arthritis, scrapes and bruises, anemia, poor circulation, congestion, sore throat, low/poor circulation

Turmeric tastes great in foods and can be added to just about anything. It has a strong yellow color, so it will add color (great for turning brown rice yellow).

Can turmeric work on the emotions? Absolutely! Turmeric opens and cleanses the subtle ways in which emotions pass through the bodies (i.e. the flow of the chakras).

Message to the Reader: Only use organic fresh or organic non-irradiated dried herbs and local foods - organic as often as possible. Please research and learn about any Herb that you wish to use in any compound. Know what these Herbs can do to not only yourself, but to others as well. Learn about your own body and any possible allergies before consuming or applying any Herbal Remedies or Compounds. If you are pregnant, please consult a doctor before using any Herbal Remedies or Compounds, no matter how simple they may seem, to prevent any pregnancy complications. Thank you.

This article is submitted to the Marketplace at Simpson Spring by Renée Rainvill of Raw For Longer. Renée is at the Marketplace every week. Come talk to her at the RAW NUT table or visit rRainville.com