Cold Folk Remedies

In the early part of the 20th century when “modern medicine” was beginning to get into full swing the availability of doctors was still out of reach for many rural folks and they did the best they could with the old home remedies passed down from generation to generation.

The common cold was as big a problem then as it still seems to be today in the 21st century. Here are many of the old remedies that were used to treat the common cold, and many are still in use today.

Boneset plant
One remedy was to make a tea from the leaves of the boneset plant. One had to drink it cold because drinking this tea hot will upset your stomach and possibly cause vomiting.


Another remedy was to take powdered ginger root or freshly grated ginger root and add to hot water, but do not boil. Then one added honey and a little bit of whiskey. (Whiskey, particularly moonshine whiskey, was a common ingredient in many old-time remedies.)

Boiling pine needles to make a strong tea was another particular favorite remedy for colds, as was taking a hot pepper, such as cayenne, and making a tea of the pepper and adding honey and moonshine to it. Eating an onion roasted in ashes was a favored way to treat a child with a cold.

Tea Tree oil and Oregano oil can be rubbed on the chest and back to break up the phlegm and mucous from colds. Tea tree oil can be rubbed on the nose and forehead for head congestion.

Neem Tree tea will help ease the symptoms of cold when drank three times a day and will even help prevent colds when drank regularly and neem oil will dry up cold sores.

Three capsules of garlic taken three times per day will help allivieate cold symptoms. But, any form of this amazing herb will work.

As one can see, the methods were many, and there are far more than this article states. As with all self-treatments, be cautious and always consult a trained physician in serious health matters.

Herbal teas
Here are a few different herbal teas that will help reduce common cold symptoms like congestion, headaches, fever, sore throat and achiness and help you to recover more quickly.

Chrysanthemum and Peppermint Tea:

• Chrysanthemum - 6 grams
• Water - 400ml (about 13 1/2 ounces)
• Peppermint - 3 grams
• Crystal Sugar - 15 grams

Add the chrysanthemum to the water and bring it to a boil.

Stir in peppermint and sugar and let boil for an additional three minutes.

Drink this tea hot twice a day.

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Ginger Tea:

• Fresh Ginger - 15 grams
• Water - 200ml (about 6 3/4 ounces)
• Brown Sugar or Honey - about 2 to 3 teaspoons (to taste)

Shred the ginger and add it to boiling water. Sweeten with the brown sugar or honey to suit your taste. Drink this tea hot twice a day.

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Royal Herbal Tea

One cup each (dried):

Pennyroyal

Catnip

Horehound

Spearmint

Sage

Verbena

White Yarrow

Honey (to taste)

Here is an herbal tea that is effective in treating severe cold and flu symptoms. Mix the herbs in boiling water. Remove from heat and cover. Allow the mixture to steep for about ten minutes then strain. Sweeten to taste with honey. Drink one cup of this tea every two or three hours.

Insomnia Folk Remedies

It’s been estimated that in the US alone approximately 32 million people suffer from insomnia. With the stress of today’s fast paced lifestyles, many of us are finding it harder and harder to get enough sleep. But, the problem doesn’t only exist in today’s world, herbal remedies for insomnia date back thousands of years.

Insomnia may just be an occasional aggravation, but if not taken care of the effects can be detrimental to your health. Not getting enough sleep increases your risk of diabetes, it damages the immune system, your body will become more sensitive to pain, your reflexes become slower and it’s even been linked to memory impairment!

Valerian Root

One of the oldest known herbal remedies for insomnia is Valerian Root.
Valerian Root was recommended by Galen in the second century A.D. Valerian can be used in a liquid or capsule form and even as a tea. Taken 30-60 minutes before going to bed, the recommended dosage is one cup of tea, one capsule of 150-600 milligrams, and if taking it in a liquid form, you should take 1/2 to one teaspoon. A little experimenting and you’ll quickly find the right dosage for your body.

Chamomile

Proven to be very effective aid against sleeplessness, Chamomile has been used for centuries. A hot cup of Chamomile tea drank about thirty minutes before bedtime may be just what you need for a peaceful nights rest.

Lavender

Lavender may be one of the most known sleep aids today, it is commonly used in bath salts and oils for it’s calming effects. The benefits of lavender are aromatic, in oil form it can be applied to your neck or wrists.

Kava

Known for it’s muscle relaxing abilities, kava can help you sleep better. Doses of 150 mg is recommended. However, there have been reports of liver failure from using this herb, consult your doctor before trying this method.

Passion flower

Passion flower contains properties that help relieve restlessness, it should be taken in 50 mg dosages. The dosage can be increased until relief is found.

Nutmegs
Grinding four nutmegs to a fine powder and taking before bedtime is said to be an effective aide against insomnia.

Ginseng is claimed to counter and balance out the effects of stress allowing a peaceful nights sleep.

Catnip is often used in products to promote sleep and can be taken as a tea before bedtime.

Jasmine is a mild nerve sedative, a cup of Jasmine tea before bedtime can help you to relax and fall asleep easier.

hops
Another traditional cure for insomnia is hops, they are known for their sedative and muscle relaxing abilities.

Lemon balm contains oils that provide a sedative effect and can be taken as a tea to promote sleep.

Ylang-ylang oil has properties that calm excitability and restlessness making it easier for you to drift off to sleep.