Burn Folk Remedies

Natural Burn Remedies
Early settlers cooked over open fires or at the fireplaces that also provided their heat. I’m sure with all these open flames there were lots of burns.

As painful as burns are, I can imagine people rubbing whatever they had on them to try to stop the pain. Here are a few natural remedies they came up with.

Aloe Vera

One of the most common natural burn remedies is probably Aloe. Many of us still use it today and it does work rather well. The burned area is just simply covered with the juice from the Aloe Vera plant.

Milk

For a minor burn milk was used, either by soaking the burned area in a bowl of milk or applying a cloth soaked in milk. This method could be repeated until the pain ceased. I have used this method myself, it does work and the burn didn’t even blister.

Honey

Honey was another item used, the honey would be applied to the burn and then covered with a clean cloth. Honey is also known for it’s anti-bacterial properties, so it aided in faster healing of the burn.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar seems to almost be a cure all, it was often used on burns to. It will stop the pain and even help keep the burn from blistering and scarring.

Egg Whites

Egg whites were often used to treat burns. Remove the yellow and use only the whites. Apply to the burned area like a salve or you can put egg whites in a bowl and soak the burned area. This treatment will not only ease the pain, but it will also help speed the healing and reduce the severity of scarring.

Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel is good for minor burns. Apply fresh Witch Hazel or Witch Hazel oil to the burn and it will give relief from the pain.

Plantain

Plantain leaves have natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Crush fresh leaves and apply the juice to the burn to help relieve the pain and speed the healing process.

Diarrhea Folk Remedies

Diarrhea is actually a natural defense mechanism. It is a way for your body to release toxins or other harmful things from your system. In the past, before this was understood, doctors usually prescribed antidiarrheal medication, but today they would recommend that you let it run its course naturally.

Antidiarrheal medication will stop your body from performing it’s own natural defense mechanism and will often lead to a prolonged illness and a weakening of your body’s defenses.

With this in mind we will be looking at natural remedies for diarrhea that will help you to feel more comfortable and to speed up the process naturally. Going this route will make your natural system stronger.

Carrots

Carrots naturally contain beneficial electrolytes and minerals which are lost during diarrhea. Adults and bigger children may nibble on fresh carrots while infants may be given strained carrots. Carrots will lessen the symptoms and speed up the recovery time.

Broth

For children over a year old chicken or beef broth will help them to feel better as well as to keep them hydrated and speed up the recovery time. NOTE: Most broth contains a high sodium content. Read the label and opt for the lowest sodium you can get.

Drink Fluids

Most everyone knows how important it is to drink fluids, but you have to drink the right ones. Fluids with moderate salt and sugar content are best because they will replace essential minerals and glucose that have been lost. Gatorade, or something similar works well.

You may also make your own rehydration solution by adding one teaspoon of sugar and a small pinch of table salt to a quart of water. If you want something that will taste better you may add about 1/2 teaspoon of honey and a small pinch of salt to your favorite fruit juice.

NOTE: Do not give plain water or fruit juices to an infant or small child with diarrhea. To stave off dehydration use a rehydration solution such as Pedialyte.

Food

Believe it or not eating the proper foods is one of the best home remedies for diarrhea. If you do not eat the right types of food your condition may worsen and take longer to run its course.

Blueberries

Dried blueberries and blueberry root has been used as a folk remedy for diarrhea for a very long time. Blueberries contain anthocyanosides which has antioxidant as well as antibacterial properties.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is a great herb for treating intestinal problems. While you can get prepackaged chamomile it is recommended that you obtain fresh chamomile flowers. Steep one teaspoon in a cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. (Remove from heat before adding the herb).

Foods and Folk Remedies to Avoid

Some foods and remedies that have been recommended, or marketed, by some actually work to bind up the bowels. This will serve to prolong the condition and at the same time will cause whatever the root problem is to remain within your body for a longer period of time. This means that the so-called remedy is working against your own body.

Foods and remedies to avoid include: carob powder, pectin, bananas, acidophilus tablets, Swiss cheese, barley, and many exotic teas.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Infants, small children, and the elderly who suffer from prolonged diarrhea are at risk of dehydration and should be taken to a doctor. Anyone suffering from diarrhea accompanied with cramping, fever, or rashes should see a doctor.

Itching And Rash Folk Remedies

Itchy skin is definitely one of those things that can drive you mad! And, of course when you itch the first thing you do is scratch, but scratching just irritates the skin even more and too much scratching can lead to an infection.

One of the main causes of itching is dry skin, but it is sometimes caused by rashes, allergies and even some medications that you take. But, no matter what the cause one of these herbal remedies will keep you itch free!

You can help relieve itching and stress at the same time with a nice hot bath! Many things can be added to the water to soothe the skin such as peppermint, a cup of white vinegar or 2 cups of oatmeal.

Make a fine paste with equal amounts of cinnamon powder and honey and apply to the affected area.

Neem is a great herb for all kinds of skin problems. You can massage neem oil on the skin or boil some neem leaves in a small cooker and then pour it into your bath water.

Tea tree oil is another good solution, apply it with a cotton ball three times a day for quick itch relief.

Witch hazel relieves itching by acting as an astringent, just pour some on a cotton ball and apply.

St John’s Wort is also a great way to refresh the skin, it’s astringent properties will moisturize a itchy area providing relief.

By now most all of us know the wonderful affects that Aloe Vera has on the skin. It is best used from the plant leaf, but if you don’t have an Aloe Vera plant, the gel will work fine.

The anti inflammatory, anti-microbial properties found in chamomile essential oil will soothe and heal irritations and itching.

St Johns Wort Folk Remedies

The Many Wonders of St John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort was introduced to America and now grows wild in many fields and meadows. Indigenous to Europe, this plant produces yellow flowers that are used to make teas and capsules and it has become one of the most purchased herbs in the United States.

It’s first recorded use dates back to ancient Greece, it has since been used by people all over the world. The Native American’s used it as an astringent, anti-inflammatory and as an antiseptic.

In traditional use, St. John’s Wort was hung in baskets over pictures in the house to ward off evil and to rid the body of any evil spirits! In large dosages, this herb is toxic and care should be taken to only use the recommended amount. In some countries a doctor’s prescription is required to obtain this herbal remedy.

The plant was named after John the Baptist by early Christian mystics and was usually collected on St. John’s Day. The plant was soaked in olive oil for several days and used as a blood red anointing oil, called the “blood of Christ”.

Today, the most common use of St. John’s Wort is for sleep disorder, anxiety and mental disorders such as depression.

St. John’s Wort contains excellent antibacterial properties.

The herb has been shown to decrease the craving for alcohol and may be a aide in alcoholism!

Herbalists of ancient times, wrote about it’s sedative effects and as a treatment for malaria.

Written records from 1633, that St. John’s Wort was without equal in the treatment of wounds, burns, bites and even ulcers.

The herbs anti-inflammatory properties,make it effective in treating sprains, strains and contusions.

In laboratory studies, it was found to fight some infections that are even resistant to modern anti-biotics.

Research has suggested that St. John’s Wort may inhibit or even kill the growth of the HIV virus, but it has very serious interactions with some of the other drugs used to treat HIV. According to an early study, this herb may be used to relieve both the emotional and physical symptoms of PMS.

Tests have proven that the use St. John’s Wort has merit in treating hemorrhoids, when applied topically.

A study conducted including over 100 children, showed that St. John’s Wort when combined with other herbs, relieved earache pain as effectively as standard ear drops. Mix these oils, St. John’s Wort, garlic, calendula and mullein flower for an effective earache remedy.

St. John’s Wort has been used to treat muscle problems and to ease the pain of muscle injuries, as well as muscle spasms and cramps.

The bioflavonoids found in St. John’s Wort, make it useful in the treatment of swollen veins.

St. John’s Wort oil can be used topically during pregnancy to help reduce and even prevent stretch marks.

It can help reduce those unsightly varicose veins by massaging the oil onto the affected area.

The ancient Greeks and Romans used St. John’s Wort in the treatment of poisonous reptile bites.

The Roman army surgeon, Dioscorides, gave St. John’s Wort tea as a remedy for cholera.

St. John’s Wort is excellent when used as a blood purifier and cleanser.

Bacterially based boils and tumors can be dissolved and removed with the use of St. John’s Wort.

It has been shown to be useful in the treatment of bladder problems, such as a suppressed flow of urine and urinary tract infections.

The oil can be applied directly to the chest and back to relieve phlegm and it’s even beneficial in the treatment of bronchitis.

The alkaloid properties of St. John’s Wort will stimulate the heart and arteries.

Taken internally in capsule or tablet form, St. John’s Wort may help to alleviate a variety of back pain, including lower back pain.

St. John’s Wort has also been used as an effective treatment for headaches and even migraines.

The burns caused from radiation treatments can be lessened by apply the oil or cream to the area.

Some of the compounds found in St. John’s Wort will inhibit the herpes simplex 1 virus, the virus that caused fever blister and cold sores. It’s use has also been effective in the treatment of other types of herpes viruses.

St. John’s Wort can soothe digestive systems, gastritis and it can even treat diarrhea.

When taken internally St. John’s Wort also has a sedative and pain reducing effect. It will aide in helping you drift off to sleep!

In the future this amazing herb may be used in cancer treatment. Several studies conducted by the National Cancer Institute, found that after one single dose of St. John’s Wort, mice that were infected with the leukemia virus were able to fight off the disease!

Suggested adult dosages:

For mood disorders and mild depression, 300 to 400 mg should be taken three times a day with meals.

If liquid extract is used, take 40 to 60 drops, twice daily.

The dried herb can be taken as a tea, add one or two teaspoons to boiling water, let steep for about ten minutes. Up to two cups can be taken each day for a period of four to six weeks.

St. John’s Wort when used in oil or cream form can be applied to relieve inflammation.

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.

Facial Remedies

Treat facial blemishes by washing you face
daily with cool potato juice.

Frost Bite Information Temporary Measures: Treat frostbite or sunburn by applying raw grated potato or potato juice to the affected area. Seek Medical Assistance!

Milk Mask for Normal Skin Soak a cotton ball with warm milk and apply to your face three times a day. Rinse off with distilled, warm water.

Recipe for Lettuce Mask for the Face You will need two large lettuce leaves which have been dipped in olive oil and sprinkled with lemon juice. Place a leaf on each cheek and cover the leaves with with a paper towel which has been dipped in mineral or distilled water.

How to Recycle Eggshells

In the same manner that we can recycle milk cartons, water bottles and soup cans, we can also recycle eggshells. Before you drop them into the trash bin, consider the many ways to reuse the natural packaging your sunny side ups and omelets came in.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Eggshells

Step1

Improve your compost. Include the eggshells in your compost heap. They are all-natural with no oils or grease and will add valuable minerals to the resulting fertile soil.

Step2

Deter slugs and snails. Crush the eggshells and spread them around the base of your delicate plants.

Step3

Fertilize. Mix ground eggshells with your garden soil for added calcium, potassium, phosphorus and sulfur that help make plants strong and healthy.

Step4

Feed the birds with calcium. Wash the eggshells and let them dry. Crush them into fine pieces and mix some with the seeds you feed the chickens and wild birds. Eggshells have calcium that is good for birds. Also, the shell pieces act as grit, much like the sand and pebbles that they swallow and keep in their gizzards to help grind their food.

Step5

Make a mosaic. Crush or snap cleaned and dried eggshells into small pieces. Dip or soak them in food coloring, then arrange them into decorative designs to be glued onto picture frames, trinket boxes, centerpiece bowls and other craft items.

Step6

Make chalk. Grind half a dozen cleaned and dried eggshells into a fine powder. Mix with a teaspoon of hot water and a teaspoon of flour. Roll the paste mixture into a stick shape and wrap in paper towel. Let it dry completely over a few days, then unwrap and you'll have homemade chalk that you can use on the sidewalk or driveway.

Step7

Make textured paint. Crush or grind cleaned and dried eggshells and mix a small amount with paint to add texture and 3D effect to a piece of artwork.

Natural Slug Control

Here are a few alternative natural, non-toxic methods of slug control:

• Watering Schedule
Far and away the best course of action against slugs in your garden is a simple adjustment in the watering schedule. Slugs are most active at night and are most efficient in damp conditions. Avoid watering your garden in the evening if you have a slug problem. Water in the morning - the surface soil will be dry by evening. Studies show this can reduce slug damage by 80%.

• Beer
Slugs are attracted to beer. Set a small amount of beer in a shallow wide jar buried in the soil up to its neck. Slugs will crawl in and drown. Take the jar lid and prop it up with a small stick so rain won't dilute the beer. Leave space for slugs to enter the trap.

• Seaweed
If you have access to seaweed, it's well worth the effort to gather. Seaweed is not only a good soil amendment for the garden, it's a natural repellent for slugs. Mulch with seaweed around the base of plants or perimeter of bed. Pile it on 3" to 4" thick - when it dries it will shrink to just an inch or so deep. Seaweed is salty and slugs avoid salt. Push the seaweed away from plant stems so it's not in direct contact. During hot weather, seaweed will dry and become very rough which also deters the slugs.

• Copper
Small strips of copper can be placed around flower pots or raised beds as obstructions for slugs to crawl over. Cut 2" strips of thin copper and wrap around the lower part of flower pots, like a ribbon. Or set the strips in the soil on edge, making a "fence" for the slugs to climb. Check to make sure no vegetation hangs over the copper which might provide a 'bridge' for the slugs. Copper barriers also work well around wood barrels used as planters.

• Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is the sharp, jagged skeletal remains of microscopic creatures. It lacerates soft-bodied pests, causing them to dehydrate. A powdery granular material, it can be sprinkled around garden beds or individual plants, and can be mixed with water to make a foliar spray.
Diatomaceous earth is less effective when wet, so use during dry weather. Wear protective gear when applying, as it can irritate eyes and lungs. Be sure to buy natural or agricultural grade diatomaceous earth, not pool grade which has smoother edges and is far less effective. Available in Eartheasy's online store.

• Lava Rock
Like diatomaceous earth, the abrasive surface of lava rock will be avoided by slugs. Lava rock can be used as a barrier around plantings, but should be left mostly above soil level, otherwise dirt or vegetation soon forms a bridge for slugs to cross.

• Salt
If all else fails, go out at night with the salt shaker and a flashlight. Look at the plants which have been getting the most damage and inspect the leaves, including the undersides. Sprinkle a bit of salt on the slug and it will kill it quickly. Not particularly pleasant, but use as a last resort. (Note: some sources caution the use of salt, as it adds a toxic element to the soil. This has not been our experience, especially as very little salt is used.)

• Overturned Flowerpots, Grapefruit Halves, Board on Ground
Overturned flowerpots, with a stone placed under the rim to tilt it up a bit, will attract slugs. Leave overnight, and you'll find the slugs inside in the morning. Grapefruit halves work the same way, with the added advantage of the scent of the fruit as bait.
Another trap method, perhaps the simplest of all, is to set a wide board on the ground by the affected area. Slugs will hide under the board by day. Simply flip the board over during the day to reveal the culprits. Black plastic sheeting also works the same way.

• Garlic-based slug repellents
Laboratory tests at the University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne (UK) revealed that a highly refined garlic product (ECOguard produced by ECOspray Ltd, a British company that makes organic pesticides) was an effective slug killer. Look for garlic-based slug deterrents which will be emerging under various brand names, as well as ECOguard.

• Coffee grounds; new caffeine-based slug/snail poisons
Coffee grounds scattered on top of the soil will deter slugs. The horticultural side effects of using strong grounds such as espresso on the garden, however, are less certain. When using coffee grouds, moderation is advised.
A study in June 2002 reported in the journal Nature found that slugs and snails are killed when sprayed with a caffeine solution, and that spraying plants with this solution prevents slugs from eating them. The percentage of caffeine required in a spray (1 - 2%) is greater than what is found in a cup of coffee (.05 - 07%), so homemade sprays are not as effective. Look for new commercial sprays which are caffeine-based.

SKUNK ODOR REMOVER

Removes the stinky stuff from dog and cat coats. ( Santa Cruz vet tech Chris)

1 cup water
1/2 cup baking soda
1 tsp liquid dishwasher soap

Mix well.

When ready to use, mix in 1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide.

Work the solution into dog's coat. Keep solution out of dog's face and eyes.

Rinse well with clear water.

This solution has no shelf life.