Home remedies H-M

Holy Basil(Tulsi)

Holy Basil(a.k.a. Tulsi) is an Ayurvedic medicine, and is highly venerated within the Hindu religion. it is used to treat common cold, headaches, stomach disorder, heart disease, differet types of poisoning, and malaria. one of its most effective uses is for fever. to treat a fever with Holy Basil, first make a decoction of twelve leaves by boiling them in a half a litre of water. then administer said concoction twice a day with half a cup of milk, a teaspoon of sugar(for taste) and a quarter teaspoon of cardamom, which will bring down the temperature.

Honey

Honey can be very useful in solving problems that deal with lack of good sleep. This can also be called insomnia. Like warm milk honey has a natural chemical in it that calms the body and makes it much easier to rest through the night peacefully. Take one large glass of water and add to it two tablespoons of honey and mix. If the water is slightly warm or even hot the honey will mix easier and not settle at the bottom of the cup. Take this mixture before going to bed each night.

Honey has also been found useful in dressing burns. In many studies, wounds treated with honey have been found to speed up the healing process of burns, and also reduce scaring. Honey has a low pH, which makes it act as a very potent antibacterial agent, similar to hydrogen proxide. It is important to note that these experiments where carried out with pure, unprocessed honey.

Honey and Lemon

In the Western Culture, when someone is sick and has a really bad cough assosciated with the common cold, often times it might be difficult to sleep at night. A home remedy that people might use is the honey and lemon together. The honey and the lemon mixed together will minimize the amount of coughs in the night and will relax the person. The honey and lemon will coat the throat with the honey to prevent coughing. In a small glass dish add about two tablespoons of honey. To the honey, add about 3 drops of lemon juice. Heat the glass in the microwave for about fifteen seconds. Take three spoonfuls each night before you go to bed and continue each night as needed. Although this remedy has been passed down from different family generations, this method seems to work very well. Western society.

Honey and Salt

Honey and Salt

In traditional Korean Culture, Mixture of Honey and Salt is believed to be effective when the Constipation continues for long period of time. Mix 40g of honey and 8g of salt in 100ml of water and drink it daily. It is better to drink it in the morning with empty stomach. Drink it for 2~5 days should show significant improve. Long-term constipation often damages skin conditions. Honey helps to protect stomach, improve digestion and improve skin condition. Thus it is a perfect remedy for constipation. There is no significant side-effects, and it is safe to drink more than the subscription indicates. Constipation is caused by various different factors. It is important to drink enough water in daily basis and have balanced meals to prevent constipation in first hand.

Honey Breathing

A home remedy that is used to help asthma attacks is the use of honey breathing. When one is experiencing an attack he or she should hold a jar of honey under their nose and breathe slowly and deeply for several minutes. The person experiencing the attack should continue to breathe in the sweet honey smell until their attack weakens and it become easier to breathe. The amount of honey needed for this remedy is one jar or a bottle of honey that has a large opening. This method has been used by many people around the world way before inhalers were prescribed to people for their asthma problems.

Honey Dollop

A way to sooth the vocal chords and lubricate them to produce a nice even singing voice is to ingest a dollop of honey 5-10 minutes before one is to sing. This significantly elimenates the scratchy unwanted flaws of the singing voice and helps to produce a clear sound. The dollop should be about the size of a tablespoon or less. This remedy is used in Western Societies, but may be attributed to other cultures as well.

Honey-Lemon Juice

Many people suffer from at least one sore throat a year, but a mixture of heated honey and lemon juice can make even the worst sore throat feel better. Combine two tablespoons of honey with one teaspoon of lemon juice and heat in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds (or until heated to desired temperature). This remedy should be taken 2 to 3 times a day for two days or until the throat feels better. Prolonged or excess use of this treatment could cause tooth decay and possibly upset stomach. This concoction was modified from that of Swedish families who migrated to the U.S.

There are different versions of the lemon and honey drink. Another version is lemon and honey tea. In order to make this, you will have to take two lemons and cut them in half. Next, squeeze as much lemon juice as possible out of the lemons into a medium-sized jar. For added lemon flavor, you may also scrape the rind of the lemon into the jar for lemon zest or even add in the whole lemon rind, after washing thoroughly. Next, add enough honey to submerge the mixture. The mixture may be refrigerated and it will be ready for the next time that you have a cold or a sore throat. In order to make the tea in the future, you merely have to boil water, pour some into a teacup and then add two to three tablespoons of the honey and lemon mixture to the hot water and stir.

Another version is the old English folklore remedy for a cold, mixing the juice of a whole orange, half of a lemon, and a tablespoon of honey into hot water. This must be taken hot three times a day for three days at the onset of a cold. It is used to boost your immune system at the beginning of a cold and fight it off before it can bring you down.

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Honey Tea

Honey Tea

Honey tea can be used to treat a sore throat or coughing. Honey tea can be bought in individual packets or easily made at home. It can be simply made from placing about 1 or 2 tablespoons of honey in hot water. Stir until the honey melts or the water turns into a dark yellow color. Drinking honey tea should not cause any risks or symptoms although consuming too much may cause stomachaches. A slice of lemon should also be added to this remedy. The lemon helps to coat your throat. The lemon also helps fight off the cold because it is filled with vitamin C which is an essential vitamin for cold prevention. This remedy can be found worldwide and is quite effective.

Honey Wrap

If you ever have the misfortune of contracting poison oak, poison ivy or any other rash obtained upon contact with a plant, sooth it with honey. Apply honey directly to the plant induced rash. You can apply the honey any way that suits you. One suggested way is to use a syringe. If you use a syringe make sure to wash it well after use with hot water to dissolve and wash away any remaining honey. After applying the honey to the affected area wrap it gently with gauze to prevent a mess. Allow the wrapped area to breath. Change the bandages two to three times a day. The rash should clear up in a few days. There are no risks associated with applying honey to a plant induced rash as long as the honey is sanitary. Doctors in Uganda use this remedy to cure native plant related rashes. This remedy works because the honey draws the poison out of your skin and then is absorbed into the bandage. This remedy also helps prevent the rash from spreading. Keeping the rash covered limits contact with the rash thus reducing the risk of spreading it.

However if this remedy does not work try this one.

Hot Food

The consumption of spicy hot food is a remedy used to cure symptoms of the common cold. Eating a spicy meal when relief from syptoms is desired has many beneficial effects, including clearing of the sinuses, increased circulation, and induction of heavy sweating- a process that is effective in removing toxins from the body. Consumption of spicy food can even increase fluid consumption and introduce important nutrients into a cold victims body, increasing the immune systems ability to fight disease. This is a widely used remedy with it's origins lost in the sands of time.

Hot/Cold Towel

Have a minor headache? Bloodshot or tired eyes? Stressed? Putting a hot or cold wet towel on your eyes and forehead can reduce these inconveniences. For a minor headache placing a cold or warm wet towel on the forehead and applying a little pressure can reduce the pain. Do this for as long as it takes to feel minor relief from pain. For itchy bloodshot eyes due to allergies using a cold wet towel will reduce the pain and shrink the blood vassals in the eyes that make it bloodshot. Keep the cold wet towel on your eyes for however long the itchiness remains. For tired bloodshot eyes applying a warm wet towel for 10 to 20 minutes throughout the day relieves the appearance of bloodshot eyes. Lying down on a couch or chair with a warm towel over your face can also can reduce stress. The warmth of the towel mellows your out so you can relax and focus on what needs to be done. This form of relaxation is best done in a quiet environment such as a secluded part of the home or office.

Hot Compresses

A doctor-recomended remedy for a Stye is a hot compress on the infected eye. Place a clean washcloth in very hot water, wring it out and apply to the eye, with slight pressure, for fifteen minutes, six to eight times a day. This helps the Stye to drain and it relieves pressure, causing the eye to heal.

Hot rice pack for muscle cramping

Cramping is the seizing or spasms of the muscles caused by strain in the particular area. They may be spontaneous or gradual. The main symptoms of the condition are steady pain and/or firmness in the affected area due to hardened tissue. Oftentimes the application of heat helps to relieve pain by increasing blood flow to the muscle and therefore allowing the muscle to relax and relieve tension. Poor hydration or repeated use of the muscle may also be responsible for discomfort. To help relieve pain, a towel filled with raw rice may be heated in a microwave for approx. two minutes and then applied to the affected area. Leave the packet on until with the pain is relieved or the rice has cooled, in which case it may be reheated. The method may be preferable over hot water or heating pads because it is less likely to cause accidental burns on the skin.[1]

Hot Toddy

This mixed drink can be used to soothe sore throats or otherwise relieve the common cold. Take one and a half ounces of whiskey, one ounce of honey, a third ounce of lemon juice, and three ouncaes of hot water. Warm the honey and the lemon juice for roughly half a minute in a microwave, before adding the water and the whiskey. If you wish, you can substitute the hot water for tea and the whiskey with brandy. This should help loosen mucus congestions; sip slowly to allow the effect of the warmth to take place. Keep in mind that too much alcohol is actually bad for the membranes, so limit yourself to one per day.

Hot Water / Lysol

In very far out places and especially in the early parts of the 20th century, people were not nearly as close to hospitals as we are today. Neither did they have the appropriate transportation at times. When a person did something such as step on a rusty nail and get blood poisoning, using extremely hot water with some lysol in it, the posion is extracted from the blood stream with not only the heat, but also the disinfectant. The amount of time required to keep your foot in the hot water varies upon how big the streak of poision looks in your leg or arm (and how long it takes to remove the poison). Usually around 15 minutes of soaking will be sufficient. The only risk associated with this practice is the pain factor involved. By keeping your foot in very hot water, you will extract the poision, but obviously suffer some pain. This is commonly used in the Western society as a prevention of blood poisoning.

Humidifier

When getting the common cold one home remedy is to use a humidifier. I have found that using a humidifier can help relieve the symptoms of the common cold significantly. During the long winter months when we are inside so much, we are breathing very dry and stale air. With a humidifier it brings in moisture to help with the long dry months. There are also furnace humidifiers that humidify the whole house at a moderate temperature level. Not only does it help with the common cold but I can also help in the prevention of other infections such as the flu. Although a humidifier can be used year round its best to use when the temperature is very cold, that is when the air is the most dry. Also you can run the humidifier all day and night, or until your room or house is a humid as you desire. Some other things that is helps with is if you have cracking wood furniture a humidifier can be very good. So it not only benefits people but their homes as well.

Some special considerations to take in are that there are different types of humidifiers. Besides just room humidifiers and whole house humidifiers there are a variety of room humidifiers. Some of the humidifiers blow warm/hot steam, whereas some blow cool mist air. There is not a huge difference it just your preference. The only down fall is with hot steam the temperature can become too warm and then uncomfortable. And with the cool air the room can be too cold. I am not exactly sure who invented the humidifier, but it is used all over the world, or where it can be used, but mostly in Western societies.

Humidifiers have been shown to significantly decrease snoring in those who regularly use them at night. The more the esophogus is lubricated, the less it will rattle when you breathe at night, thus decreasing the snoring. Also, those with asthma have been shown to be severely effected by the steam, allowing them much easier breathing at night, also from the amount of lubrication they recieve with humidified air. All in all, respiratory ailments can be helped immensely with frequent use of a humidifier or steam producing machine. Western society

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide is used to cure bad breath within many Western society. You are supposed to mix hydrogen peroxide with water into equal parts, rinse your mouth with the solution and let it stand for 2-3 minutes. If you look into your mouth you will be able to see the peroxide solution working in between your teeth and under your gum line. Rinse your mouth well and brush your teeth as usual.

Hydrogen Peroxide can also be used to clean infected cuts. If a cut becomes infected, fill the cap of the Hydrogen Peroxide bottle (to ensure the proper amount is used) with Hydrogen Peroxide and apply it to the cut. It will sting and foam for a while, so wipe off excess liquid only after it ceases to foam, which will mean the bacteria has been killed as much as possible for the time being. Perform this treatment at least twice daily for best results. Western society.

With our society’s increasing demands on looking perfect many people have turned to bleach methods and expensive pastes as a way of whitening teeth. Hydrogen Peroxide serves as a very cheap, yet effective way to do the same thing. At only $1 a bottle, Hydrogen Peroxide has agents in it that will eat away at old stains while at the same time ridding your mouth of any bacteria present.

The process in all only takes 30 seconds to a minute and is just a swirl around your mouth before brushing your teeth. Do this once every other day, and you should see results within a couple weeks. Take precaution when using Hydrogen Peroxide and be sure not to swallow large doses as this is a chemical and could cause vomiting. It should also be noted that over usage of Hydrogen Peroxide on the teeth can peel away enamel resulting in cavities, so it is important to stick to every other day rather than daily.

In Western Society, methods such as using Hydrogen Peroxide as a bleaching agent are very popular due to high image standards. Many other cultures don’t put as much emphasis on physical appearance, leaving the usage of chemicals for beauty enhancement for Western culture.

Its chemical symbol is H202 and it must be stored in a dark bottle. The exposure to light should be limited because light will cause H2O2 to break down and it will no longer work properly. Large amounts can be harmful if ingested. It is used as a disinfectant or even a teeth whitener in Western society

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Many people beleive Hydrogen Peroxide is an effective cure for the common cold and flu. This belief began when it was thought that influenza or the common cold entered the body through the ear canal. Once there the virus would infect the earwax and slowly move it's way into the rest of the body. To prevent this from happening, a few drops of 3% solution of Hydrogen Peroxide was put into each ear within 12 hours of the first symptoms. An odd bubbling sound would be heard as the Peroxide dissolved the earwax. This would be repeated several times a day for 48 hours. Even though the theory of how the body gets infected has long since been refuted, this remedy is still a common practice in many western households. Western society

Ibuprofen

Athletes on a daily basis obtain strained muscles and tweak joints in certain ways that cause pain for some prolonged period of time. People in general don't like to be in pain especially if the pain prevents you from doing an activity that you consider necessary or just enjoy doing. Ibuprofen not only will take away pain as long as you believe it is going to, but is also supposed to supress inflamation. For an athlete these to properties of ibuprofen are very important, becuase they both allow the athlete or just any person in general to continue with their activity. Ibuprofen is generally taken with water or some other beverage and if extreme amounts are to be taken then it is highly recommended that food it in the stomach of the taker or sever stomach pain can result. Also if too much ibuprofen is taken with certain other drugs or substances it can be very synergistic and can create a high along with a total reduction of any bodily pain.

Ibuprofen is a quickly acting pain reliever, and is effective in dulling or temporarily relieving body aches and headaches, as well as inflammation of joints and muscles. Ibuprofen is also treats the symptoms of fevers, and can reduce the recovery time of fevers. Ibuprofen can be taken at any time, but in small doses. Doses of ibuprofen should be taken every four to six hours. One should not exceed 1200mg of ibuprofen in a twenty-four hour period, as ibuprofen thins the lining of the stomach and can cause internal bleeding. Anyone that has had an allergic reaction to any other type of pain killer should not ingest ibuprofen. Western society

Ice

It is common knowledge almost everywhere in the world that ice is a great way to heal many different forms of injuries. Most people believe that the reason ice heals the wound is because it numbs the skin around the injury, but in reality it is more complex than that. When your body is injured it sends a larger amount of blood than normal to the area that is injured. The reason for this is that blood holds many nutrients, thus, it is the body’s way of attempting to aid the injury. Sending so much blood to the affected area is in effort to quickly heal the injury. The larger amount of blood causes the injured area to become inflamed and swollen. By putting ice on the enflamed skin ([2]) it causes the blood to disperse and the inflammation to go down.

A home remedy that is very comonly used amoung athletes is taking ice baths. Ice baths help rejuvenate the body after the body has been put under much stress, due to constant heavy work outs or sport practices. What you must do is fill a tub with cold water about a quarter of the way. Then you put one bag of ice in the water. Lay in the water no more than 10 minutes. Ice water helps eleviate the pain of sore, tight muscles or bones and is guaranteed to make your body feel fresh and ready for another work out. Western society

Many athletes, especially runners or jumpers, suffer from shin splints. Shin splints is the term given to the pain a person feels on their shins caused by physical activity. One home remedy that is very useful to reduce shin splints is icing the shins. There are many ways that this can be done, but one specific method seems to be the most effective. All you need is a small paper or styrofoam, water and a freezer. Fill the cup with water and wait for it to freeze. Once the water has become solid ice you remove the ice from the cup in one piece. Next, you begin to rub the ice face down along your shins. Soon, the ice will be formed to your shins and you can firmly rub for about 10 minutes at a time. This can be done as often as needed. Western society

Ice Cream or sherbet

A home remedy that I personally use and is very common amongst people in American Society is the use of ice cream. It can help to sooth a sore throat. It also can be used kind of as a placebo, because of its reputation as something that makes people feel good, it could trick the body into feeling better during a common cold. Also, ice cream is used by many people to help cure or deal with depression, adn this seems to be fairly effective in that manner. Ice cream should not be used in excess, usually just a pint or a bowl should be enough, as more ice cream could actually make a person more sick. It should be taken while sick or depressed and should last for half and hour to an hour, or before it melts. Ice cream is common around the world, but especially popular in western society. The origins of ice cream came from the farming of cows and has been used for these purposes in western society for quite some time. Although ice cream may not be as scientifically endorsed as other western remedies, it still can help sooth an aching body or an aching soul.

Ice then heat

Ice then heat can be used for many things. It is a unique dual action formula which can relieve pain in the area of soreness. The cool part (being the ice) dulls the pain away and then that is followed up by the heat (which comes in many forms) relaxes the pain. It is ideal for fast pain relief but it is also long lasting for sore muscles, backache, muscle cramps and even arthritis. Use this in moderation, avoid areas that are sensitive such as underarms, or anywhere on your head.You can repeat this consecutively for the best results.Going ice for 15 minutes then heat for 15 minutes then repeat once more. For more information on remedies commonly used in Western Culture, visit the Western society page.

Icy-hot

Icy-hot can be used for many things. It is a unique dual action formula which comes in different forms there is a gel, a cream a stick and even a patch that you place on the area of soreness. The cool part of it dulls the pain away and then that is followed up by the heat which then relaxes the pain. It is ideal for fast pain relief but it is also long lasting for sore muscles, backache, muscle cramps and even arthritis. It is the most common typically over-the-counter pain reliever out.

Jellyfish Sting

Although most jellyfish stings are only a painful annoyance, the sting from a box jellyfish or an Irukandji can be fatal, and it is important to take all precautions if stung by a jellyfish. If the sting is serious you should seek professional aid as soon as you can. If not, it is still important to get out of the water quickly to avoid more stings and drowning in the case of a severe allergic reaction to the poison.

A home remedy for the relieving pain/itchiness from a jellyfish sting is to put vinegar on the infected area, except for if the wound is on the eye, where the vinegar can be lightly dabbed around the eye with a cloth but not in the eye. The vinegar will neutralize the venom releasing cells the jellyfish leaves behind. If vinegar is not available you can wash the wound with salt water. Fresh water should not be used to wash the wound. The change in pH can cause additional venom to be released. There is a myth that urine will help the wound. This is untrue and urine will probably end up causing more venom to be released. Many other substances can also aggravate the wound, so it’s important to make sure whatever you use on the sting wound is safe.

Anyone assisting in first aid should use gloves or some other available barrier device to prevent personal injury. After vinegar has been applied it is safe to remove any jellyfish parts from the wound. Then to remove any excess sting cells you may use shaving cream and a safety razor or credit card.

Jewelweed

You've just come back from camping and are very itchy and have rash spots all over your body, what are these symptoms of? The answer is poison ivy. If you find that you have a bad case of rashes from Poison Ivy, you can get a plant called Jewelweed. To get rid of the rash you can get a whole Jewelweed plant and crush it into a ball. This ball will then be used to be rubbed on the exposed area; this then should get rid of the rash. If this does not work, there is a more effective method in riding yourself of poison ivy. A person can crush some jewelweed stems in a container, and then use a cotton ball or sterile pad to soak up the juice. The juice should then be rubbed on the infect spot and this should also get rid of any rashes from poison ivy. The anti-inflammitory/fungicidal chemical in this plant is 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone and these are the chemicals that help heal the infected areas in which poison ivy has come into contact with.

A "Jigger" of Whiskey

This home remedy is a great way to relieve you of the sniffles, stuffy noses, soar throats, sinus decongestion/pressure, and coughs. All you need to do, is grab your favorite mug, start water boiling, and as it is boiling, cut up a fresh lemon. Once your water is good and hot, pour it into your mug, squeeze in 1/4 of the fresh lemon, add honey (as much as you feel necessary), and pour in a "jigger" of whiskey. BEFORE you consume this wonderful drink, inhale the steam coming from it, it will open up the congestion you are feeling in your head. Once it is cool, ENJOY as it soothes your throat all the way down! (and don't worry about getting "tipsy" (not that there is enough alcohol in a "jigger", but most of the alcohol will evaporate as the water is steaming!) This home remedy was passed down to me by my father, who learned it from his German Mechanic employer when he was a teenager. He calls it the "Germa-flue" remedy!

Kombucha

Kombucha

Kombucha refers to a culture of biotic organisms such as yeast and bacteria that thrive in a mixture of tea and sugar. The resulting mixture called "Kombucha Tea" which is slightly carbonated and effervescent and takes 7 to 10 days to prepare due to the fermentation process. This drink is rich in enzymes, amino acids and a general array of beneficial probiotics that mainly aid in metabolism and help detoxify the body as well as strengthen the immune system. The claims of the ailments that Kombucha tea helps with are far and wide. Recent research shows that kombucha tea boosts the grandular system which is responsible for maintaining balance among all body systems. Some of the illness that kombucha helps prevent and treat are constipation, obesity, arthritis, arteriosclerosis, kidney stones, rheumatism, gout, impotence, and cancer especially in its early stages. Generally, commercial kombucha tea manufacturers recommend consuming at least one bottle a day which is about sixteen ounces. However, serving size varies according to how "strong" or fermented kombucha tea is so the daily allowance can vary from 4 to 16 ounces. When starting to drink kombucha tea for the first time it is recommended to start with 4 ounces daily and eventually work up to 16 ounces.

As a consideration or a warning some scientists have claimed that kombucha tea may lead to development of tumors and harm liver, kidney and intestinal tissues. Also people allergic to tea should not drink kombucha as it may trigger an allergy attack.

Kombucha tea started out in Russia or at least has its first recorded evidence there. In Russia it is called, "mushroom" or "tea kvass" in reference to its sourness and tea flavor. Kombucha tea is also popular in Germany and Asia and has been working its way into America through the cultural obsession with organic and natural products. Some notable American people that consume kombucha tea are Madonna, Oliver Stone and Linda Evans. Throughout the world kombucha tea is consumed as a refreshing drink with a pleasant taste to maintain overall wellness.

Laryngitis

This remedy is used when you have laryngitis or also can be used if you have a sore throat. First you take a fresh lemon and roll it between your hands until it becomes soft. Then you cut the lemon in half and put honey on the top. Next you put the lemon in the microwave and heat it until it becomes warm. Take the lemon out and suck on it for a while until you get most of the juice out. You could also replace the lemon with lemonade, depending on what you have at home, if using leomonade use about 8 ounces, one cup, to about a table spoon of honey, can add more if you need it to be sweeter.

This remedy can be repeated throughout the day and as long as you have a sore throat. There are not any immediate complications with this method unless you are allergic to citrus fruits, or the honey. This remedy has been used in many places throughout the world. Thought to have originated in the Philippines and later spread to Hawaii and other places in the US.

Laudanum

A traditional treatment that has fallen out of favor as the harmful aspects of opium came to light. Laudanum is typically a mixture of opium, sugar, and an alcoholic beverage. Taking it results in an obviously opiate state, and it was often used to calm crying babies. It became less common in the 20th century.

Lavender

Lavender has been used for centuries for many medicinal purposes. Included can be acne, headaches, warding off insects, and problems sleeping. Applying one part lavender to ten parts water can reduce the inflammation of acne. Lavender oil applied to the temples can help relieve headaches, as well as putting lavender flowerheads in an eye mask. Lavender seeds added to blankets or pillows can help induce relaxation and aid sleep. Hanging lavender around a central area can also ward off many insects. For any of these ailments, use as much and as often as needed; perhaps when the effects begin to wear off. [3]

Lavender has been used in various countries, specifically native to the Mediterranean, Africa and India. Variations are now found worldwide, including Europe and North America.

Lavender Sleep-Aid

People tend to be somewhat unaware when it comes to the benefits of lavender despite the many claims in which aromatherapy has been said to help catalyze sleep. By using a lavender filled pillow, the distinct scent is able to linger in the air and relax your senses. When using a pillow of this sort, (usually no longer than the width of a person's head and just wide enough to cover one's eyes) place across face while laying in bed. This strong lavender aroma has a way of relaxing a person's mind, muscles and senses; thus resulting in an easier transition into your sleep cycle. May be used every night, or any other time that sleep is desired but difficult to come by.

Lavendar pillows can be found at a multitude of stores. For example, Fred Meyer and Target. They are a relatively inexpensive method worth trying, although there is a risk that the lavendar may cause irritation to someone who is allergic. This method is used throughout different nations, yet it tends to be quite popular within the community of frequent travelers.

Leeches

Leeches can be very effective in extracting snake venom from a snake bite. More recently in medical history the leech is used to prevent venous congestion (pooling of excess blood) when re-attaching fingers, toes, or ears. The most effective species of leech for medical use is called the hirudo medicinalis which has three jaws that look like little saws with about 100 sharp teeth used to puncture the skin of a host. It is recommended to leave the leech on the infected area for about 6-12 hours. By that time the leech will have extracted enough blood to digest and live off for about another year before needing another host while removing poisonous venom or excess blood. The hirudo medicinalis leech’s saliva contains anesthetic so the host or patient feels little pain while it is attached. Their saliva also contains an anticoagulant which keeps the host’s blood from clotting which may cause more bleeding after the leech has been removed but is not dramatic enough to affect a human. It is normal for a healing leech bite to itch and should be thoroughly cleaned to prevent any kind of infection. There is nothing that exists in modern medicine today as effective for snake venom or venous congestion used today which is why leeches are used around the world. The practice of using leeches to extract blood was first recorded to have been used in ancient Greece as a part of the humoral theory. In Turkish Culture, leeches are known to be sold in animal markets in Istanbul and many other civilizations around the world.

Lemon tea

Lemon tea with honey is commonly used by singers and those who are in a profession requiring consistent speech, teachers for example. The tea issued to sooth throat soreness, and help tense or strained vocal chords. The tea is best used while on vocal rest.

Typically the tea is very hot and sipped over a long period of time, reheating as necessary. It is believed that the honey coats the throat providing moisture to the effected area and helping retain the heat. A lemon tea treatment is used periodically until the soreness subsides. If the throat is very sore then a treatment of hot water and honey is sometimes used rather than lemon tea. Tea contains caffeine, which dehydrates the body, which defeats the purpose of the treatment when used in large quantities or in severe cases.

Lemon Juice

Many people of all ages tend to at one point or another experience oily hair. The reason could be anything from hereditary causes, to forgetting to wash your hair for the past few days. Several other causes for oily hair may be not rinsing out all the shampoo or conditioner, combing your hair too much or having to much hair. Everyone has sebaceous glands that produce sebum or better known as oil. Thus, the more hair you have the more oil build up you have in your scalp. Intense heat or humidity can also activate these glands, along with the hormone androgen. This hormone can active the glands due to stress in both men and women.

One of the most popular ways to get rid of oily hair is to use lemon juice. Squeeze the juice from one lemon into a mixture with one cup of water. Use this and rinse it through your hair while in the shower. Next rinse with warm water. This will help to block the release of oil from the hair, as well as control buildup from shampoo. Along with this is will add some extra shine to your hair. This method can be used as often as needed. This method is popular world wide, but especially in Western society and anywhere lemon juice is available.

A very effective way of getting rid of oily hair is a vinegar rinse. Take a teaspoon of vinegar and mix it with a pint of water. Apply this to your hair after you have shampooed. This acts as a finishing product to your hair. This strips your hair of the residue that is left over from your daily shampoo.

Another way to reduce oil in your hair is to choose a shampoo that has a clear effect to it. This usually means there is fewer products in the shampoo than others.

Lastly, learn to relax. If stress is something that can active the sebaceous glands than take some alone time and relax.

Lemon Tea

Lemon Tea is a home remedy for the flu or a cold. It consists of Lemons, honey, water, and cinnamon sticks. It is prepared by squeezing out the lemons into a pot, then also adding the squeezed lemon rinds into the pot as well. Add enough water to just cover the lemons (in a fairly big pot) and throw in a few cinnamon sticks. You may add honey before boiling the mixture for about 10 minutes, or until a significant amount of water has been boiled away. After boiling, add honey to taste, and drink!

The Vitamin C boosts the immune system, whiles the warm liquid sooths a soar throat and clogged sinuses. If it is a bad cold lasting more than a couple days, more tea can be prepared daily. However it is important not to drink too much of this tea, for two reasons. One reason is that honey contains a lot of sugar, which can inhibit your immune system if too much is consumed, so it is best to add a small amount of honey. Also the sourness of the lemon juice, depending on the concentration of the tea, can cause soars in you mouth, if too much is drank. This remedy comes from my mother’s family, and has been around longer than I have.

Lemon tea with honey is commonly used by singers and those who are in a profession requiring consistent speech, teachers for example. The tea issued to sooth throat soreness, and help tense or strained vocal chords. The tea is best used while on vocal rest.

Typically the tea is very hot and sipped over a long period of time, reheating as necessary. It is believed that the honey coats the throat providing moisture to the effected area and helping retain the heat. A lemon tea treatment is used periodically until the soreness subsides. If the throat is very sore then a treatment of hot water and honey is sometimes used rather than lemon tea. Tea contains caffeine, which dehydrates the body, which defeats the purpose of the treatment when used in large quantities or in severe cases.

Lemon juice is also an effective way to lighten one’s hair color. To do this, squeeze enough fresh lemon juice to saturate your hair. Leave it in for at least an hour, depending on the desired amount of lightening. For extra lightening, go outside in the sun after saturating your hair with lemon juice. Repeat this daily until you’ve reached your desired hair color.

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Licorice Root

Licorice root (also known as blackroot, black sugar, liquorice, sweetroot or sweetwood) is an herbal remedy that comes from the dried roots of the glycyrrhiza plant. Licorice root can be used to neutralize toxins, reduce inflammation and aid in digestion. It also helps cure a myriad of other ailments including bronchitis, colds, coughs, hyperacidity, laryngitis, flu and painful urination. In addition to its mucous-stimulating properties that make it useful for curing illnesses related to sore throats, studies have shown that licorice kills Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that causes most ulcers and stomach inflammation. A remedy to cure stomach ulcers has been formulated in Europe using licorice. In China, it has traditionally been used for treatments as varied as hepatitis, sore throat and muscle spasms. Although licorice appears to be useful in many ways, side effects accompany prolonged use. These include hypertension, water retention, sodium retention and loss of potassium. These symptoms have caused health authorities to recommend that its usage not exceed four to six weeks, and that a diet high in potassium be consumed during the treatment period. Dosage varies, depending on the ailment it is being used for, and it ranges from a few milligrams a day to 15 grams per day. Licorice can be steeped in hot water and taken as tea, or can be consumed in powder or tablet form.

Lime

The primary cause of some forms of arthritis is uric acid, and because lime is a solvent of uric acid it can be helpful in preventing the aches and pains of arthritis. The juice of one lime mixed with water should be drank once a day. It is best to drink the solution in the morning. This remedy is used in western culture.

Lime

Lime, Sugar, Salt and Water

In the Cambodian culture, a simple concoction is mixed in order to ease the pain of a sore throat. A whole lime is squeezed into a small bowl or cup. Water is then added, tripling the amount of liquid. A few spoonfuls of sugar and a pinch of salt is added to the drink. It is normally sipped, using a spoon, so that the liquid goes down the the throat slowly. It can be taken as needed, as long as the sore throat is still present. It also doesn’t taste half bad.

Listerine

Other than being used for an after rinse for dental hygiene, Listerine can also help with Athlete's Foot. If you find that you have developed a case of Athlete's Foot, Listerine can be used to remove this stuborn foot fungus. Listerine can be purchased at any local grocery store and is less expensive than buying regular Athlete's Foot Foot Spray. To start the treatment, start by applying the Listerine to a sterile cotton pad. You then should rub it on to the infected part of the foot twice daily. Repeat the previous steps until symptoms subside. Listerine is not only safe for adult use but also for children. After curing Athlete's Foot you'll be up and running again for more fun activities!

My grandfather swears by listerine! Chronic toenail fungua runs in his family and he swears that soaking his toenails in Listerine for 15 minutes each evening for 3 weeks completely eliminated this embarassing problem.

Liver Flush

This is done by drinking apple juice alone for 3 days, followed by drinking a cup of olive oil and a cup of lemon juice. This helps to cure Jaundice.

Local Honey

Eating honey is a cure for hay fever. If you eat a tablespoon of local honey for every day of the hay fever season you won't be affected by hay fever for the rest of that day. This is because honey made locally is made from all of pollen and nectar of the very plants that are affecting you. This is an English folklore remedy.

Honey

Losing a Tooth and saving it with Milk

If you happen to get a tooth knocked out, for whatever reason it may be, you still have a chance to get that tooth back where it belongs with the help of milk. When a tooth is knocked out, find the lost tooth and with minimal handling (don't even rinse the tooth off), and put the tooth in a glass of milk. Now it's just a mad rush for the dentist to hopefully get that tooth put back in. If I remember correctly you only have about 20 to 30 minutes before your chances of being able to replant the tooth starts to greatly decline, so don't waste time getting to the dentist. I'm not sure if the type of milk makes a difference, when a coworker got his tooth knocked out we only had 1% on hand and it worked fine and he got his tooth back! I'm not sure about the origins of using milk to save a lost tooth.

Love

Love is a euphoric feeling, of varying intensity, that can be felt towards almost anything in the right context. In most cultures love is a mysterious and abstract concept but it can have great affects on physical as well as mental health. This rememdy is not ailment specific although it unfortunately excludes illnesses that are highly contagious or fatal. the general principle of this remedy is to care for and give affection to the person who is experiencing discomfort. This is hard to do in some situations for varying reasons (i'm sure you can imagine) but love and care are absolutely key for healing. a few ways to express/give love in a healing manor are to make sure the ailed-person is as comfortable as possible, snuggle and cuddle them whenever you can, help them with whatever medications or treatments they need for swift recovery, give positive reassurance and be kind and above all be patient.Love should be administered as frequently as possible with near constant care. Being overbearing or smothering the ailed-person will not help them! make sure your love is accepted but keep in mind it might not be apparent how much it is appreciated until they have recovered. Global Culture

Love can also help greatly to those suffering from depression and other mental disorders. For many people feeling unloved or like no one cares about them is a great source of suffering and pain mentally, which may also have physical repercussions such as self-inflicted harm due to such feelings. Emotions, while perhaps not a source of any physical non-wellbeing, can have a severe impact on one's overall health. Love has been something which has gotten me through some of the toughest times in my life, being someone who suffers from Bipolar I (and ADD). I say suffering in that it has been the source of nearly ending my life several times since the age of 10, and has greatly impacted my ability to do well in school. It is the people who cared most about me and loved me that helped me the many times I tried to commit suicide. It is learning to love myself (and the help of very strong medications) that has made living with Bipolar I a lot more bearable than it used to be.

Lung Compress

A lung compress consists of cotton or an absorbent cloth soaked in a mixture of honey and alcohol that is applied to the rib area so it sits around the lungs. The lung compress should also be tightened by another cloth and have a few layers of clothes over it to lessen heat loss. This type of hot compress is generally applied during or after pneumonia or any ailment that severely affects the lungs such as a cold or flu. Once the lung compress is made it should snuggly sit on the ribs so that honey and alcohol soak into the skin. It should be applied for 2 to 4 hours a day anywhere from one to five days.

This compress should not be used during fever as it may worsen it. It is generally used as the sickness winds down to help ensure full recovery and prevent a repeat infection.

This type of compress is used in Russia, Europe, Asia and other countries and regions with cold climates. The lung compress may have originated in Russia or Germany although no clear indication of its origin exist. This compress is used widely in Russia to help treat and prevent pneumonia.

Marigold

The marigold is a scented herb of the genus Tagetes and the one's in our gardens have most likely originated from Mexico. While they are a beautiful aspect to the common household garden they are also a great remedy for toothaches. The juice of its petals mixed with vinegar and then rubbed on the gums and teeth is a quick relief to tooth pain. Marigolds contain an antibacterial agent and contain mucilage that when coats and soothes the infected area.

Massage

Massage is a type of therapy that is used by applying pressure with your hands to different muscles, tendons, joints, ligaments, tissues, and trigger points of the body. Massage is a natural way to reduce stress, help with injury rehabilitation, improve circulation, and promote a general feeling of wellness. Simple massages can last only a few minutes, while more intense types can last upwards of an hour with an experienced masseuse. Therapeutic massage can be administered in many different ways such as chair massage, deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, and many other types that vary by country. The practice of massage is widely popular and globally used. [ http://www.stressreductiongroup.com/why_massage.asp ]

Mayonnaise

In the Western society mayonnaise is a popular and effective way to treat headlice, and a common benefit is getting your hair shiny and smooth. Mayonnaise, along with butter, olive oil, and castor oil are used to smother the lice. People can leave the mayo in their hair from anywhere from a couple of hours to overnight while wearing a shower cap or some kind of head cover (on small children, if they chew their hair, a head covor is recommended due to the possibility of the mayo going rancid). A few additional washings are recommended to remove all of the mayo and lice out of the hair.

Mayonnaise for Dry Hair

Often, dry hair plagues females who dye or style their hair, and people who frequent swimming pools. Dry hair can become brittle and break, and may be the root or cause of a flakey scalp—and dandruff. However, instead of spending money on a fancy ‘deep conditioning masque’ at a spa or ritzy hair salon, a remedy for dry hair may be found in your refrigerator. Apply about one tablespoon of ‘old fashioned’ mayonnaise (not low-fat or low-carb) to your hair after shampooing. Wait twenty-thirty minutes, then rinse, adding dime-sized amount of shampoo if necessary to remove all mayonnaise. No special considerations need be taken, except to not leave the mayonnaise on for more than thirty minutes. Follow these steps no more than once a week accordingly for smoother, healthier hair.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a chemical secreted by the pineal gland in our brains at night. In our history, humans have been expsed for up to 18 hours of darkness. But in the modern age, we seldom see more than 8 hours of darkness. This decreases the production of melatonin, even because of artificial lighting. Reduced melatonin production has been proposed as a likely factor in the significantly higher cancer rates in night workers. The amount of melatonin secreted seems to decrease as we age, perhaps explaining why younger people have less problems sleeping than older people. The main use of taking melatonin supplements is to help regulate sleep/wake cycles. It is less aggressive than sleeping pills and can be taken on a daily basis with little to no dependency. It is because of its mild effect that it is commonly used by people with jetlag or sleeping problems.

Menthol Eucalyptus Cough Drops

This remedy is made for soothing Sore Throats and clearing nasal passageways, which will in turn prevent future coughing that would worsen the condition of one's throat. Menthol Eucalyptus cough drops should be taken about once an hour, slowly disolved (not chewed) in the mouth. They can be found in most local grocery stores and do not cost much. After a day, the cough drops should have begun to improve the condition of one's throat and/or nasal congestion. However, one should not take the cough drops too liberally because moderation is good when one's body is ingesting something new to it. One can read more on a specific menthol lozenge product at http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100001602.html.

Milk Compress

Milk is an excellent remedy for sunburns (and other skin irritations) because it contains vitamin A, vitamin D, fat, proteins, and lactic/amino acids all of which act as soothers for irritated skin. First you make a compress of whole milk by soaking a cloth or cotton wad in the cool milk. Next put the compress directly onto the burned area for 20 minutes then wash off with cold water. Make sure you wash it off because if you leave the milk on not only will the skin start to smell sour but there is possibility for infection. Repeat this process about every two hours. There are similar remedies that call for the compress to be dipped in a mixture of 1 cup of skim milk with 4 cups of water and ice cubes and then another with just plain old buttermilk. The skim milk works but not as well as the whole milk because the key ingredient in the whole milk is the fat, which is one of milks most soothing elements. On the same note it’s believed that the buttermilk works better because of it’s higher fat content. Milk has always been used as a skin soother particularly among the Romans but this method can be found in many parts all over now especially among Westerners.

Milk and Bread

Milk is a good treatment for infected hair follicles, skin infections, and boils. What you want to do is heat up a pot of milk, and then once the milk is heated, soak a piece of bread in the milk and make it as hot as is tolerable. Then you place the bread on the infection and leave it for ten or fifteen minutes at a time. Repeat as necessary until the infection is gone.

Milk and a Paper Towel

A common cure for the hiccups is covering a glass of milk with a paper towel and drinking the milk through the paper towel. This remedy requires a tall glass of cold 2% milk, a paper towel and a rubber band so that when you drink the milk, it doesn't spill all over you. Once you have covered the glass with the paper towel firmly with the rubber band, slowly begin to drink the milk. Make sure to finish your glass completley. This remedy should cure your hiccups within the next hour. The only risk of this treatment is the milk spilling all over your clothes. But, if you secure the rubber band tight enough, you should be ok. This remedy can be found throughout the United States, primarily on the East Coast.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle or Silybum marianum is a plant native to the Mediterranean that is commonly used as a remedy for various ailments and is especially valued for its protective properties of the liver. It can be used to improve the function of the liver, treat liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, and gallbladder disorders. Through extraction of the herb, milk thistle can be consumed in the form of capsules, infused in teas, or liquid extracts. It's use generally has few side effects other than upset stomach, diarrhea, or allergic reactions. The active ingredient,thought to be concentrated in the seeds, is called silymarin. The compounds or flavonolignands help repair liver cells and prevent further damage from alcohol, and other toxic substances. The clinical efficacy of milk thistle is not conclusive. The recommended dosage is generally 12-15 grams of the dried herb per day or 100-200mg in capsule form. It has been used in Western culture since Greco-Roman times and during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States.

Miso Soup

The ingredients that make up miso soup vary, but the essential ingredients that are used to help clean open wounds would be seaweed,tofu and green onions. These key ingredients have been useful in many ways. Koreans normally use these to cleanse open scars. The most popular reason for this remedy are bee stings.In korea it was not uncommon for villagers to work in the blazing sun. The heat and pollen attracted many bees. After weeks of hard work it was likely that they would have accumulated number of bee stings. Therefore they believed that the warm ingredients of Miso soup could be placed on a washcloth and then placed on the open abrasion. The washcloth is then left on the wound for at least thirty minutes. These ingredients are believed to be powerful components in healing and cleaning blood as well as skin. This method of therapy is only used at the time of injury and is used everday for thirty minutes untill the wound has healed.

Morning Spit

Morning spit can cure the warts that grow on your body. A wart is a small, often hard, abnormal elevation on the skin, usually caused by a papomavirus. The morning spit is a key to the cure of warts because is has the fresh bacteria that is in your mouth when you wake up from your sleep. Brushing your teeth kills the bacteria. To make this effective, one must spit on the wart and let is dry before washing yourself every morning until the wart is gone. Within a week or so, one will see a big improvement on the cure to their wart. This is mainly apart of the Western culture because we come from a society that learns things from television and that is how I learned this culture practice. I saw this Western Practice to prevent warts on the discovery channel. No other medicines or practices worked for me, but the morning spit did.

Mugwort

The Aglo Saxons of the Middle Ages used the term "Mucgwrt" to refer to this plant belonging to the Artemisia family. Mugwort, as it is referred to now, has been known to treat absesses, fungal infections, and can be used as an anti-inflammatory. This plant was originally considered one of the nine sacred herbs used to repel evils. In the Isle of Man, a crown made of mugwort was worn on the national day of July 5 (the Mid-Summer Day) every year in ritual and was said to ward off all evil. Mugwort is also known as the mother of herbs associated with witchcraft (in old goddess-religions) and fertility rights. Hipocrates himself once said that this plant could be used to cleanse the uterus after child birth and to stimulate the menses. In Russia, physicians used mugwort in hospital settings to fight against epilepsy, and the Romans often massaged mugwort into their calves to reduce cramps while walking long distances. Mugwort has also proven to be efficient in getting rid of parasites.

Multi-Vitamins

The use of a multivitamin is preventive and effective way to supplement one’s diet when it is not adequate in obtaining sufficient daily values of nutrients. Multivitamins aid those who cannot, or will not, eat a complete and nutritious diet, and those with dietary imbalances to prevent nutritional deficiencies which wreck havoc on the body. They should be used daily and for whatever duration desired by its user. Multivitamins typically should be taken once per day with a meal, to avoid over consumption of certain vitamins. Women who are pregnant should consult their doctors before usage. Postmenopausal women however should avoid multivitam Children need less iron than adults so it is suggested that they use childrens's vitamins. The U.S. does sell multivitamin tablets with more than 100% of the daily recommended intake, but there it is questionable whether or not we really need more than 100% of any vitamin or mineral per day.

Mustard Plaster

In the event of a common cold or other respiratory constraints (such as those that accompany hay fever), take a dampened bedsheet and place inside is a paste composed of roughly half a teaspoon of grounded mustard seed powder mixed in with a tablespoon of flour and lukewarm water. Warm it using a stove (not too much, so as not to harden the paste), and place it on chest area. This is meant to break the congestion in one's chest. Be careful to check the condition of the skin now and then so that it does not overheat or turn raw. Do not leave it on for more than thirty minutes, and make sure that the paste itself does not come in direct contact with the skin.

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Dharmananda, S. “Fifteen Commonly Used Chinese Herbs.” An Introduction to Chinese Herbs. 1996. Institute for Traditional Medicine. May 25, 2007. http://www.itmonline.org/arts/herbintro.htm.

Healthnotes.com 7 Sept 2006. “Licorice”. May 25, 2007. http://www.itmonline.org/arts/herbintro.htm.

Foster, S. “Licorice.” 2000. Steven Foster Group. May 25, 2007. http://www.stevenfoster.com/education/monograph/licorice.html.

Dharmananda, S. “Fifteen Commonly Used Chinese Herbs.” An Introduction to Chinese Herbs. 1996. Institute for Traditional Medicine. May 25, 2007. http://www.itmonline.org/arts/herbintro.htm.