Home remedies N-S

Neosporin

Neosporin is a home remedy that disinfects scrape, burns or cuts. Neosporin provides infection protection and kills the infectious bacteria. It may also help decrease the appearance of scaring and heal wounds faster than just a normal bandage. The steps for using Neosporin are 1. clean the affected area 2. apply a small amount on the area 1 to 3 times daily 3. cover it with a sterile bandage. Active ingredients in Neosporin are Neomycin Sulfate, Polymyxin B, Bacitracin Zinc, and Pramoxine. Neosporin is considered a common home remedy in the Western culture.

Neosporin is also really great when it comes to treating acne. Just a little bit on the pimple for a couple of days and voila! Goodbye acne.

Neti

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Representation of a Neti pot

People practice Neti on a daily basis to keep their sinuses clean and to make their breathing easier and more free. Once they try it, most people find Neti to be a soothing and pleasant experience. While there exists advanced techniques using various herbal oils and herbs, the simplest Neti technique uses water for the irrigation process. A neti pot is filled with warm, slightly salted water and the spout of the pot is inserted into one nostril. The position of the head and pot are adjusted to allow the water to flow out of the other nostril. A soothing, gentle stream of salt water, the same concentration as tears, flows through your nose, washing away pollens, mucus, viruses and bacteria Once learnt, neti can be done in about 3 minutes and is easily integrated into a daily routine of body cleansing such as showering or brushing your teeth. The only side effect of Neti is an uncomfortable feeling throughout the process that can cause some people to not continually do the neti process.

Alternative health practitioners throughout the world recommend the regular practice of nasal cleansing using a saline solution as part of a regular regimen of health and wellness, a basic health-maintenance activity equal to flossing your teeth. Neti is a gentle, safe, efficient way to deliver a good cleansing dose of saline to the nose. The practice of nasal cleansing - known as Neti - has been used by practitioners of Ayurveda and Yoga in India for thousands of years. Neti is one of the 6 purification techniques performed prior to practicing yoga as a way of preparing the body for the yoga practice. Although the practice of nasal irrigation originated in India, today there are numerous people in Europe and the United States who use this simple technique as part of their daily routine.

Niquil

NyQuil Liquid is used to treat the common cold and is a decongestant, antihistamine, cough suppressant, and analgesic combination. The liquid constricts blood vessels and reduces swelling in the nose. The medicine works by blocking the action of histamine, and this reduces symptons, such as watery eyes and sneezing. The cough suppressant works decrease pain in the brain and to reduce the amount of coughing that can occor.

Niquil reduces symptoms of pain, sinus congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and cough due to colds, upper respiratory infections, and allergies. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Niquil should be taken at night as it may cause drowsiness. It is not recommended to take Niquil if you have severe high blood pressure, severe heart blood vessel disease, rapid heartbeat, or severe heart problems.

The description of the cold remedy can simply be stated in their tag line of "The Nightime Sniffling, Sneezing, Coughing, Aching, Stuffyhead, Fever, So You Can Get a Good Rest Medicine.

Everyone experiences a common cold at some point in their life, luckily Vicks has created Day or Night Nyquil as a speedy way of eliminating many of the symptoms brought upon by the common cold. The correct time for use depends on the type that is being used, quite obviously a nagging night cold would elicit use of the nighttime Nyquil. An annoying daytime cold would warrant use of the daytime Nyquil. The differences between the two lie in the absence of sedating antihistamines in the dayQuil. It should be used consistently, every four to six hours, while experiencing frequent symptoms. Both Day and Night Nyquil come in several forms, pills or liquid usually. If pills are preferable one to two should be taken and a capful of liquid is usually sufficient. There are some groups that Nyquil is not recommended for including those with diabetes, millitus, glaucoma, asthma, or those with heart problems. Nyquil was introduced into Western society in the last century and has recently been exploited by teens trying to get high off the medicine, new restrictions are now placed on the age of a consumer of Nyquil. www.rubinville.com/.../nyquil-745340.jpg

Noni Plant

Noni , has been extensively used in folk medicine by Polynesians for over 2,000 years. Noni is a traditional food and medicine in many tropical areas including the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, India, and the Philippines. Ethnobotanical data is plentiful on the uses of the fruit, leaves, and root of the plant. Ancient Hawaiians used noni fruit for both internal and topical applications. Noni is still used by the local population in Hawaii for sugar control diseases, high vascular pressure, heart health maintenance, abnormal growths, and other chronic disorders, although no controlled clinical studies exist to support these uses. Hawaiian Culture

Nose Bleed

While a nose bleed can be a frightening experience it is almost always an easily remedied situation. The first step toward stopping the bleeding is to try to calm down. This lowers the heart rate and slows the flow of the blood. The next step is to sit up straight and tilt the head forward slightly. For decades most people were taught to lie down or tilt their head back. While this does keep blood from coming out the nose it does not stop the nose form bleeding. This merely directs the blood down the back of the throat which can lead to nausea, vomiting, and possibly choking. The third step is to take the thumb and index finger and pinch the nostrils together usually using a tissue or paper towel. Continue to pinch the nostrils together for two minutes after the bleeding has stopped to lessen the chances of it starting again. If the bleeding is excessive nasal packing or cauterization by a physician may be used.

Other methods can be used to stop a nose bleed if you cannot access these means. It is a common myth that to stop a nosebleed (and maybe save your favorite shirt) you should lean backward and the blood flow will stop. This is not true. The blood simply flows down the throat and possibly the windpipe, causing both your lungs and stomach to become irritated and cause the victim to vomit. Once you have accomplished this, take two fingers and pinch your nose just below the bony ridge (higher up from he nostrils). You should not be able to breath out your nose, so breathing out of your mouth is advised. There should also be no visible bleeding if the nasal passage is properly blocked. After you have blocked the nose, it should be checked every 5-10 minutes to see if the bleeding has stopped.

Noxzema

The best over-counter lotion/crème to alleviate sunburn pains such as stinging/burning is to use Noxzema moisturizer that is found in the stores. It feels terrific especially if you store the Noxzema in a drawer because the crème naturally maintains a cool level which feels incredible on a sun burned skin. Apply enough Noxzema to cover the sunburn completely; and apply a minimum of 2-3 times a day. The sunburn should be gone within 2 days depending on the degree of the sunburn. NOTE: Some of the Noxzema moisturizer's come with Aloe-Vera; and use caution if your skin is sensitive to Aloe-Vera or try another type of Noxzema without Aloe-Vera.

Oatmeal Bath

One of the best ways to reduce itching during the Chickenpox is to take an oatmeal bath. There are many different ways to do this. The easiest option is to use Aveeno oatmeal bath packets, they don’t clog the drain and you simply just have to add to warm, running bath water. The cheaper homemade options are to just grind up some dry oatmeal until it is in a powder form and add 2 cups of it to warm bath water, this will also prevent the drain from clogging. A third option is to take old nylons, cut off the then ends and fill with oatmeal and then tie back up and soak it in the warm bath water. You should stay in the bath for at least 15-20 minutes for at least two times a day. This will relieve any itchiness from chickenpox. This home remedy is frequently used among many mothers in the United States dealing with children infected with the Chickenpox.

Another way to utilize oatmeal to its utmost potential is to use it for mosquito bites and Eczema. It helps reduce the itching and dry skin, and acts as a natural cleanser, because skin oils cling the colloidal particles (a.k.a. a specific part of the oatmeal).

Oil

Oil has been known in Portuguese culture to help with children or adults who have symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, or not being able to eat. Warm oil is poured on the person's stomach and the healer then uses his/her thumbs to massage the person from the chest, downward, and from the back ribs toward the stomach. Firm pressure is applied because it is believed that the stomach was turned upside down.

Olive Oil

Ear infections are very common among young children, and often seen in the winter months. An ear infection can take place in two different areas of the ear. Otitis media is when the middle ear is infected (usually the case with very young children) and otitis externa, or swimmers ear, located in the external ear. Both are non contagious infections, yet can be quite bothersome. Some common symptoms are pain or itch of the ear, fever, sickness, hearing difficulties, dizziness, fluid discharge from the ear, and inflammation of the ear. Ear infections are often caused by blockage of the Eustachian tube due to an allergies or a cold. Other reasons may be due to bacteria and or fungi and build up in the ear.

To treat an ear infection, place some olive oil onto a warm spoon, then put 2 or 3 drops into each ear. Continue to do this daily, until all symptoms are gone. This remedy is used in many households, and is quiet effective.

Washing the hair with olive oil can also be effective in getting rid of headlice. Also, dry hair can be returned to a more healthy and shiny state with olive oil. Apply olive oil liberally all over your head, making sure to reach from root to tip. You can cover your hair with plactic wrap to keep the oil off your clothes and to create a seal. Slightly warming the oil before applying or sitting in the sun with the plastic wrap will help the oil to penetrate the hair shaft. At least 15 minutes should be enough and after a good rinse and shampooing, you will see that your hair is much healthier.

Olive Oil can reduce dry skin. Applying olive oil to the skin before going out in the sun can help you tan, and it keeps your skin hydrated and silky smooth. Using a small amount of olive oil as a moisterizer beofre going out in the sun will keep your skin more hydrated than normal oil. Don't use too much or the oil will not soak into your skin and will get all over your clothes. This is a home remedy for dry flaky skin. Western society

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 Fatty Acids are a natural supplement commonly found in fish. People are supposed to have anywhere from 0.5 to 1.8 grams per day either from fish or from a supplement, although it is better for one’s body to take Omega-3 through food. Omega-3’s can prevent sudden cardiovascular issues such as non-fatal heart attacks, non-fatal strokes, and death. It can also prevent health problems such as atherosclerosis, which is a hardening of arteries that can lead to serious health problems. Omega-3’s can slightly lower blood pressure, but they just generally prevent cardiovascular disease.--Rotter 00750682

Onion

Coughs that are due to a respiratory infection can be very irritating and painful. They can also last for long periods at a time. Luckily, there is a remedy to help treat coughs, which deals with onions, which most likely started in Asia. An onion is a rounded edible bulb which is composed of fleshy, tight, concentric leaf bases having a pungent odor and taste. By chopping an onion very finely chopped and the juices should be extracted from it. Then, one teaspoon of the extracted juice should be mixed with one teaspoon of honey. Let the mixture sit out for four to five hours. This will make a cough syrup that should be taken twice a day; reducing the cough and also phlegm. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9d/Onion_2.JPG

Onion Juice

Another home remedy for cough that comes from Lima in Peru is the use of onions and sugar. First you cut an onion into quarter inch size pieces. Mix a strong mixture of sugar and water and spray the onions on a plate. Place the plate in the moonlight and tilt the plate so the onions may sweat in the moonlight and the juices may drip down into any container you wish to use. There are no risks for this remedy unless you are allergic to onions. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Onions.jpg

Another method for avoiding the stinging eyes is simply to rinse your hands, knife, cutting board and pealed onion in cold water without drying afterwards. The water will bind the fumes from the onion.

Orange Juice

Orange juice is the perfect fluid for when you are starting to feel any sickness at all. Fluids help to keep your body hydrated and running smoothly and vitamin C from the oranges helps to keep your immune system in top shape. A couple glasses of orange juice at every meal is a great way to help fight off whatever small sickness you feel coming on. Even as your sickness gets worse its important to consistantly supply your immune system with the combination of vitamin C and fluids that it needs to get better.

The natural sugars in orange juice also makes for a great taste that lets you feel good even when snot is dripping all over your shoes.

Orange Peel

In the event of a cut, scrape, or any other scar leaving incident, it is common in the southern parts of the US to use an orange peel instead of a bandage. By covering the wound with the inside of the orange peel it is supposed to heal without scarring. In Western society it has recently become more popular to use herbal and home remedies rather than pharmaceuticals or store bought first aid.

Ouzo Tea

This is a remedy that is used to help with the healing with many illnesses, but mainly focuses on the common cold. This would include fevers, bellyaches, etc. The drink is most effective when consumed before it reaches room temperature. Ouzo Tea is usually taken anywhere from once to three times a day, morning, noon and night. It’s simple to make you just add a cap full of Ouzo to a cup of tea and call it a day. Ouzo is and alcoholic beverage that is relatively strong, so it’s to be used with discretion. Something to consider would be the age of whom you’d be allowing access to this beverage due to laws restricting minors from consuming alcohol. The remedy is commonly used in north eastern Africa (i.e. Ethiopia) by people of all ages.

Passion Flower

The passion flower has been used to treat insomnia, epilepsy, and has even been used as a painkiller. Dry or fresh (either way it does not matter) leaves from the plant are mixed with water to create a tea, which is then drank by the ailing person. Recovery time depends on severity of the ailment. This flower naturally contains anti-depressents in small amounts, and is not known to be harmful to humans. This method has been used by Native Americans in North, Central, and South America, and has been in use for hundreds if not thousands of years. No written records exist, but this form of medicine has been passed down orally.

Papaya

Papaya: For fast relief of indigestion or heat burn, eating papaya will help. Papaya is a natural was to reduce the stomach acids. Papaya also comes in pill form for this very reason, where you can take one papaya tablet. Pregnant woman should not eat papaya because papaya has a natural source of estrogen that can cause a miscarriage. Papaya originated from central and south America but can be found anywhere now.

Peppermint

Peppermint in the form of canies, mints, or tea can be helpful in curing an upset stomach and also for helping aid in digestion. The peppermint is a good way to sooth the stomach after a big meal or when not feeling well. Peppermint leaves are easy to grow and the fresher they are the more relief they will provide. Making peppermint tea is easy as well just add a couple leaves to hot water and let steep for about 10 minutes. I my case I have felt relief almost instantly.

Pedialyte

One of the causes of a hangover is the dehydrating effect of Ethanol, found in alcohol. A way to combat the dehydration and thereby the symptoms of a hangover is to drink a lot of fluids, preferably something like Gatorade with a lot of electrolytes. Even better than Gatorade and other sports drinks is Pedialyte, a drink meant for dehydrated children, like those suffering from diarrhea. Fluids like these should be taken during and after you drink alcohol, and the morning after if necessary. It’s never a bad idea to drink a lot of fluids anyway, so the only side effect to worry about it having to go to the bathroom a lot. Western Society

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is a simple and easy way to ease an upset stomach. Peppermint is a plant that has long been used for medicinal purposes, including curing upset stomachs. Drinking peppermint eases the muscles in the stomach that aid in digestion. If the upset stomach is caused by cramped muscles, the peppermint will ease the muscles and let the stomach bile and acids flow smoothly. Western society

Peppermint tea is also known to stimulate and refresh the senses if used sparingly. After intaking one cup a day of peppermint tea one may notice that he or she has a sharper,and more responsive mind. Everyone is affected differently from peppermint tea and may not get the same results.

Peppermint tea is not right for everyone, however. Every person is different, and some people may not feel the benefits of it as much as others. Peppermint tea will not be as effective if the cause of the nausea is food poisoning. There is no harm in trying, however. Although, peppermint tea should not be used if the reason for the upset stomach is a disease called gastoesophageal reflux disease.

Pineapple

Pineapple is truly one of nature’s medicines. Pineapple can be considered a preventative, but it can also be considered a remedy. For instance, five days before my wisdom teeth were removed I began eating pineapple and continued eating pineapple up until I was advised to quit eating. Five days after my wisdom teeth were removed, I was back to normal. The reason why pineapple has such amazing healing properties can be attributed to its high levels of an enzyme called bromelain, and the antioxidant vitamin c. While bromelain is found in drugs used for arthritis, it is also good for treating bruises, swelling, and tenderness. The vitamin c helps to boost the immune system, prevent infection, and fuel collagen which a building block for skin tissue. So if you are ever scheduled for a surgery, or are even feeling a cold coming on, pineapple’s the right way to go. It doesn’t taste too bad either.

Potassium

Potassium, an essential nutrient in the diet, is an electrolyte, that prevents muscle cramping in Western Societies. Low levels of potassium in one body can cause muscle cramps. One must include plenty of potassium in there diet. It will keep the level of the required nutrients at optimum levels preventing muscle cramping. Bananas, oranges, prunes and potatoes are good sources. The recommended daily amount of potassium is 2,000 milligrams for anyone 10 years or older.

Potatoes

File:Red potato.jpg Bee stings happen frequently to people all over the world. There are bees on every continent with the exception of Antarctica. Therefore; it is not uncommon that one will eventually be stung. Once someone realizes they have been stung, remove the bee's stinger from the body. Wash around it with soap and water to prevent any bacteria from entering the body, and try not to touch the area of the sting, this will prevent any infections. One remedy that can be used to remove the sting is potatoes. If a peeled and sliced potato is placed directly on the sting, it will ‘suck’ out the venom. Potatoes contain allantoin, which is a white powder that is created by oxidation. Allantoin will soothe the inflammation caused by the sting. This remedy is common among the Hispanic society

Potato Juice

Arthritis is a group of conditions where there is damage caused to the joints of the body. Raw potato juice therapy has had much success in treating rheumatic and arthritic conditions. The traditional method of preparing potato juice is to cut a medium-sized potato into thin slices, without peeling the skin, and place the slices overnight in a large glass filled with cold water. The water should be drunk in the morning on an empty stomach. It has been used in folk medicine for centuries. This method is used commonly with people in Italy, but can be seen throughout European society.

Pressure Points

Pressure points are based on the traditional Chinese medical model and have to do with the flow and blockage of energy(chi). There are thousands of points all over your body that can be used to relieve practically any symptom, but this can be very complicated. In fact there is a whole system of treatment based around this princepal called Acupressure. The most common ways that these pressure points are used in daily life are for nausea and headache relief. Both of these problems are caused by energy blockage.

To relieve nausea, press firmly on your breastbone with three fingers. Breathe slowly and deeply; in through your nose, and out through your mouth. Nausea will begin to lessen in about 2 minutes, as the energy in your body begins to flow again. This remedy is particualarly effective when paired with eating Saltine crackers.

For immediate relief of a headache there is a sequence of points that need to be massaged to get the energy moving. First, using your thumbs or index and middle fingers massage your temples in a clockwise motion. Do this for 30-60 seconds and remember to be gentle. Second, using the tips of your middle fingers, massage the points at the inside ends of your eyebrows. The pressure for this point needs to be almost more then you can stand. Do this for 10-40 seconds. Third, draw and imaginary line from the ends of your eyebrows up to the top of your forehead and massage the points there. These points will be more sensitive so be gentle. Do this for 10-40 seconds. Fourth and lastly, massage the last point which is on the same level as the previous two, but in the center of your forehead. Massage this point for 10-40 seconds, and kiss your headache goodbye.

Ethnomedicine_by_Culture_Group#Culture_Group#Chinese_Culture

Prune Juice

Prunes are dried plums which are specially grown for this purpose. Prunes are rich in iron and potassium. They are high in fiber and contain modest amounts of vitamin A, vitamin B3 and vitamin B6. Prunes are a valuable food for anyone suffering from high blood pressure and make an ideal laxative. Constipation is a condition of the digestive system where one can not release feces, and can cause massive stomach pain. If you are constipated, prune juice has been recommended by most doctors to clear a constipated bowel. All you need is just 2 or 3 cups of prune juice, and the effect will take place in about an hour or so. It is that easy, and maybe the in between part might not be that enjoyable but the ending result will be. It is actually a good thing to include prune juice in your diet to prevent constipation from occurring again. This method was discovered in Serbia by the townfolk, which is where a lot of plums are grown.

Red Wine

Considered one of the most favored drinks around the world, red wine is also known to have healing properties. Taken in moderation (recommended one glass per day) red wine is beleived to help reduce your risk of heart disease and other heart-related ailments. It is a stress reliever, and also contains many anitoxidants. The best red wines are organic, sulfite free, which are usually more expensive. However, a decent bottle of red wine full of rich anitbodies can be around only ten dollars, and of course it is always good to drink it with friends! (see Laughter...)

Ulcers caused by the bacterium called H. pylori, can be remedied by drinking red wine with meals.This custom is associated with Ethnomedicine_by_Culture_Group#European_culture/European culture.

Reliv

Reliv, a nutritional supplement bought from private sellers, is becoming more and more common to cure anything from a nasty hangover to helping with degenerative diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis or Altzheimers. Reliv is taken in "shakes," between one and six times daily, depending on the dosage you decide on. It is vitamin-rich, and flushes your system of toxins, then focuses on what your body's immune system needs most. More information can be found at Western society . Reliv has come out with a lot of different products since it started in 1988. Reliv is a vitamin supplement shake that cleans out the body and replenishes it with necessary vitamins and minerals

R.I.C.E.

R.I.C.E. is a method of curing minor injuries such as sprained ankle or strained muscle. By using this method, a person can limit swelling or blood pooling around the injury and will have less scar tissue when healed. The idea is that after receiving the injury, a person uses: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Rest is essential because the body needs time to heal itself. By resting the area, the body has the time it needs for healing to take place and the likelihood of the area being re-injured goes down. Ice is used to dull the pain and also as a way to limit the amount of blood pooling in the injured area. Ice should never be applied for more than 15-20 minutes and then the area should be left for 20 minutes. This will help the injury to heal faster and to limit scar tissue. Compression is used to limit blood flow, therefore helping to heal faster. A medical wrap, such as an ACE bandage, should be applied around the injury so that it is tight enough to limit blood flow but not too tight to create throbbing or to cut blood flow completely. If it is too tight, re-wrap it looser. Finally Elevation is used to limit swelling of an injury. It is used most effectively when the injured area is kept at a higher level than the heart making it harder for blood to travel there. This method should be used just after sustaining a minor injury. It is most effective the more the injured person uses this method. If the injury is more serious, or the swelling and pain do not subside in a couple of weeks, go see a physician.

http://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/prepareemergencies/prep4922.html

http://physicaltherapy.about.com/od/sportsinjuries/p/RICE.htm

Rum

A common method of relieving teething pains in babies is to soak a clean wash rag in Rum and let the child suck and gum the rag. It provides a numbing sensation in the mouth and calms the baby down. It has been used in many cultures for many years. This method should be used sparingly and with care since alcohol is used.

Sage

The Sage plant is an herb that has been used to help reduce excessive perspiration, digestive problems, sore throats, premenstrual cramps, and high blood sugar. Hot Sage Gargle can be used to help cure sore throats. In order to do this, 1 to 2 teaspoons of sage leaves should be mixed with 1 cup of boiling water and let to steep for 10 minutes. This should be gargled at least twice a day for best results. It should not be given to children under the age of 2. This practice has been common throughout history in European society, but more recently has spread arround the globe.

Salditas

Sucking on or eating salditas, also known as salted plums will help heal sore throats. Be cautious of consuming too many plums, it may result in diarrhea. Eat one to two daily, until symptoms seem to decline. This remedy originated from the Asian culture but was later adapted by the Hispanic culture.

Salmon

Salmon can be eaten to reduce high blood pressure. The oils from the fish have amazing properties that fight heart disease. There are also pill forms of fish oil that can be taken, but the best is to eat the actual fish. This was first the way of the native americans and then as we learned about the health benefits we started to adopt part of the diet of the native peoples. salmon glass of red wine

Saltines and Sprite

Im sure that everyone has had an upset stomach before and nows how much of a pain it can be. You may try to eat some food but you are unable to keep it down for more than a few minuits before it comes back up. There is a simple cure for this. By slowly eating saltine crackers and sipping on sprite through out the day when you are in such a situation you will find that it helps you out. There is something about the simplicity of the cracker that is easy enough on your stomach that allows you to keep it down. It also allows your body to get some energy and help fight off the stomach bug. The sprite is nice and easy on your stomach as well. Its light and plain flavor is the perfect match with the crackers allowing your body to take in some sugar and give your immune system the boost it needs.

A good substitute for Saltines is "Fairy Toast". This is made by thinly slicing French Bread and baking it in the oven with a little salt sprinkled over the top. It's a little more mild and flavorful then the traditional Saltine crackers. And if your stomach's feeling up to it, spread a little butter on the toast.

Salt Solution Nasal Spray

Mucus stuck in the sinuses after a cold can cause many problems, such as sinus pain or pressure, head ache, and sore throat from excess mucus running down the back of the throat. Using a salt solution nasal spray is a very effective way to get rid of excess mucus and feel better. To make the solution, combine 1 quart warm water (distilled or boiled, if possible), with 1 tablespoon pickling, canning, or sea salt (not table salt), and one teaspoon baking soda. Put the mixture into a clean nasal spray container. Lean your head over the sink and spray the solution toward the back of your head. Keep solution in nose for as long as possible, and then blow out.

This treatment should be used 2 to 3 times daily to break down and clear away mucus, for as long as it takes to clean out the sinuses. If this treatment is used too frequently or incorrectly it could cause irritation in the nose and sinuses. It is a common American treatment used to help with colds and nasal congestion.

Such a solution can also be gargled to help remedy canker sores, a sore throat, or cough. Don't swallow the mixture, and also don't use the same mixture for both your nose and your gargling. Gargle, spit the solution out into the sink, and repeat with fresh unused solution.

Salt and Water

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A mixture of salt and warm water has proven to be very effective when faced with a sore throat, cold sore, canker sore, or cut in one's mouth. Often the symptoms associated with these problems, including redness, inflammation, or soreness indicate possible infection or overall uncleanliness in the affected area. A salt solution made by mixing sea salt and warm water acts as a disinfecting/cleansing agent and can be used to reduce and or prevent further infection. A common way to make the salt water solution is by mixing 1 teaspoon of salt(use sea slat for the Idodine), 1 teaspoon of baking soda(NOT baking powder), and 1 pint of water together. If the solution is too salty it will dessicate the mucosa of the throat and potentially lead to an even greater irritation. Rinse out the mouth and gargle with the solution, but be careful not to swallow. Repeat this procedure 2-3 times daily until swelling goes down or pain is reduced.

When suffering from a sore throat, whether the inflammation is caused by an infection, an allergy or an injury, gargling a salty solution of water can help soothe the discomfort. The reason why this works is that when you introduce a solution with a higher percentage of salt content than that of your body, it will draw out some of the fluid in your throat associated with the swelling, like salting a slug draws out the moisture in its body. While a little salt won’t dry you up like a slug, it’s important to note that too salty of a solution can actually cause more discomfort! A teaspoon of table salt dissolved into around 8oz of warm water will do the trick.

My Mom has forced me to use this remedy everytime that I get a soar throat. I believe that this works in a different way than previously stated. Instead of pulling the mucous out of the throat like a salted slug it makes the throat more moisturized. This relieves the parchness that results in a soar throat. The more salt used will result in more mucous and will then treat the soar throat better.

Gargling salt water is an age old remedy that helps relieve pain associated with a sore throat. This remedy is best utilized if you catch the sore throat at an early stage. The reasoning behind using water with a high concentration of salt is to soak out the some of the inflaming agents that cause a sore throat. Additionally, salt water has a certain cleansing effect with regard to viral or bacterial infection. A normal salt to water ratio is 1/2 teaspoon per 8 ounces of water. This remedy provides only short term relief, and must be repeated often to continue to see results. But over/extended use may cause more harm than help. As a good rule of thumb don’t gargle more than 2 teaspoons an hour, this will allow for 4 gargles per hour, which should be plenty. This is a family practice, passed down generation by generation, and has no specific cultural ties.

Hot salt-water is also a recommended remedy for preventing and/or healing infected body piercings. The professionals at Old School Tattoo in downtown Bellingham offer a small bag of seasalt to each of their newly-pierced clients, and instruct them to imerse their new body-art fully in hot salt-water for a minimum of 15 minutes each day until the piercing is healed. They are also instructed to begin this treatment again if the piercing becomes red, swolled, and/or infected to battle the bacteria.

Gargling a glass of warm salt water provides temporary immediate relief from a sore throat. This is important in western culture because as a Society they tend to want things to happen instantly. Sore throats are usually due to inflammation which causes pain, swelling and an itching or irritated sensation in the throat. The inflammation is usually caused by bacteria and other germs that take over your soft tissues or mucosa. These inflammations, also known as edemas, are usually filled with water and the salt then works its way into your throat. The salt draws out the edema fluid which kills the bacteria. Gargling with salt water does provide immediate relief and the relief is real however it doesn't necessarily cure the ailment.

Salty Plums

Salty plums are plums that have been dried out and covered with a small layer of licorice and a fine powder that gives them a salty, tangy taste. While they are often eaten as a snack, when a person is sick, they are often used to calm a sore throat. The person is given one salty plum, every few hours to soothe the irritated throat. It is often said that salty plums are craved by pregnant women, so they are also used to “calm down” a woman during her pregnancy. This remedy is used by various asian cultures.

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Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut juice is a simple remedy that can be found right in the fridge or at the grocery store. It is often used to cure Canker Sores in Western Culture, where it is readily available. Simply swish a tablespoon of sauerkraut juice in the mouth once or twice a day for 30 seconds. After a couple of days, the size and pain of the sore should reduce. This may be repeated until the canker sore has healed. Also, it may be done continuously to prevent future sores from forming.

Sea Legs

When your out at sea and you begin to get sea sick and #Dramamine has failed you there is only one remedy. Many sailors and pirates have used this remedy for years. I learned this remedy while out on fishing charter out of Westport Washington. The first step is to work your way to the side of the violently rocking boat. Then enjoy the view. Gazing at the horizon will quickly diminish the effects of sea sickness. Focuses on the tip of the horizon were the sky meets the water; this in effect will help with your balance and aide the equilibrium in your inner ear. Many people tend to go inside when they feel sick this tends to only worsen the problem. This should be repeated as much as possible. To assure that chumming does not occur.

Shark Liver Oil

If a Diaper Rash is really getting out of hand, and there is a strong red complexion of the skin, applying shark liver oil to the affected area during diaper change should rid of the rash in a couple of days. This is more of a Western Culture remedy for diaper rash, considering that diapers are used more in the Western Cultures.

Shoes

Many common backaches can be cured simply by wearing the proper shoes. Many lower back problems can be caused by wearing shoes with little or no arch support while exercising. When shopping for shoes, be sure to find a pair that fit the specific needs of your feet, or remove the sole of your existing shoes and replace them with in-soles with arch support. Also, high-heels on a regular basis can cause poor posture which may lead to upper-back and shoulder soreness. This treatment has no risks or side-effects.

Sleep Insomnia

This remedy is used when you are having trouble falling asleep at night, or wake up in the middle of the night and cannot go back to sleep. Start with heating about 8 ounces or one cup of milk, in the microwave just enough to make it warm. Next add a tablespoon of brandy, stir and drink.

This remedy can be repeated nightly, not more than once per night. Make sure you do not put in more than one table spoon of brandy per 8 ounces of milk. This has no immediate side effects unless you are lactose intolerant are allergic to the alcohol in the bourbon, if either of those situations are true you should stay away from this remedy. This remedy has been mostly used in European and American cultures. Most likely this remedy originated in Europe.

Slug

When one walks in a place with heavy or wild vegetation, they may encounter an especially nasty plant called the stinging nettle. When one’s bare skin comes into contact with the stinging nettle, their skin will break out. It’s often a red dot on the skin that resembles a mosquito bite, a raised red bump. Though the rash is temporary, it’s fairly painful. The slug is a wonderful remedy for this pain. By rubbing the numbing slime against the rash, the pain of the stinging nettle will be alleviated.

This remedy only alleviates the pain. Once one stops applying the remedy, the pain may come back. The slug might also fail if one has a particular strong or painful reaction to the stinging nettle. Stinging nettle can be found in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. This remedy probably originates from any of these places that also have slugs.

Soju Disenfectant

Cuts, even small and seemingly insignificant ones can quickly cause infection if left untreated. Normally one would use a disenfectant such as rubbing alcohol. This is essentially the same procedure, only using a potent alcohol that is the chief beverage of South Korea. Bottles of Soju can be found in virtually every store in korea and is incredibly low priced and tastes like cheap vodka so there are no tears shed in dabbing some into a cut. The drink itself is a 40 proof beverage that is made out of potatoes and is essentially ethanol mixed with water. While it is not as potent as rubbing alcohol, it is nontheless effective at disenfecting a small wound for the poor man.

Simply rinse out the wound with some water and pour small amounts of Soju onto the wound, and take a towel and hold it on the effected area until dry, then put on a bandage. The adverse affect being the cut area will burn because of the disenfectant, but that is to be expected. This has been practiced in Korea for years and will no doubt continue as drunk people continue to hurt themselves in the future.

Soybean Paste

The Korean Dish, Doenjang

Soybean paste used to make the Korean dish, Doenjang chigae, can be used to treat Bee Stings. Once stung by a bee, apply the soybean paste on the sting for about 15 minutes, or until the paste dries. The paste will lessen the pain, itchiness, and swelling of the victim. No risks or symptoms apply with this remedy. Because of the popular Korean dish, soybean paste is a well-known remedy for the Korean culture, however may be popular in other cultures.

Sports Drinks

Sports drinks when watered down by half, contain the electrolites you need to help get over the flu much quicker then without the supplement. When you are inflicted by the flu virus, take a bottle of common sports drinks, such as gatorade, or powerade, and pour half of it into a water bottle. Fill the rest of the water bottle to the top, with cold clear water. Keep the bottle with you, and sip on it over the course of the day. Repeat until symptoms have ceased, or lessened. By gaining these electrolites, the body has more strength and energy in order to help fight off the flu virus, as opposed to just drinking plain sprite or water. There are no risks to using these treatments, and not many people in our culture know about it.Western society Image:Gatorade-bottle.JPG

Sprained Ankle

A sprained ankle can be a very painful experience and sometimes the pain can last weeks if not attended to properly. When the injury first occurs, if shoes are worn, the laces of the shoe should be tightened to create more pressure which helps lessen the amount of swelling. Ice then needs to be applied in the following order: 20 minutes on followed by 20 minutes off. The ice slows down the blood flow to the injury and will keep the swelling down. When icing the injury keep it elevated above heart level. This also keeps slows the rapid flow of blood to the injured foot. Soaking the injury in warm water with Epsom salts will also help the injury.

Sprite and Crackers

Sprite and crackers are a good way to ease an upset stomach. Upset or queasy stomachs occur for a number of reasons, but usually develop from higher levels of stomach acid or excess air bubbles in the stomach. Crackers are good for neutralizing acids in the stomach and the carbonation from the Sprite helps to release some of the air bubbles through burping.

One hazard of this technique is, depending on the severity of the upset stomach, the crackers and the Sprite may not stay down long enough. It is best to take a little at a time, and make sure the Sprite is not too cold. If it is too cold, the coldness may shock the already upset stomach.

Any bland crackers will work for this. Saltines are good, as well as Ritz or Club crackers. 7-Up, or any other carbonated drink, may be substituted for the Sprite. It is important, however, to make sure that the beverage is non-caffeinated, because caffeine can make an upset stomach worse.

St. John's Wort

St. John's wort, also known as Klamath or Goat weed, is a flowering herb used to naturally help in treating mild to moderate depression, anxiety, and stress. The flowering tops of this plant are usually dried and brewed into an herbal tea treatment, or it can also be administered in a capsule form. An active ingredient in St. John's wort is hypericin, which is commonly used in treating depression. Many research studies claim St. John's wort to be of great use, while others deny its effectiveness. If taken in a tea form, it should be drunk three times daily, and it will take about a month to really determine its efficacy. There are some side effects, but much fewer than with prescription anti-depressant drugs. Some effects include sensitivity to sunlight, fatigue, and upset stomach. Though indigenous to Europe, this remedy dates back to ancient Greece and early Native Americans. This plant is now grown all over the world and is used by people of many different ethnic backgrounds. [ http://nccam.nih.gov/health/stjohnswort/ ]

Steam Shower

One remedy used to cure a cough is a steam shower. A cough from a cold is caused by a buildup of phlegm or other fluid in the respiratory tract. When one has a cough that won’t clear up, a bathroom with a shower can be used. They first must make sure all doors and windows are closes. They then turn on the hot water, without stepping into the shower or even disrobing. The hot water fills the bathroom with hot steam. The moist, warm air acts as a humidifier. By breathing this in, the steam breaks up the phlegm and thus there is no more need to cough. They can breath in the steam for however long it takes the cough to go away. This might not work for a particular strong cough or a cough that is a result of something other than buildup. It is unknown where the use of steam to relieve coughs originates from. The United States uses steam to stay healthy and comfortable, from saunas to steam facials. The steam shower can be used in any cultures that use hot showers.

Stinging Nettles

Surprisingly, despite the rash and pain an encounter with stinging nettles causes,the plant is often used by Native American cultures as a healing agent. A tea made from boiling this herb can serve as a digestive aid or an appetite stimulant. The tea can also be used as an external skin wash to help fight minor infections and other skin disorders. Stinging nettle tea is also believed to help alleviate the bite of chiggers and mosquitoes, although Native Americans prefer other plants for this use over nettles. By mixing a strong tea with tallow and using it as a hand lotion you can treat dried and chapped hands.

Sugar and Water

Another great home remedy to relieve hiccups is with sugar and water. Take about a teaspoon of dry sugar and place at the tip of your tongue. Drink about 4-8 ounces of water to wash the sugar down. Repeat these steps up to three more times at two-minute intervals if necessary but usually the first time is successful. See a doctor if you have severe pain, if your hiccups last longer than a day (or 3 hours in the case of a small child), or if they started after you took a prescription medication. This remedy is not recommended for people with Diabetes. This method was actually found through an Eastern Washington publication known as "Tidbits." Sugar cubes are also very effective because they stay in your mouth and are easier to handle than a teaspoon of sugar.

Sunburns

When my dad was a kid he used vinegar on his sunburns to cut down on the stinging. To apply one would use a sponge and apply to your skin liberally every couple of hours. Make sure it is distilled vinegar. Make sure you do not get it near your eyes or in open wounds. Since my dad grew up in South America, I would think that it this is part of the South American culture.

Another popular and cross-cultural practice to relieve sunburn woes is the use of a short, green, mean-looking plant called aloe-vera. By slitting the blades of the plant along the side, splitting them open, and applying the cool, goey insides directly on your sunburn, you will be saving yourself a lot of post-sunbathing pain. Whatever you do, however, DO NOT venture back into the hot sun with this aloe-vera goo on your un-covered flesh. It will attract the sun, and you will burn worse than before. So, apply generously and apply in the shade!

The best over-counter lotion/crème to alleviate sunburn pains such as stinging is to use Noxzema moisturizer that is found in the stores. It feels terrific especially if you store the Noxzema in a drawer because the crème naturally maintains a cool level which feels incredible on a sun burned skin. Apply enough Noxzema to cover the sunburn completely; and apply a minimum of 2-3 times a day. The sunburn should most likely be gone within 2 days depending on the degree of the sunburn. NOTE: Some of the Noxzema moisturizer's come with Aloe-Vera; and use caution if your skin is sensitive to Aloe-Vera.

Superglue

An easy way to help prevent from going to the doctor is the use of superglue. Superglue is used typical in and around the home but for a quick way to take away pain from a cut and to stop the bleading is the bondage of the tissues and the blockage of the air. This type of glue may only take a drop and is fast drying, it needs to be reapplied once a day because it can rub off throughout the day. For bigger cuts, be careful not to use too much, a drop is all that should be needed, and make sure that the surface area is dry and the bleeding has been stopped.

Sweat it Out

This remedy is used to help with colds. It can take anywhere from 15 minutes a day to a session that takes hours, it all depends. A factor that plays a part in time is how ill the individual is. You want to allow the ill persons as much time as possible to sweat out. Some special considerations with this method would be to keep in mind the body will be losing fluid during the process. This means that one must be sure to replenish the ill so they don’t become dehydrated. Some techniques to sweating out a cold are to take an extremely hot bath/shower for a good amount of time, curling up in an electric blanket, or even hitting up a sauna. Exercising isn’t recommended. Sweating out it a technique used among a diverse group of people. Probably the most apt name for this remedy/preventative practice is a Purging, it is a method used to prevent or counter-act a mild but potentially incapacitating sickness such as the common cold or the flu. The idea here is to literally ‘sweat’ the malady out of you; drink a liberal amount of liquid before bed (i.e. a gallon of water), then put extra blankets and covers (a down comforter works great) on your bed, cover yourself up, and go to sleep. Hopefully the combination of lots of liquid and extra warmth a.k.a, heat will have a purging effect, don’t expect a pleasant nights rest though. The entire process should take between 8 and 12 hours (depending on how long you sleep), and is best used in situations where you need to be active the next day. This is a family practice, passed down generation by generation, and has no specific cultural ties, though it may be attributed to the Irish. There are no special considerations, unless you have a sever bladder problem.

Sweat Lodge

This was a technic used by the native american culturein order to purify the body and mind. They would heat up hot coals and sit in a tightly closed room whenever they felt that they were becoming ill. The duration of time spent in the lodge depends on the situation. This practice steams out essentially all the bad and leaves the body purified both mentally and physically.

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