By Cathy McNease, Dipl CH, RH

Summer time finds us spending more time outside at play in the long days, and sometimes that leads to an injury. Many simple home remedies can alleviate suffering. What follows are some simple remedies to help with the booboos of summer. Once the very hot days arrive, watermelon, tomatoes, cucumbers, summer squash, lemon juice and mung beans, can all be used to prevent dehydration and overheating. A large natural food store or Oriental market will have all of the remedies mentioned.

Simple Herbal Home Remedies for Common Ailments

Abdominal pain: valerian; chamomile; fennel; ginger; cinnamon; peony + licorice
Anxiety: valerian; chamomile; poppy; passion flower vine; Cal-Mag;
Bee stings: clay; plantain; aloe; vinegar + baking soda
Bladder infection: uva ursi; marshmallow; dandelion; cranberry; coptis; D-Mannose
Bleeding: tienchi; comfrey root powder; cayenne; seaweed; yarrow; charcoal

By Cathy McNease, Dipl CH, RH

Many powerful medicines from around the world are currently in your kitchen pantry. I am talking about those flavor-enhancing herbs and spices. They are potent for many acute and chronic health complaints. For chronic conditions, consider using them regularly in your food; for acute conditions you can make a cup of tea by steeping ½ – 1 teaspoon of the crushed herb or spice with a pint of boiling water. Let it soak about 10-15 minutes, then strain and drink in 2 or 3 portions throughout the day.

Digestive and Urinary Aids 

Seeds of Anise, Fennel, Cardomom, Caraway, Dill, Coriander (Cilantro seeds), Cumin – all improve digestion, relieving discomfort, indigestion, bloating and gas. The tea will be stronger if seeds are crushed in your mortar and pestle or coffee grinder before preparing. Parsley promotes digestion, especially if you overeat. Additionally, Parsley promotes urination to reduce edema and strengthens the kidneys and adrenals. Celery seeds will relieve water swelling and the pain of gout. Sesame, Hemp and Flax seeds ease constipation. Ginger and Cinnamon aid chronic diarrhea, especially when cooked into a white rice porridge (lots of water, not much rice, cooked for 1 hour).

Pain Relief

Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Allspice all help warm the circulation. Think about the mulling spice mixes that we use with apple cider in autumn…this group are great for pain. A painful tooth can be numbed by holding a whole Clove in your mouth near the problem tooth.