Folk Remedies from the past

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Folk Remedies

From The Past - Part 4 Source: Folk Remedies For

Common Ailments By: Anne McIntyre ~Plantain: Plantain

tends to grow

along paths, which was of great comfort to pilgrims in

Saxon times, who used it for sprins and minor injuries incurred along the way.

~The North American Indians had two names for plaintain; " white mand's

foot, " as it grew where white men had settled, and " snakeweed, "

due to its use as an antidote to venomous bites. The name Plantago comes from

planta, meaning the sole of the foot, referring to the broad-leafed plantian's

shape. ~Camomile: Camomile was one of the nine sacred

herbs of the

Saxons, who used it widely as a sedative and calming

medicine for hte stomach. In the Middle Ages, it was strewen around the

insanitary halls of castles and great houses to keep foul smells and infection

at bay.

~The Greeks and Romans considered camomile one of the

best remedis for menstrual disorders. Its Latin name; Matricaria chamomilla;

comes from the word matrix, meaning mother or womb. ~Camomile is a great pain

reliever. It can be taken for headaches and migraines, toothache, and

neuralgia. Massaged inot painful inflamed joints, diluted camomile oil

will bring relief to sufferers of sciatica.

~Dandelion: As the

tradtional name " piss-a-bed " suggests,

dandelion has been used as a diuretic remedy for water retention, cellulite,

urinary infections, and prostate problems. ~A decoction of dandelion roots and

leaves is a folk

remedy for dissolving urinary stones and gravel.

~Burdock: Culpeper

recommended burdock for bites of serpents and mad dogs,

due to its efficient cleansing and detoxifying properties. He also wrote that

"

the seed is much commended to break the stone, "

referring to its effect on urinary stones. ~North American Indians used burdock

to strengthen the womb before and after childbirth, and to lend stamina in

labor.

~Burdock has been used traditionally to lower blood sugar

in diabetes.

Modern research has confirmed that the bitter glycosides

have a reflex action on the pancreas, and the root is rich in inullin, a starch

with

does not supress the pancreas. ~Rosemary: In Italy

& Portugal,

rosemary was a symbol of fidelity, which is why it was

placed in the slippers of the bride and groom, to ensure loyalty. ~In England,

Anne of Cleaves, the fourth wife of Henry VIII, is said to have worn a circlet

of gold and precious gems intertwined with rosemary to bring luck and joy (not

that it brought her much luck!) ~Rosemary was believed to protect from

pestilence and disease as well as evil and witchcraft.

Tubfuls of dried rosemary leaves were burnt to fumigate

and dispell the air of disease in hospitals and homes of the sick. ~Rosemary

was the key ingredient of Hungary water, a remedy given in the 14th century to

Queen Izabella of Hungary. Aged 72 and afflicted with gout, after a year of

using it she had recovered her health and beauty so much taht the King of

Poland proposed to her. Recent research has shown that it is a

powerful antioxidant with an ability to slow the aging

process. ~Sage:

The ancient Greeks called sage the " immortality

herb, " so great are its curative properties. Similarly, the ancient

Egyptians praised it as a life saver. No wonder the origin of sage's botanical

name, Salivia, means " to save. " ~Throughout the Middle Ages,

prescriptions of elixirs of life featured sage for its rejuvenating action.

~Sage was traditionally used in cooking rich and havey foods as an aid to

digestion. ~The ancient Romans used sage as a remedy for infertility. A couple

had to reamain apart for four days and regularly drink sage tea.

Once reunited the apparetnly enjoyed a second honeymoon -

said to have

unfailing results! ~Comfrey: For thousands of year,

comfrey's

wonderul healing abilities have been celebrated. Rural

names such as knitbone, bruisewort, and boneset indicate its reputation.

~Comfrey baths were popular before the wedding nigth to attempt to repair the

hymen and thereby apparently restore virginity! ~Comfrey has an ancient

reputation as a nourishing restorative herb, useful in depleted conditions,

anemia, and convalescnece. ~In Ireland comfrey was eaten to

cure poor circulation and " impoverished

blood. " ~Rose: The Greeks

used the champagne rose as a tonic, whil Pliny listed 32

remedies made by Romans from roses, including dog rose which was thought to

cure bites of mad dogs. ~Roses were associated with merriment and wine - they

were scattered on feast days and worn in garlands to prevent drunkenness.

Roman women sprinkled themselves with dried rose petals

after bathing, brightened their eyelids with rose oil, and sucked rose

pastilles to sweeten their breath. ~Avicenna, a 10th-centuary Arab doctor, was

the first to make rose water. He used rose jelly to cure spitting of blood.

~Earth North American settlers drank rose tea as a cure

for heartburn, and a decoction of rose hips to ease the stomach

 

 

Folk Remedies From The Past - Part 5 Source: Folk

Remedies For Common

Ailments By Anne McIntyre ~Nettle: Once used to make

beer, paper, and

even army uniforms, the fibrous nettle leaf has been put

to more uses tha amost any other herb. ~A tincture of the seeds is a

traditional remedy for fevers and lung disorders, and a decoction of the roots

was a well-known remedy for pleurisy. ~ " Urticatin " (stinging to the

body with nettles to stimulate the circulation) is a very old Russian

tradition.

It was used for coughts, paralysis, muscle wasting,

siatiaca, and rheumatism, and to stimulate menstruation. ~In World War II,

nettles were given for their high chlorophyll content and used to dress

infected

wonds and speed their healing. ~Dock: Dock has long

been used since

the time of the anceint Greeks, who recognized its value

as a cleanser of toxins from the system and to treat digestive problems. ~1n

1633, Gerard recommended powedered dock root in wine as an astringetn to stop

the " bloodie flixe " and said that the boiled roots made into an

ointment " helpeth the itche. " ~Dock seeds were a traditional remedy

for dysentery, diarrhea, and hemorrhages, and for coughs and bleeding from the

lungs. ~American Indians applied pulverized dock root to cuts and crushed

leaves to boils. ~Dock's most famous action is underscored by the old saying:

" Nettle out, dock in. Dock removes the nettel sting. "

~Marigold: The Romans used marigold tea to relieve

fevers, and the juice of the crushed flower as a treatment for warts. ~In the

Middle Ages, St Hildegarde and Albert the Great used marigold for intestinal

troubles, liver obstructino, and insect and snake bites. ~Marigold's Latin

mname, Calendula, comes from 'calends', meaning the first day of every month,

because in its native Mediterranian cliamte it comes into flower on the first

day every month of the year. ~Renowned as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory

styptic, it was used for battle wounds during the Civil War and World War 1.

The famous gardner Gertrude Jekyll sent crates of marigolds from her country

estate to be used in

the field hospitals in France. ~Yarrow: Yarrow is a

very verstitile

medicinal plant, whose virtues have been praised since

the time of the ancient Greeks. It is named after teh Greek warrior Achilles

who used it to staunch the bleeding of his companion's wounds. In Greek

mythology, Achilles prowess and invulnerability were due to rubbing his body

with yarrow; the omission of his right heel was said to have led to his

downfall. ~Yarrow has a reptutation in folklore as a nerve tonic.

In Germany, it was used for melancholy and moodiness, and

in old England it was added to wedding bouquets to guarantee seven years of

happiness.

It has been used for tension, anxiety, nervous

palpitations, debility, and as a tonic after illness to lift the spirits. ~In

World War 1,

soldiers carried yarrow for use as a first-aid

dressing. ~Thyme:

Thyme's name comes from the Greek 'thyein' meaning 'to

smoke,' as the ancient Greeks made it inot incense. The ancient Egyptians and

Etruscans used thyme in preparations to embalm their dead. The Romans slept on

beds of thyem, inhaling its sweet aroma to cure melancholy.

~Thyme was used as a strewing herb to protect against

epidemics of leprosy and the plague. ~Traditionally, thyme was used as a remedy

for vertigo and migraine. Tincture of thyme taken half an hour before

breakfast was said to cure worms.

 

 

Folk Remedies From The Past - Part 7 Source: Fold

Remedies For Common

Ailments By: Anne McIntyre Castor Oil ~An ancient

remedy for clearing

the bowels. ~Castor oil is one of the most ancient

medicines known.

Seeds have been found in Egyptian tombs dating back 4,000

years.

According to the Ebers Papyrus, it was used as a

purgative, and for burning in lamps and making ointments. ~Castor oil was a

well-known garden plant in the 16th century. It was applied externally to

treat

skin diseases such as ringworm, and was used for

lelprosy. Tincture Of

Iodine ~A time-honored antiseptic ~An old Russian remedy

to stop head colds overnight was to pint the soles of the feet with iodine, put

on

woolen socks, and sleep in them. Flax ~A soothing plant

& wonderful

for dry skin. Eucalyptis ~Indigenous to Australia and

Tasmania,

euclyptus was introduced to Europe, Africa, and the

Americas inthe mid-19th century by German botanist Baron Ferdnand von Muller.

He was the first to suggest that the oil may be of use as a disinfectant in

fever districts. ~Eucalyputs is a traditional Australian Aboriginal remedy for

fevers. Eucalyputs leaes were used in poultices for wounds and inflammation.

~In China, diluted eucalyputs oil has been rubbed into painful inflammed joints

in arthritis and gout, to relieve neuralgia,

and rubbed into the temples for headaches. Epsom Salts

~An Epsom salt

bath once or twice a wee will enhance the elimination of

waste produces via the skin. Dissolve 1lb. of salts in a hot bath and give

your body a friction rub all over with a bath brush. Finish with a cool

shower; then dry with a rough towel until the skin glows. Recommended for gout

and arthritis. Glycerine ~This sweet tasting,

colorless, sticky liquid

which was first isoltated in 1779, is obtainted by

heating and ditilling fats. ~Glycerine was once used to combat consumption and

is an old household remedy to prevent and treat dry skin, and also to soften

hard

skin. Myrrh ~Myrrh was held in high esteem by the

ancient Egyptians as

one of the main ingredients for embalming the dead.

Housewives used to burn pellets of myrrh to rid the house of fleas. ~The

ancient Hebrews used myrrh as a purifying remedy to cleanse both body and

spirit. AS a medicine they relied on its antiseptic properties, while for

spiritual purposes they burned it in incense. It was an ingredient of holy

oils for anointing the tabernacle, altar, and sacred vessels. ~The ancient

Greeks also revered myrrh. In one of their classic tales, a woman called

Myrrha, the mother of the beautiful youth Adonis, was turned into a myrrh tree.

~In Ayurvedic medicine myrrh is believed to rejuventate body and mind, reverse

ageing, and to prevent decay. It is used today

to restore the female reproductive system and improve the

blood. Withc

Hazel ~The North American Indians revered witch hazel for

its astringent healing properties. Mixed with flax seed they used it for

inflamed swellings and painful tumors. The branches made good diving rods for

detecting underground water and metals - which may explain why it became knowns

as " witch " hazel. ~In Europe, witch hazel was used as a general

household remedy for scalds and burns, swellings and inflammation of hte skin,

and to stop bleeding. When dried, it was used as snuff to stop nose bleeds.

~Witch hazel used to be prescribed for uterine prolapse and a debilitated state

after miscarriage or childbirth, to tone up the

uterine muscles. ~ END ~

 

 

Folk Remedies From The Past - Part 6 Source: Folk

Remedies For Common

Ailments By: Anne McIntyre Lavender ~In the New

Testament, St. Mark

refers to spikenard (lavender) as an oil of great value.

the woman who cam to Christ with an alabaster box of spikenard ointment

" brake the box and poured it on his head. " ~The Romans used lavender

to prefume their baths, hence its name which comes from " lavare " ,

meaning to wash. ~The Virgin Mary is reputed to have been especially fond of

lavender because it protected clothes from insects and " dirty

beasts, " and also preserved chastity ~An old restorative remedy for

faintness, giddiness, and debility was to inhale or imbibe spirit of lavender,

made by soaking flowers in brandy or gin. ~Even lions and tigers in zoos were said

to be powerfully affected by lavender's calming effect, and to become docile

under its influence. Lemon Balm ~The arabs were the

first to extol the

vitures of lemon balm, using it to cure epilepsy, mental

illness, apoplexy, lethargy, and melancholia, and including it in their elixer

of life. ~Lemon balm was an important ingredient in medieval cordials, used to

strengthen the heart and lift the spirits. ~Called Melissa (meaning honey bee)

by the Greeks, beekeepers still rub rub their hives with balm so that the bees

will never leave and others will be encouraged to come.

~In France, the leaves were added to cakes to strengthen

women for

childbirth, and to bring on the afterbirth. Hawthorn

~Hawthorn has

always been considered a sacred and protecting plant. At

Greek wedding feasts guest carried sprigs of hawthorn to symbolize the bride

and groom's futrue happiness and properity. In Rome, the nuptual chamber was

lit by hawthorn torches. ~Since the Middle Ages hawthorn has been used in folk

medicine and recommended for the treatment of heart problems, high blood

pressure, pleurisy, gout, insomnia, vertigo, and hemorrhaging. ~A decoction of

the bark was used to bring down fevers and a decoction of the berries mand an

excellent remedy for diarrhea. ~Sprig of hawthorn were wonce attached to

babies' cradles to protectd them from

evil spirits. Borage ~Thought to originate from the

Mediterranean

countries, borage was used by the Romans. In medieval

times it was used to promote bravery on the jousting field. In 1597, Gerard

noted that a cup of borage flowers " comforteth the heart, purgeth

melancholy and quieteth the phrenticke and lunatick person. " ~Borage's

action on hormones has been recognized for centuries as the leaves and seeds

have

been used to increase the mild supply of nursing

mothers. Elder ~The

name elder derives from Ellar or Kindler, because its

hollow branches were used to blow through to kindle a fire. ~Until the end of

the 19th century elderberry wine was sold on London streets on cold winter days

and nights to cheer travelers and workers on their way. ~An elder twig in your

pocted was thought to offer protecton against rheumatism.

Meadowsweet ~In Chaucer's Kight's Tale, knights about to

enter combat

drank SAVE, a concoction containing meadowsweet. The

herb was also

used for making beer. ~Meadowsweet was a favorite

strewing herb in Tudor times. Gerard said that when strewed, the smell

" makes the heart merrie and joyful and delighteth the senses. " ~One

of the sacred herbs of the Druids, meadowsweet was valued in the past as a

remedy for smallpox, dysentery, fevers, diarrhea, spitting of blood, and piles.

~An old remedy to relieve itching and burning eyes was to apply distilled

liquid

of meadowsweet flowers. Peppermint ~Mints have been

used for

centuries. The Greeks made perfume from mint's

refreshing aroma, as did the Hebrews - the Scribes and Pharisees were rebuked

by Jesus for paying too much for it, while neglecting law and justice. ~The

Greeks and Romans used mint in crowns for religious ceremonies, and as a cure

for digestive ills, headaches, coughs, urinary complaints, insect stings, and

snake bites. Roman women were more devious in their use of it; they mixed it

with honey to sweeten thier breath after drinking wind - a crime which was then

punishable by death. ~Ancient Greek soldiers were forbidden peppemint in time

of war because of its distracting aphrodisiacal properties. ~Arab men have

traditionally drunk mint tea to stimulate their virility, and also as a symbol

of friendship and love.