My grandmother was born in 1890, long before the invention of “proper” medications. In spite of the fact that she didn’t have sophisticated medical treatment during some of the most crucial years of her life, she still managed to overcome gangrene as a child, survive meningitis at 97 and live to the ripe age of 102. I was lucky enough to have my grandmother come to live with my family when I was born. As a result, I experienced many natural and home remedies that brought me safe and healthy through my childhood.

Modern drugs can be life savers. But, they also often have too many side effects to justify popping a pill for every little ache and pain. Home and herbal remedies may not immediately eliminate your symptoms, but when used correctly, can heal safely and with no side effects. Many current “wonder drugs” have been found to eliminate symptoms, yet have little if any effect on the problem’s actual cause. Better yet, home remedies tend to use accessible ingredients and are easy to prepare. Why put chemicals in your body that may have damaging side effects when you could possibly help yourself quicker, easier and with less expense? As this is the first of the article series, I’m going to give you a quick break down for preparing home remedies.

Compress

A compress is a piece of cloth that is soaked in a bowl of hot or cold herbal extract. A compress is used to ease painful joints and muscles, and can also be used to soothe skin rashes. Pretty much any herb can be used for a compress, since it is used externally. Soak a piece of cheesecloth or link in your choice of herbal infusion and apply it to the affected area.

Tincture

A tincture is an alcoholic extract, in this case using an herb. To make a tincture, put 4 ½ cups of fresh herbs or 1 ¾ cups dried herbs in a jar and add 2 ½ cups vodka to act as a preservative. Add a bit less than a cup of water to the mixture, then seal the jar well and store it in a cool place for 2-3 weeks, shaking it occasionally. After the 2-3 weeks, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth bag into clean container. Transfer the liquid into sterilized bottles and seal.

Steam Inhalation

Steam inhalations are best used for stressed or inflamed lungs. You can make the infusion with herbs of your choice or essential oils added to a basin of hot water. Drape a towel over your head as you lean over the basin. The towel will help to keep the steam in. Inhale slowly and deeply for a few minutes.

Infusion

An infusion is a hot or cold beverage in which desired herbs have been steeped. To make an infusion, pour 2 ½ cups hot whatever over ¼ cup dried herbs or ½ cup fresh herbs in a pot. Cover the pot and let the herbs infuse for about 10 minutes. Strain the infusion through a plastic tea strainer. You can add honey or unrefined sugar to taste. You would normally drink a cup of the infusion at a time. The remainder can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.

Okay, there are your basics. I will be focusing on home treatments for various common ailments throughout this series. As always, I welcome your comments. You are also free to post your own home remedies that compliment each article.

To your health and well being!

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