As more and more people turn to the holistic remedies of the ancients, it is good to have our own “medicine bag” waiting for us in our spice cabinet. You may be familiar with some of these and even have great cures of your own. Please share them with us and we will be sure to pass the information along!
Cayenne: Great for a toothache. Make a paste with a few drops of water and a teaspoon full of cayenne. Dip a cotton swab into the paste and dab on your tooth (not gum). If you feel congested and/or achy, boil one cup of water, add 3-4 tablespoons of cider vinegar and ½ teaspoon of cayenne. Stir and drink. Yes, it tastes somewhat awful, but it works! You may ad a tablespoon of honey to sweeten if you would like….and you probably will.
Cinnamon: This lovely spice helps ease diarrhea and also dries up a runny nose.
Make a tea with 1 tsp of cinnamon and 1 cup boiling water. Steep 15 minutes, strain out the cinnamon and drink.
Ginger: If you are pregnant, this is a great remedy for morning sickness as well as an antidote for motion sickness. Good for upset stomach as well! Make a tea with 1 tsp of ground ginger and 1 cup boiling water. Steep 10 minutes and drink.
Sage: Ah-h-h hot flashes; our own personal trip to the tropics! Try drinking a cup of sage tea three times a day. Add ¾ tsp sage to 1 cup boiling water. Steep 10 minutes, strain and drink. Don’t forget to add a paper umbrella!
Thyme: Because of its history of being rich in germ-killing compounds, thyme has been used throughout the ages as an expectorant and antiseptic. For coughs, add 1 tsp dried thyme to 1 cup boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes, strain and drink. For sore throats, brew 2 tsps thyme in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes. Garble vigorously, then spit it out.
