American’s Folk Medicine Revival
With the cost of health care skyrocketing, and 75 million American without health insurance, many people are returning to using home remedies. Home remedies are simple, cost-effective, easy to prepare and generally do not have any pesky side effects like pharmaceutical drugs.
Many ‘folk remedies’ are already in your pantry and part of your ‘kitchen pharmacy.’ Folk medicine can be as simple as steeping dried herbs and spices in water. Three essential herbs to keep stocked in your kitchen pharmacy are turmeric, ginger and cinnamon.
How to make simple healing tonics
Ginger Tea
Why? Ginger is known as vishwabheshaja in Ayurveda, the universal medicine said to benefit everybody and cure all diseases.Ginger helps relieve indigestion, gas pains, nausea, diarrhea and stomach cramping. Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Ginger stimulates blood circulation, detoxifies the body, relieves menstrual cramps and is the number one choice for colds, fevers and respiratory problems.
How? Wash, peel, and thinly slice about 2 inches of fresh ginger. Place in a saucepan with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil; simmer for 30 minutes and strain. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Turmeric Tea
Why? Turmeric is one of nature’s most powerful healers. It is an excellent antibiotic, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory medicine. It is useful for pain, strains, injuries and trauma. Turmeric strengthens digestion, helps lower cholesterol, aids circulation, detoxifies the liver and boosts immunity. Turmeric has been used by women for 1000’s of years to make the skin glow.
How? Add ½ teaspoon turmeric powder to boiling water, let steep for 5 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cinnamon Tea
Why? Cinnamon reduces cholesterol and blood sugar. It helps stop sugar cravings and is used to aid digestion and circulation. This ancient remedy is used to treat colds, congestion and fevers. Cinnamon has been traditionally used for both female reproductive issues and male infertility.
How? Break a cinnamon stick into pieces and place in a cup. Add boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. You can keep adding hot water to the cup to enjoy all day long. Use more or less cinnamon depending on the strength you prefer.