Ten Health Remedies from Your Backyard

Natural Solutions that Can Make You Feel Better

© Kathleen Blanchard

Sep 13, 2008

There was a time when the only medicines available involved the use of nature. Several powerful antibiotics are produced from spores, found in our own backyards. Aspirin comes from willow bark, and the heart medicine, digitalis, from the foxglove plant.

1. Chamomile tea, made from the flowers of the plant is a wonderful way to beat infrequent bouts of indigestion. Chamomile tea is also readily available at most supermarkets for purchase. Try growing some in your garden, or container when weather permits, and keep some in the cupboard for upset stomach.
2. Everyone should have an aloe plant available. They are easy to grow indoors, and the juice of cut leaves can calm a minor burn or insect bite. It’s important to note, that burns that cause blistering require more than a home remedy. Anyone highly allergic to insect bites should look for aggressive treatment.
3. Crushing the leaves of broadleaf plantain soothes poison ivy and insect bites. It seems that broadleaf plantain is almost as common as dandelion, and can be found growing on most lawns.
4. Those little hens and chicks that many gardeners already enjoy, can be used to take the sting out of an insect bite and minor burns. Just squeeze the juice from the leaves and rub it on the affected area.
5. It doesn’t sound tasty, but garlic juice, mixed with honey is a sure-fire way to soothe a sore throat. Crush the garlic cloves and seep them in hot water, then add honey to taste. Not only will you feel soothed, but at least one study has shown that garlic has potential as an antibiotic.Last year, acientists from Southeast Asia compared garlic to Ciprofloxacillin and Ampicilin for eradicating four common bacteria. Garlic was found to eliminate the germs, leading the researchers to conclude that garlic should be further studied as a :"promising" antibiotic. :(1)
6. For minor bouts of nausea, make a tea from peppermint leaves. Peppermint grows fast and spreads easily, making it a better plant for container gardening.
7. Rose petals can also be seeped and made into tea. Rose hips are also rich in Vitamin C. Try rose tea for constipation.
8. Flax seed can be crushed and put in a poultice, using a soft cloth. Flaxseed can help with healing minor sores and insect bites.
9. Dandelion, picked from pesticide free areas, are edible, and rich in vitamins. Dandelion root acts as a mild laxative, making it a great tonic for springtime.
10. Tea made from Sage helps alleviate cold symptoms and is good for indigestion.

Just remember, that not all plants are edible, and many will harm. The natural remedies listed here are considered safe for use with minor ailments and virus symptoms, but none should be overdone. Just because it is natural, never assume that it’s safe.

(1)Medscape abstract

Herbs

Print Article

View All Articles

How to subscribe to feeds