Articles and Forms
Kitchen Remedies
Kitchen Remedies
by Sheryl Martin OMD, L.AC, RN
It is a known fact that most of the time when illness strikes; it is either on the weekend or after doctor’s office hours. Have you ever had to put your illness on hold because the doctor couldn’t see you right away? If this has ever happened to you, here’s a suggestion. Start collecting some kitchen table wisdom. Try some of Grandma’s old-fashioned remedies. Help is very often right at your fingertips. Just open up your spice cabinet, and see what may be available to remedy what ails you.
Here a few tips which you might find helpful over the winter months.
Ginger - Very warming for those long cold nights. Good to help break up mucous. It is also good for nausea. Cornell University Medical College found that Ginger might help prevent strokes and hardening of the arteries. There is also current research on how ginger can be used for treatment of osteoarthritis. To help warm the bones, make a ginger tea by grating fresh ginger root into a tea ball, and steeping 10 minutes, or by taking a 1 tsp ginger powder to one cup of boiling water. Add honey to taste.
Thyme - An antiseptic; anti-spasmodic; disinfectant; kills parasites. Ancients used for nervous conditions, and to fight infections. The word “Thyme” is derived from the Greek word “Thymos”, which is the gland associated with immune functions. Can be used for gargles and mouthwashes (“Thymol,” derived from thyme, is contained in Listerine.) Use for bronchitis, lung congestion, or other respiratory problems. Steep 1/2 tsp in 1/2 cup boiling water. Drink up to 4 cups per day.
Fennel - Can be used to relieve colic and abdominal cramps. Good to use after those rich holiday dinners to help reduce bloating and indigestion. Fennel is also good to stimulate milk production in nursing mothers. Steep 1 tbsp in 1 cup of boiling water. Fennel is also available in tablets in some health food stores.
Licorice Root Extract- Is a big asset to your spice cabinet if you don’t already have it. Good to use for a sugar substitute. Has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Is considered an “adaptogen” as it stimulates the production of interferon, which is said to be the key to preventing immune-response deficiency diseases. Good also for bronchial problems, sore throat, and peptic ulcers. Licorice Root fortifies the mucous membrane of the respiratory and GI tract thus creating a strong barrier to keep unwanted bacteria and viruses out. It can be purchased in its natural form from a specialty herb shop, or can be obtained in tincture from health food stores. If using the rootstock, steep 1 tsp in 1 cup of boiling water. If using tincture, follow directions on the bottle.
MORE THERAPEUTIC VALUE OF KITCHEN SPICES
Celery
Reduces B/P; Relieves muscle spasms; improves appetite. Good for arthritis, gout, gas, anorexia. Acts as an antioxidant & mild sedative. Contains B Vitamins, iron, Vitamin A & C. Use 1/2 tsp. seeds, and steep in boiling water 10 min, then strain. 1 tbsp 2-3 times per day.
Rosemary
Promotes liver function and production of bile. Aids digestion. Has anti-inflammatory properties. Can be used as hair rinse to control premature balding. Used by the Ancient Greeks to enhance memory. Students wore garlands of Rosemary around their necks during exams. Steep 1 tsp. leaves in 1/2 cup boiling water. Use up to 1 cup per day.
Cinnamon
Antifungal, antibacterial. Used in a lot of formulas for menstrual discomforts. It can halt excessive uterine bleeding. Used by Ancients in their embalming mixtures.
Aloe Vera
One of the oldest known therapeutic herbs, Leaves can be opened and used directly on wounds and burns. It promotes the removal of dead skin and stimulates new cell growth. The new preparations, which can be taken internally, have been helpful in treatment of HIV. It buffers the HIV virus from entering one cell to the next, inhibiting its movement throughout the body. It is believed to boost immunity by balancing the pH of the blood. It is useful in treating GI reflux.
by Sheryl Martin OMD, L.AC, RN
It is a known fact that most of the time when illness strikes; it is either on the weekend or after doctor’s office hours. Have you ever had to put your illness on hold because the doctor couldn’t see you right away? If this has ever happened to you, here’s a suggestion. Start collecting some kitchen table wisdom. Try some of Grandma’s old-fashioned remedies. Help is very often right at your fingertips. Just open up your spice cabinet, and see what may be available to remedy what ails you.
Here a few tips which you might find helpful over the winter months.
Ginger - Very warming for those long cold nights. Good to help break up mucous. It is also good for nausea. Cornell University Medical College found that Ginger might help prevent strokes and hardening of the arteries. There is also current research on how ginger can be used for treatment of osteoarthritis. To help warm the bones, make a ginger tea by grating fresh ginger root into a tea ball, and steeping 10 minutes, or by taking a 1 tsp ginger powder to one cup of boiling water. Add honey to taste.
Thyme - An antiseptic; anti-spasmodic; disinfectant; kills parasites. Ancients used for nervous conditions, and to fight infections. The word “Thyme” is derived from the Greek word “Thymos”, which is the gland associated with immune functions. Can be used for gargles and mouthwashes (“Thymol,” derived from thyme, is contained in Listerine.) Use for bronchitis, lung congestion, or other respiratory problems. Steep 1/2 tsp in 1/2 cup boiling water. Drink up to 4 cups per day.
Fennel - Can be used to relieve colic and abdominal cramps. Good to use after those rich holiday dinners to help reduce bloating and indigestion. Fennel is also good to stimulate milk production in nursing mothers. Steep 1 tbsp in 1 cup of boiling water. Fennel is also available in tablets in some health food stores.
Licorice Root Extract- Is a big asset to your spice cabinet if you don’t already have it. Good to use for a sugar substitute. Has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Is considered an “adaptogen” as it stimulates the production of interferon, which is said to be the key to preventing immune-response deficiency diseases. Good also for bronchial problems, sore throat, and peptic ulcers. Licorice Root fortifies the mucous membrane of the respiratory and GI tract thus creating a strong barrier to keep unwanted bacteria and viruses out. It can be purchased in its natural form from a specialty herb shop, or can be obtained in tincture from health food stores. If using the rootstock, steep 1 tsp in 1 cup of boiling water. If using tincture, follow directions on the bottle.
MORE THERAPEUTIC VALUE OF KITCHEN SPICES
Celery
Reduces B/P; Relieves muscle spasms; improves appetite. Good for arthritis, gout, gas, anorexia. Acts as an antioxidant & mild sedative. Contains B Vitamins, iron, Vitamin A & C. Use 1/2 tsp. seeds, and steep in boiling water 10 min, then strain. 1 tbsp 2-3 times per day.
Rosemary
Promotes liver function and production of bile. Aids digestion. Has anti-inflammatory properties. Can be used as hair rinse to control premature balding. Used by the Ancient Greeks to enhance memory. Students wore garlands of Rosemary around their necks during exams. Steep 1 tsp. leaves in 1/2 cup boiling water. Use up to 1 cup per day.
Cinnamon
Antifungal, antibacterial. Used in a lot of formulas for menstrual discomforts. It can halt excessive uterine bleeding. Used by Ancients in their embalming mixtures.
Aloe Vera
One of the oldest known therapeutic herbs, Leaves can be opened and used directly on wounds and burns. It promotes the removal of dead skin and stimulates new cell growth. The new preparations, which can be taken internally, have been helpful in treatment of HIV. It buffers the HIV virus from entering one cell to the next, inhibiting its movement throughout the body. It is believed to boost immunity by balancing the pH of the blood. It is useful in treating GI reflux.
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- The Winter Season
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