Time-Honored Home Remedies

By Judy Kirkwood

Back when life wasn't so complicated and people lived closer to the land, home remedies were the preferred treatment for simple aches, pains, and cosmetic improvements. If the antidote to ills couldn’t be found in the house or yard, it could be purchased at a family-owned pharmacy or grocery store. In case you’ve forgotten what your grandparents knew, here are some suggestions to try for handy solutions to simple problems. Bonus: home remedies are an inexpensive option.

Epsom Salt for Sore Muscles

I had never heard of soaking in Epsom salt for achy muscles until a massage therapist suggested I try it. Whether you ache from a full day of gardening or from a challenging workout, Epsom salt, which is magnesium sulfate, can ease muscle pain. Dissolve two cups in your bath water and soak for at least 12 minutes several times a week. Why does it work? According to epsomsaltcouncil.org, magnesium regulates the activity of more than 300 enzymes in your body. A lack of the mineral can contribute to high blood pressure, heart problems, and other health issues. Sulfate helps flush toxins and form proteins in joints. Absorbed through the skin, think of Epsom salt as a detox. Tip: it’s also a good fertilizer for plants, increasing chlorophyll production and improving phosphorus and nitrogen uptake. [Note: The street drug that has been dubbed "bath salts" is not chemically the same as Epsom salt.]

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Ginger for Nausea A medicine in Asia since ancient times, ginger has been used to treat symptoms of arthritis, heart conditions, flu-like symptoms and more. But what it is commonly known for, besides as a cooking spice, is for settling the stomach. A friend chews ginger root regularly for minor stomach upsets and studies have shown that powdered ginger can help nausea and vomiting, whether as a result of motion sickness, pregnancy, or chemotherapy. People with heart conditions, diabetes, or blood pressure problems, and pregnant women, should consult their doctors before taking ginger. But fresh or dried ginger root, ginger powder, and the ginger in ginger ale and ginger tea are safe and effective short-term treatment for the occasional upset stomach.

Salt Water for a Sore Throat My father’s remedy at the first sign of a sore throat was to gargle with salt water, a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a large glass of water. It may not cure a sore throat, and is no match for antibiotics in the case of strep throat, but it does provide relief. The soreness is usually from swelling, or inflammation, of the mucosa lining the throat. The salt draws the moisture out of the tissues and reduces swelling. Salt also disinfects the throat and promotes better circulation. Some people regularly gargle with saltwater to help prevent a sore throat in the first place.

Aloe Vera for Sunburn and Small Cuts Aloe Vera has been used to soothe sunburns and cuts for thousands of years, starting in Egypt. The succulent, which is 96 percent water, both moisturizes and reduces inflammation, although researchers are not sure why. Is it the rich mixture of vitamins and minerals or its characteristic as a binding agent? Just snap off a piece from a house or garden plant, cut or peel off the spines, and squeeze out the gel onto a burn or cut. (Make sure you’ve washed your hands first). It can be used to cool sunburned skin, to promote quicker healing of shallow cuts, to combat acne, and to soothe diaper rash. It is especially effective in treating bedsores and pressure ulcers.

Lemon for Mosquito Bites You can treat not only mosquito bites but any insect bite with lemon juice. First, make sure your hands and the area are clean and remove any kind of stinger with tweezers. Dry the area and apply lemon juice, or rub a cut lemon directly on the bite, and let it dry. It might sting a little while it is disinfecting the wound, but not much. In fact, since mosquitoes are repelled by the smell of lemons (and oranges), eat some and rub the peels with a bit of the juice on your skin before you go out. The smell will keep mosquitoes and gnats away.

Whole Cloves for Tooth Pain Cloves are not only for sticking in an Easter ham. Clove has a chemical compound called eugenol, which is an analgesic and anesthetic. It won’t cure your tooth pain, but it will give you relief until you can get to a dentist. Although oil of clove is effective, it can sometimes be too strong if it comes in contact with the gums and people are not as likely to have it on hand. Instead, shake a few cloves into your clean hand and soften several of them in your mouth with saliva. Maneuver softened cloves into contact with the painful tooth and hold it there for about 30 minutes. Or put a few cloves in chewing gum that you chew and hold in place over the teeth.

Mustard as a Multipurpose Healer No need for Grey Poupon. The National Mustard Museum reports that yellow mustard slathered on the skin can take the pain away from a minor burn and even soothe muscle cramps. A poultice of powdered mustard seed blended with flour and egg white to make a mustard paste (or plaster) has long been credited with easing bronchial and other congestion symptoms when applied to the chest. (Never apply to bare skin; spread the paste on a cloth). The mixture increases circulation to the area, promoting blood flow that carries away toxins.

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