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GONE ARE THE DAYS when you were lined up with your siblings to have a spoonful of grandma’s favourite tonic. Many of us still cringe at the thought of Lanes emulsion, cold liver oil, Maltexo or Epsom salts but they played a major role in preventative medicine. I believe these “tonics” are desperately missing in our homes today, so here are a few of my favourites that can be used for all kinds of health ailments.
All homes should have Tea Tree or Manuka oil in their first aid kit. They both possess powerful, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-septic properties, with Manuka proven to be at least 20 times stronger than Tea Tree oil on common skin bacteria. Tea tree oil dries the skin (making it ideal for pimples), while Manuka is oily. Both have numerous uses and can be applied to treat most skin aliments either directly or diluted in a carrier oil (like almond, apricot or even olive). Ideal for sores, scrapes, abrasions, ringworm, tinea, head lice, acne, gum problems and dandruff. For colds, sinus and bronchial congestion try vaporising either oil in a burner.
Apple cider vinegar is another must for your kit – but especially for those with poor digestion. If you feel sluggish or uncomfortable after eating, then try mixing one tablespoon of a good quality apple cider vinegar, in approximately 100 ml of water and drink this before eating. The difference can be dramatic and instantaneous.
UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) refers to the antibacterial property of some New Zealand Manuka Honey. These range between five and 18, with a UMF of 18 being ideal for use on external skin infections, such as ulcers. Tests have shown that UMF honey can help the body's normal immune response clear wounds of infection when used as an ointment. No matter how large or small, just adjust the dressing size and amount of UMF honey used. I have seen it clear infection from the nastiest looking wounds and ulcers, to a cut that’s “gone a bit red and puffy.” But remember, if it doesn’t state the honey’s UMF value, it’s probably because it doesn’t have one. It's great for those with stomach ulcers too, eaten by the spoonful.
If you wake up in the morning and don’t feel refreshed from your sleep (even though you had a good night’s sleep), your liver may be struggling to keep up with its role of “Chemical Laboratory.” Our liver gets constantly bombarded with all kinds of toxins every day - including things like herbicides and sprays on foods, medication and preservatives, not forgetting the pollution we breathe every day. Start the day with half a lemon squeezed in water and ensure you drink this as soon as you get up in the morning. This will help to get your liver into action for the day and it definitely helps to clear that foggy feeling. To further help your liver, try Dandelion coffee - a delicious drink that really does taste similar to coffee. Other symptoms that can relate to poor liver function are skin problems, frontal headaches, digestive disturbances and a general feeling of fatigue or sluggishness.
If I could choose only one herb to help with my overall health, I would have to pick garlic. Sure, the smell on your breath is strong to those you meet who haven’t had their fair share for the day but the large amount of health problems it helps with make it an ideal choice. Garlic has been shown to be effective in helping fight against bacteria, viruses, fungis and parasites. It is an excellent winter preventative, which can be taken in many different forms. Try making a garlic tonic, where you peel and mince two garlic cloves. Cover with two cups of water and boil for three minutes; take daily. Make garlic butter: add minced garlic to tomato juice or dressings or simply chew and swallow. One study that measured recovery, the loss of stamina and the early onset of fatigue found that garlic far outdid the recovery and preventative effects of glucose, ginseng and six other food and drug items commonly used to restore energy, produce alertness, give vigour or provide stamina.
There are many other simple ways you can get benefit from incorporating tips like these into your daily regime. For more ideas or specific health advice, phone one of the team at Ideal Health on 0800 HEALTH, or visit their website:
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