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If your tooth is aching or a bee has stung you, you've probably got the
remedy in your own home
Apples
can deal with diarrhoea and gastric disturbances, as they contain malic and
tartaric acids, which regulate stomach acidity. Grate a raw apple, wait for it to turn
brown, then eat it - it will calm your, stomach and restore bowel function too normal.
Apple cider vinegar gets to grips with athlete's foot - add four teaspoons of this
anti-fungal remedy to a footbath and soak your feet twice a day.
Banana Skin is a great first-aid dressing. It contains a newly identified substance
called esterified vitamin F, which fights infection. Place the inside of a freshly peeled
banana skin onto a wound and loosely bind with a bandage; renew every three or four hour.
If the wound swells, gets hot or becomes tender, draw out the inflammation with a poultice
of potato (pile raw, grated potato on the wound and cover with gauze for two to tour
hours, repeat if necessary). If it's red, swollen or intensely tender for more than 24
hours, or if pus starts to form, see your GP.
Cloves ease toothache.
wrap one or two of these natural antiseptics in cotton wool
and tuck into a cavity for almost instant relief. Chewing fresh ginger has a similar
effect. But do make an appointment to see your dentist.
Cranberry juice cure
cystitis. It dislodges the E. coli bacterium that causes the
infection from the wall of the bladder and flushes the germs out of the body. It is
suggested that you should drink between one glass and one litre of cranberry juice a day
during an attack.
Garlic is good for fighting infection. Its antiseptic, cleansing action works
throughout the body. Crush it up and rub it on your chest when You have a cold, or dab it
on ringworm and insect bites.
Honey helps mild burns. Dab some on once the skin has cooled. It's an antiseptic
and speeds up the healing of wounds, including mouth and body ulcers. And it can draw
poisons and pus out of an infected wound or ulcer, or bring boils to a head. But don't use
greasy ointments, butter or other fats on burns.
Lemons are good for calming skin rashes, including shingles. At the first signs of
irritation, rub the rash with a freshly
cut lemon. A salt bath can also reduce the pain and dry up shingle blisters. 0 Curing bad
breath that is due to infection. Drink diluted lemon juice or juices that are high in
beta-carotene, such as carrot or tomato Stopping nosebleeds. Lemon's astringent action
stops the bleeding. A few drops of lemon juice on a cotton wool swab will encourage
clotting.
Oatmeal is healing and soothing to sore, inflamed skin. Rub the area with moistened
fine oatmeal. You can also use it to slough off thickened skin caused by psoriasis.
Olive oil makes a good anti-inflammatory rub for rheumatism and muscle strains and
sprains, especially when combined with grated garlic.
Onion can stop the pain of bee stings. Place a fresh slice of this
anti-inflammatory vegetable over the area before very gently prising out the sting with a
sharp knife. 0 make a poultice for chilblains. Apply to toes and cover with a bandage;
reapply every two-four hours.
Pineapple works wonders on warts. Fresh pineapple contains an enzyme called
bromelain that can break down a wart, so rub on a slice or apply pineapple juice several
times a day until it disappears. Crushed pineapple can also help heal ulcers and wounds ~
pile it on and cover with a bandage.
Potato can treat burns, cracked skin and swollen eyelids, because of
its ability to soothe inflammation and aid healing. Grate a potato, mix it with olive oil
and apply; secure with a bandage.
Sea salt can clean your teeth and make them sparkle. Make a powder of two
tablespoons of fine sea salt and three tablespoons of carbonate of soda; store in a dry,
airtight container. Shake a little of the mixture into your hand and pick it up with a
damp toothbrush.
Thyme
clears up dandruff. Boil four heaped tablespoons in half a litre of water for
10 minutes, let it cool, then massage half the liquid into your scalp. Don't rinse; just
let its astringent, disinfectant qualities continue working. Use the rest the following
day.
Tomatoes ease insect bites. Simply apply a slice of the raw fruit to the affected
area. The juice also makes an effective lotion for acne.
Walnuts are wizards for sore gums and preventing tooth decay. Chew one or two each
day for about three minutes, then swallow.
Yoghurt clears up thrush by helping to restore the natural balance in the vagina.
Apply the plain, live variety two or three times a day.
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