But I do believe that Native Americans and other ancient cultures did know what they were doing when it comes to natural forms of healing. I have just never met anyone in real life who can attest to something that specifically worked for them.
Our newspaper has a weekly column where people write in, either asking about a therapy or claiming that one worked for them. Many times, it's the standard copper bracelet helping their arthritis or bar of soap in bed diminished their muscle cramps. I think that sort of thing is hard to measure though. What really interests me are the unusual things where you can instantly see results, such as:
Eating a kiwi fruit makes a canker sore go away. I used to suffer horribly from these, but once I changed my toothpaste, I don't have the problem anymore. My son got a canker sore recently and I told him to eat a few kiwis. The sore went away...........in the usual time frame! I have no idea how many he was supposed to eat, but there's a limit when you are dealing with a 17 year old, and his limit was two.
Rubbing a banana peel on a wart makes it disappear. Ok, this would have saved me about $300 last year when I had to take my son to a dermatologist to have one removed (and tested to see what it was). I have to say I almost hope he gets another one, just to try this bizarre home remedy!
Ingesting Oolong tea can make eczema go away. This is one I could use. I've had a small patch on my left palm for a few years now. I will periodically use a topical steroid to make it go away, but it always rears its ugly head again in a month or so. The problem is, I hate Oolong tea! I don't think I could stomach 3-4 cups/day to give this remedy a try. I'm considering steeping the bags and then applying directly to the eczema, eliminating the stomach route.
What alternative therapies/remedies have worked for you? Or, in contrast, what have you tried that didn't do a damn thing?
Well, this might be where you and I differ a little because I'm totally into alternative therapies. I myself am a certified Reflexologist, Reiki practitioner and have had extensive training in essential oils (aromatherapy), and I've seen AMAZING results, truly.
ReplyDeleteThe thing about alternative therapies is that they work WITH your body to support and heal it. which is why I like them. They're gentle, but also effective.
I've tried countless therapies, herbal supplements, vitamins, and some have worked well, others have not.
Like with traditional medicine, alternative therapies will work differently with each individual, so you have to find the ones that feel right for your body.
Honestly? I'm one of those people who will always try natural therapies first, before seeking traditional medicine.
But then again, that just me.
Great post topic!
X
When I was having what I thought were gall bladder issues, I googled a lot for info and I kept finding gall bladder cleanse info. You had to drink some combination of olive oil, coke and lemon juice I think. Or something equally disgusting. Anyway, there was NO way I was willing to just drink this random crap because some website told me to. But my chiropractor told me he actually DID it... and he passed a bunch of gall bladder stones overnight. It actually worked for him.
ReplyDeleteSo now I think I might try it, because even though my current issues aren't gall bladder, I think some of the prior ones were, and if I can reduce chances of that happening again, it's worth it.
And I REALLY want to find someone to do acupuncture. I think it might really help with my tendonitis problem and some other inflammatory issues I've been having.
Off the top of my head, I don't think of any particular 'home remedies' that we've employed. But we are pretty punctilious about eating healthy (lots of raw fruits & veggies, whole grains, and sugar is anathema), and we find that that, almost by itself, addresses all sorts of things (@JM - especially inflammation; around the holidays, all my joints just get all sore and swollen).
ReplyDeleteI was amazed when our pediatrician told me that duct tape battles warts. And it does. I never heard of rubbing banana peels on them!
ReplyDeleteI tried echinacea once. It did not make my cold go away, but it did do a number on my digestive system.
Ron - I do respect your opinion and I'm glad you've seen some good results. I think I've seen a lot of phony alternatives because of my relationships in the autism world. A friend of mine wasted thousands of dollars when a so-called doctor treated her son with chelation therapy. It not only did nothing, I believe it hurt her son because of the stress it caused him. A good explanation of how I feel about the topic can be found here: http://www.autism-watch.org/about/bio2.shtml
ReplyDeleteMe - If there was some science behind the drink concoction, I'd be more likely to believe it. That concoction sounds like somthing that would make you throw up a stone, if that were physically possible!
ReplyDeleteCraig - Good for you on the healthy diet. I'm more of a 'everything in moderation' girl, so I can still have my sugar fix!
CH Mom - Middle Child had a plantar's wart on her foot at age 3 and the duct tape did nothing! We tried every remedy in the book on that thing, including freezing and nothing helped. She's 20 now......I should look and see if it's still there!
Canker sores? Salt water always works for me. I get 'em from any number of allergic reactions (pineapple, walnuts, eggplant). Hurts tho, so beware.
ReplyDeleteMy few warts have gone by something over the counter, usually in under a week. I've heard slathering them in vitamin E goop will make 'em dry up and fall off but have never gotten to try it.
A friend uses zinc and a humidifier to manage her eczema. The zinc is supposed to moderate the reaction while the humidifier helps keep her skin from drying as much.
Nearly any kind of sting can be treated with honey to reduce the swelling. Saved me 2 trips to the E-room over the years.
As a rule, I'm skeptical about a lot of home remedies. But I'm also averse to using a lot of meds. So... when I fell down the stairs, among my many bruises, I damaged the nail bed of one toe and it set up a fungal infection. Vinegar dabbed on it (at the edge) twice a day until the damaged part grew out. Total cure.
ReplyDeleteAlso, post-hysterectomy, I had some mild hot flashes and other symptoms. I've been taking black cohosh. Again, total cure.
I started taking melatonin for sleep. Can't tell yet if it's that's working.
Other than that, love, exercise and healthy foods.
By and large, I steer clear of both alternative remedies and prescription drugs as I regard them all as pretty hit-and-miss, possibly useless and possibly dangerous. I've tried a few alternative remedies for insomnia but none of them had much effect. Luckily I have no major health problems so have never needed to try unorthodox treatments.
ReplyDeleteLecothin granuales! My hair and nails suffered horribly due to this dodgy, faulty thyroid gland of mine - since taking 1tsp daily, my nails are now like talons, and my locks are virtually back to their youthful shine again - truly, it even tastes good, I thoroughly recommed it to anyone.
ReplyDeleteAlternative therapies? Mehhhh, been there, done that ad nauseum. Naturally, you explore everything when you are told your child has an incurable condition, don't you? It's very difficult to quantify what works or not, especially when you invest into any new treatment, a massive dollup of wishful thinking. Reflecting over the past 18 years, I think I could have saved us all a lot of money and considerable heartbreak by avoiding most of the alternative options Sam suffered through.
It doesn't help that my big sis' owns and runs an alternative therapy clinic - she is forever trying to foist her new fangled ideas on to us! The latest one left me virually speechless - her "allergy-testing" appears to have discovered my brood must quit eating almost everything - lacose, wheat, sugar, etc, etc. Never mind they are a physically healthy bunch..
No, she tested them WITHOUT my permission, and yes, I am NOT a happy bunny, still trying to convince them they CAN actually eat what I cook, really - grrrrr!
I am also a big alternative therapy skeptic. My father recently died from cancer and friends had brought all sorts of probiotics, green energy, plant extracts, etc. and of course there was no effect (we did traditional chemo too).
ReplyDeleteI myself tried acupuncture done by a traditional German orthopedic surgeon over a period of three months to alleviate back pain. It was paid by my insurance as they conducted a study on acupuncture. I felt no relief whatsoever, being poked with the needles actually hurts (not too badly) and after a few sessions another patient who was treated next to me dared to ask and share that he wasn't feeling anything either.
I have to say yes to lecithin granules, although I take them for clearing brain fog. And for me they work, sort of like coffee in the morning and give me energy without feeling jittery. Another thing that works for me for energy and mental clarity is acai berries. I mix freeze-dried powder with orange juice and again get this energy and focus that a glass of orange juice alone do not provide. Both of these things taste reasonably well and are unlikely to hurt you, so I would try them if needed.
X - I remember doing the salt water thing as a kid, and the baby aspirin, and a few other OTC remedies, but none of them made the sore go away any quicker. Numbed it temporarily and that was it. Weird that you get them as an allergic reaction - I have gotten a few blood blisters as allergic reactions to food though and that's sort of scary.
ReplyDeleteAgent - Vinegar on a fungal infection sounds quite reasonable. I'll have to remember that one.
Nick - That's fantastic to be so healthy! I have high blood pressure (genetic) and resorted to meds because there was really nothing else to do (no weight to lose, tried to reduce sodium but that did nothing, also tried yoga to no avail). I suspect living alone in Tahiti might have done the trick, though!
Shrinky - The allergy hype has gotten out of control here as well. I know someone my age who has been told that she was allergic to all sorts of things (hops in beer, chocolate, etc.) only to go to another allergist and be told after testing that she wasn't allergic to those things. And it sounds as though you went thru a lot with Sam that a few of my friends have gone through :(
Anon - A friend of mine did acupuncture for headaches and found it too painful to continue, although she thinks the pain caused her to forget about the headaches! LOL!
Generally, I'm in support of alternative therapies but as Ron shared, they work differently with everyone just like modern medicine does.
ReplyDeleteI use a combination of both.
I take a few vitamins. I have a big bottle of Advil on the shelf too. And if I get some wicked infection, I want antibiotics, thank you!
I tried accupuncture. Didn't like it at all. I saw a Chinese doctor for a little while and she prescribed assorted herbs based on what she thought my condition was at the time and I bought them from her and made teas at home. They smelled and tasted awful but I do remember feeling better after awhile.
I've had Reflexology and did like that too, however, it's not covered by insurance and got too expensive. So hubby gives me massages and sometimes I work with pressure points on my hands. We're not certified but just some basic stuff feels very good.
The thing that has been the most helpful for me is Reiki. It's not necessarily expensive because if a person takes a Level I class (average cost is usually $125-$175) they can then give themselves, and others, Reiki forever.
While it has not cured my herniated discs or arthritis, it has provided much relaxation and helped with pain and seems to aid in the acceptance of dealing with my chronic conditions. For now, it's just something I feel very connected to. I enjoy it, I know others who enjoy it. I am a volunteer with an organization that uses it regularly and has had good feedback, but like with everything else .. it's for each person to decide what works for them.
Chocolate! A good quality dark variety is supposed to have some healthful properties. I just had hubby go to the store and get me some with mint inside and am going to go have a piece RIGHT NOW! :)
Ooh, and one thing that seems to work EVERY time for me and anyone I suggest it to is the hiccup cure of holding your breath while drinking a glass of water.
Good post, enjoyed it!
Hi Bijoux,
ReplyDeleteI never had been a daily user of home remedies but I used this one in the past.
When I grew up in Hawaii, I used aloe stalks to calm minor burns. Since the plant has a sticky sap inside that is really calming. Hence a lot of sunburn products having aloe!
I say "why not" if it works for minor things.
Happy weekend!
Very interesting(and apprently effective) natural mehods, here.
I think that anyone who uses these remedies has to draw the line somewhere; a wart, a rash or a minor burn
Chick - I couldn't live without my Advil! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your vast experiences!!!
ReplyDeleteBarb - My oldest is a red head, so she's quite familiar with the use of aloe on sunburns. I only sunburn if I'm closer to the equator or a body of water!
Oh yes, the blood blisters from allergies as well. Lovely things.
ReplyDeleteLoves my some pineapple and every so often it's worth it ....
Well for me in our house we always ate a spoon full of sugar to get rid of the hick ups. Not really a remedy for something serious but it is definitely helpful when the case of the hickups gets a hold if you!
ReplyDeletedeep tissue massage has helped me considerably in the aftermath of multiple car accidents and with regard to some persistent back issues. i think i'd be a complete wreck without it. also chiropractic care and spinal decompression helped me avoid needing back surgery and gave significant improvement to my back pain.
ReplyDeletei'm also an eczema sufferer. for a long time i relied on petroleum jelly to control minor outbreaks and it did help (just a thin layer on the affected spot after a shower). then for some reason after many years it seemed more irritating than soothing. i've also used some natural creams. in the past one with goldenseal and myrrh was very helpful. i had terrible problems with it on the tops of my feet and my ankles and the dermatologist okayed this things and added soaking in tepid water with a bit of olive oil. in recent years i use one with black cumin and neem oil. you know anything that helps the skin not dry out and soothes it from feeling itchy so you can break the itch-scratch-itch more cycle is a good thing. i do have a steroid ointment for if things get out of control but i need it far less often with these other things.