Natural Herbal Beauty

Pleurisy

Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura, the delicate membrane between the lungs and the walls of the chest. The most usual cause is viral infection, but it can also result from pneumonia and injury of adjoining organs. Breathing produces sharp, stabbing pains in the chest and shoulders from the fluid buildup in the membranes, and there is usually also a high fever. (more…)

Coughing is the body’s natural response to any blockage of the airway which may be due to dust and traffic fumes or mucous resulting from infection. Coughing can also be a symptom of a number of more serious illnesses, so professional medical attention is needed for any cough which persists for more than a few days or for which there is no obvious cause.

Coughs can be dry and irritating or “productive” with phlegm which can vary in shade from white to green — darker colours generally indicating an infection. Dry coughs can often linger for weeks following a cold and in some cases coughing can become a nervous habit. (more…)

BEST FOR BRINGING OUT MEASLES, AS IT WILL INDUCE SWEATING: Measles is a childhood disease that was thought at one time to be an uncomplicated disease. We now know that complications can and do happen. Best treatment is to have the little patient stay in bed and keep the room dimly lit. Provide quiet activities to keep the patient as quiet as possible. Provide plenty of liquids and keep the patient on a light, wholesome diet. Tepid baths seem to help the patient keep fever down and provide comfort. If the child is running a fever and the rash has not yet broken out, this herbal remedy will help them. Once the rash has broken out, the fever seems to go down somewhat. The disease lasts about 5 days. The fever should subside during those 5 days as the rash starts to disappear. (more…)

BRONCHITIS TREATMENT: Bronchitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes. Some people are more prone to infection here then others. The infection is often preceded by a common cold, flu, or can be caused by a streptococcus organism. The predisposing factors may be chilling, fatigue, or even malnutrition. Many times the predisposition can be attributed to allergies or inhalation of chemical agents such as fumes or dust particles.

Treatment of chronic bronchitis should be supervised by your family physician. He or she will find the reason that you suffer from chronic bronchitis and treat you accordingly. Your treatment may require a change in living habits. Smokers have to stop smoking. You may even have to change your sleeping habits. Never sleep in an extremely cold room and be sure to cover your mouth during very cold weather when outdoors. Bed rest is advised along with plenty of fluids and a light diet. Broths, fruit juices, and again, I stress plenty of water. (more…)

SWEETEN BREATH DURING COLDS: Chew fresh parsley during a cold. This not only freshens the breath during a cold, but rids the mouth of any bad odors anytime. Parsley also gives you the extra vitamins you need while suffering through a cold.

FEVER WITH COLDS: Take 1 ounce of elder flowers or white yarrow and add 1 ounce of peppermint leaves. Simmer the leaves in 1 pint of water for 30 minutes. Strain and drink by the 1/2 cupful during the day, as long as fever is present.

COLDS WITH FLU SYMPTOMS: Mix 1 cup each of plantain, black elder flowers, juniper berries, rosemary, Irish moss and peppermint. Steep 1 teaspoon of the herb mix in 1 cup boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain, reheat and sweeten. Drink twice daily. (more…)

One of the best rubs I know is camphorated oil. Because it is no longer sold commercially, it may be necessary to make your own. You can purchase some small, 1 ounce camphor blocks from your local druggist. If it is not in stock, ask your druggist to order it for you, or to please stock it for you. Most druggists are very pleasant and helpful if you tell them why you need a certain product.

The camphorated oil is cheap to make and very handy to have around. It makes a good chest rub for chest colds as well being good for arthritic conditions. Shave the block of camphor in an earthenware or glass bowl, and add 1 ounce of menthol crystals. This too can be purchased at your local drug store. (more…)