Gone are the days when you were lined up with your siblings to have a spoonful of Grandmas favourite tonic. Many people still cringe at the though of Lanes emulsion, cold liver oil, maltexo or Epsom salts – But they sure played a major role in preventative medicine. I believe these “Tonics” are desperately missing in our homes today, so here’s 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 cupboard – a First aid kit in a bottle. Tea tree oil is drying on the skin (making it idea for pimples), where Manuka is oily. They both possess powerful anti bacterial, anti fungal & anti septic activity, with Manuka said to be 20 times stronger than Tea Tree. The uses of these are extensive and can be applied, diluted in a carrier oil (almond, apricot or even olive) to most skin ailments. Ideal for sores, scrapes, abrasions, ringworm, tinea, head lice, acne, gum problems & dandruff or try vaporising it in a burner for helping with colds, sinus & bronchial congestion.
Apple Cider Vinegar is a must for all – but especially those with poor digestion. If you feel sluggish or uncomfortable after eating, then try mixing 1 tablespoon full, of a good quality Apple Cider Vinegar, in approx. 100ml of water and drink this before eating. The difference can be dramatic & instantaneous.
UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) refers to the antibacterial property of some New Zealand Manuka Honey. These range between 5-18, 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 & amount of UMF honey used. I have seen it clear infection from the nastiest looking wounds & ulcers, to a cut that’s “gone a bit red & puffy”. But remember, if it doesn’t state the honeys UMF value, it’s probably because it doesn’t have one. Great for those with stomach ulcers too.
If you wake up in the morning and don’t feel refreshed from your sleep (even though you had a good nights 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 & sprays on foods, medication & preservatives, not forgetting the pollution we breath every day. Start the day with ½ a lemon squeezed in water & 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 & 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 & a general feeling of fatigue or sluggishness.
If I could choose only 1 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, fungus and parasites. I believe it is an excellent winter preventative, which can be taken in many different forms. Try making a Garlic Tonic, where you peel & mince 2 garlic cloves. Cover with 2 cups of water and boil for 3 minutes. Take as a daily tonic. Make garlic butter, add minced garlic to tomato juice or dressings or simply chew and swallow. One study, with regard to recovery and on prevention against loss of stamina and the early onset of fatigue, found that Garlic far outdid the recovery and preventative effects of Glucose, Ginseng and 6 other food and drug items commonly used to restore energy, produce alertness, give vigour or provide stamina.
