HOME REMEDIES

HOME REMEDIES
Apple Cider Vinegar
• Apple cider vinegar may be a staple ingredient in most kitchens, but did you know that this is a great natural remedy for heartburn? Rather than taking your typical dose of antacids, you can down a spoonful or two of apple cider vinegar.What this does is to break down the excess foods that you have consumed and restore the normal balance in your stomach.
• Treat abrasions. Vinegar is a natural antiseptic, so use diluted solution of half vinegar and half water to clean minor cuts and abrasions. It can also reduce the itch from poison ivy or insect bites.
• Soothe sunburn. Cover sunburns with a towel or rag soaked in water and vinegar. If possible, sleep this way. Re-soak and repeat. Put vinegar in a spray bottle with water and mist directly on the sunburn. To relieve swelling and fluid from too much sun, mix a paste of baking soda and apple cider vinegar and apply.
• Alleviate stiff muscles. Reduce the stress of over-worked muscles by mixing a half vinegar and half warm water solution. Soak a towel in it, then wring out the towel and cover the sore muscles. It is often helpful to cover the towel with plastic wrap and leave on overnight. Reduce bruising by following the same method, but instead use cold water and secure the compress in place with a tape or sports wrap.
• Treat diarrhea. Cider vinegar helps with digestion and works as an antiseptic through the intestines and the digestive track. One tsp. of cider vinegar in a glass of water before meals will lessen the intensity of the diarrhea.
• Combat hay fever . Hay fever symptoms include watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose (and other extra body fluids). Use honey and vinegar. Take 1 tbsp. of honey and a dose of cider vinegar 3 times a day during hay fever season. To add extra relief, use local honey and begin the treatment early.
• Relieve a scratchy throat. To soothe a sore throat, try gargling with apple cider vinegar and water. Make a 50/50 mixture, and spit it out immediately after gargling, repeating the treatment ever hour. Be sure to rinse your mouth or the acidity will damage your teeth.
Cayenne Pepper-
The tincture is excellent for first-aid kits. It is an herb to keep on hand.
• Although cayenne pepper puts the sizzle and spice in most foods, it can be actually soothing when used as a natural remedy for cuts.Aside from stopping the bleeding immediately, sprinkling cayenne pepper on the affected area will actually ease the pain.
• Regulates the flow of blood so it influences the heart immediately – the frequency of the pulse is not increased but is given more power.
• Normalizes blood pressure; used for both high and low blood pressure.
• Taken internally for an injury to stop internal or external bleeding. The powder can be poured directly on an external wound to stop bleeding, fight infection and promote healing. It may feel warm but it will never cause a blister.
• Used to treat shock or to keep someone from going into shock.
• Used for a gargle for sore throats and pyorrhea.
• Cayenne can also be used in conjunction with CPR in the event of a heart attack. For this application, mix a teaspoon of cayenne in a small amount of water and pour it down the patient's throat. This is a sure way to revive the person and is much more successful than CPR alone. People with heart and blood pressure conditions should consider incorporating appropriate amounts of cayenne pepper into their dietary regimens.
• Cayenne is the remedy of choice for gangrene, frostbite and any condition which calls for increased blood flow and better circulation. Cayenne can even be placed in boots to help keep feet warm.
Flaxseed
• Women who are experiencing discomfort due to undergoing the menopausal stage will be glad to know that there is a natural remedy for it: flaxseed. Hot flashes are a particularly common problem for menopausal women and flaxseed can effectively prevent this. All you need to do is mix about 1.4 ounces of ground flaxseed into the foods that you are eating and it will relieve menopausal symptoms as effectively as prescription medications.
Turmeric
• If you are experiencing arthritis or joint injuries, the Indian spice turmeric will work wonders for you. All you need to do is include a couple of tablespoons of turmeric or yellow curries while cooking meat or any curry dish – and you will generally feel better afterward.
Mustard
• The mustard plaster (powder & cold water) is a time-honored cure for the congested chest. Mustard is a rubefacient, which causes the skin to feel warm, and opens the lungs to make breathing easier. The plaster should, however, never be applied directly to the skin as it may cause painful blistering. A layer of lint (or thin) material should be put between the mustard paste and the skin and the poultice should be removed as soon as it becomes uncomfortable. The same plaster has also been used to relieve arthritis, rheumatism, sciatica, paralysis of limbs and other muscular pains.

Mustard Plasters
For children and babies, can be left on overnight without burning. However, any age can use it.
1. 1 Tbsp. Ginger, 1 Tbsp. Dry mustard, 1 Tbsp. Turpentine, 1 Tbsp. Salt, 3 Tbsp. Lard or shortening. Mix together. Spread in a soft cloth and apply to chest.
2. 1 Tbsp. Dry mustard, 4 Tbsp. Flour, 1 egg. Mix with water and leave until skin is pink.
3. 10 level Tbsp. Flour, 1 level Tbsp. Dry mustard. Mix with water. Leave on for about 15 minutes or until skin is pink.
Note: For 2 and 3 put Vaseline on chest before applying pack.
Clove
• Cloves are a perfect breath freshener because it kills the bacteria that causes odor and leaves the mouth clean tasting and smelling.
• Its main component, Eugenol, is a powerful multifaceted phytochemical that anesthetizes, kills intestinal parasites, bacteria and fungi, fights free radical oxidation, and thins the blood.
• Cloves relieve pain, increase blood circulation, aid digestion, and are antiseptic and antimicrobial.
• Clove has been used to treat toothaches, earaches, colds, flu, backaches, bronchitis, dysentery, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting. Apply directly to a toothache or cold sore.

Baking Soda
• Dissolve 1/2 cup of baking soda in tepid water to create a bath that will cool your baby’s prickly heat. It's not just for baby either. Anyone can benefit from a soaking if heat has created a rash.
• Stop the sting from insect bites by applying a paste of Arm & Hammer and water on the affected area. You'll reduce the swelling, itching and stinging from insect bites.
• Ease the pain of sunburn and windburn by dissolving 1/2 cup of baking soda in a lukewarm bath. Soak for 15 minutes or more to soothe your skin.
• Mix 1/2 tsp. of baking soda with a glass of warm water, swish, spit and rinse to cool a burning mouth. Your mouth will thank you.
• Relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, sour stomach and upset stomach. Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to 1/2 glass of water and drink every 2 hours, making sure it's fully dissolved in the water before you drink.
• 1 part baking soda mixed with two parts of ground oatmeal to make a face scrub. Mix both ingredients with water to make a paste, then gently rub on face, avoiding eyes. Leave on for a few minutes then remove with cool water and a wash cloth. Your face will feel noticeably soft and smooth!
• Is your skin suffering from a case of Poison Ivy or Sumac? Or, do the kids have Measles or Chicken Pox? Add a half cup of baking soda to a bath tub full of warm water. Soak the entire body. The baking soda will help relieve the itching and irritation. It will also help to soften skin!
• Use as toothpaste to whiten your teeth. Simply dip your toothbrush into some soda everytime you brush! Not only will it help whiten your teeth, but it will help to clean your breath as well!
Baking soda can also be used to safely clean dentures, partials, and other dental apparatus.
• You can use baking soda just like a dry cleanser to clean sinks, bath tubs, and toilets. It works especially well on chrome fixtures! It rinses off easily and you don't have to worry about scratches either. Warm about 2 cups of water with 1 cup of baking soda in the microwave and then use a warm rag and wipe the inside of the microwave, this makes a great cleanser/cleaner for stuck on grease and grime.
• Do you love dried beans, but not the gas and bloating they cause? Sprinkle a teaspoon of baking soda in the water when you soak beans. Oila! No more digestion problems!
Epsom Salt
• Eliminates Toxins from the Body Add two cups of Epsom salt to the water in a bath tub. Soak for 10 minutes at least weekly once. It relaxes your body and muscles, eliminates toxins from the body and reduces the swellings of sprains.
• Exfoliates SkinSprinkle small amount of essential oil to Epsom salt and clean your skin. Or you can rub the Epsom salt directly on the skin to make it smooth and silky. Then rinse thoroughly.
• Athlete's FootSoaking in Epsom salt helps you relieve from athlete's foot.
• As a First Aid Mix a thick paste of Epsom salt with hot water and apply to get soothing comfort.
• Hair Conditioner Warm the mixture of equal amounts of conditioner and Epsom salt for 15 seconds. Apply this mixture through your hair from scalp to end; leave it for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water; you can observe the natural glow in your hair.
• Removes Foot Odor Mix half-cup of Epsom salt in warm water and keep your feet for 10 minutes. This soothes achy feet, removes bad odor and softens the rough skin.
• As a Fertilizer for your HouseplantsSprinkle Epsom salt weekly once to nourish your houseplants, flowers and vegetables.
• Relieves from ConstipationDissolve 2 to 3 teaspoons of Epsom salt into a cup of water and drink twice to get relief from constipation.
• Dislodge BlackheadsTake half a cup of boiling water. Add a teaspoon of Epsom salt and 3 drops iodine. Apply this mixture to the black heads with a cotton ball three times.
• As a Hand WashMix Epsom salt with baby oil and keep by the sink to clean your hands effectively.
• Treats Toenail FungusSoak your affected toes in hot water mixed with a palm full of Epsom salt three times a day.