The medicinal plants you can grow at home.
Nature’s pharmacy is packed with hundreds of medicinal plants used in both Western and Chinese medical practices to treat a variety of conditions. Some plants are very potent and can interact with other medications or trigger an allergic reaction, so always consult your doctor before trying a new remedy. Here are twelve plants worthy of some space in your garden.
Apple cider vinegar has been reported to heal many conditions – from minor ailments to serious illness. Some people swear by it. For example, apple cider vinegar is used across the world as a natural/alternative treatment for allergies, and is thought to reduce the risk of cancer.
Vinegar has been in use since ancient times – as a health remedy, cleaning agent and for many other purposes from household to science. Hippocrates (460-377 BC), the revered ancient father of medicine after whom the Hippocratic Oath was named, prescribed it for curing pleurisy, fever, ulcers, and constipation. [1] It was utilized throughout history in other societies as well; for example, the Egyptians are thought to have used it to kill bacteria and the Babylonians relied on it to preserve food and medicines.
In Ancient Rome, Apple cider vinegar was considered the holy grail or fountain of youth. It was commonly consumed for its properties as an elixir; one that has been forgotten in modern times – until recently.
Fast forward to the future: Today, Apple cider vinegar is considered to be useful in cases of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. For example, in 2001 the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a study in which it was indicated that alternative or natural therapies like ACV might be more effective than prescription drugs and other western medical treatments. Apple cider vinegar is also useful in emergency situations such as jellyfish stings because it acts as a deactivating agent toward the venom.
Apple cider vinegar is made via fermentation, which is very beneficial for digestion and has in some cases worked as a cure for acne. Apple cider vinegar is also commonly used as a treatment for other skin disorders such as warts. In fact, studies have shown that Apple cider vinegar can clear up blemishes and breakouts – avoiding the need for potentially harmful prescription medications such as Retin A or Acutane.
Another little known fact we found in a scientific report: During the American Civil War, Apple cider vinegar helped to prevent scurvy and also was used as a disinfectant for wounds.
Apple cider vinegar has the potential to balance pH levels in the human body. This process occurs because of the naturally-occurring acetic acid it contains. When PH levels are balanced, the body maintains an alkaline state which reduces the potential for disease. The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar may be too strong for some palates. For this reason, many people drink it with honey and lemon. Others prefer to add 1 Tablespoon to an 8-ounce glass of water.
We were surprised and intrigued to find that Apple cider vinegar has many benefits for hair health. Apple cider vinegar has been known to encourage hair growth and reduce the occurrence of breakage. To improve body and shine of the hair shaft, apply 1/2 Tablespoon of Apple cider vinegar mixed with 1 cup water after shampooing.
Another suggestion that is made with regard to consuming Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is to rinse the mouth afterwards. This is because, being acidic, there may be a possibility of harm to tooth enamel with long term exposure.
And you thought NyQuil knocked you out? Take a look at the ingredients in this old bottle of cough syrup. It might not cure your cough, but after a swig or two you won’t even remember you have one!
Translated to English from source:
Since the last third of the nineteenth century to the early twentieth century America proliferated different medicinal remedies retail. Some of these emerging companies laid the foundations for Big Pharma today.
This is the case of Kohler Company Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, which in 1988 sold “One Night” cough syrup recommended for children and adults. Its label read it’s composition:
- Alcohol (less than 1%),
- Cannabis Indica F.E. (a.k.a. marijuana)
- Chloroform
- Morphia, Sulph. (a.k.a morphine)
Note how these ingredients are “Skillfully combined with a number of other ingredients.”
The recommended dose for children was one teaspoon, 3 times a day combined with sleeping in bed. For children from 5 years, 15 drops for children 1 year, 5 drops. In severe cases, administer twice. Adult dose: Half a teaspoon three times daily and at bedtime.
The name of this medicinal preparation “One Night” no less curious. Did this mean that there would be no more night since one would not wake up in the morning? … Wacky!
This remedy continued to sell to the public until 1934, when the Consumer Protection Agency. (US Food and Drug Administration) took action on the matter. It gave judgment finding that labeling statements in relation to the curative and therapeutic effects of the article were false and fraudulent, and ordering that the product was banned and destroyed.
This may save you some expensive trips to the Vet. The list of acceptable household medications for pets revised in 2007. It may be helpful to have on hand.
