News: Molecular mechanisms of ancient herbal remedies

Scientists have analysed a traditional African remedy for seizures and found that one of its active components is the same as that in valerian. They’ve also been able to combine it with another active ingredient to make a more efficient treatment.

Read the full article at Science Daily.

News: The Six: Traditional natural remedies from the Middle East

This article discusses some well-known herbal remedies from the Middle East — some overlap with remedies historically used in Europe, but not all of the ingredients would have been available (or at least, not cheaply).

Read the full article at Arab News.

Walt Whitman’s Health Tips

It has recently come to light that the US poet Walt Whitman also published a series of tips for health in 1858. Written under a pseudonym, the tips for “Manly Health and Training” contain much that would be familiar to those seeking health advice today – though few of the “patent” remedies that might otherwise have been suggested in that era; Whitman’s emphasis was on exercise and a very plain diet.

Rosemary for remembrance

The BBC report that the smell of rosemary has been shown to improve “future memory” — that is, remembering to do things in the future — and that the smell of lavender impairs this type of memory.

Other remedies reputed to improve memory:

• Nervous Pill
• Ingredients: Balm

News: 1,000-year-old onion and garlic eye remedy kills MRSA

The BBC report that a medieval eye remedy has been found to almost completely eradicate MRSA – equal parts of onion and another allium (garlic or leek), chopped and crushed in a mortar, then mixed with a small amount of English wine and some bovine salts.

News: Exotic hangover recipes

On Boxing Day 2014, the Guardian published a round-up of hangover remedies from around the globe.

News: Indonesia’s ancient tonic seeks modern remedy

A BBC article about jamu, an Indonesian tonic made primarily of roots (e.g. turmeric, ginger and galangal).

News: Bolivia embraces traditional healers

“EL ALTO, Bolivia — When Sabino Quento was involved in a serious car accident, the hospital was the last place he thought to seek treatment for his broken bones and nerve damage.

“Instead, he went to Emiliano Cusi, a traditional healer and Bolivia’s new vice minister of traditional medicine. Cusi was appointed by President Evo Morales as part of a plan to expand public health to include indigenous healing.”

Full story: Miami Herald, 26th September 2008

News: Lavender ‘calms dental patients’

“It soothes headaches and aids sleep – now lavender has been shown to help cope with a trip to the dentist.

“A study of 340 people by King’s College London researchers found those exposed to lavender oil scent were less anxious about the treatment ahead.”

Full story: BBC News, 12th September 2008

News: Natural Breath Fresheners

“Fresh mints, cloves and anise from the garden cure bad oral odors.

When our ancestors found themselves with offensive breath, they couldn’t (of course) pop candied deodorizers into their mouths. In fact, back in those days, folks used a number of natural breath fresheners that could be found in kitchens and herb gardens… and many of them are just as available today!”

Full article: Mother Earth News, originally from March/April 1983 issue