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.

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: 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

News: Book ‘reveals’ secret of long life

“For years Elizabeth Harfleet wondered how her great aunt Lillie had managed to live to the grand old age of 103.

“She believes she has found the answer in a battered book unearthed in a relative’s attic.

“Covered in faded brown paper, How to Live 100 Years is a compact manual of herbal remedies and treatments that was compiled by one James Robinson, of Bradford, and sold early in the last century for a shilling.”

Full story: Daily Telegraph, 30th April 2008

News: ‘Spring Tonic’ Explores Remedies Of The Past

“Learn about historical medicines and cures, including why some 18th century folks tied cowpies around their necks for sore throats, at the Schiele Museum “Spring Tonic” program from 1-5 p.m. Sunday at the museum’s 18th-Century Backcountry Farm.”

Full story: Gaston Gazette, 26th March 2008 (Gastonia, North Carolina, USA)

News: Home Remedies

“At a time when federal advisories on drug risks and side effects are common and health-care costs often high, you might be tempted to turn to home remedies to treat your children.

Sometimes parents can soothe children’s symptoms just by using something from the pantry — perhaps learned from their mother or grandma.

“Each culture has its own little set of remedies that they use; it’s just part of the upbringing,” said Dr. Lynn Smitherman, a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.”

Full story: The Courier-Journal, March 6th 2008

News: Folk Remedy To Suppress Hunger Makes A Comeback

“AN OLD Scots folk remedy for hunger could be making a comeback as a slimming aid, it was revealed yesterday.

Heath pea, or bitter vetch, was used in medieval times to suppress hunger when crops failed.”

Full story: Daily Record, March 6th 2008

News: Old remedy breaks new ground

“WHILE most old wives’ tales are shrugged off with modern day scepticism, one proved true this week for Nina Tarei — castor oil can induce labour.

Only a couple of hours after mixing castor oil with her Coca-Cola, Mrs Tarei had made history and was holding her new baby boy.”

Full story: Gisborne Herald, 23rd February 2008