Amusing Naturopathic Remedies From the Kitchen

Eating good quality food is a very important part of naturopathic treatment. But did you know that you could also use food to heal without eating it?

Here are some naturopathic remedies easily available in your kitchen. When I recommend people use them they usually laugh at the idea, but all are amazed at how effective they are. Use organic foods if possible, although foods that are not organic will also work.

Potatoes can be used to draw out any infection. Potatoes can be used for cuts or bites that have become infected, particularly infections around or beneath the nails. Place a slice of raw potato over the infected area holding it in place with tape. Leave it on overnight, and replace with a fresh potato during the day. Depending on the infection it will usually draw out the pus within 1-3 days. A nurse came to see me who had an infection under a fingernail for weeks, she had tried "everything" to remove it, including antibiotics, but it never really healed. Frequent hand washing at work meant it was hard to apply healing creams. However she used the potato at night and on her days off, within a few days it was gone.

Raw cabbage leaves , help bruising and aid circulation. Applied directly they can give excellent relief to mastitis.

Onions are high in sulphur so have a detoxifying effect. Put half an onion in a room when painting to decrease ill effects from the paint fumes. A raw onion is also a terrific help in cases of ear infection. Use half a small onion and place it over the ear, securing it with a cloth. Leave it on for several hours before replacing it to draw out the infection.

Honey a sticky, but potent way to treat slow healing and infected wounds such as leg ulcers. The quality of the honey is particularly important. Ideally use Manuka honey or organic raw honey. Manuka honey, which comes from New Zealand, has proved it's worth on numerous studies. The honey is applied directly onto the wound, for added support it may be eaten too. Raw honey contains bee pollen, enzymes and propolis, all of which can stimulate new tissue growth, it also has strong antibacterial and antimicrobial action. Manuka and some other types of honey are effective against even Staphylococcus aureus a particularly virulent bacteria.

Oats are great for soothing dry, itchy skin. Take a handful of dry porridge oats and wrap them on a muslin cloth (or loosely woven kitchen cloth). Tie a knot so no oats escape, harmless, but messy if they do! Then put the wrapped oats in a warm bath. The moistened oats have a soothing and healing effect, giving relief from the itchy spots of chicken pox, and sunburn.

These are just some of the naturopathic home remedies there are many more. Sniffing fresh lemon juice to cure a hangover always cheers people up after a night of overindulgence; not least the spectators!

Cut this out; keep it in your first aid box (or recipe book!). If the remedies make you laugh, even better, laughter is a great therapy. It's been proved to assist healing, so have a laugh, and use the remedies, you'll be amazed at how good you'll feel.