Homeopathic Remedies "New Age Hippie Stuff"

[BlueLotus]

I prefer to do things in a natural way, sometimes that is not always a possibility.

Yes I am one of those New Age Hippie types, I rock me some Jimmy Buffet, and no I don't do dope.

Any how read on to find a list of things that I use in my life that are more natural and cost less than modern day things.

[BlueLotus]

First up : The dreaded EAR WAX issue. So Gross...

My hubby has the worlds worst ear wax problem I wish I were over exaggerating even a little but I am not. Twice a year we have to take him to the ENT to have his ears flushed out by a pro.

Now myself I'm cool with a Q-Tip, yeah, yeah I know; "if it's smaller than an elbow it's not supposed to go in your ear." What ever! It's sick and it bugs me, so sue me.

Anywho, this is not an option for him, his canal is narrow, and tilted oddly. So twice a year we pay 25$ to have someone spray H2O up there and he still has problems hearing after wards because the water gets trapped.

So what is a girl to do? I Ain't digging in there, I don't love anyone that much! Sorry dude.

The problem finally reached a boiling point when the upstairs neighbor started banging on her floor (Our Ceiling) due to the TV Vol. I was talking to my grandfather who suggested we give ear coning a try.

Voila! After just 1 treatment he can hear again!!!! The amount of gunk left in the cone was frightening to say the least and I was worried about burning him so I removed the cone with a good 6 inches left. The Package said leave 4. Oh well better safe than sorry right.

It was super easy all I needed was a lighter, a paper plate 2 cones an something to keep him amused with for 40 full Min's.

I swear it works, I tried it out on myself first. I'm not mean enough to use him as my Guinea Pig. Now I tend to keep my ears pretty clean I thought but... even what came out of mine was measurable. Can't claim I hear better but the pressure I felt on the left side is gone, shock of shocks that was the worst one cone wise.

If you are battling ear wax and have not been able to find something that works yet.

Try these:

Children's Liquid Laxative- A few drops in the ears stuff with a cotton ball and lay flat for 2 hrs. Then gently flush with warm water.

If that fails...

Power Flush- You will need one of those child's nose bulbs or a good sized needless syringe
fill with water tilt head and try to power wash the ear like the Dr's do. I don't like this method because I'm afraid I will put too much power into it and rupture an ear drum. However if you are doing it to yourself I suppose you would know when to back off.

Cone- Most Homeopathic places sell these (Except Canada)
You will need
2 cones
1 paper plate
1 lighter
1 assistant or 1 mirror
Running water or a bowl of water to extinguish the flame when done

Cut a hole in the paper plate, Tin Foil or other protective material large enough for the cone to fit through about 4 inch's up. Bigger and you risk burns from falling ash. So Use care!!!

Fit the cone into the hole, lay on your side and place the narrow tip of the cone into the ear canal. Not deep enough to hurt, if it hurts you are doing it wrong! Back out until you are comfortable.

Now have your assistant light the cone. If using a mirror simply tilt head to one side with the cone fitted in the paper plate light the wide end and carefully place in ear.

I like to mark my cone so I know where to stop. I leave a good 3-4 inches unburnt from the paper plate. Some people don't. That is your call. I error on the side of caution by a mile.
Allow Cone to burn to desired length and either run under water or place in bowl of water to extinguish and commence with the next side.

I let my cones sit in the water for a few Min's each to make sure they are out before disposing of. If you are wondering what it removed you can unroll the cone and take a peek.
But try not to barf all over!

[BlueLotus]

Mint Oil

I can't even start to tell you how much I love this stuff.
It has a million uses from upset tummy's to stuffed up noses.

I'll list a few of the uses here feel free to add to it if I miss anything

Upset Tummy- Make a cup of Mint tea. I like to use black tea and 2 drops of pure mint oil (Food Grade) Drink and you should feel a little better within about 20 Min's.
(see also CRAMPS)
Stuffy Nose- I can't stand Vapor rubs. All that petroleum Jelly is icky not to mention costly!

If you like the rub method you can buy a jar of the goopy Jelly and make your own. Just add 5-10 drops of Mint Oil (same as above) and stir well.

I prefer the inhalation with steam. I warm a bowl of water either in the microwave or on the stove up to you and add about 3-5 drops of Mint oil, cover head with towel, and breath deep.

*Keep tissues handy for that one, your nose will start to run within a few Min's.
Sometimes I'm just too sick to move, I just Plug one nostril and hold the bottle under the open one and inhale that way too. It works. Again blow soon after to remove the icky stuff.
(If you do this I suggest not using it to make food or drink with ever again! :x )

Sore Mussels- 2-3 drops of Mint Oil (Same as in the first one)
place a few drops on affected area and massage in.
My friend was doing dialysis daily while waiting for her kidney and would complain of back pain. She tried this and it solved her problem totally.
I myself suffer from a chronic lower back injury and this is about the only reliable thing I have found to ease the pain enough to let me work some days.

Cooking- Mint oil can be added to just about any dish to add a little pep.

Child's Cool Air Vaporizer-
I could not get my son to clam down enough to sleep when he was sick. As a last resort I placed a few drops (3-4) into the water of the CA Vaporizer his cleared his nose enough when ill that he would sleep decently well through the night.

*Please use caution when ingesting Mint as in large quanities it can be toxic. Keep out of reach of children*

[BlueLotus]

Bleeding Fingers-

I am such a klutz, it's not even funny. Me and the kitchen Knives have gone ten rounds and I usually end up on the losing end. I am also a bleeder!

So by mistake I found a nifty clotting trick. Works wonders and helps save carpeting not to mention clothing.

If you manage to nick your self grab some Chilly Powder or even Ground Black Pepper I usually keep mine in a small mason Jar. (We grind fresh around here but, store bought will work as well.) Rinse cut under cool water for a full 6 seconds while someone gets the powder and a paper towel.

Dry cut quickly and pour a large amount of the powder over the cut, you should see it clump up if the bleeding is still ongoing.

Once the bleeding has stopped wash with an antiseptic agent and bandage well.

Another quick fix, for hard to care for areas such as knees Honey will work in place of an antiseptic gel under a bandage.

Scabs:
Turmeric- Turmeric can also be used to help in scab formation. Mix a ¼ of a teaspoon of turmeric powder with 1 teaspoon of clarified butter. Using a cotton ball or clean washcloth, gently apply the mixture to the wound. You can repeat this up to 3 times a day until the scab is naturally removed. Turmeric powder is available at Health Food Stores, International Markets, and some Grocery Stores.
*Be very careful when using the powder as it can stain your clothing yellow!*

Thyme has antiseptic properties and works with the body to regenerate new skin. Apply 2 to 3 drops of thyme essential oil to a piece of gauze and apply it to the cleaned wound. Tape the gauze down with medical tape and change the dressing 2 to 3 times a day. You can also mix 5 to 6 drops of essential oil with a cup of water and clean the abrasion with the mixture 2 to 3 times a day. Be sure to always use a clean washcloth or cotton ball to clean the wound.

Garlic has antibiotic, antiviral, and anti fungal properties. It rids the abrasion of harmful bacterial and stimulates the healing process. Simply slice a garlic clove and place a piece on the wound. You can also use Pure Food Grade Garlic Oil, which is sold at Health Food Stores, and place it on a piece of gauze and apply to the wound. Do this 2 to 3 times a day for best healing results.

Aloe Vera is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. I keep a potted Aloe plant on the kitchen counter

Up next LICE!!!!

[BlueLotus]

HEAD LICE

I shiver just hearing, reading, or even thinking those words.
The scourge of every parent the world over. These little bugs just love our kids heads.

Contrary to popular belief the bugs don't jump and they are not attracted to a dirty head. They walk and prefer clean hair because the Nits attach better to the strands.

There are a few ways to deal with these guys but no matter which route you take it is going to take FOREVER!

Lice don't like Coconuts. I have no idea why but we found this out in science class.
The best offense is a good defense Add some coconut milk to your shampoo bottle to help keep the creepy crawlies away. It's not 100% but anything is better than nothing!

Pesticide Shampoo+ Hot water. Not warm not cold AS hot as can be tolerated.
Buy the shampoo and fine toothed comb a ton of trash bags, and lots of laundry soap! Rent a carpet cleaner with upholstery attachments if you don't already own one.

Everything must be washed! Start with the heads of all people in the house.
Do a really good job don't skimp on the amounts of shampoo used then run and remove all sheets pillows stuffed animals etc.
Pillows you can soak in the tub filled with the hottest water you can get and a cup of bleach let them soak for about 30 Min's. Drain and turn on the shower head to rinse.

In the mean time coats hats blankets sheets etc go into the washer. Don't over load!!! loose is better in this instance really let the water do it's job. Use a good amount of laundry soap. I add a few drops of coconut oil to the wash so it smells nice once done.

Stuffed animals etc need to be sealed (tightly) in plastic bags for 2 weeks time. No Cheating!

Now start with the beds, use the rug machine with the proper attachments and HOT water to clean the mattresses ALL SIDES top bottom and the sides too!
Do every one of them in the home.

Now do the sofa chairs etc.

If you are like me I have 0 patience and can't wait for things to dry so I put the kids to work with blow dryers! Have them blow dry surfaces (But please have them wear shower caps while they work.) It keeps them busy and out of your way and gives them something fun to do... How many times can they use the blow dryer on the sofa? ;D

Now on to the rugs. Move all furniture and do under there too!

Now grab a child and start nit picking. I have a head set with a light and magnifying glass to help me here Separate the hair little bits at a time removing any eggs or live bugs left behind.

Do this for every person in the home.

Dry the pillows in the dryer and make the beds. Sleep well!!!!

Re do the hair and bedding in 2 weeks time nit picking again.

If you have a really bad infestation and nothing else is working you can always add the medicated shampoo + Coconut milk or Oil to your normal shampoo bottle but then be sure to keep it out of reach of children!

[BlueLotus]

One for the Ladies, CRAMPS-


A few quick tips for the once a month blues... or should that be reds?

A hot bath with mineral salt- May help relax muscles. Soak for at least 20 minutes.

Basil- Has a natural painkiller called caffeic acid and it can relieve the pain menstrual cramping. To make a basil tea, put two tablespoons of basil leaves in a pint of boiling water. Allow this to steep covered until it comes to room temperature. To ease cramps, drink ½ cup to 1 cup of the tea every hour.

Cinnamon- Has antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. Sprinkle cinnamon in tea or on breakfast food.


Sheet saver- Hydrogen Peroxide Pour over blood stains as soon as you see them to help lift the stain out. You may wish to rub with Baking Soda and a soft toothbrush to help remove tougher, older stains. Alternate as needed until stain is gone.

Once stain is removed wash as normal. Works on undies, jeans etc.

[BlueLotus]

Oily Hair- Witch hazel added to your shampoo will help keep the grease monkeys away!

Also works on pimples!

[BlueLotus]

Water Marks on Wood-

Cut a lemon in half and gently rub the water mark buff with a paper towel or soft cloth when finished.

[BlueLotus]

Chapped Lips-
Caused by :
Prolonged exposure to inclimate weather Hot or Cold.
Medications, such as those used to treat acne as these medications usually promote drying as a way to deal with pimples and blemishes.
Allergies to not only environmental but, also to skin care products and cosmetics.
Dehydration as a result of illness or lack of fluids.

Treatments:

Regular exfoliation to remove dead and flaking skin cells. A mixture of honey and sugar, provides natural moisture. Regular exfoliation also promotes healing. Most Lip balms include honey as one of the main ingredients due to its anti-fungal and healing properties.

Aloe Vera - Can not only be used to treat chapped lips, but burns and rashes as well. It also provides a decent level of moisturization.

Zinc Oxide, which is often used on the nose as an extra measure to protect against sunburn, can also provide protection for chapped lips.
*Be sure to read the labels on any products you apply to your lips to avoid ingesting any potentially toxic substances.*

[BlueLotus]

Razor Burn-

Aloe vera- A freshly cut leaf will soothe and clear razor burn.
Fresh calendula cream- Provides antiseptic protection and soothes redness.
Eucalyptus salve- A thin layer refreshes and protects scraped skin.
Green Tea- Rinsing razor burned skin with cool green tea helps it stop burning and heal.
Comfrey Leaves- Cold compresses of wet comfrey leaves or even wet mint leaves are cooling and help promote healing.

[BlueLotus]

Heat Stroke-

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If heat stroke is suspected, EMS should be contacted immediately! Failing to get immediate help for heat stroke can lead to serious, permanent organ damage and even death!!!!!

Rapid cooling of the victim’s body should begin right away. While waiting for medical help to arrive, the victims should be put in a cool, shady area. The victim should be cooled down by removing the clothes and using a cloth or sponge to apply cool water liberally to the skin.

If a garden hose is available cool water can be sprayed on the persons body to cool them down. Other options include wrapping the victim in cool wet sheets or placing them in a bathtub of cool water. Ice packs under the armpits and the groin will also speed cooling.

*Medications such as aspirin and acetaminophen should not be used.
While these are used to treat fevers, they are not effective in cooling down a person who has suffered a heat stroke. Temperature should be monitored using a thermometer.*

Dehydration is a major cause of heat stroke- Please drink plenty of fluids while out on hot days.

[BlueLotus]

Insomnia-

I hate this one a lot.... kinda why I am up writing these things down I can't sleep!!!!

a few things that might help.

Chamomile tea
Melatonin is a medication that a person can purchase without having a prescription. Melatonin is a natural sleep aid and is taken at least one to two hours before a persons scheduled bedtime.

I also stumbled across a new item at the Health Food Store It is called Mid-Nite and in mild insomina cases it does seem to work.

Both my little brother and I suffer from bouts that can last for weeks leaving us zombified, and likely to shoot the first person to tick us off.

I have found this new item helps in about 90% of my restless nights.
For the Bro however he found that that if he takes it hes out like a light. Which is good news for him (and the general population) since he is not that nice to begin with. LOL.

If you don't mind a little pudge carb loading might help, or a nice turkey sandwich. Both tend to knock me out cold. But I have BGL issues so it might just be the rapid rise in the Sugar lvls that is causing it??

[bubblegum91]

My mum is big on these. For head lice my mum used Neem oil on me during my younger days. Even put some in my shampoo. Very versatile apparently, said to cure a number of ailments and is a pesticide! (though has a slight smell lol) Also, Listerine/mouthwash is good, the alcohol burns the critters.

For the insomnia my dad used to sneak me a "sip" of brandy, as I would often stay awake with him and wake up grumpy for school.

[BlueLotus]

I will have to find some of that Learn something new every day!
Thanks!

[Lily]

Feb 6, 2012 5:04:36 GMT -5 BlueLotus said:

Insomnia-

I hate this one a lot.... kinda why I am up wrting these things down I can't sleep!!!!

a few things that might help.

Chamomile tea
Melatonin is a medication that a person can purchase without having a prescription. Melatonin is a natural sleep aid and is taken at least one to two hours before a persons scheduled bedtime.

I also stumbled across a new item at the Health Food Store It is called Mid-Nite and in mild insomina cases it does seem to work.

Both my little brother and I suffer froun bouts that can last for weeks leaving us zombified, and likely to shoot the first person to tick us off.

I have found this new item helps in about 90% of my restless nights.
For the Bro however he found that that if he takes it hes out like a light. Which is good news for him (and the general population) since he is not that nice to begin with. LOL.

If you don't mind a little pudge carb loading might help, or a nice turkey sandwich. Both tend to knock me out cold. But I have BGL issues so it might just be the rapid rise in the Sugar lvls that is causing it??

I think most of us have spells with insomnia and it's just awful. I've found that meditation is the best remedy for mine.