Home remedies are often used for minor injuries, colds, sore throats or heartburn for first aid. The spectrum extends far beyond tea and calf compresses. Traditional recipes from grandmother’s knowledge are currently more popular than ever. But it is not only in Germany that health tips and recipes have been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. How onion, ginger and other home remedies can help with health problems, read here.
Onion as a home remedy
Around the world, there are a variety of traditional recipes that are said to be beneficial for health. Whether for stomach problems, toothache, a cold or sunburn, for example, with the help of herbs and spices, people try to alleviate discomfort. In Germany, the use of onions is particularly popular for colds. What many do not know: The origin of the onion is in India and from there, along with the bulb, numerous recipes for health have migrated to Europe. Onions exude sulfur-like mustard oils, which are said to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. The essential oil of the onion can be used in many ways. Chopped into small pieces and tied in a cotton cloth, the onion can have its effect on earaches, colds and coughs. The onion bags can be additionally warmed by steam and thus relieve the discomfort during the night by the outflow of the essential oil. The juice of the onion can also help with insect bites. For this purpose, an onion is cut open and placed on the affected area immediately after the insect bite. The sting is thus directly disinfected and a severe swelling and redness can be avoided. Especially for wasp stings, the onion is often used in many countries for first aid. Tea as a home remedy: Which tea is good for what?
Ginseng for better health
Ginseng is native to Asia, where it has been called a panacea since time immemorial and used against many kinds of ailments in health. Long ago, the nerve-strengthening effect is also known in Germany and is used here in the form of tablets and capsules to strengthen the vitality and increase the performance of the brain. In North Korea, for example, tea and powder are still prepared from the tubers themselves. Ginseng is also used there after poisoning and to promote wound healing.
Ginger against headaches
In China, people turn to ginger for stomach problems, headaches and colds. Ginger contains numerous minerals, vitamins and essential oils. The gingerols contained are used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), especially against headaches and migraines, because gingerols are supposed to be built by their natural structure like the painkiller acetylsalicylic acid. This would then also explain the pain-relieving effect of ginger. Ginger is also used as a tea or tincture for stomach problems and especially as a first remedy for nausea.
Lily bulb for sunburn
For sunburn and inflammation, Chinese people use the power of lily tuber. The lily tuber is rich in lipids, carotenes, vitamins B and C, and is popularly served as a power soup to strengthen the immune system. Because lily tuber can draw heat from the skin, it is especially popular as the first remedy for sunburn in China.
Cistus as a medicinal plant
Throughout the Mediterranean region, cistus is used as a traditional medicinal plant for health problems. Cistus is a pretty flower with orange to dark red flowers.
- In its leaves it has resin, this is said to have an antibacterial effect. For this reason, the resin of rockrose is used against bacteria, fungi and viruses.
- From the branches and leaves of the cistus tea can be obtained, which can also provide possible relief for menstrual cramps.
- In Greece, the rockrose is used preventively as a mouthwash against tooth decay.
- As an external wash, the resin of cistus can also show effective benefits for skin problems and rashes.
When home remedies are not suitable
Basically, no matter what country, home remedies can not replace medical advice. Especially in severe diseases, medical treatment is usually irreplaceable.Since even natural remedies can develop undesirable side effects, home remedies should be used only after consulting a doctor, especially in young children and during pregnancy. 7 home remedies for nausea
