Jake from State Farm's blog: "Health Tips"

Welcome to Granma's Attic. Here is where you get to rummage around and see what you can find. This area is meant to reflect variety and some old fashion remedies that are still just as valuable today as ever. Why put chemicals and derivatives into your body to alleviate common ailments when there are numerous natural and time-honored methods and ingredients that can do the job as well, and we dare say better, because they leave no toxic residues

This page is dedicated to Helene Hugron for her inspiration.

1. Skin Rejuvenator : Two tablespoons of sesame oil, one tablespoon olive oil, two tablespoons avocado oil, two tablespoons almond oil, 2000 IU vitamin E (D-Alpha Tocopherol), 100Thousand USP units vitamin A, a drop or two of your favorite perfume.(optional)

   Pour the oils into a small jar or empty bottle. Take 10 gelcaps of vitamin E (200 IU ea) and 4 caps vitamin A (25,000 units ea). Puncture the capsules with a needle, and squeeze out the contents into your container. Perfume (optional). Close and shake well, keep in the refrigerator.***NOTE: if you opt for perfume, you must use the real thing, NOT cologne.

2. This formula is especially useful for those who have badly deteriorated complexion and prematurely aged or dry lifeless skin. The healing, nourishing and beautifying oils of this formula fortified with vitamins A & E will feed your skin with nutrients it needs and helps to revitalize and restore it's normal activity. It is also an excellent topical application for hemorrhoids and many skin disorders, particularly in achne, eczema and psoriasis. The most effective way to use this formula is in the evening before going to bed, after washing the target area well. Massage in just a few drops and let soak in overnight.

3. 4 X 4 for Colds : 4 tablespoons lemon juice, 4 tablespoons brandy, 4 tablespoons unpasteurized honey, 4 tablespoons glycerine.
   This drink can be served hot or cold. Drink up, bundle up and go to bed.
4. Extracting Compress :Collect hot steamed cooked onions in a cheesecloth and this compress can be used for placing on the chest in the event of a chest cold, on the outside of the ear in the case of an earache, on a boil to help it burst, on an abscessed tooth to soothe the inflamation.
5. Cataplasm :Raw onion as a cataplasm (plaster) on the forehead is excellent for headaches related to sinusitis. This remedy can also be used to soothe bladder inflamation by placing the raw onion cataplasm upon the bladder area for approximately 40 minutes.
6. Antiseptic Plaster :The fine translucent skin found between the onion layers makes a marvelous antiseptic plaster in the event of a light burn or scaffing of the skin. Apply directly to the affected area and cover with gauze. This method also reduces the possibility of tissue scarring.
7. Auto Expectorant :Take a large drop of the essential oil Peppermint and place it on the back of your hand. Lick up the oil with the hindermost possible part of your tongue and allow the oil to coat the inside of your throat. This acts as a natural expectorant without the need to "force" it out.
8. Liver Cleanser :On an empty stomach, first thing in the AM, take a ts of olive oil (1st cold pressed / 0.5% acidity). To aid in the swallowing of the raw oil add a few drops of lemon juice. The liver's enemies are: rich, fatty foods, sauces, fried foods, pastries, alcohol. The liver's friends are: artichoke and dandy lion act as a medication for an irritated liver. Miracle vegetables for the liver are carrots, cresson, all salads including whether or not they are cooked, tomatoes and olives. Also on this list are some fruits; citrus, raisins and apples.
9. Urinary Retainer :A "tea" made from the infused "hair of corn" (the hairy strands from cobbed corn) taken daily will aid in aquiring greater control over urinary incontinency. This also helps disolve small gallstones, soothes colic and rheumatism.
10. Thyme Tea :One sprig for a large cup. You can take 3 to 4 cups a day between meals or on an empty stomach sweetened with a little honey. This concoction soothes stubborn intestinal infections, colds, the flu and engina as well. The raw leaves used exteriorly is an effective disinfectant. Rub some leaves on venomous spider or snake bites, and clean the area with the infused concoction. Toss a large number of sprigs in bath water to treat skin infections or irritations. Aromatic thyme baths are effective for alleviating rheumatism, arthritis and is a stimulant for convalescents or lethargic children. For added rheumatism relief spread a cataplasm (plaster) of chopped and heated thyme leaves directly on the painful area.

    For recurring mouth and throat sores (cankers) make a "toothpaste" of disinfecting thyme by marinating the whole sprigs (100 gr) for a few days in 1/2 liter (just over 1/2 quart) of Eau de Vie (Alcool). Dip toothbrush in the solution and brush the whole mouth frequently.

11. Nice White Teeth :After squeezing the juice of a lemon, use the left over rind to rub on your teeth and gums to whitten and strengthen them. This is also a good skin cleanser and softener; simply rub the rind over the facial areas desired, let stand for 5 minutes and rinse with tepid water. Eating an apple with the skin has the same effect of disinfecting the tooth and massages the gum.
12. BlueberryWater Eye Wash :To make this wonderful eye wash take a good handful of blueberry flowers and soak them in boiling water, infusing for several minutes. Strain out the pulp and wash the eyes with warm compresses of the lotion. Equally helpful here is an infusion made from linden-tree which, when applied on the eye, reduces wrinkles 
13. Milky Pink Complexion :Take a generous handful of lilly and rose petals (dried or fresh) and place them in a bowl's worth of boiling water and "cook" for 15 minutes. Filter and allow to cool before washing your face in the preparation.
14. Demasker and Beautifier :In the absence of sophiticated creams we can use cow's milk as a demasker to remove make-up, and use fresh whole cream as a nourishing base and beautifier. Use externally only. A good rub with dairy products will do more good that poor quality creams and lotions.
15. Beauty Masks : Once per week, we can spread on our face, a mask made of one beaten egg yolk and a teaspoon of oilve oil. Let stand 15 minutes and rinse using a damp cottonball dipped in tepid milk. Dry skin will be fed and at the same time rehydrated if, whenever using masks of fruit or vagetables, we add a good teaspoon of fresh cream.
16. Oily Skin : Hot water compresses are recommended to get rid of oily skin as these help open the pores and clean them of oils and residues. People with oily skin problems should not use fatty creams although a vigorous rub with fresh cow's milk to which has been added a few drops of cologne to remove make-up is recommended. The volume of cow's milk may be reduced to half and replaced by strawberry juice which will lighten and refresh the skin. All herbal lubricating lotions are beneficial: thyme, rosemarry, mint or savory. Just as egg yolk helps dry skin, egg whites tighten and smoothes oily skin, which makes them applicable on their own or mixed to fruit or vegetables for masks.
17. Mask Variants :Amongst the fruit, the most refreshing for the skin are: strawberries, peaches and pinapple crushed as is or mixed with fresh cream, egg white or yolk depending on your skin type (see previous listing). Amongst vegetables, recommended is the very hydrating cucumber either chopped or sliced. Grated carrot heals facial inflamations and sunburn. The grated cabbage mask also posseses powerful healing properties. Compresses of raw or barely cooked cabbage work wonders on wounds or skin ulcers by absorbing impurities and contributes to tissue health. Masks made of raw grated potato hydrate and reduce wrinkles. Masks made of crushed beets and cream revitalize and masks of hot cooked spinach and milk deep clean the skin.
18. For migrains :my mother would slice raw potatoes on a white piece of coton, sprinkle it with pepper and apply to the forehead for an hour or more . It works great .
19. For arthritis : boil some cabbage leaves, cool lightly, apply the warm leaves to hands or joints wrap with towel.
20. For sore feet or gout : soak feet in hot water and mint leaves.
    Thanks Jessy for submission no's 17, 18 19. :)
21. Hair Strengthener : Divide hair as in the application of a dye and with a small brush apply olive oil directly to the scalp. To get good penetration wrap the head for one hour in hot towels, rinsing and reheating as the need arises.
22. For Oily Hair : Beat two eggs along with a small glass of Rhum and allow this sun-colored shampoo to sit for a good 15 minutes. Rinse.
23. For Shiny Hair :After shampooing rinse using a small amount of white vinegar in the rinse water.
24. For Highlights : To modify the hair's color one can use an infusion of chamomile for pale highlights that give a lovely sunny color or the use of a strong tea will result in a redish lioness-type of highlight.
25. For Hair Loss : This situation can be alleviated by often drinking a fresh cress juice on an empty stomach.
26. Hair fragrance : A Lavender water is concocted by steeping over the period of one month 25 grams of lavender flowers in one litre (quart) of Eau de Vie (Brandy). Filter. This mix is as appreciated by men as by women, not only as a hair perfume but also as a body tonic and folk remedy for rheumatism. This lavender water has a long shelf life, making it ideal for home or travel use. This same process is successful using roses, jasmin, violets, lemon grass or any herb or flower whose perfume you appreciate.
27. Original French Cologne : Take one litre (90% alcohol), mix in 4 grams each of the following: orange blossoms, rosemary, citron-tree, bergamot. Allow to stand for 24 hours, filter and it is ready to use.

28. Vinegar Foot Soak : Place two garlic bulbs in a blender along with two handfuls of fresh or dried calendula petals, one handful of chopped fresh comfrey root, and the chopped hulls of several black walnuts. Pour vigegar over the herbs and blend well. Place mixture in a large, shallow pan, and add 20 drops of tea tree oil.
    To treat Athelete's Foot, soak feet in solution for at least 15 minutes. Rinse feet and dry in sun or in the light of a sun lamp. Use the foot soak 3 to 4 times per day. Make a fresh batch for each use.

29. Kitchen Vinegar : Not only does this preparation tastegreat in salads, stir fries and marinades, but it contains anti-bacterial properties as well. Gather fresh oregano and place in a blender with 10 peeled cloves garlic. Pour vinegar over the herbs and blend. Bottle and allow to sit for several weeks. You may strain out the herbs or elect to leave them in the preparation. For additional flavour and a nice presentation, you may add a whole sprig of oregano, a cayenne pepper and several orange orlemon rinds. This vinegar keeps well for several months unrefrigerated.

30. Massage Oil : 5 or 6 cayenne peppers, 1 cup vegetable oil, 1/4 ts clove essential oil, 1/4 ts eucalyptus essential oil, 1/4 ts mint essential oil.
    Chop the cayenne peppers and place in a jar. Cover with vegetable oil making sure the peppers are completely covered. Store in a warm, dark place. Strain after one week. Add the essential oils
    Massage on sore muscles, taking care not to get any in your eyes or open wounds and it will sting vehemently. Wash hands well afterward.

31. Stomach Remedy : Here's a remedy that can quiet stomach discomforts, from indigestion to a spastic colon. Take 1 tbs chamomile flowers, 1 tsp fennel seeds, 2 tbs mint leaves and steep 1 tbs of the mix in a cup of hot water for 15 minutes. Strain and drink.

32. Healing Salve : 1 cup comfrey root oil, 1 cup calendula oil, 2oz beeswax, 2 tbs Vitamin E oil, 20 drops Vitamin A emulsion.
    Grate the beeswax. Heat the oils together, and add the beeswax. When the beeswax is melted, add Vitamins E & A. Pour into salve containers and ley stand to harden.

33. Antifungal Salve : 1 cup garlic oil, 1/2 cup calendula oil, 1 ts black walnut tincture or 1/2 cupoil made from black walnut hulls, 2oz beeswax, 40 drops tea tree essential oil.
    Grate the beeswax. Heat the oils, and add the beeswax. When the beeswax is melted, add the tea tree oil and black walnut tincture. Stir well. Pour into salve containers immediately.

34. Liniment : Good for Arthritis, lung congestion or sore muscles. Chop 1/2oz cayenne peppers, 1/2oz powdered cloves, 1oz mint leaves, 1oz chopped eucalyptus leaves, 4 cups isopropyl alcohol, 60 drops wintergreen essential oil, 20 drops peppermint essential oil, 20 drops clove essential oil.
    Mix all but essentail oils. Store in a dark but room-temperature area for two weeks. Strain or press out fluids. Add essential oils and stir well.
    Massage liniment into arthritic joints, sore muscles or on the back or chest for congestions.

35. Lavender Cream : 1oz hydrous lanolin (at pharmacies), 1oz grated beeswax, 2oz comfrey oil, 2oz calendula oil, 2oz fresh calendula juice, 1/16oz borax powder, 100 drops lavender oil.
    Mix and heat oils. Melt lanolin and beeswax in the warm oil. In another pot, gently warm calendula juice and dissolve borax into it. Remove both mixtures from heat. Mix both while constantly whisking. Stir in lavender oil. Spoon into jars and seal.
    Cream made from fresh plant juices tend to go bad after 6 to 12 months. Store in the refrigerator.

36. Soothing Lotion : 1oz calendula tincture, 1 1/2oz comfrey tincture, 1/2oz Vitamin E oil, 1oz aloe vera gel or fresh pulp, 1/4 ts Vitamin C crystals, Essential oil if desired.
    Pour ingredients into a bottle and shake vigorously.

37. Comfrey Poultice : Use a poultice made of fresh comfrey root or leaf to help heael cuts, abrasions and other injuries to the skin. Place comfrey in a blender with enough calendula tincture to make the blades function. Blend into a wet mass. Place the comfrey directly against the skin if there are no deep lacerations. Otherwise spread onto a muslin pad, thin cheesecloth or gauze bandage so debris won't penetrate the wound. Leave on about 30 minutes. Use the comfrey poultice several times per day for an initial injury. Poultices last several days in the refrigerator. Although comfrey helps knit many minor wounds, serious injuries should be examined by a physician.

38. Mustard Plaster :A mustard poultice is a time-honored therapy: Your great-grandmother may have used mustard poultices and plasters to treat congestion, coughs, bronchitis or pneumonia. A mustard plaster offers immediate relief to discomfort in the chest and actually helps to treat infectious conditions - a much needed therapy. It works mainly by increasing circulation, perspiration and heat in the afflicted area.
    The person receiving the treatment should sit or lie down comfortably. The best poultices are made from black mustard seeds ground fresh in a coffee grinder, but ordinary yellow mustard powder will do in a pinch. To prepare a mustard poultice, mix 1/2 cup mustard powder with 1 cup flour and stir hot water into the mix to form a paste. Spread the mixture on a piece of cotton or muslin has been soaked in hot water. Cover with a second piece of dry material. Lay the moist side of the poultice across the person's chest or back.
    Leave the poultice on for 15 to 30 minutes; promptly remove it if the person experiences any discomfort. The procedure is likely to promote perspiration and reddening of the chest. Give the individual plenty of liquids during the procedure and encourage her to take a warm or cool shower afterward, then rest or gently stretch for 1/2 hour. Do not administer this treatment to a young child, elderly person or the seriously ill without consulting a health care professional.

39. Headache Pills : Skullcap, Valerian, Rosemary, Chamomile, Peppermint, Honey.
    Combine equal parts of powdered herbs. Blend with honey to bind. Roll off pill-sized pieces, dry and store in a tightly sealed container.

40. Throat Lozenges : 3 tbs licorice powder, 3 tbs slippery elm powder,1 tbs myrrh powder, 1ts cayenne powder, honey as needed, 20 drops orange essential oil, 2 drops thyme essential oil.
    Mix herbalpowders. Stir in honey until a gooey mass forms. Add essential oils, and mix very well. Spread the paste on a marble slab or other non-stick surface coated with cornstarch. With a rolling pin roll the mixture flat to about the thickness of a pancake. Cut into even pieces, roll into a ball and then flatten to form a lozenge and let air-dry in a well ventilated area for 12 hours.

41. Herbal Syrup : 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup glycerine, 1 cup strong herb infusion.
    Combine honey and infusion in a pan and bring to a boil. Add glycerine. Pour into clean bottles and let cool. Keep refrigerated. Yield is about 2 cups.

42. Cabbage Wrap for eczema / psorissis :Take outer leaves of cabbage and swill well under running water. Gently pat dry with clean cotton cloth or better still air dry.
    Spread leaves on a board or table so that the inner side of leaves face upwards (inner side of leaves must face up as they contain the most valuable nutrients with less chemicals).
    Bruise the inner sides by rolling out with a rolling pin. This ensures that cells and nutrients are broken. Then wrap the leaves around the affected part of the body ensuring comfort. Secure with a bandage or cloth. Assistance to do this may be necessary. Leave on for at least an hour. Remove leaves.
    Note: Be prepared for an awful smell. This smell confirms that the toxin drawing properties of the cabbage has done it's job! Don't be surprised to notice how much better the eczema is.
    Submitted by : Sheryl Callard, holistic therapist :)

43. Wounds,Burns, Cramps : Some other handy things I've discovered over the years browsing in my grandmother's many herbal remedy books:
    Sage oil is very good rubbed into old wounds scars.
    A peppermint tea is good at relieving cramps.
    Chamomile used externally is good for burns, wounds and swellings and internally is good for menstrual pains.
    Basil used in compresses and in baths has a healing effect.
    Submitted by: Jessi G. , thanks.

44. Clean Teeth : For clean teeth: brush with a mashed up strawberry
    Submitted by: Annonymous , thanks.
45. For Fever :Chop onions finely and wear to bed in socks. Fever will be drawn to the feet and the onions will cook.
    Submitted by: Heather B., thanks.
46. Itch Relief :I like using Jewelweed (Touch Me Not) for poison ivy, etc. I put the plant through my juicer and store the Jewelweed juice in the refrigerator and it lasts during the winter months for other anti-itch uses.
    Submitted by: Jan, thanks.

47. For menstrual irregularities : try raspberry leaves and nettles steeped in boiling water for five minutes. Strain and drink, add a touch of honey if necessary. Tea is effective for regaining uterine tone post-partum, fibroids, and painful cycles. Also effective for PMS symptoms and encouraging milk supply in nursing mothers.
    Submitted by: Lisa F., thanks.
48. For severe sinusitus : Another paste to try for severe sinusitus is 1tsp of cinnamon with a drop of water, mix to form paste and apply to sinus areas making sure to avoid eyes. This paste will redden skin and it does tingle but results are amazing for sinusitis.
    Submitted by: Lisa F., thanks.
49. For infection : Bread and Milk poultices work very well for infection- Heat milk-add a bit of bread and wrap in gauze or cheese cloth and place on cut or wound, Also good for boils. Use as hot as you can stand it. Repeat a few times a day as long as necessary. It works pretty fast and often much better than antiseptic creams.
    Submitted by: Heather S., thanks.

50. For foreign object in eye : For foreign object in eye, such as sand, dirt, or piece of twig: Our family doctor some 50 years back told my sister to use a drop of vegetable or olive oil in the effective eye when you first get something in it and the particle will be drawn to the corner of the eye and you can remove it. The eye will be blurry for a few minutes but it will not be sore from rubbing if done right away. It's when the child or adult rubs it that it makes it worst.
    Submitted by: Wallart, thanks.
51. For diarrhea : 1 to 5 teaspoons of corn starch in half a glass of milk with a touch of vanilla for flavour & 1 tsp of sugar you can take 3 to 5 times per day or take double or triple doses, will stop the runs & will not hurt children can be used without sugar or vanilla.This mixture will not bind you up is over 150 years old. From Grandma Miller 1855.
    Submitted by: David Miller, thanks.
52. Effective Face Mask :Mix the pulp of an orange with one of two spoons of honey. Apply it on your face and leave it on for approximately 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water. When done, your skin should feel soft and velvety.
53. For Tired Eyes :Dampen two envelopes of chamomile tea with warm water. Put one envelope on each eye and listen to relaxing music. Keep it on for about 20 minutes, and when you’re done, your eyes will be noticeably better.
    OR mix cotton with milk and put on eyes.leave it on for as long as you want. this helps dark circles
54. For Soft Shiny Hair :Blend an egg yolk in a bowl and then massage the scalp and hair with the yolk of an egg. Leave it on for a minute and then rinse without using shampoo. If you also want to lighten your hair, put lemon on it.
    Thanks Angie for subs 51,52,53 :)
55. For Colds and Flu :A first indication that you've contacted a virus, like sniffles, sorethroat, etc., chop very fine one clove of fresh garlic, place on a teaspoon, slide it off with your upper lip, and chase down with a half cup of water. The symptoms will be gone in a few hours.
    Thanks to Bonnie Rudzik for this submission :)
56. For Blister Rashes :to dry up the rash of blisters using apple cider vinegar works instantly
    Thanks Mac Gonzalez for this submission:)
57. Soft Skin Fix :While in the shower,soap up your body with your favorite soap and before rinsing off use yellow cornmeal as a scrub on your skin ( do not apply cornmeal with a towel/flanel, apply with moistened hands) and when it is rinsed your sking will feel great. It removes all dead skin leaving a vibrant and softer skin. Can be used on your face also.
    Thanks YaTasha for this submission:)
58. Sore Nipples from Nursing : When I was a first time nursing mother I had read somewhere that grated carrots applied directly to cracked nipples would heal and soothe the pain. I didn't believe it until I tried it!
    Thanks Jody for this submission:)
59. More Arthritis help : I have found that avoiding red meat, oranges and lemons make a world of difference, and when adding grapefruit to your diet, it will help even more!
    Thanks Soli for this submission:)
60. To Reduce Fever : Cut a medium sized grapefruit in half and place in a saucepan. Cover with water and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, and allow to cool to room temperature. Wring out the grapefruit half into the water, and discard rind. You may add 1 tsp Feverfew herb, or 1tsp Echinacea herb to the water while cooling, to make an infusion. Strain before drinking. The tea will be bitter, so add a little honey to sweeten. Grapefruit rind is a natural source of Quinine. Quinine is used to treat the fevers of Malaria and other infections. Use fresh grated grapefruit rind with plasters and poultices to aid in healing of wounds and rashes also.
    Thanks Nancy Brokaw, Nutritional Consultant for this submission:)
61. Eczema : One of my clients called about an Eczema problem...she can't believe how fast it is going away, after 15 years of suffering with it. I treated her for candida (yeast) infection. The infection comes from inside the body and is in her bloodstream. I am treating that with anti-yeast herbs and a diet that will acidify the Ph in her gut.

    Her saliva and urine were in the acid range when checked with Ph paper, so she had been told she was too acid. Quite the contrary...bad yeast grows best in an alkaline Ph, as do parasites. When she followed my instruction to check the Ph of her feces, thereby the gut, it went into the dark blue! (Alkaline).

    I want to tell you that it is important to drink cabbage juice...about 1 ounce per day, mixed with other green juices, if preferred. Also, Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salts) is one of the best external treatments I have ever seen for healing eczema and psoriasis (Yeast). You can dissolve about 3 handsfull of Epsom Salts into a bathtub of warm water and soak for 20-30 minutes in it once a day...use the time to relax and meditate, perhaps light a candle and put soft music on. This will also help to grow out healthy nails and will eliminate another side-effect of yeast; thick callouses on the feet!