WHETHER it's the discomfort of a nagging headache or a young one suffering the discomfort of teething or colic, pain can make our lives sheer misery. The following natural remedies are safe, mild treatments for the relief of pain and are also suitable for children.
For ear ache, heat two cloves of chopped garlic in two teaspoons of olive oil. Strain the oil and then insert a few lukewarm drops in the offending ear, plugging the outer ear with cotton wool. If pain persists, consult a health practitioner. For temporary relief of toothache, apply a crushed clove or oil of cloves to the painful tooth, or plug the cavity with cotton wool soaked in clove oil. For persistent toothache see a dentist. Give young ones suffering from mild colic and wind one teaspoon of chamomile tea, with powdered ginger to taste, frequently. When they are teething, rub aloe vera gel on the gums.
To help ease muscular cramps, drink the following tea whenever needed. Combine one teaspoon of cinnamon, half-a-teaspoon of cardamom and a quarter of a teaspoon of nutmeg. Thoroughly mix in one cup of boiling water, cover, infuse for five minutes and sip while warm, or take by the teaspoon. For muscular aches, soak in a hot bath in which half a cup of bicarbonate soda has been dissolved.
Then blend together three drops each of eucalyptus and lavender oil with one tablespoon of almond oil and massage.
For headaches, massage lavender oil around the temples and the base of the skull and along the hair line. Tension headaches can be relieved by putting a few drops of lavender oil in a bowl of warm water, then wringing out a handkerchief in it and applying to the back of the neck.
The herb feverfew (tanacetum parthenium) is a good preventive for migraine headaches.
Eat three leaves daily of the fresh herb in a sandwich, or drink as a tea.
To make feverfew tea, put one tablespoon of fresh leaves or one teaspoon of dried leaves in a ceramic cup and fill with boiling water. Cover, infuse for three minutes and strain.
