Since the last half of the 20th century, we have become accustomed to rushing for antibiotic prescriptions every time we or our children catch a virus or an infection. The drug industry with the help of the medical professional have fueled up our fears in such a way that we have no patience to allow the body heal itself or use alternative natural cures. A five-or-ten day drug course seems so much easier and more convenient that we have come to ignore the fact that antibiotics not only wipe out the infection but also eradicate our protective intestinal microflora. Drug therapy leaves the immune system depleted; the digestive tract defenseless and the body energy spent.
Because natural therapies are able to destroy microorganisms selectively while enhancing immunity, digestion, and stamina, we should use them as our first line of defense. Nature has provided us with an extensive medicine cabinet from our kitchens for infections, bacteria, viruses, fungi, minor burns, and bruises.
As children, we were given hot lemon drinks sweetened with honey for colds, fever, and cough, and lemon or salt gargles for sore throats. Soaked Boswellia gum, luban shihri, was given for dry cough, congested sinuses, and to expectorate mucous. Chicken soup made with four onions, a garlic head, black pepper, and ginger helped decongest sinuses, fight infection, and enhance cold and flu recovery.
To relieve cold and flu symptoms and headaches, an infusion made of chopped chives and ginger is effective. According to Dr. Heinerman, the warm drink alleviates sinus-related headaches. Messegue the famous French herbalist recommended thyme, chamomile, rosemary, and sage teas for the relief of cold symptoms.
For parasites and fungal infections, garlic, or Kyolic aged Garlic extract, seems to wipe them out effectively and promote intestinal “healthy bacteria.” Antifungal and antibacterial properties of Boswellia and chamomile provide healing to fungal and bacterial infections. The soaked gum or the flower infusion heals athlete’s foot or nail fungus by bathing infected area in the solution. Soaking hand or foot in warm infusion of steeped fresh or dried thyme should give equally good results.
Viral and bacterial diarrhea can be treated with concentrated lime juice, ginger, black pepper, garlic, Egyptian sticky rice, boiled carrots, and live culture yogurt. They stop diarrhea, replenish the intestinal microflora, and strengthen immunity and resistance against pathogens. Ginger quells nausea and vomiting. Aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary, sage, and peppermint added to boiling water can purify contaminated water to prevent diarrhea. Warm thyme tea on an empty stomach relieves migraine headaches and stomach aches.
According to Dr. Benjamin Lau of the Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California, Kyolic garlic extract stimulates macrophages and white blood cells to destroy tumor cells in bladder cancer and carcinoma as well as bolster the immune system.
Try rubbing a slice of onion, garlic, lemon, or date (traditional healing of Arabia) on insect bites or plaster it directly for a couple of hours. Pain and swelling will be mitigated.
Add a chopped onion or three minced garlic cloves to a cup of olive oil and leave in a warm place for some time. A couple of warm drops of the mixture instilled in the aching ear soothes pain. It does work. The seasoned oil also gives a nice flavor to salads.
Spread a blended onion with a cup of yogurt on burned skin for pain relief. Apply a coat of honey or aloe Vera juice to skin and sun burns. Both salves soothe pain and speed healing.
A warm infusion of fresh or dried thyme or chamomile makes an antiseptic wash for red and irritated eyes, wounds, burns, and the compresses diminish bruises and swellings. Eating pineapple relieves bruises and swelling due to its bromelain anti-inflammatory content. Bromelain supplement is also effective. Drinking milk or yogurt mixed with a teaspoon of turmeric helps subside bruises and heal broken bones.
According to Heinerman, Messegue found that a blend of a teaspoon of thyme, half a teaspoon of lime juice, half a teaspoon of onion juice, and a little honey makes a healing salve for skin infections, sores, and boils.
Natural therapies can heal while empowering immunity and energizing the body without leaving side effects that make you prey to infectious diseases. On the other hand, frequent use of antibiotics and pharmaceutical drugs exhausts your immune system; weakens your intestinal microflora; harms health; leaves you with allergic reactions; and can make you resistant to antibiotics. Think of alternative therapies before taking medication. Your health is precious. Make the right choice!