The remedies in your kitchen

The theory is that neat lemon juice bleaches whites without the need for harsh chemicals.

The theory is that neat lemon juice bleaches whites without the need for harsh chemicals.

Published Jun 12, 2013

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Durban - What would you do if you had smelly feet?

It is not a question most would ask but author Premila Veramoothea has answered it in her book A Pharmacy In Your Kitchen.

The answer is seemingly simple.

Boil three teabags in 500ml water and soak your feet in the black strong tea for 20 minutes every day until the smell disappears.

The holistic practitioner has provided this and other cures for ailments in her recently released book.

Other topics include how to deal with swollen feet, bed-wetting, piles or haemorrhoids.

Veramoothea, who runs a natural healing practice in Lenasia South, in Gauteng, studied in SA and in India.

She has qualifications in homeopathy, aromatherapy, ayurveda, reiki, reflexology and home-care.

The grandmother of one said after two years of research she finally managed to publish her passion for alternate healing.

“The book is a reference guide and must be kept in every kitchen for the simple reason that most of the remedies are found in the kitchen. It is therefore directed towards caregivers responsible for the care of children, adults, aged parents or even themselves.”

She said when one thought of alternative options for health, natural remedies were first in line for many people.

“It is an age old practice that has been passed down from one generation to the next. These remedies are inexpensive, effective and have fewer or no side-effects. Best of all, it can also be sourced from your kitchen.

“Most home remedies are based in the knowledge that most natural food like fruit, vegetables, cereal, grains, spices, seeds and nuts as well as other natural substances possess many medicinal virtues.

“The living proof is that our ancestors, who used natural remedies, lived happier, healthier and longer lives than the present generation.”

The book costs R150 and is available at shops in Lenasia or from the author herself (contact number 082 683 7120 or 011 855 0742).

It will soon be on sale in Durban.

 

REMEDIES YOU CAN FIND IN YOUR KITCHEN

 

GAS AND BLOATING:

Intestinal gas and bloating are annoying and embarrassing conditions.

Some people may have excessive gas and this can result in intense abdominal pain.

Avoid fried foods, spicy foods, processed foods, refine sugar, most beans, fizzy drinks and gum.

REMEDIES:

Caraway Seeds: Add the seeds to your meals especially to foods known to cause gas. Caraway seeds ease gas, indigestion and cramping. It also stimulates proper digestion.

Parsley: Parsley tea or freshly chopped or dried parsley added to foods that contribute to intestinal gas, helps to prevent gas and bloating problems.

Fennel Seeds: You can chew on fennel seeds or make tea out of it. It helps relax the muscles in your digestive tract and allows gases to pass.

 

CONSTIPATION:

Nearly the entire population suffers from constipation in one way or another.

In this condition the bowels do not move regularly and the waste matter is left entirely too long in the body.

Ideally there should be at least one bowel movement in a day to clear the body of toxins. Stools contain some metabolic waste products that come out from the blood.

If they are not eliminated the toxins find their way into the blood stream and are carried to all parts of the body, resulting in weakening of vital organ and lowering the resistance of the entire system.

REMEDIES:

Grapes: Are beneficial for constipation. It has cellulose sugar and organic acid properties that makes it a laxative food.

Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon in warm water first thing in the morning promotes bowel movements.

Ginger Tea: Is an excellent tonic for the bowels, especially for the elderly as loss of tone occurs with age.

Linseeds: A teaspoon of linseeds swallowed with water before each meal provides both roughage and lubrication.

Apples and Apple Juice: Apples are high in fibre and full of vitamins.

 

DIARRHOEA:

Diarrhoea can be caused by food poisoning, antibiotic drugs, excessive intake of laxatives, excessive alcohol consumption, nervous irritability , bacteria, viruses, germs, water, sudden fear in children, emotional strain and stress.

It can become chronic in children and the elderly. It is important to drink lots of fluids as diarrhoea causes the body to lose fluids resulting in dehydration.

REMEDIES:

Ginger Tea: It eases the cramps and abdominal pain that often come with diarrhoea.

Butter Milk: Is the residual milk left after the fat has been removed from curds. This is an effective remedy for diarrhoea and it helps overcome harmful intestinal flora and the acid in buttermilk fights germs and bacteria.

Apples: Baked or cooked apples are good for diarrhoea.

 

HEARTBURN:

Heartburn is common and unpleasant. It is a burning sensation and pain in the stomach and chest just behind the breast bone.

The symptoms of heartburn are bloating, gas, nausea, acidic or sour taste in the mouth and throat.

It is triggered when the hydrochloric acid (stomach acid), which is used to digest food, backs its way up into the oesophagus.

Generally heartburn is not serious. Most people suffer from small amounts of reflux and don't even notice it. This is because the swallowing we do causes saliva to wash the acid right back into the stomach.

REMEDIES:

Banana: It acts as a natural antacid in the body. You can eat them fresh or dried.

Chamomile Tea: Helps to neutralise stomach acid.

Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera juice soothes an irritated oesophagus and relieves heartburn.

Baking Soda: Is a natural antacid. It can rapidly neutralise excess acid in the stomach and instantly relieves heartburn pain.

 

INSECT BITES AND STINGS:

Take a piece of cotton wool and soak it in some mouthwash and apply to the affected area. Apply tea tree oil directly to the bite or sting.

It will instantly numb and sterilise the wound. It works on bee stings, spider bites, flea bites and mite bites. Crushed aspirin, mixed in a few drops of water, also help reduce swelling and sting once applied in the affected area.

 

SUNBURN:

Milk is the best way to treat sunburn. Apply a cloth soaked in milk to the burn area. It will provide relief.

Pieces of raw cucumber or potato, when applied to the affected area, reduces inflammation of the skin.

 

 

Dr Jain’s pepper rasam

Dr Sujnan Jain, a Johannesburg-based Ayurvedic physician, recommends you prepare a pepper rasam soup to ward off the winter chill.

“Besides being healthy and delicious, pepper rasam soup will ease the symptoms of colds and flus. The spices in rasam help in digestion and soothes your senses. It’s perfect for incessant sneezes and running nose,” said Jain.

Here’s how you make it.

Ingredients:

100gm tomato

50gm tamarind

1tsp whole black pepper

1tsp cumin seeds

2 cloves of garlic

2gm turmeric powder

Few curry leaves

Salt to taste

1gm coriander leaves

750ml water

Seasoning

1gm ghee

2gm mustard seeds

1gm curry leaves

2gm red chilli whole

Method:

1. Soak the tamarind in a cup of warm water, extract its juice and throw away the pulp. Grind cumin seeds, pepper and garlic for a few seconds in a mixer.

2. Take a cup of tamarind extract, add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, crushed pepper, cumin, garlic, salt and curry leaves. Boil them together.

3. Once it starts boiling, keep the flame low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the raw smell of the tamarind goes off.

4. Heat a tsp of ghee and add mustard seeds to it. When it begins to splutter, add the red chilli, curry leaves and pour it over the rasam. - The Post

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