Medicinal Uses Of Common Household Articles

Medicinal Uses Of Common Household Articles

1. Turkey baster-can be used to flush out wounds, or as siphon(oil,gas etc).

2. Coffee filters-wipes for cleaning wounds, filtering water coffee/coffee grounds-antifungal, in WW I they used coffee ground enemas to hasten wound healing. This works by increasing the function of the liver & gall bladder to remove toxins from the body. (6 tbl grounds in 2 quarts water) .

3. Krazy glue/Super glue-in place of "liquid bandage" on small cuts, paper cuts, blisters .

4.Hemostats-various uses for clamping, assisting with suturing, packing wounds.

5. Clove oil-(main ingredient eugenol)used as anaesthetic, antiseptic. Apply directly to tooth to treat toothaches, dry socket (after tooth extraction,) mixed with zinc oxide to form a temporary filling, used on minor cuts and abrasions, improves circulation, purifies the blood, can be used on skin irritations like prickly heat or scabies, chewing on a clove or drinking a tea with it can ease nausea & indigestion, bruises and in the past was even used to treat Cholera. Must be used sparingly however since it can be toxic in high doses. (lethal dose is 3.752 g/kg body wt).

6. Black pepper-sprinkle generously on cuts to stop bleeding (leave on/covered for 2-3 days,) also used for shingles cayenne pepper-1 tsp in 1 cup hot water & gargle (can also drink this) to reduce sore throat, draws out infection.

7. Turmeric-for sore throats, helps cuts to stop bleeding, antiseptic .

8. Baby wipes-hygiene, washing when no soap/water available, cleaning around wounds.

9. Cranberry juice-prevent/treat urinary tract infections.

10. Contractor bags-human waste, biohazardous contaminant disposal honey-natural antiseptic, currently being researched for its use in war zones (due to cheap cost) University of Sydney is working w/its use for chronic wounds, such as diabetic/venous stasis ulcers (due to poor circulation) also for burns & other wounds that require a sterile moist environment to heal. Saturate the gauze dressing with the honey, do not let it dry out. Cough syrup can be made with 1 part honey/1 part lemon juice.

11. Banana peels-apply daily to assist with wart healing salt(NaCl, non-iodized is best for most uses)-homemade saline solution for wound cleansing, gargle for mouth care, sore gums & throat, nasal spray.

12. Plain yogurt(unsweetened)-used topically/internally for yeast infections. May be used intra-vaginally.

13. Mouthwash(with alcohol base)-can be used in a pinch to cleanse minor cuts/abrasions, best if you have antiseptic type like Listerene.

14. Whiskey/brandy(EtOH)-anaesthetic/antiseptic.

15. Broccoli juice-is antiseptic for wound care.

16. Garlic-"wonder herb" of home remedies, antiseptic, stops bleeding (crush & use juice on wound,) anti-fungal, prevents gangrene & infections, also viruses and intestinal parasites, helps lower high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Most effective when using fresh whole cloves but oil/powdered forms are available. 

17. Oregano oil-antifungal(can even penetrate nails, & for athlete's feet) antiseptic, works great in conjunction w/colloidal silver, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, has pain-killing properties, can be used topically/internally (just a small drop diluted for ingestion) Careful use if you are on blood thinners as it can also have an anti-coagulant property.

18. Tea tree oil-very similar properties as oregano oil.

19. Epsom salts(magnesium sulfate, MgSO4)-has many healing properties when used either topically internally. laxative (2-4 tsp/cup water wait 4 hours before repeating dose, too much can be toxic-give half this dose for children,) muscle relaxant for aches/bruises, draws toxins from the body, soaking may help to release a splinter & heal wound, exfoliates/softens skin-use 1-2 cups in a bath. Cautious use for those with high blood pressure or kidney problems) It also can be used in your garden to make grass greener/help veggies grow .

20. Moist tea bag-anti-inflammatory, can be used to ease bug bites, sty, swollen/dark circles under eye, to ease diarrhea/stomach .

21. Upset baking soda(sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO3)-is a "base", adjusts pH, can be used in baby bath to ease diaper rash & for general skin irritations like chicken pox/poison ivy to soothe skin ,toothpaste substitute, helps canker sore, for a bee sting to draw out venom, make a paste w/rubbing alcohol (or cold water) apply then scrape away the stinger with a credit card or nail, best not to pull out with tweezer or fingers because more venom can be released, can be used to smother fires (especially good for class B oils/flammable liquids,) GI distress/gas relief/acid stomach take 1/2 tsp/cup water, underarm deodorant, you can also add a little to water when you soak dried beans to lessen their "gassy" effect .

22. Apple cider & white vinegars (synthetic white vinegar is/similar  to 5% acetic acid which is used in hospitals on wounds with gram negative bacteria,) cleansing wounds, antifungal, used to disable stinging cells of jellyfish(I have heard or urine being used for this too,) outer ear canal infections, ease bruising, help reduce bleeding, 1/4 cup in vaporizor/or boil water & inhale steam to ease congestion/colds, eases sunburn, for insect stings, dandruff/dry skin relieves itch/softens skin, for arthritis mix 1/2 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar w/tsp flavoured gelatin-this is also good for nausea and morning sickness, mix equal parts water/vinegar/liquid dish soap and put in a spray bottle apply to skin for natural insect repellant, also know to aid in wart removal.

23. After shave-many contain alcohol & have astringent properties for use as skin disinfectant.

24. X-acto knife-trivia: orignally invented in the 30's by a Polish immigrant who hoped to sell it to surgeons but it never took off so his brother suggested its use as a craft tool. So it makes sense to use in place of scalpel to remove spliters, debride wounds, perform minor surgery etc.

25. Fish hook/fishing line-great for use in suturing minor wounds (double aught 00 size is ideal) There was an actual study done based in Rwanda proving that nylon fishing line was as if not more effective than actual sutures! Boil for 20 min to sterilize 1st.

26. Aloe vera plant-break off stalk and use sap on burns/abrasions coconut macaroon cookies-eat 2 a day to ease diarrhea, I found multiple testimonials from those w/Chrone's & other GI illnesses.

27. Carob powder-1.5g/kg body wt for nausea/vomiting/diarrheacrisco/lard-apply to dry/chapped skin.

28. Salt substitute(NuSalt, RealSalt are brands names, most contain potassium chloride KCl)-can be used to replete potassium.

29. Boric acid(*note laundry detergents 20 Mule Team, Boraxo contain borax-similar but would not recommend for internal use)-safe to use has toxicity about equal to table salt. Uses include antifungal, take 1/32-1/4 tsp per liter water start w/smaller dose and build up to see your reaction (mycoplasma/parasites which may be found in Lupus, Rosacea, Morgellon's etc) mix with hydrogen peroxide to treat dog mange (may be drying to skin-apply oil after,) rid your home of pests as non-toxic insecticide, disinfectant, remove mildew.

30. Ammonia-can be a substitute smelling salt (though a little harsher).

31., Hydrogen peroxide(H2O2)-light causes it to break down rapidly, that is why it usually comes in a brown plastic bottle. Can be very toxic in pure form, usually sold in a weaker strength. Diluted w/water it can be used as antiseptic mouth rinse-whitens teeth too but may cause them to become temperature sensitive, removes blood stains, to cleanse wounds, can also be used in the kitchen to clean fruits and veggies, counter tops & cutting boards.

32. Bleach/clorox(sodium hypochloride)-used to prevent germ growth/infection in wounds. Mixed with baking soda & water for use in hospitals as Dakin's Solution to cleanse wounds/do dressings (see attached sheet for formula).

Medicinal Properties of Charcoal

Medicinal Properties of Charcoal

Although not strictly a “herb” in itself, charcoal is derived from the incomplete combustion of many plant products. Usually obtained from a hard wood, charcoal is produced by slow combustion in a relative absence of oxygen. Although most hard woods can be utilized in the manufacture of medicinal charcoal, eucalyptus wood seems to be one of the best. In a home like setting, charcoal can be scraped or chipped from the charred hardwood. After being moistened with water, it is forced through a food grinder. Commercial sources of charcoal are also available, principally obtained from coconut shells.

Treatment with superheated steam, or another industrial method, can produce “activated” charcoal, which is capable of much improved absorptive effect, The use of medicinal charcoal goes back to ancient Egypt, and was found in an Egyptian papyrus dated around 1550 B.C. In the time of Hippocrates wood chars were used to treat various ailments. Charcoal’s adsorptive property is due to a myriad of micropores, the walls of which have surface areas that range from 400 to over 1800 square meters per gram! Thus, the surface area of powdered charcoal is phenomenal. Finely ground charcoal particles are so small that it takes about 50 million to make one pound! One should not confuse the properties of activated charcoal with burnt toast or charcoal briquettes.

Many poisons can be adsorbed by charcoal, although the properties are quite selective. DDT, dieldrin, strychnine, malathion, and parathion are some industrial toxins that become inactivated by this “miracle” substance. Many drugs are likewise adsorbed by charcoal. Several more common ones include aspirin, barbiturates, cocaine, opium, nicotine, morphine, penicillin, and sulfas. Inorganic substances are adsorbed, such as mercury, phosphorus, chlorine, iron, lead, and silver. For this reason, charcoal should be an important constituent of the emergency kit in every household. Better than the universal antidote in case of acute poisoning, a rescue worker has merely to induce vomiting, followed with a large dose of activated charcoal to render most substances harmless. Usually 30 to 60 grams, about ¼ cup, is needed, suspended in water and taken as soon as possible after the injection of any toxin. Charcoal may be employed to reduce or eliminate distress from intestinal gas. Its adsorbing and deodorizing properties are welcome in skin ulcers. For colostomies, place a tablet in the bag with each cleansing. Charcoal can act as an air purifier in a sickroom, in the refrigerator, or where recycling of air is necessary, as is common in a submarine.

Although a charcoal filter in cigarettes may remove three times as much of the toxic vapor as ordinary filters do, the carbon monoxide and nitric acid present in the smoke are not efficiently adsorbed. Charcoal has furthermore been used in the filtering of blood for the victims of kidney disease who must undergo repetitive dialysis. Depressed individuals who have taken an overdose of drug medication may additionally be saved with a specially designed charcoal filter that will revitalize the blood, while removing impurities.

MEDICINAL USES OF TOMATO

MEDICINAL USES OF TOMATO

Solanum lycopersicum
Solanaceae

The word "tomato" may refer to the plant (Solanum lycopersicum) or the edible, typically red, fruit that it bears.While it is botanically a fruit, it is considered a vegetable for culinary purposes (as well as by the United States Supreme Court, see Nix v. Hedden), which has caused some confusion. Tomatoes contain all four major carotenoids: alpha- and beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene. These carotenoids may have individual benefits, but also have synergy as a group (that is, they interact to provide health benefits).

1. Tomatoes are good for your skin.Tomatoes contain a high level of lycopene, which is a substance that is used in some of the more pricy facial cleansers that are available for purchase over-thecounter.If you want to try tomatoes for skin care, you need to start with about eight to twelve tomatoes. Peel the tomatoes and then place the skin on your face with inside of the tomato touching your skin.Leave the tomatoes on your face for a minimum of ten minutes, then wash. Your face will feel clean and shiny. Some redness may occur, but should fade with time.

2. Tomatoes help prevent several types of cancer. A number of studies have been conducted that indicate that the high levels of lycopene in tomatoes works to reduce your chances of developing prostate,colorectal and stomach cancer. Lycopene is a natural antioxidant that works effectively to slow the growth of cancerous cells. Cooked tomatoes produce even more lycopene, so go ahead and cook up a batch of your mom’s famous tomato soup.

3. Tomatoes help maintain strong bones.Tomatoes contain a considerable amount of calcium and Vitamin K. Both of these nutrients are essential in strengthening and performing minor repairs on the bones as well as the bone tissue.

4. Tomatoes help repair damage caused by smoking.No, eating tomatoes is not the most recent fad to help you quit smoking. However,tomatoes can reduce the amount of damaged done to your body by smoking cigarettes. Tomatoes contain coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid that work to protect the body from carcinogens that are produced from cigarette smoke.

5. Tomatoes provide essential antioxidants.Tomatoes contain a great deal of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. This is primarily because these vitamins and beta-carotene work as antioxidants to neutralize harmful free radicals in the blood. Free radicals in the blood stream are dangerous because it may lead to cell damage. Remember, the redder the tomato you eat is, the more beta-carotene it contains. In addition, you also want to keep in mind that cooking destroys the Vitamin C, so for these benefits, the tomatoes need to be eaten raw.

6. Tomatoes are good for your heart.Because of the Vitamin B and potassium in tomatoes, they are effective in reducing cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure. Therefore, by including tomatoes in your regular balanced diet you can effectively prevent heart attacks, strokes as well as many other heart related problems that may threaten your life.

7. Tomatoes are good for your hair.The Vitamin A in tomatoes works perfectly to keep your hair shiny and strong. In addition, it also does wonders for your eyes, skin, bones and teeth.

8. Tomatoes are good for your kidneys. Adding tomatoes without seeds to your  diet has been proven in some studies to reduce the risk of kidney stones.

9. Tomatoes are good for your eyes.The Vitamin A found in tomatoes is fantastic for improving your vision. In addition, eating tomatoes is one of the best foods to eat to prevent the development of night blindness. Cataracts are the most common causes of visual problems.Decrease in the level of vitamin C in the lens of the human eye leads to increased number of cataracts. Increase of vitamin C in tomato intake increases the blood supply to the visual zones of the body and helps to cure this eye disorder.

10. Tomatoes are good for diabetics.Tomatoes are packed full of the valuable mineral known as chromium. It works effectively to help diabetics keep their blood sugar levels under better control

11. Lower Cholestrol .A Tomato- cholesterol free and a good source for diet; it won’t add cholesterol to the diet. A cup of tomato provides 9% of fiber that helps you to lower the high cholesterol levels. Tomatoes also contains niacin (vitamin B3),which has been used as a safe way to lower cholesterol levels.

12. Lower Blood Pressure .The tomatoes provide significant drop in blood pressure. After 8 weeks, ongoing tracking of daily tomato ingestion (in the form of lycopene complex – a tomato extract) showed a drop in both the blood pressure top number (systolic) by 10 points and the bottom number (diastolic) by 4 points.

13. Protection from cell Damage .The tomatoes are excellent source of antioxidant lycopene. Antioxidants travel through the body, neutralizing dangerous free radicals that otherwise damage cells and cell membranes. Free radicals escalate the progression or severity of atherosclerosis, diabetic complications, asthma, and colon cancer. High intakes of lycopene have been shown to help reduce the risk or severity of all of these illnesses.

14. Counteract Acidosis .Acidosis, is a main cause of calcium loss,fatigue,headache,sleeplessness, muscle aches, acne, eczema, arteriosclerosis, sexual dysfunction, hormone imbalance, depression, and degenerative conditions. Our bodies are designed to maintain an alkaline balance with a pH of 7.365.By including plenty of alkaline minerals in our diets calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium we help our body maintain its alkaline balance naturally. Tomatoes are excellent sources of calcium, magnesium, and potassium and can aid in preventing acidosis.

15. Reduce Migraines .Tomatoes are an outstanding source of riboflavin, which helps for reducing the migraine attacks.

16. Boost Immunity .Due to consumption of tomatoes helps to avoid flu and colds, especially for males. These common illnesses are widely believed to be rooted in carotenoid deficiencies, including low amounts of lycopene and beta carotene in our body. Drinking tomato juices assists in building defenses against colds and flu.

17. Natural Unscreen .It has been showing that lycopene in tomatoes works as a natural sunscreen and provide protection against UV rays.

18. Treatment of Vasolidation .Vitamin C has effectively resulted in proper dilation of blood vessels in the cases of atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, high cholesterol, angina pectoris, and high blood pressure. It has been found that supplements of vitamin C improve blood vessel dilation.

19. Lead Toxicity .Lead Toxicity is a severe health problem found in children, especially in the urban areas. Abnormal development and growth has been found in children who are exposed to lead. They develop behavioral problems, learning disabilities and have low IQ. It may damage the kidney and increase blood pressure in adults. Vitamin C supplements reduce the blood lead level. Hence by intake of tomato lead toxicity can be reduced among the children. Hence tomato has rich in vitamin c due to this it can able to lower this risk factor.

20. Combating Stroke .Vitamin C in tomato or Ascorbic Acid helps in reducing the risk of stroke, a kind of cardiovascular disease. A diet full of vegetables and fruits produces good quantity of vitamin C which maintains the appropriate blood pressure level. It also protects the body from free radicals which could be the reason for the stroke.

21. Mood .Vitamin C present in the tomato plays a key role in the production of neurotransmitters,  If vitamin c is less then they can affect the mood of a person and are critical to the proper functioning of the brain.

22. Half-ripe tomatoes offer an excellent remedy in all sorts of liver troubles.Tomatoes stimulate torpid liver and are very good for dyspepsia, diarrhea and dysentery.

23. As it is a rich source of vitamin C, it is very valuable in scurvy.

24. Half ripe tomatoes are very valuable in summer diarrhea. But it should be taken with musumbi (lime) juice.

25. It is also very effective in dysentery. But it should be taken with garlic and musumbi (lime) juice.

26. Half ripe tomatoes are very useful in hot summer months as it prevents sun stroke or heat stroke.

27. Tomatoes are usually effective in heartburn, flatulence or indigestion.

28. Half-ripe tomatoes are usually given in dyspepsia.

29. Tomatoes contain all four major carotenoids. alpha- and beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene. These carotenoids may have individual benefits, but also have synergy as a group (that is, they interact to provide health benefits).

30. Tomatoes and broccoli have synergy that may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. One study showed that prostate tumors grew much more slowly in rats that were fed both tomato and broccoli powder than in rats given lycopene as a supplement or fed just the broccoli or tomato powder alone.

Oxalic acid content of tomato is relatively less than beets, potatoes, cucumber and lettuce. Experts now recommend inclusion of tomatoes in the diets of gall bladder patients. It may aggravate gout problems and uric acid diseases. In fact, tomato is included in the diet as it has uric acid lowering effect.