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).

Everyday Uses of Aspirin

Everyday Uses of Aspirin

1. Revive dead car batteries If you get behind the wheel only to discover that your car’s battery has given up the ghost  and there’s no one around to give you a jump  you may be able to get your vehicle started by dropping two aspirin tablets into the battery itself. The aspirin’s acetylsalicylic acid will combine with the battery’s sulfuric acid to produce one last charge. Just be sure to drive to your nearest service station.

2. Remove perspiration stains Before you give up all hope of ever getting that perspiration stain out of your good white dress shirt, try this: Crush two aspirins and mix the powder in 1/2 cup warm water. Soak the stained part of the garment in the solution for two to three hours.

3. Restore hair color Swimming in a chlorinated pool can have a noticeable, and often unpleasing, effect on your hair coloring if you have light-colored hair. But you can usually return your hair to its former shade by dissolving six to eight aspirins in a glass of warm water. Rub the solution thoroughly into your hair, and let it set for 10-15 minutes.

4. Dry up pimples Even those of us who are well past adolescence can get the occasional pimple. Put the kibosh on those annoying blemishes by crushing one aspirin and moistening it with a bit of water. Apply the paste to the pimple, and let it sit for a couple of minutes before washing off with soap and water. It will reduce the redness and soothe the sting. If the pimple persists, repeat the procedure as needed until it’s gone.

5. Treat hard calluses Soften hard calluses on your feet by grinding five or six aspirins into a powder. Make a paste by adding 1/2 teaspoon each of lemon juice and water. Apply the mixture to the affected areas, then wrap your foot in a warm towel and cover it with a plastic bag. After staying off your feet for at least ten minutes, remove the bag and towel, and file down the softened callus with a pumice stone.

6. Control dandruff Is your dandruff problem getting you down? Keep it in check by crushing two aspirins to a fine powder and adding it to the normal amount of shampoo you use each time you wash your hair. Leave the mixture on your hair for 1-2 minutes, then rinse well and wash again with plain shampoo.

7. Apply to insect bites and stings Control the inflammation caused by mosquito bites or bee stings by wetting your skin and rubbing an aspirin over the spot. Of course, if you are allergic to bee stings — and have difficulty breathing, develop abdominal pains, or feel nauseated following a bee sting — get medical attention at once.

8. Help cut flowers last longer It’s a tried-and-true way to keep roses and other cut flowers fresh longer: Put a crushed aspirin in the water before adding your flowers. Other household items that you can put in the water to extend the life of your flower arrangements include: a multivitamin, a teaspoon of sugar, a pinch of salt and baking soda, and even a copper penny. Also, don’t forget to change the vase water every few days.

9. Use as garden aid Aspirin is not only a first-aid essential for you, but for your garden as well. Some gardeners grind it up for use as a rooting agent, or mix it with water to treat fungus conditions in the soil. But be careful when using aspirin around plants; too much of it can cause burns or other damage to your greenery. When treating soil, the typical dosage should be a half or a full aspirin tablet in 1 quart (1 liter) water.

10. Remove egg stains from clothes Did you drop some raw egg on your clothing while cooking or eating? First, scrape off as much of the egg as you can, and then try to sponge out the rest with lukewarm water. Don’t use hot water  it will set the egg. If that doesn’t completely remove the stain, mix water and cream of tartar into a paste and add a crushed aspirin. Spread the paste on the stain and leave it for 30 minutes. Rinse well in warm water and the egg will be gone.

11. TAKE CARE About 10 percent of people with severe asthma are also allergic to aspirin  and, in fact, to all products containing salicylic acid, aspirin’s key ingredient, including some cold medications, fruits, and food seasonings and additives. That percentage skyrockets to 30 to 40 percent for older asthmatics who also suffer from sinusitis or nasal polyps. Acute sensitivity to aspirin is also seen in a small percentage of the general population without asthma  particularly people with ulcers and other bleeding conditions. Always consult your doctor before using any medication, and do not apply aspirin externally if you are allergic to taking it internally.

12. Remove Sweat Stains
The collar of that undershirt looks fine, but the armpits are caked and yellow like you're developing uranium for a nascent nuclear weapons program. Gross. Apparently the aluminum salts in most antiperspirants mixes with sweat to create a mostly-waterproof stain. The salicylic acid in aspirin makes a nice little anti-yellowcake mixture that can eradicate those sweat stains.

Crush up enough pills and mix with water to create enough paste to cover the sweat stain of your choice. Let it sit for several minutes then rinse. Launder as usual. This treatment is good for any protein-based stain, so pull it out for those times when you get some of that nosebleed on your shirt or dribble egg yolk onto your pants due to over-over-easiness.

Note: pound for pound, this is an expensive method of removing sweat stains (compared to using lemon juice, enzymatic meat tenderizer, or white vinegar), but it's a good thing to bear in mind if you're surprised by a serious stain in a random hotel room that stocks aspirin, but not meat tenderizer, in the lobby gift shop.

13. Salicylic acid. It's one of the topical applications used for acne treatment, and it just so happens to be a natural part of aspirin.

Crush up the pill and add some water to make a paste. Apply the aspirin paste to your pimple and wait for several minutes. Rinse off without rubbing too much, and the pimple should diminish in redness and size. Spot treatment for those "haven't showered since Friday" weekend camping trips where you want to look your best.

Possibly true fact: the taste of salicylic acid can discourage bears from gnawing on your face.

14. Just like the acne treatment, a little dab of aspirin paste will do you when it comes to mosquitoes, flies, and the other stinging and biting bugs out there.

A great little camping piece of know-how: willow trees and their ilk contain the natural equivalent of Bayer. Some bark will have a similar effect to the paste described earlier.

15. Crush two aspirin and add to your normal amount of shampoo you use to wash your hair. Apply the mixture on hair and leave it on for one to two minutes. Rinse well and ensure all the aspirin has been washed away.

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.

Multiple Uses of Turmeric

Multiple Uses of Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice widely used in India in cooking various curries. It has also been used since ancient times as a traditional medicine and also for beauty care. In the Ayurveda system of Indian medicine, it is an important herbal medicine prescribed for various ailments. It is very commonly used throughout India as an ingredient for traditional beauty care treatments. In fact, it is even used in modern times to plug radiator leaks in water-cooled radiators.

The Ayurveda is an ancient Sanskrit text of Indian medicine which describes the use of various herbs and also other remedies of traditional medicine like incantations and amulets for a whole range of ailments and also beauty care. Turmeric is considered as an important part of the range of herbal medicines described in this text. Turmeric is used in Ayurveda in two ways- freshly extracted turmeric juice, which is taken orally, and turmeric paste used for skin application.

Raw turmeric is actually a rhizome of curcuma longa similar to ginger in appearance. This raw vegetable is crushed and the strained extracted juice forms a translucent reddish- yellow liquid which is more or less tasteless. These juice is then to be taken either raw or if the person wishes, mixed with honey preferably early in the morning on empty stomach. A wide range of benefit is described for this treatment in the Ayurveda.

The main use of turmeric juice taken regularly is as a blood purifier. In this context, it is believed to enhance health of the whole body. It is also said to be most beneficial in chronic illnesses with generalized weakness and in diseases like renal failure where toxins are released into the body. The other use of turmeric juice is in stomach ailments. It is said to have a soothing effect on the stomach and thus helps in diseases like hyper acidity and indigestion. Taken regularly, it gives a healthy glow to the skin also.

The other use of turmeric as a herbal medicine is in beauty care, where its juice is applied to the skin as a raw paste, kept for around thirty minutes and then washed off. It has been used as an herbal cosmetic in India since ancient times and is still in use even today throughout the country. It is an essential ingredient of the traditional bathing ritual of Indian marriages where it is applied along with sandal wood paste before the bath.

Regular turmeric use is said to make the skin soft and smooth. It also gives a glow to the skin and produces a fairer complexion. Turmeric is also prescribed in Indian medicine for various skin ailments where application of the paste regularly is advocated. It is used for spots of pigmentation or blotches that may appear on the skin, and also for diseases like eczema. Turmeric is also used in traditional medicine for cuts and burns as it is believed to have an antiseptic effect and also promote healing.

Besides these uses as an herbal medicine, the Ayurveda also gives some other uses of turmeric. It is said to be poisonous for crocodiles, and anyone swimming in crocodile infested waters should apply turmeric paste to protect himself! It is also believed to ward off snakes and the presence of turmeric plants around the house act as a barrier for them. The paste is also used in Indian medicine for snakebites. Its use is also advocated in various rites and spells to ward off ghosts and evil spirits.

Turmeric has also received a lot of attention in modern times from science, and its active ingredient, curcumin, has been isolated. Curcumin has been shown to have an anti-oxidant property, and is used in alternative medicine for this. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect by reducing histamine levels.

It has also been shown to have a protective effect on the liver and also in atherosclerosis. These effects are still under examination through various trials, but turmeric has already become an important remedy in alternative medicine.

Turmeric today continues to be used very widely throughout India as an alternative medicine, and also in herbal beauty care. A modern use discovered more recently is in plugging radiator leaks! In the water cooled type of radiators, a spoonful of turmeric added to the water plugs the leak almost magically.

This is just one more use of this Indian spice that continues to be reinvented and rediscovered throughout the world.