In which I discuss digestive, throat problems, phlegm, colds, coughs and thrush in both men and women.
Natural medicines seem to be very much in demand, judging by your visits to the Wartime Housewife recently, so I will tell you about a few more. But before I do, I want to have a little chat about alternative and complementary treatments.
I am a qualified Massage Therapist and Aromatherapist (oh how I loathe that term) and I have a special interest in nutrition. I tend to see people with chronic illnesses such as Parkinsons, arthritis, shingles, depression, but occasionally people come to me with acute conditions such as back pain, muscle spasms or because they feel run down. I take a full medical history, listen to their heart rate, take their blood pressure and, most importantly, listen and observe very carefully while they tell me about their condition. Sometimes alarm bells ring and I refer them straight to their GP. If they have an acute condition such as a muscle strain I can generally make them better, providing they do as they’re told. With chronic illness, I can support circulation, immune system, nervous system, muscle tone, digestion and promote relaxation. This ‘me time’ helps people to feel better able to cope, so that although I can’t make them better, I can help them to feel better.
But what I always tell people with more long term health problems is this. It has taken a long time for you to become unwell and if you really want to get better it will take a while for your body to right itself. And it will only do this if you change your behaviour, your diet and how much you move about. This can be very hard these days as we put ourselves under enormous pressure at home and at work, but part of the ethos of The Wartime Housewife is to re-examine how we live our lives. Food is our fuel and if we don’t nourish our bodies properly we will break down. Exercise keeps us fit, speeds up our metabolism and releases endorphins which lift our spirits. Our families and friends provide us with love, support, entertainment and physical and intellectual stimulus so we must nurture them and make time for them and for ourselves. We must learn to understand how our bodies work and look after them appropriately.
I am not anti doctors, but we have to give them a fighting chance. The NHS is massively burdened with people who become ill because they eat rubbish, don’t move about enough, and generally abuse themselves. GP’s are asked to work longer and longer hours in the interests of accessibility, when I can’t help feeling that if people genuinely need medical advice, they should make the time to visit the doctor during reasonable surgery hours.
The whole issue of work, illness, trust and personal responsibility will have to wait for another article. In the meantime, The Wartime Housewife says ‘Eat proper food and not too much of it, move about more, get regular fresh air and have a decent night’s sleep’. In case of malfunction , here are a few remedies to help you out. (Remember if symptoms persist, consult your GP – at a respectable time!)
Indigestion, acid reflux, bloating, wind
Get a large handful of fresh mint leaves or a flat tablespoon of dried mint and put into a jug or teapot.
Pour about ¾ pint of boiling water
Leave to infuse for about 10 minutes.
Strain and sip gently and slowly until it is all gone
Repeat when necessary.
You can also use peppermint essential oil if you have it. 2 drops to 1 pint of very hot water, stir well and pour out the required amount into a glass. Sip gently until completely gone.
PHLEGM IN THE THROAT OR SINUSES
As above but use an equivalent amount of thyme instead of the mint. Thyme is a very effective anti-mucolytic – if you really don’t like the taste add a tablespoon of honey which has the added advantage of being an anti-inflammatory.
COUGH MEDICINE
Chop 1 medium onion very finely and place in a small bowl
Pour 2 tablespoons of honey over the top
Cover and leave overnight.
Strain off the juice and take a dessertspoonful every hour or two until the cough is easing
BRINGING OUT THE FEVER OF COLDS AND ‘FLU
Obviously, I only recommend putting the whisky in for teenagers and adults. And use your common sense and use a painkiller that suits you, don’t exceed the stated dose etc etc.
Put into a tall glass:
1 bulging tablespoon of honey
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 tablespoon of whisky
Top up the glass with very hot water and stir well until the honey has dissolved
Drink it all before it goes cold.
Take 2 paracetamol or ibuprofen.
If there is any fever lurking around, this will bring it out and usually guarantees a good night’s sleep at the end of it.
THRUSH TREATMENT FOR LADIES OR GENTLEMEN
Firstly, make sure that you keep your bits and pieces very clean indeed and wash with a non-fragranced soap. Wear cotton underwear. Then thoroughly mix:
1 tablespoon of zinc and castor oil cream with
1 drop tea tree oil
For women, apply gently to the external area. Put some of the cream (1/4 teaspoon) onto the end of a tampon, pop it in as usual and leave for a couple of hours, then do it again.
For men, apply gently to the whole end of your willy, making sure you get it under your foreskin where micro-organisms roam free.
Both: Keep treating until symptoms subside. If it doesn’t clear up within about 48 hours, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Wartime Housewife 