Science Finding Medical Promise In Kitchen Cabinets

Newhouse News ^ | 6/11/2008 | Brie Zeltner

[maine-iac7]

Cayenne peppers are impossible to find in the northeast grocery stores. But there is always Tabasco

commonly called red pepper - they are of the Capsicum genus -

I use it in stir fries, home fries, soups, on meats - you name it.

I've been writing about home/folk remedies for decades - I chuckle when some scientist, usually with a hefty grant "discovers" that this or that plant/herb/spice/recipe that people have been using for hundreds of years = really does work.

Science is starting to catch up with with what 'folk' have been saying for generations. Even Culpeper, back in the 1600's, espoused natural plants: herbs and spices, as a deterrent/cure. He was, of course, maligned by the docs of the day as it cut into their bottom line.

Dates and places change, people don't.

[maine-iac7]

Mail order a can of bear spray. You can spray everybody up at the dinner table :)

[maine-iac7]

“Ginger is perhaps best known for its soothing effects on the digestive system

It's also great for clearing the sinuses or stuffy noses.

Put it in your chicken broth, for example - but have tissues handy because your nose will be running right quick.

You can also sniff a bit of ginger powder for a very quick break up of sinus congestion - but be judicious - a tiny bit does the trick. More stings...

[maine-iac7]

Garlic, it’s just not to repel vampires anymore!

In ancient Rome, garlic was so prized for it's medicinal properties that the soldiers were required to always carry it as part of their "C-rations"

It was, literally, worth it's weight in gold. Eaten, it would cure intestinal worms, among many other health benefits - and give strength.

In addition, it was used on wounds. It is not applied directly, but crushed and put in a cone, like you would use for cake decorating, and the end was passed just over the wound. The oils in the vapor will kill even gangrene. It was also used in both WW1 and WW11 for that reason - called "Russian Penicillin"

However, in every age, these simple and inexpensive remedies are overshadowed by the drug pushers and doctors. Can't patent a natural plant/herb and don't need office visits if you don't get sick.