Old Fashioned Practices from Years Gone By
The world has progressed astronomically post-modernization. In the industrial world, almost all of the old-fashioned, organic, and indigenous practices were discarded as redundant, useless, or harmful without any evidence.
However, with the rise in the need for sustainable development, people and people groups are revisiting and bringing back age-old, traditional practices and natural remedies.
They are studying their efficiency and reevaluating their uses through medical evaluation today.
Old-Fashioned Practices
Science has proven many of these old-fashioned practices today to be actually quite useful and the least harmful in tackling a problem.
The best way is to try taking care of yourself with some self helps remedies and then head to the doctor if need be.
There are university departments dedicated to studying the effectiveness of traditional remedies and medicinal practices that generations before us, used in their lifetimes.
And, a recent study from the Cleveland Clinic suggests that some old-time remedies do help! Not all have scientific proof but some do!
Number #7 is my all-time favorite!
These practices have often been passed on in families decade after decade as well as in the indigenous communities from one generation to the other.
This is one of the reasons why we have access to a wealth of these practices and remedies today. It is interesting to learn from previous generations.
1. Cucumber Slices for Puffy and Swollen Eyes
If your eyes feel puffy or swollen, you can find some relief with a simple tip.
All you need is a couple of slices of cool cucumber. Find a comfortable, quiet spot to lay down so you can relax undistracted.
The cucumber slices help to reduce puffiness and dark circles under the eyes as mentioned in Medical News Today.
Close your eyes and place a cucumber slice over each eye for 15 to 20 minutes.
And, Relax.
2. Ginger Root & Powder for Upset Stomach
Do you feel nauseous often? The traditional remedies offer a quick fix.
You can try some ginger ale or have some ginger chews or even try a drinkable form as in ginger tea to experience relief from nausea.
As mentioned in WebMD, simply drinking 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of powdered ginger mixed in water may help soothe an upset stomach.
You can also steep fresh grated ginger root in a cup of hot water to create a soothing tea.
3. Peppermint Essential Oil for Headache
This old-fashioned remedy of simply applying peppermint oil to the back of your neck might be helpful for a headache.
There are studies being done to determine if essential oils help through aromatherapy.
A few drops of peppermint oil in your bath may create a wonderful way to relax.
Consider adding peppermint oil to a essential oil room diffuser as it may offer some pain relief.
Or, have a relaxing cup of peppermint tea with honey.
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4. Spoonful of Sugar Helps for Hiccups
Give this a try for a bout of annoying hiccups….yes, just take small spoonful of granulated sugar to help stop the hiccups! This along with other easy remedies mentioned by the Winchester Hospital may help curb your bouts with hiccups!
You can use white granulated sugar or a more unrefined sugar like in the photo.
Slowing dissolving the sugar on your tongue stimulates the vagus nerve which helps stop the hiccups.
Another easy way to stop hiccups is that while leaning over a sink, drink water out of the wrong side of a glass!
Yep, the wrong side of the glass…..give this one a try! Simple, easy and it works!
5. Honey, Lemon & Ginger Cough & Colds
Ginger, honey, and lemon have all proven to be effective against a cough.
People have been using these ingredients as remedies for centuries and there are now studies that show that ginger really does help a sore throat.
There are also studies showing that gargling with salt water helps ease the pain of a sore throat by adding one teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water.
Plus, honey has shown properties to help with a sore throat as well. And, lemon juice adds Vitamin C! Here is a wonderful recipe for fresh ginger tea from ginger root.
Learn how to make your own lemon, ginger and honey cough drops with nothing artificial.
And, then….consider curling up with a cup of tea, a comforting hot water bottle and a good book! Plus, you may like to try some chicken soup, too too!
6. Olive Oil to Moisturize Skin & Lips
Although a hugely popular remedy now, the origin of using olive oil to moisturize the skin goes centuries back.
Olive oil has healing and soothing properties that provide instant relief to your chapped skin.
Moreover, the oil helps your lips retain moisture and fight dryness that causes them to become chapped.
Also, consider using a pumice stone to gently exfoliate your skin to maintain a vibrant glow!
7. Warm Milk & Honey for Insomnia
If you have trouble falling asleep at night or seem to not get enough sleep, then you should try drinking a mug of warm milk with honey to help you relax.
It might help you relaxes in order to fall asleep quickly and for longer.
Warm Milk & Honey simple to make: warm about one cup of milk and add a teaspoonful of honey. Stir while heating so the milk does not scorch. Adjust the amount of honey and serve warm…
A non-dairy substitute for warm milk that is herbal chamomile tea.
Enjoy!
8. Lavender Oil for Relaxation
Lavender has long since been appreciated as a relaxation inducing essential oil. Learn more about the calming properties of lavender .
Consider adding a several drops to a tubful of warm bath water for a relaxing soak.
Or, use a small diffuser to emit the relaxing lavender fragrance in your room or home. There are even essential oil diffusers for your car!
You may even want to consider growing lavender in your garden!
9. Cold Pack for Headache, Aches & Pains
An old-fashioned cold pack for headaches might just be a simple remedy to try. Research more on the validity of using a cold pack for a headache, migraine or neck pain.
Place a frozen ice pack or bag of ice cubes in a dishcloth or towel and place on your forehead and temple areas.
Put ice cubes or crushed ice in a small washcloth or towel and place on your temples or forehead.
You may like to try an ice pack or an ice bag to help relieve a simple headache or injury. Simple things like ice cubes and a cold bag may help reduce your tension headache. And, then relax!
10. Use a Pumice Stone for Skin Exfoliation
Consider this simple yet effective use of an inexpensive pumice stone to exfoliate your dry skin.
Even WebMD recommends this easy method to help dry patches.
Of course, you must be careful not to overdo it with excessive rubbing but read all about how this simple method may be beneficial to you.
11. And, Last but Not Least ~ a Warm Water Bottle for Cold Feet!
Caution: Do not read about or use a hot warm bottle if you are not willing to follow the instructions. No hot or boiling water ever!!!!
Warm Water Bottles are perfect to warm your feet at night. They are know to help with menstrual cramps , too.
Fill your rubber bottle with warm but not boiling water. Never put a hot water bottle directly on your skin.
Medical News Today has tips on how to safely use a hot water bottle. Remember to use warm water never hot.
You must remove the your water bottle before you fall asleep. If you plan on leaving this water bottle in your bed, make sure it has a soft cover on it to protect your feet from any excess heat.
Do not roll over on the water bottle as it may burst. So, take precautions to prevent a water leak or breakage.
Save the water for your plants the next day. This is a perfect way to help keep your feet warm at night while you reuse, reduce and recycle!
Bonus: Whole Clover or Oil of Clove
Consider using oil of clove or whole cloves for temporary relief from gum or tooth pain. This practice is often suggested by dentists.
Tuck a whole clove on the painful gum or rub oil of clove on the tender area. This is a temporary method of reducing pain but pain is an indicator that something is wrong.
So, as always, double check with your dentist or healthcare provider if you have dental pain and ask if oil of clove or whole cloves may be helpful until you can make a dental appointment.
Whole cloves can also be held in the mouth for a natural breath freshener as well.
Final Thoughts
Many old-fashioned practices carry several benefits even in our modern world today. Somethings like just drinking enough water can impact our health in a positive way.
These ideas show that we shouldn’t completely discard or disregard old-fashioned remedies without testing and studying them first.
The next time you are at the doctor ask for their opinion and advice on using home remedies like green tea, Vicks Vaporub instead of nasal spray for common cold symptoms.
Ask about using home remedies to stimulate and strengthen your immune system especially before the flu season.
The most important thing is to stay in touch with your healthcare provider to insure they know what you are doing with natural self-helps and alternative medicine.
But, that also doesn’t mean that you should blindly follow all old-time home remedies. Always check with your healthcare professionals for medical care first, especially with babies and young children.
Disclaimer: This information is for entertainment and educational purposes only. It can be interesting to learn what people did in the past for self-helps but remember, this in no way suggests, that you should try these ideas today without contacting your health care providers for medical advice.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. In strict accordance with FDA regulations the information and products on this website are not intended to treat, cure, prevent, mitigate or diagnose any illness or disease.
