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Ancient Folk Remedies

From earliest times, people have dealt with aches and pains, diseases and health problems. Throughout the years and, often without direction, people tried this remedy or that remedy. Some remedies seemed to work. Others did not. Some became mired in more myth than reality, while other remedies found substantiation with modern scientific testing. Many still swear by ancient folk remedies that have been handed down from one generation to the next or passed on from one friend to another.

  1. Arthritis

    • According to MedicineNet.com, arthritis is the, "Inflammation of a joint. When joints are inflamed they can develop stiffness, warmth, swelling, redness and pain." One ancient folk remedy for arthritis is drinking apple cider vinegar or apple cider vinegar and honey. Patients can also use hot vinegar as a rub to ease stiff joints.

      Another ancient folk remedy for arthritis is a ritual of drinking alfalfa tea at least twice a day. Others swear by hot water baths and exercise, which is an inexpensive ancient remedy still used in conjunction with modern medicine. Other ancient remedies include kerosene and olive oil and orange juice mixed with cod liver oil.

      Pioneer Thinking states that if the joint is swollen a poultice can be made of "2 tablespoons mullein, 3 of granulated slippery elm bark, one of lobelia, 1 teaspoon cayenne. Mix thoroughly. Use boiling water to make paste. Spread on cloth and place on swollen joints."

    Herbal Remedies

    • According to Folk Remedies, "Herbs have been used as medicine for the treatment of diseases and conditions for many thousands of years. In recent years interest in herbs and folk remedies is on the rise." Early written accounts of the use of herbs as medicine go back more than 5,000 years. There are references to herbal use even in the Bible. Many medicines used today have roots in ancient herbal remedies.

      Ancient folk remedies include using the dandelion for health purposes. They are nutritious and filled with vitamins including vitamins C and A and beta carotene. The dandelion also contains iron, calcium and copper. Today's scientists have found that this lowly plant has anti-cancer properties. The flowers can go into salad or to make wine. Roots are ground up and used as coffee --- and without the caffeine.

      There were any number of ancient folk remedies to alleviate colds. They used the leaves of the boneset plant to make a tea, best drunk cold to prevent an upset stomach. Another ancient folk remedy included grated or powder ginger root in hot, but not boiling, water and adding in a little whiskey and honey to taste. Cayenne pepper could be substituted for the ginger root, making a tea with pepper, honey and whiskey. Boiled pine needles or a roasted onion provided other folk remedies handed down through the generations.

    Off Beat

    • Some ancient folk remedies may seem odd, even gross. Some ancient peoples subscribe using monkey blood to increase of stamina and strength. They used the gallbladder of a monkey for everything from a child's tantrum to eye complaints. Some peoples who live in Indonesia eat monkey brains to relieve impotency and to improve overall health and well-being.

      The doctors of ancient Egypt used bat's blood to counteract blindness. People in places where ague (a form of malaria) was common thought using spider web tablets or even live spiders would remedy the situation.

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