Home Remedies…Are they really effective?
Everyone has a grandmother, aunt, or even a mother who swears she can cure anything by creating some sort of weird concoction. Almost always we laugh at them and just disregard what we consider as old wives tales. However, when we are down and out and we take those home remedies; more often than not we get cured. So what is it about these remedies that cure us? Is it that these crazy concoctions actually have medicinal properties? Or is this just some sort of mind trick, where if you believe something will cure you it does? Extensive research has been done on this subject for the simple fact that some home remedies are just out of this world. For example in my household the simple cold can be cured in many ways: for initial symptoms honey and a lime cut in the form of a cross will do. However, if this has developed into an actual cold, it requires a mixture of onions, aloe, and honey. Home remedies go much farther than lime and honey or aloe. There is an entire civilization out there that has survived on natural medicine. In fact, the National Geographic wrote an article in which they discussed the fact that some of the over the counter medicines we use today is rooted from a form of natural medicine. For example “Digitalis”, which is used to treat chronic heart failure, comes from the leaves of the foxglove plant, and ephedrine, a component of many commonly prescribed respiratory medicines, is derived from a chemical formula from the ephedra plant” (Swerdlow, Joel NGM).
Although, the nature of home remedies has evolved over time, the main principle remains the same. People have the ability and resources to cure themselves of many diseases. Of course some illnesses require more than a few herbs, so don’t stop going to your doctors just yet. We can however entertain the idea that maybe grandma had a point. On the other hand it’s important to note, that like any type of medicine usage, this practice shouldn’t be abused. It’s not safe to decide you’re just going to stop going for your regular checkups. Always consult with a doctor before deciding to treat anything on your own. At least, now you know that you have options, and that sometimes Mother Nature can help you get better.
Always remember that First Care of New York provides the proper care for our clients affected by an array of medical issues by utilizing our Certified Home Health Aides or Personal Care Aides to help our clients with their activities of daily living such as: visit their doctors regularly, assisting with medication reminders and also preparing meals with the dietary necessity to help lower blood pressure. If you or a loved one can no longer manage on your own or are having health issues due to medical conditions, do not hesitate to give us a call to find out how we may be able to help. Our number is 718-741-5950.
