Natural Remedies That Really Work
Today it’s all about natural remedies that really work. Are you seeing a lot of sickness going around your neighborhood? It’s cold and flu season where I live and the coughing and sneezing are all around us.
As a prepper, I like to be aware of natural remedies for several reasons. When I was growing up my family rarely went to the doctor. We would treat ourselves with homemade recipes.
Keep in mind, I’m not a doctor, nurse, or anyone in the medical field. I’m a mom and a grandma and I hardly ever get sick. I prefer to figure out how to get well myself way before I head to a doctor. This may or may not work for you. It works for me. Remember, always consult your doctor if there is ever a question about how sick you and what safe treatments need to be considered.
In the future, if all the pharmacies are closed because of a power grid outage, a HUGE one, we must be prepared to use herbs, weeds, tinctures, etc. Have you read “Lights Out?” I highly recommend you read it.
Natural Remedies:
- Hot Toddy by Grandma
- Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Chicken Broth
- Homemade Elderberry Syrup
- Wash Your Hands
- Tooth Aches
- Sponge baths
Be Careful With Prescriptions
Please be aware some prescriptions do not mix with any alcohol. So read the recipes before making them and check for any conflicting ingredients.
Hot Toddy by Grandma
Do you remember Grandma making this for you? I sure do.
- 1 cup water
- 1 bag green tea
- 1-1/2 ounces whiskey or brandy
- 2-3 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2-3 teaspoons raw honey, depending on sweetness desired
- lemon slices
- cinnamon stick, for garnish
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Grab a tea kettle or small saucepan and bring the water to a simmer. Place the tea bag in your serving cup. Add the hot water, liquor of choice, lemon juice, and honey. Add lemon slices, if desired, with a cinnamon stick. Sip it while warm.
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
I make this for neighbors whenever they are sick. It soothes the throat.
- 2 cans of chicken or 2 cooked chicken breasts
- 6 cups water
- 1/4 cup Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base or substitute equal amounts of water with chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped in bite-size pieces
- 1-1/2 cups diced fresh carrots
- 1-1/2 cups diced fresh celery
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried sweet basil
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- salt to taste
- 1 package Grandma’s frozen egg noodles
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup undiluted
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Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker for 6 to 8 hours on low, BUT add the Grandma's Noodles, the last two hours or they will be mushy. Enjoy!
Is Chicken Soup One of the Natural Remedies that Really Work?
We are always being told to eat chicken soup when we are sick, but is it just an old wives’ tale, or does it really work? Well, the short answer is yes, chicken noodle soup really does help! Based on several studies, chicken noodle soup helps clear nasal congestion, thin mucus, and also has mild anti-inflammatory effects. It doesn’t necessarily help cure your sickness, but it does help you to feel better.
How I Do Store Chicken Soup?
If you store your chicken soup in airtight containers, like mason jars, it’s so easy to pour some soup into a cup or mug. I use a canning funnel to scoop mine into the quart mason jars.
Can I Freeze Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yes, you can freeze chicken noodle soup. I freeze my excess soup in quart mason jars. Please leave 2-inches at the top of the jar for freezer expansion. Place in the refrigerator to thaw the night before you want to use it.
Homemade Chicken Broth
- 2 pounds chicken bones
- 2 celery sticks, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 10 cups filtered water (I have Reverse Osmosis)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (it brings the collagen out of the bones)
- salt and pepper as desired
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Today, I used a slow cooker for convenience. You basically dump everything in the slow cooker and set it on low for 12-15 hours. You will need some cheesecloth to strain the broth into a large bowl after it cooks to remove all bones, etc. As it cooks, skim off any fat you see floating but only if you want to. Some people prefer all the fat in their broth. It's truly a personal preference. When slightly cool, place the broth in mason jars in the refrigerator. It will keep about 2-3 days in the frig. If you can't use it up fast enough, freeze it using mason jars and leave 2 inches headspace for expansion. It will be good for about 3 months in the freezer.
Why Drink Chicken Broth?
Another natural remedy that works for helping with cold and flu is chicken broth. But why should you drink chicken broth? Chicken broth is one thing you should drink because it helps prevent you from getting dehydrated. When you are sick and your throat hurts, it can be hard to drink or eat anything. Chicken broth helps alleviate sore throat pain while keeping you hydrated. If you can’t get anything else down you, you should definitely drink some chicken broth.
How Do I Store Chicken Broth?
You can store chicken broth in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in airtight containers. I use quart mason jars. You can also freeze the broth in quart mason jars or airtight containers leaving a 2-inch headspace for freezer expansion. It will store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Chicken Broth versus Chicken Stock
You may not know it, but chicken broth and chicken stock are actually two different things. Chicken stock is made from the bony parts of the chicken whereas chicken broth is made from the meat. You will find that chicken stock has a fuller feel and a richer flavor because of the gelatin that is released from the slow-simmering of the bones.
When it comes to being healthy, the chicken stock offers you a little more than broth. Broth contains nearly half the calories per cup than stock does. The stock has more carbs, fat, protein, and is much higher in vitamins and minerals. If you can get chicken stock when you are sick, you are adding more nutrients to your body to help you get over your ailments quicker.
Can I Freeze Chicken Broth?
Yes, you can freeze chicken broth. I freeze mine in pint and quart size mason jars. Please allow 2-inches at the top of the jar for the expansion when frozen. I use these White Ball Lids for ease of freezing.
Homemade Elderberry Syrup
- 1 cup dried Organic Elderberries
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried cloves
- 1 teaspoon dried ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup raw honey
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Grab a large pot and combine all the ingredients, except the raw honey. You'll bring this mixture to a boil and then turn the heat down to simmer. You will want this mixture to cook down to about half so it's a thicker substance. When it cools down, strain the mixture through a mesh strainer, pushing the juice out with a wooden spoon. This is when you add the honey. Stir until well combined. Store in mason jars for up to 2 months in the refrigerator. You will never buy this again, it's so easy to make.
What Do Elderberries Do For Us?
If you haven’t ever heard to take elderberry syrup when you are sick, you are in for a real treat. When it comes to being sick, elderberries are nature’s most versatile fruit for what ails you. There are 30 different types of elder plants and trees found around the world. In folk medicine, elderberry was considered one of the world’s best healing plants. Check out what elderberries can do for us:
- They give us antioxidants and vitamins to boost our immune system
- They help tame inflammation
- Lessons your stress
- To protect our heart
- They ease cold and flu symptoms
In addition, elderberries have also been used as a treatment for the following:
- Constipation
- Joint and muscle pain
- Infections that affect how you breathe
- Headaches
- Fever
- Kidney problems
- Epilepsy
- Minor skin conditions
- HIV and AIDS
Are Elderberries Safe To Eat?
While not everyone will tout the effectiveness of elderberries, most doctors will tell you they are safe to eat in small doses. It is important to keep in mind that unripe or uncooked berries and flowers can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Large amounts can cause serious poisoning. DO NOT EAT UNCOOKED ELDERBERRIES. Here are some other things to consider when considering eating elderberries:
- You should not take elderberries or elderberry syrup when pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Other parts of the elder tree such as the branches, twigs, leaves, roots, and even the seeds are toxic!
- If you have immune problems, you may have a reaction to Elderberry.
- It is a diuretic, so you may need to pee more.
How Often Can You Take Elderberry Syrup?
It is recommended that adults take 1 tablespoon daily of elderberry year-round to boost the immune system. It is recommended to give children 1 teaspoon.
However, if you are feeling sick or have the flu, you may need to increase the dosages. For adults, you can take 1 tablespoon every 3-4 hours up to 6 times per day. Children can take 1 teaspoon every 3-4 hours up to 6 times per day.
DO NOT EXCEED 6 TIMES PER DAY
Along with all the benefits, elderberries are a diuretic and may cause serious side effects if taken too often.
Do Elderberries Boost Our Immune System?
The main reason you are told to take elderberry syrup when you are sick is that it does in fact boost your immune system. Elderberry boosts the immune system by increasing the production of specific cytokines. These cytokines are chemicals that tell your immune system to get itself in gear. Elderberries are also chocked full of antioxidants and vitamins, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, flavonoids, and botanical compounds that are crucial to boosting your immune system. In addition to this, elderberries are antiviral as well. So, as you can see there are many ways elderberries can boost our immune system.
Do Elderberries Help With The Stomach Bug?
There is not any evidence that elderberries help once you already have the stomach bug; however, taking elderberries before you are sick is a great way to prevent the stomach bug. Additionally, elderberries boost our immune system so no matter what ailment you may have, a dose of elderberry syrup is sure to make you feel better.
How Do I Store Elderberry Syrup?
You can store this recipe in the refrigerator for up to two months in airtight containers such as mason jars. Here again, I use Ball White Lids to store just about everything in my kitchen.
Where Can I Get Dry Elderberries?
I found these on Amazon, Organic Dry Elderberries. If you are lucky enough to pick them, that would be so awesome. They don’t grow in Southern Utah, so I had to order them online.
One of the Natural Remedies that Really Works is Washing Your Hands
Why Should We Wash Our Hands?
If you don’t know why you need to wash your hands, it is time for you to go back to elementary school and relearn how germs work. Washing your hands with running water washes off germs, bacteria, and viruses that you get on your hands. If you don’t wash your hands, you can get sick, and you pass germs and bugs on to others around you.
Do I Need To Use Soap To Wash My Hands?
Do you know why doctors and nurses wash their hands under running water? They used to wash their hands with soap in a tub of water. What we found was that the tub of water still carried germs and bacteria even with the soap. Soap does help to kill germs and bacteria, but it isn’t as effective if we aren’t using running water to wash them away.
Additionally, soap can carry bacteria if you are not storing it properly. For example, a bar of soap on the side of your sink is actually worse for you than not washing your hands at all. If you don’t have clean soap, just wash your hands with running water.
How Long Should I Wash My Hands?
Washing your hands is easy and the most effective way of preventing the spread of germs. Washing your hands effectively is one of the natural remedies that really work. Good hand-washing is a combination of these five steps:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands with soap. Lather all of your hand, including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
So, to answer the above question, you should wash your hands for at least 20-seconds. It is better if you follow all the steps not just the 20-second rule.
Just a note here, I use cloth non-paper towels in my bathrooms and they are only used once by one person. I wash them every week with detergent, water, and bleach. Those hanging hand towels never seem clean to me. Just my 2 cents.
Does Hand Sanitizer Work Really?
Washing your hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs. However, if soap and water are not available, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is the second best. You want your hand sanitizer to contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective. Sanitizers do reduce the number of germs on your hands, but……
- They do NOT get rid of all types of germs.
- They are not as effective when your hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
- Hand sanitizers may not remove harmful chemicals such as pesticides or metals.
Tooth Aches & Cloves
Clove Oil
Clove oil is an essential oil that is derived from clove trees. These trees are native to Southeast Asia, however, you can find them in many other locations. Clove oil is made by distilling the dried clove flower buds from the clove tree. Sometimes, other parts of the tree, such as the stems and leaves, are used. It has been used for centuries for a variety of applications, including toothaches. Clove oil is one of the natural remedies that really work.
Does it work?
Yes, clove oil is a natural remedy that works for many different things. Here are just a few of the benefits of clove oil:
- It can be used as an antimicrobial to help kill bacteria.
- Clove oil is used as a pain reliever for toothaches and muscle pain.
- You can use it for digestive upset.
- It also relieves respiratory issues such as coughing and asthma.
Can I chew on cloves?
You can chew on olive cloves. You simply place a whole clove in your mouth near where it hurts. Bite down and grind your teeth on the clove to release the oils. You will know that the oil has been released when you get a bitter taste and tingling sensation on your tongue and gums.
When chewing cloves, you do not want to spit. Wait a few minutes before rinsing your mouth out with water. The effects should last a couple of hours. The bitter taste will subside after about ten minutes.
Are Cloves dangerous?
Like any of the natural remedies that really work, cloves can have side effects. Clove oil is generally safe, but repeated use inside the mouth and gums can cause the following effects:
- Damage to the gums
- Tooth pulp
- Damage to the skin on the inside of the mouth
- Other damage to the mucous membranes.
Additionally, using dried cloves can cause sensitivity and irritation. You should NOT consume the clove oil. In children, consuming clove oil can lead to seizures, liver damage, and fluid imbalances. Pregnant women should not use clove oil.
Sugarless Gum
I asked my dentist one day what we can do if we have a cavity fall out, or a broken tooth. He said he always suggests sugarfree gum to people who can’t get into a dentist right away. Chew it up and put it on the tooth and pack the gum around it.
Sponge Bath and Fevers
You can lower a fever one or two degrees if you use a sponge with warm water and pat the body softly. Having a fever is a natural way for the body to fight infection.
Final Word on Natural Remedies that Really Work
I hope you try making some of my natural remedies that really work. Have you made any of these? Are there others I can add to my list that you recommend? May God bless us to be ready to use these when there are no doctors around.
Please stay well, my friends. May God bless this world, Linda
Linda ~
You know that I am into herbal remedies as well as essential oils for health. So, I have a (IMHO) better place to get herbs – Mountain Rose Herbs. They are organic, ethically sourced and located in Eugene Oregon. Don’t get me wrong, I order plenty from Amazon. The only issue I have in ordering herbs and such from Amazon is that one doesn’t always know where they are sourced and how they are sourced. Oh – that is more than one issue – lol!
As for chicken soup, if I go to the trouble of making my own soup, then I am going to go to the trouble of making my own noodles!! And, by the way, we don’t even need the noodles! You would still get all of the benefits of the chicken soup but it would be less hardy. If I am sick with a cold, sore throat or sinus issue I might not want the hardiness of the soup with noodles. Also, If I make a big pot of chicken noodle soup, I generally only eat a small bowl full and save some in the fridge for later or the next day and freeze the rest. Noodles sitting in the broth/soup will get soggy/mushy like that. So, even though it takes a bit longer to do this, I always add my noodles to just the amount of soup I am cooking at that meal! I can cook a bunch of noodles and let them drain for an hour or two, then package in individual packages to cut down on cooking time the next meal. If I make enough noodles for the amount I freeze, I leave the noodles out and put in the freezer, package of soup and a package of noodles. Pull one of each and cook them together to heat up and cook the noodles as needed.
I used to make elderberry syrup but since I now live alone, it sometimes goes bad and I have to toss it. So, now I make an elderberry tincture. I add my dried berries to a jar, cover with vodka and let it steep for 4-6 weeks. Then I strain it into a dropper bottle. This way, I don’t have to refrigerate and it lasts a long time (if I don’t use it up during the season).
Another natural remedy I have for stuffiness due to colds or sinus issues: take mint and eucalyptus, tie up in some cheese cloth. Boil some water on the stove and pour it into your bathroom sink, add the mint/eucalyptus package and let steep for a couple of minutes. Drape a towel over your head and lean over the sink. Breathing in the steam that has mint/eucalyptus in it helps to clear up the sinuses. Follow this up with a cleaning of the sinuses with a neti pot rinse – I have been nasally clean for a day or so following this treatment. Then I do it again as necessary.
Hi Leanne, oh my gosh, you know I love this!! I’m adding your tips to the post right now. I love the noodle trick as well. Now I want to make Elderberry tincture. I love it!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE these tips! Linda
For the immune system, another good boost is fire cider–you’ll find a number of possible recipes online. I take a good swallow daily, oftener if I feel anything “coming on.”
Old-time herbal remedies are great to know. My favorite is willow bark instead of aspirin or other NSAIDs–possibly works a little less quickly, but lasts better, and none of the side effects. Collect new-growth willow shoots (spring is best, but will work any time) and peel off the bark. Fill a jar with the bark pieces, then add vodka and let it sit for at least a month–shake occasionally. Strain, store in a bottle with eyedropper. Take 5-12 drops up to 4 times a day. Or, dry the bark, and use it to make tea (yes, it will taste bitter).
I also make meadowsweet glycerite for heartburn/reflux, to which my husband was prone (note that I say “was”–meadowsweet did what 3 years of side-effect-producing drugs could not!) Collect meadowsweet flower spikes, including the twigs and leaves, when they bloom after misummer. Fill a well-packed jar with these, then fill up with vegetable glycerine, and set it in a sunny window for about a month. Strain and bottle. Take about a tablespoonful as needed. This even tastes good, and soothing!
Hi Rhonda, this is so awesome, I’m learning about more natural remedies! I love it. I need to check out the fire cider! And the willow bark and meadowsweet, I LOVE LOVE LOVE these tips! Thank you, Linda
There’s also a new book, “Fire Cider!” by Rosemary Gladstar and Friends. It has a number of fire cider recipes and variations, uses for apple cider vinegar, cooking with vinegar and fire cider–as well as the story of the company that appropriated the name “fire cider” through trademark, then was taking legal action against anyone who had been using the decades-old name for the remedy. But Rosemary Gladstar and Friends won!!!
Hi Rhonda, oh my gosh, I need to check out this book, I love hearing about how it got started!!! Thank you so much, Linda
Linda,
Gosh you guys talk about Elderberries as a remedy for sickness, we make jelly
out of our Elderberries. I have eaten elderberry jelly since I was a little kid. Never knew
it was a remedy for sickness. Only thing about people finding this stuff is good for you is
I use to be able to go to the river and pick elderberries now I have to beat everyone else to them.
I am lucky enough to have some growing in my yard, thanks to the birds.
Hi June, that must be why you’re so healthy, all the jelly! You are so lucky!! I love hearing you have them in your own yard!! Love it, Linda