As a long time practitioner of ayurveda, Dr. Nalin Perera has great faith in what he calls the "kitchen remedies". He believes that almost 80% of illnesses can be effectively dealt with in their initial stages with the use of home remedies commonly found in one's pantry. "In days gone by, when prescription drugs and medical specialists were unheard of, people relied on simple kitchen remedies to treat their day-to-day ailments," he says, adding that "sadly, today this kitchen wisdom is fast disappearing and more and more people rely on synthetic chemical drugs."
Home remedies are extremely effective and in some instances can even trump their pharmaceutical counterparts. They are readily available and more importantly, have no harmful side effects when taken in the correct dosage. They heal by enhancing immunity, reducing inflammation, detoxifying the system, providing relief from pain. You also benefit from their anti-microbial actions. This week, Dr. Perera introduces us to seven wonderful home remedies.
Garlic
King among the herbal medicines, garlic has been prized by human beings ever since the first records of human civilisation. It has a rich history - remains of garlic have been found in caves inhabited more than 10,000 years ago.
The ancient Egyptians valued garlic bulbs so highly that they ordered that a daily ration should be fed to the builders of the pyramids to give them strength. In ancient China, the plant was used as a cure for leprosy. During the outbreak of the plague in the Middle Ages garlic was used widely as an antiseptic. It is a treasure to humanity - both as food and as medicine, and today, even the scientific establishment, which is often sceptical about the medicinal value of non-pharmaceutical substances has endorsed it as a medicine for a variety of illnesses.
A summary of these uses shows that in itself, garlic is like a medicine chest.
Respiratory Conditions: Cold, flu, asthma, tuberculosis
Digestive disorders: Stomach ulcers, diarrhoea, dysentery and worms.
Cardiovascular diseases: arthero-sclerosis, post-stroke therapy
Skin problems: Acne, boils, fungal infections, insect bites.
Application and use: for general use, take ½ teaspoon of garlic juice pressed from fresh bulbs two to three times a day. For asthmatic cough eat grated bulbs with honey.
Black Pepper
Pepper increases the secretion of digestive juices and improves the taste of food. It is used to alleviate constipation, dry haemorrhoids, gas and loss of appetite.
This herb may also be taken with a pinch of honey to combat worms. Only freshly ground whole pepper corns should be used.
Black pepper helps to relieve swellings. As an antidote to hives, a pinch of pepper powder mixed with ghee may be applied externally.
Turmeric
Turmeric has long been considered the aspirin of Asia. Here it has been used for centuries in ayurvedic medicine to heal wounds, cuts and burns, to treat inflammatory skin conditions, skin disease and arthritis. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin which is a powerful anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant. Today, investigators at the University of California have found this compound highly effective in treating Alzheimer's and colonic cancer - two conditions that are on the rise today and to which western medicine still has very little to offer in terms of treatment.
To enjoy the benefits of turmeric, make it into a paste and apply it externally on skin. Boiling one tbsp of turmeric with a glass of milk or water is also beneficial, and is meant to be drunk warm. Turmeric has also long been used as a cosmetic. It is said to improve the complexion. Apply a paste of turmeric on the skin before bed, and wash off after a few minutes. In the morning, remove any remaining yellow tinge with a paste of chickpea flour and oil.
Ginger
This aromatic root has been used for centuries in ayurvedic Chinese and Arabic medicines to treat health problems including digestive ailments, arthritis, fever, infection, blood pressure and muscular pain. At Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, researchers have found that ginger lowers both sugar and cholesterol, combats morning sickness, and eases inflammation from arthritic conditions and ulcers and even protects against harmful radiation from cancer treatments and cancer itself. Two key compounds in ginger are gingerols which give the ginger its pungency and shogaol which gives dried ginger its zip.
If you can eat raw ginger, a good way to take it is to dip two or three thin slices of ginger in a little salt and lime juice and have them before a main meal. If you find ginger hard to eat raw or by itself because of its pungent taste, consider adding two or three thin slices to your curry as it cooks. Another way to eat ginger is to sauté some grated ginger in a tablespoon of ghee and add the mixture to warm milk (add sweetener if you like) or to desserts or other dishes. Ginger can also be made into a tea.
Lime
Limes are an excellent source of citric acid, natural sugars, vitamin C, calcium and phosphorous. It contains more vitamin C than lemons. In ayurveda, lime is considered a sacred fruit and it is widely regarded as a food of exceptional therapeutic value. It has saved the lives of innumerable crews of ocean-going vessels from scurvy. Other common ailments that can be treated with lime include: digestive disorders, colds and tonsillitis, cystitis and urine infections and obesity. Lime is easiest to consume as a juice.
Coriander
The most popular flu remedy in Asia, coriander comes in two forms: fresh plant form and seed form. It is an aromatic and stimulating substance which greatly aids digestion. Coriander is a natural diuretic and it may be taken when one feels a burning sensation while passing urine. An infusion of these seeds should be taken every four hours for the above condition to obtain speedy relief. It is also useful for gas, indigestion, nausea and vomiting. For skin rashes and hives, fresh coriander pulp is applied to the skin. Coriander has a powerful blood purifying effect as well.
Cinnamon
It is believed that the best cinnamon in the world is found in Sri Lanka. Cinnamon has a powerful antiseptic and detoxifying effect. It creates freshness, strengthens and energises the tissues. Apart from treating the common cold, flu and stress, it is highly effective in treating food cravings - especially craving for chocolates. It also helps low energy levels, commonly termed the mid-day crash. However, cinnamon should not be used in excess because of its gastric irritating effects.
Honey
Honey is an excellent blood purifier and is good for the whole body. It is extremely effective for internal healing as well as external ulcers. Honey carries the medicinal properties of herbs deep into the body's tissues, and therefore can be used as a vehicle to administer any of the above mentioned herbs. When used to dress an external wound, it will accelerate the healing process. Honey and water taken together energises the body and helps flush the kidneys. If taken in moderation, it reduces fat. Honey should never be cooked, because cooking alters its attributes and makes it incompatible for the system. According to ayurveda, heated honey can clog the circulation and create toxins.
A word of warning: The information given above is not intended to encourage self-medication; it is always advisable to seek professional advice in treating illnesses.
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