Though the phrase “modern medicine” evokes trust in our doctors and medical systems, these days, many people are looking towards the past for remedies, especially for chronic ailments. Many families or cultures still practice some “folk” remedies, and often these ancient remedies use natural plants, unadulterated by other chemicals or simply natural movement. If you are looking to incorporate some of the tried-and-true wisdom of the ancients into your life, consider these 7 ancient cures some people still practice today.
1. Honey
Honey has been used as a sweet remedy for wounds and burns for thousands of years. It is effective as a wound dressing because it has anti-microbial properties. Scientists are currently studying its anti-inflammatory properties. It is possible that sweetening your tea with honey could be good for your whole body.
2. Aspirin
Aspirin is another ancient remedy. Salicylic acid from myrtle, willow, and meadow sweet, has been used as medicine for nearly 5,000 years for a variety of medicinal purposes such as treating rheumatic disease, joint pain, and inflammation. In 1828, Professor Buchner at the University of Munich purified salicin from the bark of a willow tree, which began the creation of aspirin as we know it today. Not only does it work as a pain reliever, but it is also used in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
3. Echinacea
Echinacea a common herb and native garden plant, has been used in indigenous communities in North America for more than 400 years to treat wounds and infections and as a general cure-all. Though echinacea’s popularity decreased after the invention of antibiotics, it has enjoyed a renewed following in the 20th and 21st centuries. People use it to shorten the duration of colds and flus and as an immune system booster.
4. Lavender
Lavender has been used since ancient Roman times to relieve indigestion, sore throats, and headaches. They also used it to clean wounds. In the 1930’s, a French chemist realized that lavender is efficacious in wound healing on the skin. Today we understand that lavender can help reduce anxiety and pain and improve sleep, memory, and mood.
5. Acupuncture
was developed in China nearly 4,000 years ago, initially to restore balance in the body. We now know that acupuncture can help people relax, alleviate pain, or even act like anesthesia during surgeries. Scientists are studying acupuncture’s effects on blood pressure, and the results look promising. If you have been considering trying acupuncture, find licensed acupuncturists in your area and discuss the results you are seeking.
6. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a new name on the American health food scene, but it has been used in India for at least 4000 years as a traditional medicine. We now understand that this herbal remedy is linked to improved digestion, reduction of anxiety and depression, and prevention of infection. It is also being studied as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's, Parkinson’s disease, and some psychiatric disorders. People can consume it in powder or tablet form
7. Aronia berries
Aronia berries are truly nature’s super berries. With the highest levels of antioxidants of any berry, Aronia berries are shown to help a number of chronic conditions as well as supporting eye, joint, and cardiovascular health. They are native to North America and indigenous people have used them as a medicine and a meat preserver for hundreds of years.
Most of these remedies can easily be incorporated into your daily life. If you are looking for a place to start, try the Superberries Aronia berry products. Our Frozen Aroniaberries, Concentrate or Aroniaberries are convenient to incorporate into any meal from breakfast to dessert and any beverage in-between.
