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We live in a time when industrially produced medicines prevail in both the prevention and treatment of various illnesses. But is that the only way to recovery? Despite the medical and technological progress of the modern age, many people are returning to nature, which has the ability to treat and heal.
Nature Can Work Wonders
For centuries, human cultures around the world have relied on nature when they wanted to fight various diseases. Even today many people prefer to reach for the „healing powers of nature“ rather than a pill from the pharmacy. They are cheaper, more accessible and healthier. There are plenty of herbs, plants and roots that contain strong active substances that can relieve pain, prevent the onset of illnesses and some can even cure them. A huge advantage is that most of these medicinal plants grow in your garden, in the forest or in the meadow. Let’s take a look at some of them!
Lilac Relieves Pain
Lilac is a beautiful ornament of many gardens and parks. It is known for its rich purple flowers and its wonderful, intoxicating scent. For many of us it is a symbol of spring. Few people, however, know that it also has healthful and healing effects. Make a lilac tincture with us and get rid of headaches, sore joints and muscles. The preparation is completely simple and you only need 2 ingredients:
- Lilac flowers
- Alpa or another „light“ alcohol
Procedure: Pour a cup of lilac flowers with a small amount of Alpa (approx. 50 ml). Let the mixture sit in a dark, cool place for 7-10 days. Then strain through a sieve and the fragrant tincture is ready!
The whole family can use this tincture, as it has versatile effects:
- Acts anti-inflammatory
- Slows down premature aging of the skin
- Helps with pains of all kinds (head, joints)
- Reduces tension
- A few drops added to a bath relax the mind and improve sleep
For pain we rub the tincture onto the affected area; in the case of sore muscles and joints we apply compresses soaked in the tincture.
Plantain for Cough and Better Immunity
Plantain grows literally everywhere in the Czech countryside, often in gardens, along roads and in fields. It contains a high amount of vitamin C, is often part of cough syrups, but also of herbal blends that support weight loss. Plantain has beneficial effects on the whole organism, among other things it supports the immune system, reduces weight, treats the bronchi, helps expectorate, heals skin wounds, and supports digestion. You don’t have to go to the pharmacy for plantain syrup; make it easily yourself according to the following recipe:
Ingredients:
- Finely chopped plantain leaves
- Raw cane sugar
Procedure:
- Chop two handfuls of fresh plantain leaves finely and place them in the bottom of a container. Cover with two handfuls of sugar. Leave to act overnight. The sugar will dissolve in the juice from the leaves and the leaves will stick together.
- The next day add another layer of leaves and sugar and again let it stand. Continue layering in this way until the whole container is filled.
- When the container is completely filled, close it and store it in a warm place for 2 months.
- After 2 months strain the contents and heat the resulting juice to about 70 degrees.
- Store the resulting syrup in dark glass containers.
Nettle for Beautiful Skin and Hair
Although it may not look like it at first glance, nettle is truly a miraculous plant. The leaves of young nettles contain iron, vitamin C, minerals and carotenoids. It has anti-inflammatory effects, speeds up the healing of eczema, eliminates fungi, helps against hair loss. The anti-rheumatic effects of nettle have long been known, which are best achieved in the form of nettle oil. How to make the oil?
You will need:
- nettles (amount depends on the size of the container)
- oil – any oil will do, e.g. sunflower, but if you use olive or almond oil, you will get an amazing product for your hair and skin.
Procedure: Chop freshly picked nettles, put them in a jar and cover with oil in a 1:1 ratio. Let steep for 2 weeks and then strain. You can use the oil to rub on affected areas (e.g. joints or skin) or to make a hair mask – massage the oil into the ends of your hair, leave for 45 minutes and then wash as usual.
