Note: Always check with a physician before treating your own ailments.

Aloe Vera
This is a succulent with thick fronds and is filled with a gelatinous substance that has analgesic (pain soothing) qualities. It helps heal burns, bee stings, and fly bites by taking the irritation and pain away.

Some naturopaths offer aloe vera in liquid form for relief of colitis, digestive problems or dyspepsia. A tablespoon or two every two to three hours is the recommended dosage. It has proven effective without the side effects of drugs or antacids which have a lot of aluminum in them.

Aloe vera juice or gel is considered safe and has no adverse effects.

THE CASTOR PLANT
Five drops of castor oil every morning is a natural treatment for allergies, rhinitis, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and eczema. It can be taken by a dropper on the tongue followed by water, or added to juice. After 60 days, the treatment changes to a couple of times a week. Some alternative health professionals even use castor oil to bring down the swelling of sprains, and for tennis elbow.

The liquid is applied to the injured area. Plastic wrap covers this, and on top of that is a clean wrap to keep the oil in place.

CHAMOMILE
Many people know of the claming effects of chamomile tea. It is also helpful for cases of anxiety and insomnia. However, it is also effective as a foot soak for calluses. It can be used as a poultice to relieve aching muscles.

For common nausea, chamomile and peppermint tea is recommended.

CAYENNE
Got a cold? Try a half a lemon and a quarter teaspoonful of red cayenne in a cup of hot water. Add a spoonful of honey to sweeten it.

ONION POULTICE
If you bang yourself and have a black and blue bruise, an onion poultice might just be what you need. Crush the onion. Put it in a piece of cloth.

Apply this directly to the bruise and leave on overnight. This will reduce the hardness, pain, swelling and discoloration.

Important note:

As with all herbal and folk remedies, it is important to check with a medical doctor to make sure your symptoms are not for something more serious.

This information is provided as a resource and not meant to suggest they are a cure-all or to take the place of medical advice. Folk remedies can help, but if they keep someone from seeking treatment from a doctor, they can be life threatening.

Do you suffer heart palpitations? One doctor recommends placing an ice cube in the mouth. It should work within minutes. However, if the palpitations continue or are accompanied by chest pain, call for emergency help.