Regardless of culture, anyone who’s ever had a cold, a fever, a pain, etc., has been subjected to the rigors of their mother’s natural remedies, such as tea, honey, lemon, pepper, garlic, liquor, etc. However, there are also a few seemingly culture-specific natural remedies as well.
Why? Like most cultures, Blacks throughout history have discovered and adopted various natural remedies from their African roots, as well as those from Native Americans. Of course, these remedies passed from generation to generation, from mother to daughter, father to son. The result? An amazingly rich list of natural therapies, healers and soothers.
Note: Most doctors agree that the most ideal solution to most conditions and diseases is, when possible, a marriage of both natural remedies and a physician’s care, since it’s sometimes very difficult to control the quality and recommended dosages of different ingredients – or to completely understand what ingredients may conflict with other medications or health conditions. Therefore, be sure to consult with your doctor before starting any treatment.
Some of mom’s favorite natural cures include:
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Apple Cider Vinegar
Of all the well-touted natural health remedies that exist today, very few are followed quite as religiously as taking a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar every day. Apple cider vinegar has been hailed as a cure-all supplement, from allergy relief to weight loss. Anywhere you look, you can find people who believe that drinking apple cider vinegar has helped them.
Just some of ACV’s well-touted benefits may include:
• Lowers cholesterol
• Weight loss
• Appetite suppression
• Diabetes Management
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has a surprising number of health benefits, from relieving stress to bolstering your immune system. It’s rich in lauric, capric and caprylic acids. These omega three fatty acids give it its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-fungal properties. It can be used to cook food, moisturize skin, and treat infections.
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Benefits may include:
• Improves skin
• Promotes weight loss
• Relieves stress
• Helps repair/grow hair
• Improves healing
• Fights Infection
READ: 10 Reasons You Need Coconut Oil
Onions
Onions are an important old folk remedy ingredient believed to help combat infections and reduce fever due to its anti-bacterial qualities. It’s important to note that onion use can lead to allergic reactions in rare instances, so caution is advised. Onion powder is usually less potent than fresh onion. It is very important to consult with your doctor if you experience a fever that lasts for more than a couple of days.
Onions may help to relieve:
• Coughs and colds
• Nausea
• Acne control
• Insect bite
• Insomnia
• Dental problem
• Fever
• Heat stroke
Many people believe that eating raw onions helps to prevent heat stroke during the summer. If you already have heat stroke, however, rubbing onion paste onto the soles of your feet may provide some relief, as well as putting onion slices on your feet can help ease a fever.
A special favorite of moms? Chop up those raw onions and roll them in a handkerchief, then tie them at ankles and wrists to break a fever. Or, cut up onions under the bed and close the door.
Cod Liver Oil
Some years ago Black mothers’ daily routine or ritual was to give their children cod liver oil to promote and ensure good health. Most believed that this distinctive oil was extremely protective and helped to maintain wellness and prevent illness in their precious children. Mothers swore by it and knew it was good for their children.
Of course, their children, in many instances, swore that they did not like the unique oil’s taste, in spite of whatever their mothers thought about the benefits.
