 Nature's
Way
with Alan Hayes
Natural Pain Relief
Whether it's the discomfort of a nagging headache or the continual winging of a young one suffering from the discomfort and pain of teething or colic, pain can make our lives sheer misery. The following natural remedies are safe and mild treatments for the relief of pain.
When earache is a problem, gently heat two cloves of chopped garlic in two teaspoons of olive oil. Strain the oil through clean muslin or cheese cloth and allow it to cool until it is just warm. Insert a few drops of the warm oil in the offending ear, and then plug the outer ear with cottonwool. If pain persists, consult your health practitioner.
For the temporary relief of toothache, apply a crushed clove or oil of cloves to the painful tooth, or plug the cavity with cottonwool soaked in the oil. Persistent toothache, however, needs the prompt attention of a dentist.
Babies and children, who suffer from mild colic and wind, can be given one teaspoon of chamomile tea, with powdered ginger added to taste, as frequent as necessary. If babies are teething, rub peppermint oil or aloe vera gel on the gums, or give them a teaspoon of the chamomile/ginger tea brew as needed.
Muscular cramps can be eased by taking a tea made from one teaspoon of cinnamon, half a teaspoon of cardamom and a quarter of a teaspoon of nutmeg. Thoroughly mix all the powdered ingredients in one cup of boiling water, cover, steep for five minutes, and then sip the tea while it is still warm.
To ease muscular aches and pains soak in a hot bath in which half a cup of bicarbonate soda has been dissolved. After soaking, massage a mixture of six drops each of eucalyptus oil and lavender essential oil into the problem area.
General headaches, which are caused through no apparent reason, can be treated by putting one or two drops of lavender oil on your finger tips and massage gently around the temples and at the base of the skull, and also along the hair line. Tension headaches can be relieved by adding a few drops of lavender oil to a bowl of warm water, then wringing out a handkerchief in the water and applying it to the back of the neck while you lay back and relax.
If you suffer from migraine headaches, the herb Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is extremely good for preventing them and alleviating the pain and associated discomfort. As a preventive measure, eat three leaves of the fresh herb daily in a sandwich, or take feverfew capsules from your health food store, or drink feverfew tea.
To make feverfew tea, put one tablespoon of the fresh leaves or one teaspoon of dried leaves in a ceramic cup and fill with boiling water. Cover, infuse for three minutes, and strain. Sweeten with a little honey if desired. Take half a cup of tea every hour at the first sign of migraine attack or tension, or one cup every morning as a preventive measure.
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