Folk Remedies That Really Work!

Tried and True Natural Remedies from the Past

As I write this article, I’m looking at The Settlement Cook Book, compiled by Mrs. Simon Kander, printed in 1943.[1] What strikes me about this amazing resource is the treasure trove of information it contains, much of which seems to have been forgotten.

For instance, Mrs. Kander explains how to:

• Remove ink stains with milk
• Clean mildew stains with powdered chalk
• Get rid of rust stains with lemon juice and salt
• Take out water stains from furniture with a hot cloth and olive oil.[2]

She also provides recipes for elderberry cordial and dandelion wine and instructs the homemaker in making homemade vinegar.[3] She even has a recipe for baking game birds by wrapping them in clay![4]

It’s truly fascinating to uncover old, forgotten recipes and folk remedies—skills and knowledge that have been buried under the heap of modern convenience and so-called “progress.” It’s like sneaking into grandma’s attic and finding an old sea trunk filled with heirloom treasures!

I’d like to revive and introduce you to some well-worn, tried-and-true folk remedies from the past. Some you may recognize, others you might not. So let’s get started!

Black Strap Molasses

During the process of extracting sugar from sugar cane, a thick, dark syrup called blackstrap molasses is formed. Unlike refined sugar, blackstrap molasses still contains loads of healthy nutrients and minerals. But except for a few recipes that call for it, we might be hard pressed to find blackstrap molasses in many kitchens today. Most blackstrap molasses is destined for the livestock feedlot. Fortunately, blackstrap molasses is becoming more available in grocery stores as we relearn its health secrets—and they are many!

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  Due to its high iron content, blackstrap molasses can help relieve PMS in women and improve overall mood.[5]
• The combination of B vitamins, calcium and magnesium make blackstrap molasses a great way to combat stress.[6]
• With a glycemic index nearly half that of refined sugar, blackstrap molasses is a good choice as a sweetener for those with type 2 diabetes.[7]
• Blackstrap molasses is high in antioxidants and helps reduce free radicals, which cause cancer. This is also good news for those who suffer with arthritis as well.[8]
• The lactic acid in blackstrap molasses serves as a natural remedy for acne and other skin conditions.[9]

There are a variety of ways to take advantage of the health benefits of blackstrap molasses. You can use it as a sweetener in hot beverages and on oatmeal. To supplement with blackstrap molasses, mix 1 to 2 tablespoons into a cup of boiling water. Let it cool, then drink it. Do this in the morning for a boost of energy![10] Finally, you can use blackstrap molasses in a wide variety of baking applications including: muffins, breads, and cookies.

Extracted from sugar cane, blackstrap molasses hails from hot, tropical climates. On the opposite geographic and climatic spectrum we find maca root.

Maca Root

For thousands of years, the hardy peoples living at high elevations in the Andes Mountains of Peru have relied on maca root as one of their primary food staples. And no wonder, since little else can grow in such a harsh environment.

Maca root resembles a beet or radish and produces a small, plump tuber. It grows in a variety of colors: black, red and yellow. This vegetable, with its high protein, carbohydrate and nutrient count, earns the status of a superfood.^[11] Nutritionally and medically, maca root is classified as an adaptogen. Its healthy nutritional makeup helps us combat stress and normalizes our physiological functions.^[12]

Maca root boasts more than 20 amino acids, eight of which are essential. This tuber is loaded with vitamins B1, B2, C and E. It also provides a rich source of numerous minerals and phytonutrients.^[13]

Here are just a few of maca root’s health benefits:

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  Improves sexual function, fertility and libido. It’s nature’s Viagra! ^[14]
• Supports the endocrine system and balances hormones. Many women in menopause have found relief by supplementing with maca root.^[15]
• Increases energy and stamina. Many athletes supplement with maca root to gain a natural edge.^[16]
• Enhances mental clarity and boosts memory.^[17]
• Improves the immune system. Maca root increases blood circulation, oxygenation of the blood, and works as a natural antioxidant.^[18]

You can find maca root in capsule form as a supplement. This powdered form retains the healthy and desired nutrients, enzymes and qualities of this amazing superfood. Supplement as recommended by the manufacturer.

Here is a short list of maca supplements tested by a third party that are approved to contain the labeled amount of plant chemicals:

• GNC Herbal Plus® Maca Root 525 MG
• Herbs America Maca Magic™
• Nature’s Way® Maca Root
• NutriGold® Maca Gold™
• Solaray® maca

Please note that Swanson® Maca Power was tested and found to contain lead that exceeded the limit for safe consumption and is not to be used as a trusted maca supplement.

Elderberry

Since ancient Roman times, elderberries have been used for a variety of medical ailments. While you’ll find both blue and red elderberries in North America, only the black ones have the medicinal properties due to their particular flavonoid components.[19]

Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is native to northern Europe and the northern portion of North America, where for the most part, it grows wild. I was first introduced to elderberries in Austria. There they use the blossoms to make a delicate summer tea and they cook the berries for jam, jelly, and elderberry wine and liquor.

Black elderberries offer so many medicinal uses that they have been dubbed, “The medicine chest of country people.”[20] For instance black elderberries:[21]

• Protect cells against damage due to inflammation
• Help protect from and fight colds, flu, and yeast infections
• Offer relief from hayfever
• Stimulate the immune system to fight cancer and AIDS

The leaves and stems are poisonous to ingest, but provide an amazing array of uses including insect repellant, dye, and compost heap activator.[22] The blossoms can be eaten right off the bush as a refreshing snack or steeped as a tea. The berries must be cooked and the seeds strained out before using as food or medicine.

Perhaps the most important contribution of the black elderberry is its powerful anti-viral properties. The Israelis have conducted extensive research using black elderberries as an anti-viral medicine. Black elderberries boost the immune system and directly inhibit the flu virus. The result is that black elderberries can either stave off viruses or greatly minimize their impact. Researchers are even testing the effectiveness of black elderberries against the HIV virus. Several products based on black elderberry extract including Sambucol® are available in your local drug store.[23]

If you need an immune system boost, fight a cough, cold or flu, then try elderberry extract, cordial or elderberry tea!

Rhodiola

Rhodiola is a wild plant that grows in arctic regions of Russia, Asia and Europe. Recently, I heard that it’s being cultivated in Alaska as well. This therapeutic herb has a rich heritage as a proven adaptogen. History tells us that the Vikings turned to Rhodiola to enhance their physical strength and Sherpas use it for the strength and stamina required in climbing at high altitudes.[24] You’ll also find references to Rhodiola in ancient Chinese and Greek medical writings.

Rhodiola also goes by the names “golden root,” “rose root” and “arctic root.” Down through the ages Rhodiola has been used to:[25]

• Strengthen the nervous system
• Fight depression
• Enhance immunity
• Elevate the capacity for exercise
• Enhance memory
• Aid in weight loss
• Increase sexual function
• Improve energy levels

A recent study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania indicates that Rhodiola may be effective in treating mild to moderate depression. In the study, three groups of people suffering from depression were given either Rhodiola, sertraline (an anti-depression drug), or a placebo. While those taking the drug got the best results, they also experienced twice as many negative side effects. Overall, those taking Rhodiola had good results without the nasty side effects.[26]

Other studies have shown Rhodiola’s ability to boost memory, combat stress and associated cardiac issues, and inhibit the growth of cancer.[27] For those wanting to lose weight, a study performed by Georgia State Hospital demonstrated that overweight patients who took Rhodiola extract daily lost more than twice the amount of weight as their counterparts who were on the same diet, but did not take the herb.[28]

For supplementing with Rhodiola, experts recommend 250-500mg twice daily taken 15 minutes before meals.[29]

These four herbs: blackstrap molasses, maca root, black elderberry, and Rhodiola barely begin to scratch the surface of old folk remedies that work! Perhaps one of these has piqued your interest. Which one will you try? Personally, I favor the elderberry cordial!

 

 

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Rob Fischer has been writing professionally for over 35 years. His experience includes ghostwriting, creating curricula, study guides, articles, blogs, newsletters, manuals, workbooks, and training courses. He has written over a dozen books and serves as an editor for a nationally known copywriter.

 

Sources:
[1] Mrs. Simon Kander, The Way to a Man’s Heart—The Settlement Cook Book, (Milwaukee, WI: The Settlement Cook Book Co., 1943).
[2] Mrs. Simon Kander, p. 13.
[3] Mrs. Simon Kander, pgs. 548-550.
[4] Mrs. Simon Kander, p. 623.
[5] Dr. Josh Axe, “Blackstrap Molasses Combats Stress & Promotes Health Skin,” nd, http://draxe.com/blackstrap-molasses/.
[6] Dr. Josh Axe.
[7] Dr. Josh Axe.
[8] Dr. Josh Axe.
[9] Dr. Josh Axe.
[10] Michael Ravensthorpe, “The Health Benefits of Blackstrap Molasses,” Natural News, November 6, 2013, http://www.naturalnews.com/043009_blackstrap_molasses_nutritional_supplement_health_benefits.html.
[11] Dr. Axe, “Top 5 Maca Root Benefits and Nutrition (No. 4 Is Best),” nd, http://draxe.com/top-5-maca-root-benefits-and-nutrition/.
[12] Dr. Axe, “7 Adaptogen Herbs to Lower Cortisol,” nd, http://draxe.com/7-adaptogen-herbs-to-lower-cortisol/.
[13] Dr. Axe, “Top 5 Maca Root Benefits and Nutrition (No. 4 Is Best).”
[14] Kim Evans.
[15] Dr. Axe, “Top 5 Maca Root Benefits and Nutrition (No. 4 Is Best).”
[16] Herbwisdom.com.
[17] Nutrient Journal, “Maca Improves Learning and Memory in Animals,” October 13, 2013, http://nutrientjournal.com/maca-improves-learning-and-memory-in-animals/.
[18] Dr. Axe, “Top 5 Maca Root Benefits and Nutrition (No. 4 Is Best).”
[19] Michael Murray, ND, The Pill Book Guide to Natural Medicines (New York: Bantam Books, 2002), p. 630.
[20] Plants for a Future, “Sambucus nigra,” nd, http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Sambucus+nigra.
[21] Herbwisdom.com.
[22] Plants for a Future.
[23] James A. Duke, PhD, The Green Pharmacy (Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, 1997), pp. 136-137.
[24] Dr. Josh Axe, “Rhodiola Benefits,” nd, http://draxe.com/rhodiola-benefits-burning-fat-for-energy-and-beating-depression/.
[25] HerbWisdom.com, “Rhodiola (Rhodiola Rosea),” nd, http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-rhodiola.html.
[26] HerbWisdom.com, “New Study on Rhodiola May Bring Hope for Sufferers of Depression,” August 24, 2015, http://www.herbwisdom.com/blog/new-study-on-rhodiola-may-bring-hope-for-sufferers-of-depression/.
[27] HerbWisdom.com, “Rhodiola (Rhodiola Rosea).”
[28] Dr. Josh Axe.
[29] Dr. Josh Axe.