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Detoxifying the Family Medicine Cabinet
Calendula
Jane Tara Cicchetti, RSHom(NA),CCH
When
you look into your medicine cabinet, what do you see? Even holistic minded individuals may be surprised at the
number of less than natural substances found there. It is possible to replace most of these over the counter
medicines with completely non-toxic and effective homeopathic remedies. With some knowledge of how to use these
remedies, you can treat colds, flu, headaches, minor cuts, and bruises very
effectively and without side effects.
For
those who are not familiar with this natural healthcare system, homeopathy uses
very dilute preparations, primarily from the herbal and mineral kingdom, that
stimulate the body and mind to heal naturally. It was discovered over 200 years ago by a German physician,
Samuel Hahnemann, and is now widely used in England, Germany, France, South
America, and India. It is part of
the national health care system in Germany and is the treatment of choice of
the royal family of England.
As
more people in the United States are becoming aware of the side effects of
drugs and want to live a more natural lifestyle, homeopathy is becoming better
known in this country also.
People are discovering that knowing how to use even a few simple
remedies can be very helpful.
One remedy that is extremely useful for the family medicine cabinet is
Calendula.
Calendula
is an extract of the marigold plant, Calendula officinalis, and is used for
soothing and healing the skin. It
is an aseptic, which means it does not kill bacteria, but instead, prevents
their growth. In tincture form, it
can be used to help heal clean, uninfected cuts and scrapes. It promotes granulation – cellular growth
in an area of the skin or mucous membrane that has been damaged. A few drops of the tincture placed
directly on the area almost instantly relieve the pain from hangnails and paper
cuts. Diluted one part tincture to
ten parts water, it becomes a healing spray for sunburn and other minor burns.
Available
in several other forms besides the tincture, marigold has a wide variety of uses. There is an ointment that can be used
as a salve for burns, scrapes, or skin irritations. In lotions, it is excellent for all over skin care. The healing and soothing properties of
this plant help keep the skin soft and fresh looking. Soap containing Calendula is excellent for babies and
for those with sensitive skin.
Many people have found that using calendula soap cuts back on the need
for deodorant. (Remember calendula’s
ability to retard the grow of bacteria.
It’s bacteria that are responsible for much of body odor.)
Most
homeopathic remedies are taken internally as tablets or pellets placed under
the tongue. In this form the
original substance is specially prepared and diluted so that the remedies are
non-toxic. Calendula is unique in homeopathy in that it is most often used as
an external application. Once you
experience how quickly useful it is – you won’t want to be without it.
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