How Our Ancestors Did It : by Lady Alia

Here, in this modern day of technology, I find myself taking a look back. I’d like to share with you how long ago, before the age of modern medicine, others lived through devastating plagues and illnesses…

I will be going over old remedies, recipes and herbs; sharing with you ways our ancestors combated illness and healed themselves in times like these.

Nostradamus treated the plague in an enlightened manner for a man of such a dark age.

He encouraged hygiene ( clean water), fresh air and sun light. He was also known for his invention of the “rose pill,” which was derived from roses (vitamin C) to provide protection from the plague. 

Nostradamus wrote many books , in one is a recipe for one of his remedies;

"take one ounce of the sawdust or shavings of cypress-wood, as green as you can find, six ounces of Florentine violet-root, three ounces of cloves, three drams of sweet calamus, and six drams of aloes-wood. Reduce the whole to powder before it spoils." Next, "take three or four hundred in-folded red roses.

Combine Ingredients and make into paste, form small ball and let dry.”

Juniper berries were used by the ancient herbalist of Greece and Arabia and by the Romans. The 15th and 16th century herbalists praised their use highly, their knowledge of their uses being culled to a large extent from the more ancient writers. The juice from the berries is recommended, as commonly are many herbs, against the plague and pestilence.

There are many other herbal remedies through the ages that I’ve held tried and true.

Let’s take a look at some other remedies that can be used.

For an infection of the lungs, Liverwort was used in a tonic. A method in which to make an infusion is to take 1 ounce of herb to 1 pint of boiling water and let steep, then strain.

You may take half teaspoons as needed.

Dr.Malone of London gave a recipe for dry coughs;

Take a large teaspoon of linseed, 1 ounce of licorice root, and 1/4 pound of raisins. Put them into 2 quarts of water and simmer down to 1 quart. Then add to it 1/4 pound brown sugar and 1 tablespoonful of white wine vinegar or lemon juice. Drink 1/2 pint when going to bed and take a little whenever the cough is troublesome.

Nettle- all parts of the plant can be used in helping with shortness of breath.

Make an infusion, 1 ounce of herbs or seeds to 1 pint boiling water. Let steep and drain. Use as needed.

There are so many herbs that can be used likewise to assist with breathing:

Marshmallow flower, Mallow flower, Horehound, Violet flower, Mullein flower, Red Poppy flower and Fennel. Prepare all together as an infusion.

And let’s not forget our favorites: Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Peppermint and Spearmint; all of which are great for inhaling to clear the airways.

Now, let’s talk about the hot side of natural medicine (Capsicum).

It helps the body stimulate toxins out of the system by sweating and bringing inflammation down.

Hot herbal cough syrup, this is a remedy for a persistent cough. Take 1 teaspoon every hour as long as you have the cough. Half tsp of chili powder, 1 cup fresh lemon juice, six cloves of minced garlic, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger and 1/4 cup honey or sugar.

Place all ingredients in a blender and purée. Store and clean jar and refrigerate.

Herbal tea for cough, 1 ounce Elm bark freshly chopped, half tsp Cayenne pepper, one thin sliced lemon ,1 teaspoon sugar, 1 pint boiling water. Add ingredients and let steep for 10 minutes or more. Strain and drink.

Let’s go over throat care, here is a sore throat and gargle compound. For all sore throat’s, quinsies... far safer and better then all antibiotics because there is no side effects.

Take equal parts, Ragwort, Red Sage and a

half doz Chilies. Pour over 1 pint boiling water. Then let cool. Then pour half of liquid into another jug add 4 teaspoons cider vinegar. This part will be used as the gargle and the other, Can be taken as medicine to tablespoonfuls 3 times a day.

One last thing you can do for a sore throat, you can take as needed for pain and discomfort. Combine lemon juice with 1/4 Cayenne pepper and one whole clove, to 1 cup hot water, let’s steep for two hours. After , then use. 

And don’t for get Willow bark and Golden Seal are our friends ….

I hope our look into natural and old remedies, will help you feel better in this modern but dark time.

May you be happy, healthy and blessed …