Because food can heal
Have you ever considered that there's a difference between food and foodstuffs? Yes, there's truth in that, literally. While food provides maximum satiety and, in many cases, is even addictive, foodstuffs serve to maintain your health. Our ancestors knew about the healing effects of naturally grown plants. A healthy diet , as well as the external application of healthy foods, have a positive effect on our physical and mental well-being. Franziska Rubin's 2019 book, "Healing with Food," makes a significant contribution to this.
Behind the trendy term superfood are old acquaintances
The 10 foods highlighted here are already familiar to you. What might be new to you is their health benefits. The only requirement: They should be grown as naturally as possible and processed as sparingly as necessary. Of course, serious lifestyle diseases that have damaged the body for years cannot disappear overnight. Your trusted doctor or pharmacist knows how to combat illnesses quickly and effectively using conventional medicine. But to maintain your health and strengthen your immune system, you shouldn't forgo these ten foods.
Oats: Energy not only for horsepower
Used as a power food for noble horses for thousands of years, oats are also an essential part of the human diet. Their secret weapon is iron. The body needs it to produce hemoglobin, the red pigment in blood. Iron deficiency leads to anemia, which can result in fatigue, headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, paleness, hair loss, and even heart failure. Therefore, those who consume sufficient oats can not only reduce inflammation and accelerate wound healing, but also improve digestion and prevent colon cancer. Oats also work wonders against diabetes. The beta-glucans contained in oat bran bind large amounts of fluid in the stomach, giving the digestive system time to optimally process the nutrients.
Honey – one of the oldest medicinal remedies in the world
The healing uses of honey date back thousands of years. Even in ancient Egypt, its comprehensive healing properties were praised, and in the Middle Ages, honey was even used to pay taxes. Honey has antiseptic and antibacterial properties and also promotes wound healing. Honey also helps with cystitis and hemorrhoids. What is largely unknown is that honey doesn't only develop its healing powers when consumed; it also works when applied externally, for example, to treat hemorrhoids. Combined with beeswax and olive oil, you can create a highly effective paste for application. Combined with cranberries, honey helps with bladder problems. Important: Be sure to choose honey in a jar that comes from species-rich, organic farming areas.
Ginger – multitalent from the Far East
Ginger has been known as a medicinal plant for over 4,000 years. Originally from Indonesia, it has spread throughout history throughout the world. Ginger stimulates the immune system, warms, and has antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger settles an upset stomach, provides quick relief from mouth ulcers, cold sores, and headaches, and is also successfully used for colds and sinusitis. In acute cases, you can simply cut a slice and chew it. Traditionally, ginger is grated and boiled in water to make tea. Caution is advised during pregnancy, as ginger also has the power to induce labor.
Underestimate medicinal tuber – the potato
Potatoes are known as a delicious side dish or a great base for dough in many recipes. But potatoes are full of surprises: They have blood pressure-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic effects. They also regulate the metabolism, help with swollen eyes, and reduce the itching of insect bites. This healing potato contains important minerals such as zinc, copper, and sulfur, which soothe the skin. They are also rich in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium, which stimulate the metabolism. Either cut slices of a raw potato and place them on the mosquito bite or swollen eye, or make a soothing potato compress to relieve tension. To do this, boil plenty of potatoes, place them in a small pillowcase, and pat them until soft. The warm, moist compress quickly relaxes the sore area.
From poor man’s food to superfood – cabbage
Surprisingly, many people still turn up their noses at cabbage. The fact is that cabbage has the ability to relieve varicose veins, fight osteoarthritis and atopic dermatitis, and relieve constipation. It also alleviates chronic joint inflammation, as well as rheumatism and gout. All members of the large cabbage family have one thing in common: they contain many vital nutrients but few calories. In addition to its digestive properties, cabbage can also be used as a healing compress. Its anti-inflammatory and disinfectant properties are undisputed. It also eliminates toxins and has a soothing effect on irritated tissue.
If you want to make your own cabbage wraps, it's best to use white cabbage or savoy cabbage. Remove the stalk in the middle and roll the leaves flat to break up the tissue structure and allow the juice to drain. Then place the moist leaves on the sore area and wrap everything with cling film and a cloth. For constipation, drink a glass of sauerkraut juice several times a day.
Turmeric – a real secret weapon
Entire books have been written about the numerous positive effects of turmeric. Turmeric has played an essential role in Indian and Ayurvedic culinary traditions for thousands of years. In our latitudes, it was initially only known as an intense colorant in curry spice blends, but has now become the epitome of conscious nutrition . Turmeric has antibiotic, antioxidant, and cell-renewing properties. "Golden Milk," as a mixture of turmeric paste, milk, and honey is called, strengthens the immune system and also helps with asthma, respiratory illnesses, and flu-like infections. It's easy to prepare: Heat a teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1/4 liter of milk, and a teaspoon of honey. Add a pinch of pepper to help the body break down the turmeric more effectively. A teaspoon of turmeric also multiplies the effect of ginger and lemon tea.
The root even helps against athlete's foot. Prepare a warm foot bath with water, grated turmeric root, and olive oil. But beware of the staining effect on skin and nails, as well as socks, towels, and bed linens.
Oils can be a true blessing
The range of uses for oils extends from cooking oil to body oil. However, due to its popularity, industry has also grabbed hold of vegetable oil. Vast areas of rainforest are being cleared for rapeseed oil or palm fat, and natural diversity is being destroyed by monocultures. This is another aspect that you, as a conscious and healthy person, should keep in mind. Fortunately, there are countless other oils that not only conjure up soft skin but also relieve muscle tension. Massage oils can also stimulate the metabolism and boost lymph flow. This actively supports your cells in their cleansing and detoxification processes. Women who suffer from symptoms during menopause can use linseed oil, which contains plant estrogens and thus supports the female body during the transition. For this purpose, linseed oil is consumed daily in salads or muesli.
Salt – the basic building block of life
Evolution began in the sea, and salt remains the most important mineral for humans and animals to this day. Salt water rinses help with many ailments: infections, fever attacks, and respiratory problems are all treated just as successfully with salt solutions as allergic reactions to pollen, pet hair, or house dust. Salt water rinses can be used as nasal douches or as eye baths. Cool calf compresses with salt water reduce fever. It doesn't matter which salts are used. You don't need expensive Himalayan salt to make your salt water; cheap industrial salt (table salt) will do just as well. In the kitchen, however, you should always use unbleached salt, not artificially made free-flowing, i.e., crystal salt.
Effective for headaches and nosebleeds: Lemon
Due to its high vitamin C content, hot lemon juice, preferably sweetened with honey, is rightly considered a classic remedy for colds. Lemons can also work wonders for headaches and migraines. Simply rub the inside of an organic lemon peel on your forehead and temples for two minutes. This refreshes, relaxes, and stimulates circulation, so that the pain subsides quickly. For nosebleeds, soak a cotton ball in lemon juice and insert it into the bleeding nostril. The acid in lemon juice also stimulates the appetite by promoting salivation and digestion.
Tried and tested home remedies: garlic and onion
Although the olfactory component of onions and garlic divides opinions, their health-promoting properties clearly outweigh the negative ones. First of all, onions and garlic have a strong blood pressure-lowering effect, which can reduce the risk of both heart attack and stroke by 20-40 percent. Onions can also soothe earaches. You can simply place raw onion skins on your sore ear, or warm diced onions in a water bath, put them in a cotton sock, and attach them to your ear.
Conclusion
These 10 superheroes among home remedies should be in every kitchen. In her book "Healing with Food," author Franziska Rubin has packed numerous practical recipes and valuable advice that combat various symptoms without resorting to chemical treatments. Also, make sure you drink enough water; then nothing will stand in the way of a healthy life.
About the author
Franziska Rubin is not only a doctor but also shares her knowledge as a medical journalist. She hosted the program "Hauptsache gesund" (Mainly Healthy) on MDR for 17 years. She has already published several bestsellers on the interface between conventional medicine and naturopathy.
You can find more tips and smart advice for healthy eating
in the book " Healing with Food” by Franziska Rubin
You can order it here on Amazon.
