Research

I have been doing a lot of research lately into what was used in ancient times for healing purposes. As I mentioned in my last entry about alternatives, I have become increasingly more aware of the remedies in everyday life. Don't get me wrong, an advil or two really does a number on pain but it always has me thinking about what it was like before such "quick fixes".
Though it is difficult to say on some things if they were actually used, some others are well documented. For example the use of baking soda as a poultice to dry out poisons and as a remedy for bites and stings. It was not a common thing because even though bakers and cooks had access to it for centuries they did not use it often. The question is was it used in remedies? Who knows - but what IS known is that people tried all kinds of things to help and sometimes things worked, sometimes they didn't but it was a largely illiterate society so how well are things documented from the apothecaries to the common midwife?
I have made some interesting discoveries though and though I am not really sure what was used and what was not, I am expanding my knowledge base. I will be making a lot more salves and balms and I am even thinking about selling them.

I have discovered that dandelion is good for deep muscle aches and pains as well as arthritis when applied in a salve form

Willow bark is in essence - aspirin and one of the first home remedies to be tested by pharmacological groups

Onion was used as a poultice

Garlic is an anti fungal

Honey is an antiseptic and it never goes bad - ever

It's a lot of fun to do this and I believe with all the allergies the kids are dealing with this stuff is the safest out there for them to deal with any ailments which come down the pike!