I thought we would share some of these fascinating concoctions, infusions and other cures and treatments for common ailments - it''s that time of year in South Africa that we are aware of the extra germs flying around, why not look to some traditional local remedies before popping another paracetamol?
(*disclaimer - do not use any remedies on young children without checking with your family doctor)
Top 10 Health Remedies from Die Hel
- Coughing - boil wormwood together with sugar till syrupy. Drink 2-3 teaspoons 3 x a day. Extra skop- add diluted vinegar or ginger mixed with honey.
(Ed: Not sure where to get wormwood... assume no actual worms are harmed or injested here...)
- Asthma prevention - an infusion of misteltoe growing on river rhinoceros bush should be drunk daily. Note: bushes in river beds are juiciest.
- Flu remedy - Drink two to three cups of rosemary tea, or try a hot toddy made of ginger and brandy.
- Heartburn - drink the soil of an ant heap, dissolved in water. Note: It should be a Swartberg ant heap
- Cystitis cure - Drink tea made of hyraceum (aka klipsweet) - it''s the residue of billions of gnats stuck to communal deposits of dassie piss (sic) which is easily scraped off. Tea brewed from wild dagga also works a charm.
(Ed: Think I''ll stick to Cranberry juice!)
- Open / gaping wounds - First sprinkle sugar on the wound to stench the flow of blood. If that fails, cover the wound with spider webs. Then disinfect with n extract of ''kruidie-roer-my-nie, followed (24 hours later) with the application of gofbol leaves soaked in boiling water.
- Warts - Juice of a pigs ear eats into the wart, forming a callous which can eventually be scraped off.
(Ed: I think he means the plant, not an actual pig''s ear)
- Sprains - Mix warm cow dung with vinegar and apply
- Stomach Cancer - drink an extract of tall growing Cancer Bush - Note: This cures the cancer (according to Hendrik ''Hoed'' Mostert) but is addictive.
(Ed: There is a note here in the book advising that medically alleged cancer cures should be disregarded unless substantiated...)
- Inflammation - for inflamed lungs or stomach, soak crushed oondboss (over bush) leaves in boiling water and apply to affected area. If that doesn''t work, slaughter a sheep or goat and wrap the warm skin around the patient''s chest and shoulder blades. A cat''s skin is even better.
(Ed: Shuddering in horror... I think I''ll stick to cuddling with my two kitties until I get better!)
Hmmm. I''ll keep popping garlic, vitamin C and ginger and if that doesn''t work to keep the colds and flu at bay I''ll resort to my local GP this winter!
The book, however, makes for entertaining reading. It is available from Janus Art and Books, Box 147, Prince Albert, 6930, at a cost of R25 including postage.
The following information on the book was taken from Karoo News
Accommodation in Prince Albert
Stay in this historical town and explore the past while you enjoy every minute of the present...
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