Hi'iaka's Healing Herb Garden

Go to the Doctor!

It’s always a nice idea to attempt treating ourselves with herbs and other alternative remedies when we are suffering from minor ailments such as colds, simple flu, a sore throat, a sprained ankle. But what about more serious illnesses? Are alternative remedies effective? And how do you determine when to visit your medical doctor?

I have suffered from arthritis for over 10 years and have just had my second hip replacement surgery, from which I am still recovering and regaining my strength. Arthritis is the “most common cause of disability in the United States... affecting 27 million people” says the Arthritis Foundation Web site. If it were not for modern medical technology I would certainly be riding around in a wheelchair by now. I sampled numerous alternative therapies, including acupuncture, chiropractic, herbs in various forms, prescription and over the counter medications, massage, and others. Some provided brief relief, but nothing cured the problem because there is no cure for arthritis. Surgery is always a final option that even the doctors postpone until they deem it entirely necessary. It takes a lot out of a person to undergo any surgical procedure and the decision to have a hip replacement, or any other major surgery, is nothing to be taken lightly. But it is often the only solution to a very difficult problem.

Dentists are not for wimps

You should not feel like you’re giving up or that you’re a wimp if you go to a physician. Modern medicine is wonderful at diagnosis and dramatic steps such as surgery can be very effective in alleviating pain and restoring you to your former, pain-free self. I have known people who suffer from toothaches because they fear the dentist, but this is an especially bad idea: An infected tooth can kill you—I have heard of two people in East Hawai‘i who have died because of this problem. Herbs such as spilanthes, or the “toothache plant” (Spilanthes acmella), can help to ease the pain until you can visit a dentist, but they are not a cure. Echinacea and other immune-boosting herbs are always good to take when infections occur because they boost your body’s ability to fight the infection. But they will never completely solve the problem. You must have a medical professional perform the appropriate procedure for that, whether it is root canal, extraction or another form of therapy.

The money is worth it

Many people postpone or avoid medical treatment because of limited finances. It is expensive, but think of the benefits you gain when your pain and suffering are gone. You can usually make arrangements to pay in monthly installments. Even with medical insurance, the out of pocket cost of major surgery can be overwhelming. I look upon it as a necessity of my life and will basically do anything to make myself whole again. I’ll figure out the logistics of paying the doctor later.

Simple remedies for simple ailments

Here are some home remedies you can use for minor ailments. If you are running a fever or if your symptoms do not improve, visit your doctor.

Sore throat and colds: Mix 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with one-half glass of warm water. Gargle three times each hour, and on the third one, swallow it. Repeat hourly until your symptoms are improved. Also take lots of vitamin C, as much as 1 gram per hour. If you begin to get diahhrea, that tells you it is working. Back off on the “C” at that time. Echinacea, in either capsule or tincture form, is also a good herb that helps your body to fight infections.

Sprains, pulled muscles and tendons: Pick about 6 fresh comfrey leaves. Wash them and boil 1 quart of water in a non-metallic pan such as Pyrex. Then place your sliced leaves into it and simmer for 20 minutes. Apply the cooled comfrey as a poultice, taping it in place. Leave it on as long as you can and then repeat as necessary.

Burns, insect bites, cuts and abscesses: A comfrey poultice is also a good remedy for many skin ailments. Be sure to place the cooled comfrey directly on your wound, as its effectiveness will be dramatically reduced if you simply soak a gauze pad in the “tea” and use that as your poultice. Aloe vera, used fresh from the plant, is also very good for skin healing.

For serious diseases like cancer and diabetes, I recommend everyone consult a qualified medical professional. Don’t try to treat yourself: it could be a matter of life or death.

Click Here
everydayhealth.com/arthritis
arthritis.org
hipreplacement.com
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This article is not intended to diagnose any illness or substitute for professional medical advice and treatment.
Barbara Fahs is the owner and creator of Hi‘iaka's Healing Herb Garden, LLC and author of the book Super Simple Guide to Creating Hawaiian Gardens. Contact her at 966-6126, goddess@hiiakas.com or www.hiiakas.com to read past Hawai‘i Island Journal columns and learn about her workshops, internships and Garden tours.