Columnist Corner

Let’s talk…Best Product for an Herbal First Aid Kit
Most people have a first aid kit or box in their home. The “go- to” place for immediate help. Mine is full of band aids, Neosporin, Tylenol, etc. I have never considered a dry herb until I read an article by Sina McCullough. She suggests instead of using man-made chemicals, substitute “God’s medicine” of natural herbs and spices.
Herbal kits are 100 percent natural, have a long shelf life, almost impossible to overdose plus it helps with “cuts, scrapes, bruises, burns, splinters, bee stings, fever and pain” says Ms. McCullough.
Her number one remedy is turmeric and always has it wherever she goes. It has been used safely for over 5,000 years. It is spice from a perennial in the ginger family. The most well -known active ingredient is curcumin which is yellowish in color. You are probably aware that this is a powerful ingredient that works against fungus and bacteria—as well as being antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
A 2014 study concluded that turmeric is “as effective as ibuprofen”. Ibuprofen has ingredients that you might not want to consume like corn starch, titanium, dioxide, iron oxide, yellow and red, polysorbate 80, etc. The Mayo Clinic lists 28 side effects of Ibuprofen, and 74 rare side effects. Therefore, you might consider other alternative drugs as well as turmeric.
If you are having knee pain or stiffness, try turmeric as it will work the same yet free of unnecessary chemicals, less side effects including less abdominal discomfort.
Scientific studies recommend use of turmeric for:
Headaches
Pain reduction
Fever reduction
Swelling
Insect repellent
Relief from itching
Faster healing of minor skin wounds, cuts and bruises.
Other areas for using turmeric include improved digestion and gas relief, faster recovery of cough and sore throat plus faster recovery from muscle damage from too much activity. Clearly a miracle spice!
There are a few ways to make turmeric remedies: turmeric tincture, poultice, and capsules (dry powder form). For skin, McCullagh suggests a poultice and for all other conditions a tincture is best. The easiest option is dry powder capsule which are carried in most pharmacies. To make tincture you need a turmeric root which might be difficult to find. (See recipes online for tincture)
Poultice is quickly made using a turmeric powder from a trustworthy name brand company. Dissolve powder in warm water until it forms a thick yogurt consistency. Then apply to affected area. Cover with a bandage.
Turmeric is a natural blood thinner. Consult with your medical health care provider to be sure that you can take turmeric plus never combine it with a blood-thinner pills. Also do not take turmeric if you have “gall bladder disease, diabetes, iron deficiency, blood clotting disorder, gastro reflux disease, endometriosis, or if receiving chemotherapy or if pregnant or nursing” advises Ms. McCullough.
Consider turmeric remedies for first aid alternatives. Be wise and be heathy.