Introduction:
Folk remedies often stem from the practical experiences of everyday life, with some simple and safe methods providing useful support for various health concerns. While they can be effective as daily aids, it's important to keep in mind individual differences. If symptoms persist or worsen, it's essential to seek medical attention promptly. Below, we’ve compiled some common and relatively gentle folk remedies, along with precautions for your reference.
1. Common Remedies for Minor Ailments
1.1 Salt Compress to Relieve Muscle Pain
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How to Use: Heat 500 grams of coarse salt in a pan, place it in a cloth bag, and apply the warm compress to the affected area (such as the shoulders, neck, or back). Reuse as needed.
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Principle: The heat promotes blood circulation, while the salt’s osmosis helps ease muscle tension.
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Precaution: Ensure the compress is not too hot to avoid burns. Do not use on broken skin or acute injuries (within 48 hours).
1.2 Green Onion and Ginger Tea to Expel Cold
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How to Use: Boil 3 segments of green onion, 3 slices of ginger, and an appropriate amount of brown sugar in water. Drink while hot, ideally for early-stage cold symptoms (clear mucus, cold intolerance).
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Principle: Green onion releases warmth, ginger dispels cold, and brown sugar replenishes energy, helping alleviate mild cold symptoms.
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Precaution: Not suitable for wind-heat colds (yellow mucus, sore throat). After drinking, ensure you stay warm and allow sweat to occur.
1.3 Garlic Foot Treatment for Cough
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How to Use: Mash garlic into a paste and apply a small amount to the soles of the feet (on the Yongquan acupuncture point). Secure it with gauze and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before bed (reduce to 5 minutes for children).
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Principle: Garlic is warm in nature and may help relieve a cold cough through acupressure.
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Precaution: Those with sensitive skin may experience irritation. If redness or itching occurs, remove the paste immediately. Avoid use for dry cough or heat-induced coughs.
2. Daily Care Remedies
2.1 Rice Water for Soft and Smooth Skin
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How to Use: After washing rice, take the second rinse water, let it settle, and use the clear liquid to wash your face in the morning and evening or apply as a compress.
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Principle: Rice water contains starch and vitamin B, which can moisturize the skin and improve roughness.
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Precaution: Use fresh rice water. People with sensitive skin should do a patch test to avoid reactions from fermented or spoiled water.
2.2 Walnut Heartwood Tea for Better Sleep
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How to Use: Boil 10 grams of walnut heartwood in water and drink it 1 hour before bedtime as a tea.
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Principle: Traditionally, walnut heartwood is believed to calm the mind and strengthen the kidneys, supporting the improvement of mild insomnia.
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Precaution: If insomnia is severe, consult a doctor. Pregnant women and individuals with low blood pressure should be cautious.
2.3 Essential Oil on Belly Button to Relieve Motion Sickness
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How to Use: Before traveling, apply a small amount of essential oil (such as Wind Oil Essence) to your belly button and cover with a bandage.
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Principle: The cooling and stimulating effect of the oil may suppress the excitation of the vestibular nerve, alleviating motion sickness.
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Precaution: Avoid use for people with skin allergies or during pregnancy (due to camphor content in the oil).
3. Pain Relief Remedies
3.1 Chinese Pepper and Alcohol for Toothache
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How to Use: Soak 10 grams of Chinese pepper in 50 milliliters of white alcohol for 24 hours, then use a cotton ball to apply the mixture to the painful area.
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Principle: The volatile oils in Chinese pepper have numbing and pain-relieving properties, while alcohol enhances absorption.
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Precaution: This remedy is only suitable for mild toothaches. For cavities or pulpitis, consult a dentist promptly.
3.2 Loofah Skin for Promoting Milk Production
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How to Use: Boil 15 grams of dried loofah skin in water, then add an appropriate amount of brown sugar and drink it. This is helpful for breastfeeding women with poor milk flow.
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Principle: According to traditional Chinese medicine, loofah skin promotes milk flow and relieves blocked milk ducts.
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Precaution: For breast infections (fever, redness, and swelling), seek medical attention. This remedy should not replace medical treatment.
4. Important Reminders: Principles for Using Folk Remedies
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Avoid High-Risk Remedies: Do not attempt remedies like ingesting fish gallbladders, soaking centipedes in alcohol (toxic or allergic risks), or using unprocessed herbs (such as Aconite or Thunder God Vine).
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Conduct Small-Scale Testing: For topical remedies, test on the inner wrist before using. For internal remedies, start with small amounts and monitor for any stomach discomfort.
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Pregnant Women and Children Should Exercise Caution: For remedies involving strong medicinal properties (like Chinese pepper or garlic), consult a doctor before use.
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Do Not Replace Professional Treatment: For chronic conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes) or infections (e.g., pneumonia, urinary tract infections), always prioritize professional medical treatment. Folk remedies should only be used as supplementary aids.
Conclusion:
A healthy lifestyle is the foundation of wellness. While folk remedies can be effective, their results vary from person to person. Always approach them with caution and ensure you’re making informed choices to avoid unnecessary risks.
Chinese Traditional Medicine and Folk Remedies: Preserving Ancient Wisdom
An old Chinese doctor is absorbed in crafting remedies from traditional folk practices.
This image reflects the deep connection between traditional Chinese medicine and time-honored folk remedies that have been passed down through generations.
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