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| tincture prescribed for nervous problems, exhaustion, depression, emotional upsets, or debility following illness. The juice of fresh oats, pressed when still green, is similarly used as a nerve tonic. |
| Oatstraw baths are used in folk medicine to counter rheumatic pains. Make an infusion using two large handfuls of oatstraw with 2 quarts of water, strain and add this to the bath. Pillows filled with soothing and relaxing oatstraw have also been recommended for relieving insomnia. |
| As a home remedy oatmeal is excellent in skin washes for eczema and dry skin; add a tablespoon to a bowl of warm water and use for washing. Recent research suggests that oatbran (and to a lesser extent oatmeal) can also help to reduce blood cholesterol levels and should be regularly included in the diet of those at risk for heart disease or atherosclerosis. |
| Onion (Allium Cepa) |
| Like garlic, onion has long been used to combat infections, improve the digestion and ease coughs. Like garlic, the onion owes much of its smell to a number of sulphur compounds which stimulate the digestive system and have an antibiotic action, preventing decay. |
| Parts used: Bulb. |
| Actions: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cholagogue, diuretic, expectorant, hypotensive, lowers blood sugar. |
| Uses: In the home onions are ideal for coughs, catarrh, sore throats, sinusitis, and fevers. Externally they can combat warts, insect stings, burns, cuts, and boils. One of the most popular recipes for homemade cough syrup is simply to layer slices of onion with honey or sugar and leave overnight. In the morning a clear syrup can be collected that makes an effective, if not particularly pleasant-tasting, remedy for stubborn coughs. |
| Slices of raw onion can be applied directly to soothe insect stings |
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