HEALTH MATTERS
We met so many families in Russia and learnt so much about their habits and traditions, for example, many common foods and herbs are used to cure various illnesses. Here is a page from one of the books we found.
Spotlight on Russia examines traditional Russian folk medicine
Headache:
• Try rubbing your temples with some grated lemon peel.
• Slice a potato and place the slices around your head. Tie a scarf or a bandage around your head to hold the slices in place.
• If you think your headache is from thinking too hard, eat some herring.
• Boil some milk. Beat an egg and pour it over the milk. Stir it quickly and then drink it. You must repeat this for several days.
Toothache:
• Place a slice of fresh beet on the tooth that bothers you.
• Chop an onion into very small pieces. Wrap the onion in a gauze bandage and place it inside your ear on the opposite side of your head where the toothache is.
• Chop a turnip into small pieces. Pour one cup of boiling water over the turnip and boil for 15 minutes. Drink the mixture before bed.
Sore throat:
• Mix chopped onion, apples and some honey. Eat 2 teaspoons of the mixture 3 times per day.
• Boil a cup of milk. Add 2 tablespoons of honey and mix well. Drink the mixture while it is warm.
• Rinse your mouth and throat with a mixture of beet juice and vinegar. Do this 5−6 times per day.
• Chop 100 grams of garlic. Boil 1/4 cup of water. Add the garlic to the water after the water has cooled a bit. Cover the mixture and let it sit for 5−6 hours. Remove the garlic. Gargle with the liquid.
Remember! Always consult a doctor before trying any home remedies!
We wish you good health and hope to hear from you, or see you, next year.
DISCUSS
• Have you ever heard of any of these remedies? Where did you learn about them?
• Have you tried any of the remedies mentioned here? Did they work?
• What other folk remedies do you know? Tell your partner.