If your grandmother or some other all-knowing friend or relative has ever advised you on how to heal some malady you will probably find it in here; although one of our family remedies, using loose tobacco for bee stings (which really works) is missing but maybe tobacco isn't supposed to be in the kitchen. Otherwise there are over a thousand remedies that Reader's Digest says they have found that have passed the test of time and have ingredients commonly found in the kitchen pantry. These also had to be simple, not complicated or risky. There are cautions in the beginning that really should be emphasized more often throughout the book on; if you are pregnant, taking prescription medicine, have a serious heath condition, etc.
There are frequent warnings about when to call a doctor, which is good, since these are not substitutes for seeking medical help for malingering problems...but many certainly help in the short run.
The book contains four sections; onegiving an A-Z guide on natural medicines on your kitchen shelves, twousing your kitchen pantry to help your health and appearance, part three lists ailments in alphabetical order from acne to yeast infections and various ways to cure the problem, part four gives tips on practical home healing. There is an excellent index which gives ingredients and health problems.
I have used some that have worked and some that haven't, but yet have had others swear by them. Using dried cherries for gout has been successful for several members of my family, honey for hiccups, tonic water with quinine for leg cramps; apples for nausea are some of the time proven ones that have worked for us. Others like vinegar for a sore throat have been less successful, but each malady has several "cures" and the salt water gargle is a success.
This is a good book, especially for those who like to use natural remedies rather than reaching for chemicals which aren't as good for you and are more expensive. It's not an excuse to not go to doctors, but it can be a first step to use and much of a preventive guide too.
I was at a bookstore looking for an aromatherapy guide when I found this book. On a much broader level, it takes your basic spices/herbs that you have at home, plus some added recipes using essential oils, and you have a guide to help you through life's little sicknesses (and possibly prevent them from becoming serious illnesses).
Beautifully laid out, attractive photos, with easy to follow sections, it gives documented facts from studies at universities and hospitals on why a treatment helps. Another section talks about specific illnesses (arthritis, back pain allergies, blisters etc) with more than one treatment to try. Little asides, such as "good to know" tips on how to maximize results, minimize overdoing it, plus "when to call the doctor" suggestions make it seem like a seasoned health care professional is always at your side.
Bought this book at the bookstore, and now am ordering 2 copies on Amazon for friends. Confused by complicated aromatherapy; this book is much more practical.
Buy Kitchen Cures: Homemade Remedies for Your Health Now
This is a absolute must have for every household. In a easy to read format, you will learn about 31 kitchen healers, solutions for over 70 common ailments, ideas on how to be a home healer, and careful and detailed explanations of various spices and natural foods. The pictures and sidebars add to your understanding of the various cures. Remember you should seek medical attention first and tell your doctor about the home remedies and supplements you are using.
Read Best Reviews of Kitchen Cures: Homemade Remedies for Your Health Here
Karner's quiet wit and delicious writing style draw you into the story of her struggle with overcoming physical and emotional turmoil. The reader is thrown headfirst into the simple lifestyle chosen by the author and her husband, which causes you to take inventory of your own hectic life.
