1Forest Bathing Benefits
In Japan, there is a practice known as "Forest Bathing," involving long walks in the forest, which is likened to natural aromatherapy. The refreshing sensation experienced when walking through a pine forest is attributed to an anti-inflammatory compound called a-pinene, found in conifers. This compound is used as a bronchodilator in asthma treatment and is abundantly present in marijuana.
2. Malariatherapy involves intentionally infecting a person with malaria as a method of curing them of syphilis. The malaria-induced fevers helped eliminate the syphilis bacteria. After a series of high fever episodes, the bacteria would be eradicated, and the malaria would be treated with quinine.
3. Apple cider vinegar offers a plethora of health benefits, from preventing indigestion and leg cramps to soothing sore throats and clearing stuffy noses.
4. Platypus milk contains a unique milk protein not identified in any other animal. This protein, dubbed 'Shirley Temple' in tribute to the former child actor's curly hair, showcases distinctive antibacterial properties and is currently under research for its potential to combat superbugs.
5. The marshmallow plant has served as an herbal remedy for various ailments, including sore throats, ulcers, and stimulating breast milk flow. Ironically, although once an ingredient in commercial marshmallows, it is no longer one of their ingredients.
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6Zinc & Honey for Cold
Apart from symptomatic management like lozenges, the only proven treatments for the common cold are zinc and honey.
7. Sir Francis Drake created El Draque, the oldest cocktail in history, in 1586, near Havana. A precursor to the mojito, it was initially formulated as a remedy for his ailing crewmen. The ingredients included mint for stomach health, lime to combat scurvy, and chuchuhuasi tree bark soaked in rum, with a touch of sugar for taste.
8. Herpes virus is now employed in cancer treatment. A modified form of herpes has already gained FDA approval for treating melanoma.
9. The Gin & Tonic originated in India to make quinine, a traditional malaria cure, more palatable for the British army stationed in the region.
10. Music therapy can effectively combat depression and aid in trauma healing, and listening to music has been demonstrated to lower heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and alleviate stress levels.
11Artemisia Annua Success
A not-yet-approved malaria therapy derived solely from dried leaves of the Artemisia annua plant cured 18 patients with drug-resistant malaria. Remarkably, within just five days, all 18 individuals achieved full recovery.
12. LSD cured a Holocaust survivor of PTSD acquired from Auschwitz, granting him his first nightmare-free sleep in 30 years.
13. In 17th-century Poland, a curious remedy for wounds involved using wet bread mixed with spider webs. Surprisingly, this seemingly strange practice worked due to the bread containing fungal spores, including penicillin and naturally occurring antibiotic substances.
14. It's a common practice for dentists to incorporate aquariums into their surroundings because of their stress-reducing and anxiety-alleviating effects. Aquarium therapy has been proven to decrease stress, insomnia, and high blood pressure, achieving outcomes comparable to, or even better than, hypnosis.
15. Bacteriophage therapy as a potential solution to antibiotic-resistant bacteria has found success in Eastern Europe for years. This approach employs cocktails of phage viruses that precisely target specific "problematic" bacteria with remarkable accuracy while being harmless to humans.
16Clown Therapy Impact
An investigation in October 2005 explored whether the presence of clowns could alleviate anxiety in children undergoing anesthesia. The approach yielded positive results, yet medical professionals were initially hesitant to introduce clowns into operating rooms. Nevertheless, the study spurred the adoption of distraction therapy.
17. Storing drinking water in copper pots has the remarkable ability to eliminate contaminating bacteria, a knowledge that Indian Ayurvedic medicine has possessed for millennia.
18. Intranasal capsaicin has proven to be an effective remedy for migraines. Temporary side effects include a burning sensation and increased tear production.
19. Reborn doll therapy, involving the use of dolls resembling human babies, aids Alzheimer's and dementia patients. A care home in the UK observed a reduction in psychotropic medication use from 92% to 28% through the implementation of doll therapy.
20. Tu Youyou, a Chinese Nobel Laureate, discovered a malaria treatment by deciphering an ancient Daoist text from 340 CE detailing an herbal remedy for "intermittent fevers." Remarkably, they screened 2000 "traditional Chinese recipes" before identifying an effective one and subsequently isolating artemisinin.
21Wake Therapy for Depression
Sleep deprivation, known as wake therapy, is sometimes applied as an intervention in hospitals and clinics to address depression.
22. Microbiologists successfully recreated a 1,000-year-old eye remedy involving onions and garlic. This concoction effectively combats Staphylococcus aureus, commonly referred to as MRSA.
23. Mustard or pickle juice is often employed as a swift remedy for charley horses. Research suggests that this approach works due to Charley horses being triggered by misfiring nerves in the muscles. Strong flavors can stimulate nerves in the mouth, thereby offering relief from the issue.
24. Some men can experience allergies to their own semen. A solution to this unique concern involves desensitizing them to it through repeated injections of small, diluted doses beneath their skin.
25. Taking Ibuprofen during menstruation can effectively reduce uterine bleeding, making it one of the most efficient over-the-counter remedies for individuals dealing with heavy menstrual flow.
