Absolute Beginner's Guide to Alternative Medicine

Abrasions, Scrapes

■ Aromatherapy: after washing with soap and water, apply 1–3 drops of laven-

der or tea tree oil to wound; reapply 2 times a day until healed

■ To disinfect, pour 3% hydrogen peroxide into the wound and let it foam up

■ Apply the skin of a freshly peeled banana to the affected area, or cut a thin

slice of raw potato and tape it over the affected area

■ Herbs: sprinkle goldenseal powder in wound, crushed garlic mixed with

honey makes a soothing salve—spread on a piece of clean gauze and cover

the injured area

Acne

■ Aromatherapy: bergamot, cedarwood, chamomile, clary sage, lemon grass,

melissa, patchouli, rosemary, sandalwood, tea tree, thyme, ylang-ylang—can

be made into a facial mask, compress, or topical cream; tea tree oil and

lavender can be applied directly to blemishes

■ Herbs: arnica, calendula skin products

■ Drink plenty of water to flush out the system

■ Supplements: 500 units of vitamin A, 5 mg zinc, or 1500 mg evening prim-

rose oil

AIDS

■ Acupuncture

■ Herbs: curcumin, extract of boxwood plant

■ Massage

■ Supplements: Iron, vitamins C, E, and Bs; beta carotene, glutamine, selenium

Allergies

■ Applied Kinesiology

■ Herbs: stinging nettles to lessen runny nose and sneezing; teas made from

chamomile, elder, or yarrow flowers can reduce reactions

■ Homeopathy: allium cepa (onion); windflower, for swelling in the face—1

tablet of apis every 15 minutes—maximum 6 doses

■ Supplements: vitamin C to decrease histamine production

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