For Sandi Thompson, proof of cranberries’ healing power is in her liver.
When Thompson’s liver faltered — the consequence of consuming cocktails of prescription drugs — a doctor suggested cranberry juice. Once Thompson started drinking it — and lots of water — her lab tests improved.
That was 17 years ago, but the experience cemented Thompson’s preference for natural remedies administered in her own home.
“Let’s start natural,” Thompson says. “Let’s start simple.”
Thompson’s liver problems followed a urinary-tract infection for which she was prescribed several medications. When side effects — including hair loss, aches and pains — cropped up, Thompson was given yet more prescriptions.
“They were medicating all these different things,” she says. “When they took me off all the medications, I returned to normal.”
Now a 37-year-old mother of five daughters, the Shady Cove resident has adapted numerous home remedies from “Natural Child Care” by Maribeth Riggs to treat scrapes, nausea, sore throat, warts and other minor health conditions. A 4-H advisor, Thompson has conducted classes on the topic of natural living for the Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center’s annual Carnival of Learning.
Proven home remedies
1. A saltwater bath for a stuffy nose
2. Chewing gum to relieve heartburn and speed healing from abdominal surgery
3. Chicken soup for colds
4. Yogurt for belly aches (look for those that contain live, active cultures or are labeled “probiotic”)
5. Honey for a cough (do not administer to children under 1 year of age)
6. Cranberries for a healthy bladder (look for drinks that list cranberry juice as the first or second ingredient)
7. Staying warm to prevent a cold
— Source: Consumer Reports on Health, June 2008 issue
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