Popular Folk Remedies    [17-01-2009] Everyone wants to be healthy. Sadly, however, sometimes we catch a cold or have a headache. When you are sick, you can go see a doctor or easily get some medicine at the drug store. In the past, when there were not many doctors or hospitals, people used folk remedies to ease illnesses. This week, let’s learn some of the most popular folk remedies. A folk remedy is a traditional way of treating an illness at home. A long time ago, when someone had a slight ache or a minor cold, mothers used old remedies to ease the health problems. Folk remedies have been handed down from generation to generation. You may think they are not effective. But many home remedies really work! Why don’t you try them yourself next time? Carrots Carrots were one of the first vegetables used for medicinal purposes. Many believe carrots give energy to the liver. They are rich in vitamins A, B, C and E. Also, carrots are rich in beta-carotene. They also contain high levels of calcium. Eating carrots every day can help improve eye and skin problems. Many people eat carrot soup for diarrhea, too. It slows the bowel while controlling the growth of bacteria. Drinking carrot juice each day can energize and cleanse the body. It can also help strengthen the immune system and relieve the effects of stress. Dried carrot powder can help with headaches and joint problems. Honey Honey has vitamins and amino acids. It has many medicinal purposes from treating allergies to soothing coughs and sore throats. It can also help keep calcium in the body. When you have a sore throat, a teaspoon of honey can be helpful. Honey and lemon mixed together makes an excellent cough remedy, too. Some people use honey water as an eye lotion if the eye is infected. If your skin is dry, rubbing honey on the skin will make your skin moist. Honey can also help reduce itching. Onions Onions are rich in vitamins. They can help increase blood circulation. They also strengthen the lungs and help reduce cholesterol levels. You can place a roasted onion on the ear for minor earaches. Applying a finely chopped onion for sprains or bruises can help you get well fast. If you have a boil, apply a piece of onion to that area to draw out the infection. Apples Eating an apple a day can keep the doctor away. Drinking apple juice three times a day can help prevent viruses from spreading. Two medium apples a day reduce cholesterol levels by 10 percent. Fresh apples are also good for the mouth, teeth and gums. For digestive problems, eat an apple with every meal. Apples or apple juice are a wonderful treatment for infections and tiredness. They are a good source of energy, too. Lemons Lemon juice can be used on cuts to help stop bleeding. Lemons are also effective in keeping flies and mosquitoes away. Lemons can help with colds and flu. They are a wonderful treatment for other infections. A few drops of fresh lemon can help soothe sore throats. Putting a slice of lemon on your favorite foods each day can help strengthen the immune system. Drinking lemon juice each morning can make the liver healthier.     출처: 어린이 영자신문 키즈타임즈 (www.kidstimes.net)