If you’ve been exposed to the floods, or you’re stranded at home due to the flooding, and you’re feeling under the weather, or you have no access to medicine / pharmacies, here are some things that may help your body at least until you have access to a pharmacy or doctor. Hopefully you already have one or more of these items in your household.
Above all, remember that a positive attitude and good humor constitute a strong psychological defense and can also help your body through this stressful time. Stay safe and dry, everyone!
Please let me know if you have any corrections/additions. Thanks!
I’ll continue updating this post based on your feedback. Feel free to reblog/share!
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Garlic - Antibiotic— strong. Take orally, but not on an empty stomach.
Cane Vinegar / Cider Vinegar / White Vinegar - Antibiotic, antiseptic. Helps with sore throat / phlegm; disinfects minor wounds. Drink with water + wild honey, or gargle with water, or apply topically (use a diluted solution of 1 part water + 1 part vinegar). Cane or cider vinegar is preferable.
Virgin Coconut Oil - Antifungal, antibacterial. Effective on rashes, minor wounds and burns, and other skin problems. Apply topically. You may also swallow small amounts of VCO as a nutritious food supplement.
Wild Honey - Antibiotic. Take orally or apply topically. May be used in combination with herbs or vinegar.
Ginger - Antibiotic. Soothes sore throat and fever. Drink as tea.
Warm Water + Salt - Antibacterial. Helps relieve sore throat / phlegm / cold / cough. Gargle. Saline solution is 1/2 teaspoon salt to a glass of water.
Warm Water + Calamansi (or lemon, dalandan, lime) - Vitamin C. Helps with sore throat / phlegm. Generally soothing, too. Drink liberally.
Tawa Tawa - This common local “weed” can be brewed into tea to battle dengue effectively. Read my cousin’s personal story for details.
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When you’re able to, you should take probiotics (such as organic plain yogurt) to repopulate the good microflora in your system after taking antibiotics (including natural ones— garlic is especially powerful).
I’ve used most of these remedies myself even when I have access to medicine. I can personally attest to their effectivity, and I believe that traditional natural remedies are generally safer to use because we’ve been using them for generations. (Coconut water is even used as dextrose in situations when medical supplies are scarce!) I actually rarely buy anything at the pharmacy these days, but then again, I’m lucky enough not to face extreme / emergency situations such as floods.
I believe the body has ways of healing itself, helped along by these natural remedies, especially with a history of good healthy lifestyle and diet habits.
However, please remember that severe, stubborn, urgent cases of disease or injury should be addressed with professional medical attention.
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Leptospirosis and doxycycline have been getting a lot of press. Please use medicine wisely. Doxycycline is a PRESCRIPTION drug with risks to children, pregnant women, etc. Please read and share this informative blog entry about the proper use of doxycycline.
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Sources & additional information:
http://honeyonmylips.tumblr.com/post/9990626223/cure-for-dengue-tawa-tawa
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=612536&publicationSubCategoryId=67
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/28/health/28real.html?_r=1
http://www.livestrong.com/article/62136-types-natural-antibiotics/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/556171-apple-cider-vinegar-antibiotics/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/489317-how-much-garlic-equals-an-antibiotic/
http://voices.yahoo.com/garlic-as-antibiotic-four-mistakes-avoid-3714732.html?cat=5
http://www.livestrong.com/article/320227-how-to-use-coconut-oil-for-infection/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/387156-what-can-i-use-coconut-oil-for/
http://voices.yahoo.com/six-natural-antibiotics-11526794.html?cat=25
http://www.ehow.com/how_4422453_use-vinegar-first-aid.html
http://www.pureinsideout.com/natural-benefits-of-vinegar.html
http://www.vinegarbook.net/Medical_Uses_for_Vinegar.shtml
Home remedies for dogs and cats
Safe Drinking Water Guidelines
Red Cross Emergency Kit Guidelines
Relief Centers Organized By Location
Google Crisis Response to 2012 Philippines Flood
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People in the South (Alabang, BF, etc.) who want to help out, follow @alabangbulletin and @SouthSnippets for nearby relief center info, here are a few:
CCF Alabang and B1G South accepting donations. Biggest needs: toiletries, medicines, USABLE clothing, blankets, banig, no cook food like biscuits and tetrapacks. Ground Flr, CCF Alabang Bdlg, Prime St., Madrigal Business Park, Alabang, Muntinlupa. Contact 09178866645 (chris) or 09189267392 (francis). Volunteers needed starting tomorrow August 8.
Anthony Sayuno (09189089720) is setting up a relief goods base at 155 Apitong St. Ayala Alabang Vill starting tomorrow August 8, donations and volunteers are welcome.
St. James The Great Parish, Woodrose School, and De La Salle Zobel School, all in Ayala Alabang Village, also accepting donations. Gawad Kalinga to set up at SM Southmall tomorrow August 8 to receive donations.
