I originally wrote this post during the aftermath of the massive flooding this year, as a guide for people stranded at home to due floods, or those without access to medicine. It's still pretty useful though, so I'm updating it and reposting it here for your reference.
This is useful for:
- people who have been exposed to flooding and other natural calamities
- people who are stranded at home or outdoors and have no access to medicine or pharmacies
- people who want to try natural remedies first before resorting to pharmaceutical drugs
The remedies suggested here may be able to 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, backpack, or nearby.
For those in crisis situations, 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, 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). This is great as first aid for sea urchin stings (it disinfects the wound and it helps dissolve the sea urchin spines which are made of calcium) as well as jellyfish stings.
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.
Raw Honey / 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.
Also please remember that I am not a medical professional and this blog entry should not be a substitute for professional medical treatment.
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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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Additional information:
The Claim: Gargling With Salt Water Can Ease Cold Symptoms
How Much Garlic Equals an Antibiotic?
Home remedies for dogs and cats
Safe Drinking Water Guidelines
Red Cross Emergency Kit Guidelines
Flood Safety Guidelines
