HEALTHY
PERSPECTIVE
Compiled by Marcy Shortuse
“Before you roll your eyes and call it witchcraft,
understand that most modern medicines we
take now were derived from nature.”
September/October 2019 GASPARILLA MAGAZINE 3
While we live in a world of cutting-edge technology
and some of the most modern medicinal
practices in the world, sometimes it gets frustrating
to continuously dose oneself with chemicals. Along
those lines, it is no surprise that more and more
people are turning full circle back to the basics – to
herbs, to oils, to tinctures and to their grandmother’s
remedies for common maladies.
Some of the most interesting series of books to
turn to are the Foxfi re books, which came out decades
ago. They have an Appalachian base of knowledge,
and whether you want to grow and eat your
own livestock, grow your own garden, tan hides or
make your own medicine, these books have a wealth
of information.
Before you roll your eyes and call it witchcraft,
understand that most of modern medicines we take
now were derived from nature. Medicine to prevent
congestive heart failure and arrhythmias comes from
the digitalis (foxglove) plant, codeine comes from
the poppy, and crocus plants have anti-tumor agents.
Back in the old days, people living in the scarcely
populated regions of the Appalachian Mountains
couldn’t just get in their cars and drive to the doctor,
so knowing the proper uses of medicinal plants and
trees could mean the difference between life and
death. That, in part, is why the Foxfi re book series
was created.
We are in no way encouraging you to try any of
the remedies listed below. Some are harmless, some
may work, some (such as drinking a lot of whiskey
for a snake bite) are not encouraged at all. Always
ask your doctor prior to taking anything listed here,
particularly if you are already on other medications.
The following home remedies come from those
books. Even if you have no intention at all of employing
any of them, you’ll still fi nd them to be fascinating.
November/December 2019 GASPARILLA MAGAZINE 35