The Secrets of the Snowdrop

Did you know that spring’s herald – the snowdrop, is an excellent remedy to treat diseases, some even serious?! A flower as small as it, is as controversial .Because, though it seems slender and thin, colored in pure white, the snowdrop is not commonly seen in many countries as it is in Romania. For example, while in Romania it is a symbol of hope and redemption from sin (as it appears under the thick layer of snow after heavy winter), in the U.K. it is believed that if you bring home a snowdrop, you may attract misfortune. Studied by specialists, it was discovered that snowdrops can be helpful in treating diseases.

An infusion of dry snowdrops (leaves, stems and flowers) is an excellent remedy to combat cramps and relaxes the muscles. In ancient times, at the countryside, people put snowdrops in pools to relieve rheumatic pains. Externally, snowdrop flower infusions are great to treat the pain of varicose veins.

Galantamine is extracted from snowdrops. Among other substances, galantamine is present in the composition of drugs used in treating Alzheimer's disease, and other forms of dementia.

Snowdrop decoction is used as a remedy for certain vaginal diseases. If you want to get rid of vaginal candidiasis, prepare a decoction of snowdrops (simmer for 15 minutes 30 grams of dried flowers and leaves in 1.5 liters of water) and use it for local washes.

Compresses with snowdrop infusion (flowers and leaves) do wonders for the skin, especially when the signs of aging (stains) appear. Applied at night on a clean face (single, or combined with lemon juice or infusion of parsley), the snowdrop infusion soothes, reduces blemishes and freckles.

Do not use the bulb!

If you want to enjoy the therapeutic effects of snowdrop, use it only dry, otherwise the plant can be toxic! For the same reason, the bulb is never used.

Are you anemic? Does your neck hurt? Try remedies with onions!

Did you know that onion juice is helpful to relieve pain? Consumed raw, as infusion or tincture, the onion is one of the food-medicines.

Tincture remedy for angina pectoris

Do you feel a sharp chest pain? Do you have difficulties breathing? The onion tincture is a good remedy for angina pectoris. The tincture is prepared from two small onions, sliced and soaked for 10 days in 100 ml of 70° alcohol. After 10 days filter the mixture and take two teaspoons of tincture (in a little water) before lunch and dinner.

Another treatment for angina pectoris is the mixture of onion, garlic, lemon juice and honey. Take a larger red onion, peal it and cut it, then do the same with a clove of garlic. Add the juice from a lemon and seven to eight tablespoons of honey. Let the mixture soak for three days in one liter of boiled water. Take a teaspoon of this mixture three times a day to reduce the symptoms.

Tip: Onion tincture is also indicated for fatigue, rheumatism and atherosclerosis.

Onion wine keeps you away from colds

More than ever, during the winter we should take care of the immune system. For cough, sore throats and colds you can try onion wine. In a one liter jar put 250-300 grams of minced onion over 100 grams of honey, and add white wine to fill the jar. Cover the jar and leave the mixture for two weeks, then squeeze the wine and take 50 ml three times daily before meals. Onion wine is a good remedy against fatigue and anemia. To get rid of fatigue, take three tablespoons onion wine per day, before breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Tip: Onion wine can be helpful for cardiovascular diseases, as it is a heart tonic.

Decoction stimulates blood circulation

Are your hands and feet are always cold, whatever the season? A good treatment of peripheral circulatory failure is the decoction of onions. You can cook four to six onions, boiling them in a liter of water for 10-15 minutes, and then add 50 grams of honey. To stimulate blood circulation, you can drink one or two cups per day. For the same problem, onion juice is also indicated; you can get it by squeezing or crushing a few onions. You can also add honey. The mixture must be kept in the refrigerator for several hours. You can take 50 grams of juice daily for a month, and then take a week break.

Tip: Onion juice is a good remedy in cases of constipation or bloating.

What else can you treat with onions?

- Poultices with onions baked in the oven are applied in case of abscess, boil, frostbite and tonsillitis;

- Poultices with raw onion can be a good remedy for treating rheumatic pain, migraines and menstrual pain;

- Onion juice is a good treatment for thrush, freckles or warts.

Onions lowers the "bad" cholesterol

The onion has many therapeutic effects because of its vitamins composition (C, B1, B2, B6, E, PP, and folic acid), minerals (phosphorus, iodine, selenium, zinc), amino acids, sulfur compounds, essential oils, phytohormones, pectin, cellulose, enzymes and organic acids. Onions have a stimulating effect working as a bowel-cleanser, it purifies the blood (in allergies, gout), it is antiseptic at digestive and respiratory level, lowers blood sugar and the “bad" cholesterol, and stimulates appetite. Remedies made from onions help prevent colon, gastric and skin cancer. Onions are a good remedy to relieve fluid retention and help in hormonal disorders. Finally, onions are a nervous system tonic.