Ancient secrets for healing pimples, colds, upset stomachs, puffy eyes and more

Wrinkles
Melisana
Before anti-aging galvanized baby boomers, European Carmelite nuns sparked a movement with Melisana, a wrinkle-preventing elixir (a variation is now sold as a nerve tonic). To replicate the original, make a tisane to sip by steeping a tablespoon (15 millilitres) of dried leaves from a lemon balm plant in a cup (250 millilitres) of boiled water. The leaves can also be added to bathwater to soften wrinkles. “Lemon balm has lots of antioxidants and astringent properties, as well as antivirals,” says Irene Karatzas, a naturopathic doctor at the West Vancouver Wellness Centre. “As a tea, it has a relaxing effect on the nervous system.”

Summer colds
Fennel
Egyptians in 3000 BC made fennel tea laced with honey to weaken their colds -- and modern herbalists still do. Fennel is an antispasmodic, expectorant and digestive aid, and it is good for treating flatulence. Crush a pinch of fennel and a pinch of either caraway, anise or cloves (which are all antiseptic herbs) and add to a cup (250 millilitres) of hot water. Steep for three minutes, strain and add honey. Do not use if you are pregnant. In large doses, fennel is a uterine stimulant.

Constipation
Dandelions
Garden-variety dandelions may be the bane of lawn lovers, but they haven't always been. Native to Greece but imported by colonists, dandelions contain potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, bioflavonoids and vitamins A, B and C, and have long been revered as a laxative, says Sciortino. “Think of the dandelion as a blood purifier and detoxifier,” she says. To treat constipation, simmer two ounces (60 grams) of dandelion leaves for 30 minutes. Add shredded orange peel and a drizzle of honey. Drink a glass every morning and night until you return to normal.

Diarrhea
Carrots
Carrots made their first appearance in Britain during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558 to 1603) and quickly became so beloved, women decorated their hats with the feathery tops. But it was pure carrot juice that was used to treat internal “putrification.” Why? According to a 2002 study at Austria's University of Vienna, carrots (like breast milk) contain oligosaccharides, which protect against diarrhea by stopping harmful microorganisms from adhering to the intestine.

Bad medicine
As wonderful as old cures can be, some are not only ineffective, they're downright harmful. “Just because it's natural doesn't mean it's safe,” says Nigma Sciortino, a naturopathic doctor in Vancouver. “Many are, but some are contraindicated for some conditions and drugs.” Take the case of cranberries, for example. Although an excellent remedy for urinary tract infections, people on warfarin (an anticoagulant) or with a history of kidney stones should avoid them.

Then there's castor oil. “As a topical compress it's excellent for cramps or sore breasts, because it creates a movement of the lymphatic system to move toxins,” says Sciortino. But as an oral laxative it can do more harm than good because it eventually weakens bowel control. “It could be that you take the wrong remedy, dosage or the wrong product altogether,” she adds. “If you have any doubts, ask a naturopathic doctor.”

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