My second book Courting the Doctor’s Daughter releases May 12. Tomorrow! I've been told it's in some stores already. Tuesday evening a friend and I will visit bookstores in our area, looking for the book. I'll stick a bookmark inside and maybe work up the nerve to ask if I can autograph the copies of my books. I wonder if I'll have to show a photo I.D.
Perhaps you remember meeting Mary, the heroine of Courting the Doctor’s Daughter from reading my debut Courting Miss Adelaide. Here's a peek at the story from the back cover blurb:
Perhaps you remember meeting Mary, the heroine of Courting the Doctor’s Daughter from reading my debut Courting Miss Adelaide. Here's a peek at the story from the back cover blurb:
An Unexpected Match
A widow with three boys to raise, Mary Graves has no time for peddlers of phony medicine. She’s a dedicated healer working alongside her doctor father. When a handsome stranger blows into town with his “elixir of health” and asks questions about her newly adopted son, Mary’s determined to uncover the truth behind all his claims.
Once the reckless heir to a Boston fortune, Dr. Luke Jacobs travels the country with his herbal medicine while searching for his long-lost son. After meeting the feisty doctor’s daughter and her youngest boy, Luke has found what he’s been looking for at last. But can he convince her to let him into her home, her family—and her heart?
Once the reckless heir to a Boston fortune, Dr. Luke Jacobs travels the country with his herbal medicine while searching for his long-lost son. After meeting the feisty doctor’s daughter and her youngest boy, Luke has found what he’s been looking for at last. But can he convince her to let him into her home, her family—and her heart?
I'm sure we'd all agree that romance novels are good for whatever ails us. An extra dose of love and a laugh or two, even if they're found between the pages of a book, enrich our lives. So today in Seekerville, I'm honoring my hero, Luke, and his medicine, not phony at all. And talking about home remedies. To write Courting the Doctor’s Daughter I researched herbal remedies, looking for an ingredient with curative properties that fit the image I had of Luke’s medicine.
In Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, I found what I sought—catnip. Not only cats appreciate this herb. Uses for humans include: digestion and sleeping aids and help with colds, colic, nervous headaches and fevers. Catnip was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia from 1842-1882. In more recent times, Varro Tyler, Ph.D., author of The Honest Herbal found a bit of evidence that catnip has sedative properties. The Health Food Shoppe near me carries catnip in capsule form. The store manager told me it’s mainly used to calm fussy infants.
Has anyone used catnip for medicinal purposes?
From reading the Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, I found several medicines came from herbs. Digitalis comes from Foxglove. To name a few others—Ephedrine, Syrup of ipecac, camphor, aloe, morphine and codeine are all plant based. Even herbs I use to cook with have healing properties, including onions and garlic. Health food stores have various teas and herbal supplements. I've used ginger tea for a queasy stomach.
Has anyone used catnip for medicinal purposes?
From reading the Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, I found several medicines came from herbs. Digitalis comes from Foxglove. To name a few others—Ephedrine, Syrup of ipecac, camphor, aloe, morphine and codeine are all plant based. Even herbs I use to cook with have healing properties, including onions and garlic. Health food stores have various teas and herbal supplements. I've used ginger tea for a queasy stomach.
If you've used herbal remedies and find them effective, please share!
Not all home remedies are herb based. Perhaps you've used aloe for burns and meat tenderizer for wasp stings. Anyone tried a bar of soap under the sheets? I forget what that's supposed to help. Maybe arthritis. Or a banana peel for migraines?
Not all home remedies are herb based. Perhaps you've used aloe for burns and meat tenderizer for wasp stings. Anyone tried a bar of soap under the sheets? I forget what that's supposed to help. Maybe arthritis. Or a banana peel for migraines?
Here's a couple remedies I'll tout with the same zeal Luke peddled his m
edicine.
Netie Pot—this remedy has been compared to water boarding, a form of torture. Trust me this is a huge exaggeration. I’ve found the netie pot effective for relieving congestion and preventing sinus infections. I prefer using a saline spray, but will bring out the “big guns” when necessary. To use the netie pot, tilt your head to the side and pour the water into one nostril and it will come out the other, if you remember to hold your mouth open. If not, it runs down your throat and chokes you. But not to death, so don't worry. Packets of a PH balanced powder come with the neti pot. But plain water works fine. If you have chronic congestion, give it a try.
Ear candling—my friend, Val (in the picture) introduced me to this method of removing ear wax. We d this about once a year. Very scary as the candle burns down. Definitely put foil or a disposable metal pie plate between the flame and your hair. There are those, even my dear
Seeker sisters, who are skeptical of this treatment, but I've found it to be effective. The wax is drawn out of the ear and into the hollow candle. The candles come in bees wax or paraffin and cost about $9-12.00 in health food stores for a set of two.
Leave a comment this post or tell us about a home remedy or herb you have confidence in or just try for the fun of it and I’ll put your name in the drawing for a copy of Courting the Doctor’s Daughter. Tina will announce the winner on the weekend addition.
edicine.Netie Pot—this remedy has been compared to water boarding, a form of torture. Trust me this is a huge exaggeration. I’ve found the netie pot effective for relieving congestion and preventing sinus infections. I prefer using a saline spray, but will bring out the “big guns” when necessary. To use the netie pot, tilt your head to the side and pour the water into one nostril and it will come out the other, if you remember to hold your mouth open. If not, it runs down your throat and chokes you. But not to death, so don't worry. Packets of a PH balanced powder come with the neti pot. But plain water works fine. If you have chronic congestion, give it a try.
Ear candling—my friend, Val (in the picture) introduced me to this method of removing ear wax. We d this about once a year. Very scary as the candle burns down. Definitely put foil or a disposable metal pie plate between the flame and your hair. There are those, even my dear
Leave a comment this post or tell us about a home remedy or herb you have confidence in or just try for the fun of it and I’ll put your name in the drawing for a copy of Courting the Doctor’s Daughter. Tina will announce the winner on the weekend addition.
To find Janet on the Web go to www.janetdean.net and www.janetdean.blogspot.com
I brought coffee with all the fixings and apple fritters. Dig in!
thanks for the coffee and Apple Fritters, yummy.
ReplyDeleteI have heard of the different things you talk about; I'd be afraid of the candling.
I use Oil of Oregano when I feel a cold coming on. I also like the Vicks Vaporub on the chest and a warm flannel cloth over.
Hadn't heard about the catnip but the funny thing is when you have an ear problem everyone has a solution and think its wax build up. mine wasn't but earcandling was suggested infact I beleive the ear doc here in town recomends it.
ReplyDeleteNot sure I have used many herbal remedies but I do get car sick (ok make that travel sick.) they say ginger helps. I took some Ginger tablets but my other problem i cant swollow and they were big!!!!! they helped a little. but this isn't herbal but if you get car or travell sick put a rubber band around your wrist (not sure if its one or both so i do both) not to tight but just enough so it leaves a mark but not to tight it cuts into the wrist. I know it sounds really silly but I can garantee it works It works for me and I can get sick from here to the post office 1 mile away.
Janet,
ReplyDeleteSince, I'm not fond of crowds, I asked my family if we could have my Mother's Day dinner last night. Walmart is close by, and they indulged my request to make a quick stop.
Guess why I wanted to go? To get a copy of Courting the Doctor's Daughter, of course. The Placerville, California Walmart had four when I arrived, three when I left. Can't wait to read your latest story.
Ear candling?
ReplyDeleteHerbs?
Neti pots?
Ginger?
Ah, saints be praised, Lass, y've naught but discovered what me ancient Hibernian ancestors knew long ago, that the healing m'come from fruits of the land! A blessing on ye for your humbleness and forthrightness. Tis a fine woman y'be, Janet Dean!
And I have a copy of Courting the Doctor's Daughter here, too. Luke is a cutie. A hottie. And has a sense of humor that makes me love him to death.
And Mary?
Oh Mylanta, I see so much of every woman in Mary. Bossy, heartfelt, focused, ambitious and willing to take on way too much.
Great job, Janet! I especially love the role of Mary's father as the aging doctor. Lovely man.
And I'm ignoring how I had to struggle to zip these jeans this morning and grabbing apple fritters for breakfast. Fried food for breakfast is the bomb!
Ruthy
This was great. I'm like Ausjenny (btw where have you been Jenny, we misssssssss you!), I always have peppermints and ginger tea around for an upset tummy.
ReplyDeleteHi Robynl,
ReplyDeleteI've never had a problem with the ear candling, but I always a tad nervous. For me this is my X game. LOL
I haven't heard of Oil of Oregano. Do you use it like Vicks?
Janet
Hi Tina, busy packing, sorting,cleaning and stressing out.
ReplyDeletei move in just under 2 weeks and the new place is not where near ready so I have been helping out there also. Add a chest cold which both me and the owners of the new house have its getting a little stressful. But I have been checking the sites a bit.
Jenny, the rubber band remedy for motion sickness is fascinating. I wonder how it works? But then, who cares if it does? Thanks for sharing your tip!
ReplyDeleteAnd a special thanks for telling me your ear doc recommends the candles. Makes me sound less weird.
Janet
Keli, what a sweetheart you are to add a stop for my book to your Mother's Day festivities!!!
ReplyDeleteWe celebrated with our kids on Saturday so Sunday we visited an aunt about four hours away. Then stopped at a Walmart coming home. The April books were still there.
Janet
Good morning, Ruthy! Share some of that ancient knowledge with us, please!
ReplyDeleteYou nailed the characters in Courting the Doctor's Daughter. Glad you enjoyed the story!
This broken baby toe is keeping me from walking and I'm gaining weight at an alarming rate. It appears I will have to resort to will power. :-(
Janet
Someone in DH's family wrote down their German Baptist/Mennonite/Amish great-grandmother's family cures.
ReplyDeleteI noticed how many included saying prayers as well as applying onions or garlic or whatever.
Made me stop and think. In the face of illness and disease, 100 or 150 years ago how helpless people would have felt.
On the other side of the family, DH's grandmother described garlic (in her "case notes") as "nearly a cure-all." DH remembers her and her garlic!
On my side of the family, my English/Irish great-grandmother recommended hot lemonade for colds and chest congestion. I like that a lot bettr than garlic!
I'm with you, Tina. I've missed Jenny! So glad to see her smiling fact this morning.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Hi Janet,
ReplyDeleteI look forward to seeking out your book the next time I'm in Wal-Mart.
My family used camphor all the time when I was growing up, as well as Vicks vapor rub.
Fun post.
Rose
Hope you're feeling better soon, Jenny. And the prep and move go well from here on out. Moving is stressful! Hope you love the new place.
ReplyDeleteJanet
When my tummy is upset from whatever (except a virus) I take a couple bites of a peppermint patty along with a few sips of 7-up. Weird, huh? But after a few (excuse me) *Burps*, that tummy ache is gone every single time.
ReplyDeleteI've heard of the candling. A chiropractor's office I once went to had someone there who did that.
Fun post today and I look forward to Courting the Doctor's Daughter. Courting Ms. Adelaide was beautiful.
Blessings
Hi Ann, it's great that you have all these family cures. Garlic is good, but the odor of raw garlic would stop me.
ReplyDeleteI have a replica of a 1897 Sears Roebuck Catalogue. People could order all these homeopathic cures. The catalogue suggested them for those without a doctor nearby. That stopped me. I can imagine how scary it was to not having access to medical care.
Janet
Thanks Janet. I have missed catching up on the blogs but hopefully things will ease up soon.
ReplyDeleteIm wishing i had some of the vicks.
My cold isn't too bad thankfully just lasting a little to long. Im off to bed for another early night.
Hi Leanna, your remedy for an upset stomach would be lots more fun than just sipping tea.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words about Courting Miss Adelaide. I hope you enjoy the second book!
Janet
Good morning, Rose. The odor would probably cure anything. :-)
ReplyDeleteHas anyone heard of using a mustard plaster? Do you know what it contains?
Janet
Thanks for stopping, Jenny, on your way to bed. I doubt cyber Vicks will do much, but it's on the way.
ReplyDeleteJanet
I remember my grandmother's sovereign remedy for colds was a slice of bread thickly buttered and topped with slices of raw garlic and salt. Interestingly, scientists have proven that garlic oil will kill most bacteria and will even repel mosquitos!
ReplyDeletePersonally I swear by licorice tea to stop a cold before it takes hold. At the first sign of sniffling, drink it very hot with a spoonful of honey and go straight to bed under a pile of blankets. It'll sweat the cold right out of you, and you'll be fine by morning! I've also found chewing dill seed very helpful against bloating and always made a cup of Ypocras (hot spiced red wine) from a Medieval recipe to help relieve cramps.
Janet, a mustard plaster was, indeed, crushed mustard seed, garlic, ginger, and other pungent, hot spices mashed together into a paste and applied to the chest to "draw" inflammation out of the lungs, much as we would use Vicks today. I imagine it was very effective at clearing the sinuses! :-)
Thanks for the yummy fritters, and I'll be looking for "Courting the Doctor's Daughter"!
Hi Janet, I loved Courting the Doctor's Daughter. And what was so fun was the slice of history about the medical field. We don't hear much of that. Of course I loved the characters, the story and the romance as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the coffee. I need it this morning. But its hot already here in the desert so I am throwing in ice cubes for some iced coffee. yum
And speaking of the desert, I have aloe plants in my yard. They are a succulant and have a slimy interior like a cactus. That slime is super for sunburn or cuts. If you scrape your skin, get a cut or have a sunburn you slice a leaf and spread on the clear slime. It doesn't show but it heals so fast. Takes the sting out of a burn.
btw you can grow an aloe in a pot and have one around for medicinal purposes.
Congratulations on your second book out, Janet!
ReplyDeleteOil of Oregano if taken daily and early enough chases colds away fast. Doesn't take good, burns like crazy on the tongue, but it really works.
LOL, the Germans and garlic! I lived with my aunt and uncle for a while right out of college. My uncle was as German as can be. Every Friday for dinner we'd have a feast of whole grain french bread, homegrown tomatoes, smoked cold cuts and lots of garlic!
ReplyDeleteEmphasis on garlic. For the sake of staying healthy, I couldn't go anywhere over the weekend without fearing my *essence* might offend!!
He also had this herbal tonic he refered to as *3 x 9*. Good for whatever ailed you. Awful tasting stuff, but it honestly shooed away stomach aches, headaches, muscle aches...either it worked, or I pushed the pain out of my mind so I didn't hav to take another shot full!!
LOL, don't you just love home remedies??
Thanks for the step back into the old medicine cabinet, Janet!!
Janet,
ReplyDeleteI loved "Courting the Doctor's Daughter" and if I win a copy, will give it as a giveaway at a talk I'm giving soon.
I have that thing called restless leg syndrome and a Dear Abby column said to put a new Dove soap bar on your shins at night. Strange as it sounds, it seems to help. If you don't mind wearing tall socks to bed, you can just tuck the bar in there.
As a side benefit, I've heard a new bar of soap exposed to the air first will last longer.
Thanks for letting us know how you researched herbs to help with your story line. Very interesting!
Cathy
Looking forward to reading your latest book! Loved Miss Adelaide!!
ReplyDeletevictorian-nurse[at]sbcglobal[dot]net.
I thought I was early but you already have 26 comments!
ReplyDeleteHi, Janet! I have a Nettie Pot. It does work. And Mary's the one who told me about it. She probably heard about it from you! I used to have multiple sinus infections every year, and I haven't had one in a couple of years now.
The ear wax thing looks interesting. I'll have to show that one to my husband. Part of me really wants to laugh, though!
Your new book sounds so good!
I use an all natural sleep aid that has valerian root, and melatonin, as needed. For a person who does not sleep well, this has been a wonder pill!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great info on the other natural remedies about which you wrote. The netie pot has been highly recommended to me, so I plan on purchasing one.
Hi Janet -
ReplyDeleteMy mother also used Vicks Vaporub with a flannel cloth. Some family members used garlic to ward off germs. I think the only thing it warded off was other people. LOL!
In the winter, dry skin makes me miserable. I've found a moisturizer with aloe soothing.
Please enter me in the drawing for your book.
susanjreinhardt (at) gmail (dot) com
Blessings,
Susan :)
When I lived in Ukraine, I got a really bad cold and my friend came over and made me some hot tea using raspberries and butter! It tasted amazing! And she put my feet in a pan of hot water, then made me go to bed with lots of blankets piled on top of me. It worked! In an hour I was feeling fine!
ReplyDeleteAlso, the Ukrainians believe in calina berries as almost a cure-all. I don't know if they grow in this country or not, or what they're called, but they make tea out of them. They believe in hot tea for what ails you. It does help unstop your sinuses sometimes. And garlic is very popular there, too. They think drinking anything cold is very bad for you, and the babushkas wouldn't dream of letting you out of doors in the winter without your head covered and a scarf around your neck. I miss those sweet people. Sigh. Thank goodness I have a Ukrainian mama at my church who calls me her daughter and tells me every Sunday that she loves me. :-) And kisses my cheek, of course. You can't greet a woman in Ukraine without kissing her cheek and her kissing yours. If you're a woman, that is. Men usually can't get away with it.
Great to see, E.C. A huge thanks for sharing your remedies. Garlic is really good stuff. It repels more than mosquitoes. LOL
ReplyDeleteI've never had licorice tea. I thought it acted like a laxative. I'll give it a try.
Just thinking about a mustard plaster has me holding my nose. LOL
Janet
Sandra, I used to have aloe plants and used the slime for burns. Great stuff.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words about Courting the Doctor's Daughter. I've been holding my breath. Who knew a book's release would be so nervewrecking?
Janet
Eileen, thanks for the congrats and for the added info about Oil of Oregano. Wonder why it burns the tongue? I love oregano in food!
ReplyDeleteJanet
Janet, congratulations! You said May 12th was the date of release. However, I noticed the book last night on one of the shelves at Wal-Mart.
ReplyDeleteWet tobacco works for bee stings or at least it did when I was a kid.
My Japanese wife also makes a handed down honey-lemon-ginger mixture for colds.
Please put me down for the book. wmussell(at)hotmail(dot)com.
Audra, love the name of your German uncle's herbal remedy!! Wonder what 3 X 9 stood for? I can just see you tossing back a shot to get it over with! LOL I guess medicine isn't supposed to taste good.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Thanks, Cathy, for setting me straight on the use of a bar of soap. Glad it helps. Restless leg syndrome has to make you miserable.
ReplyDeleteI'm delighted you loved Courting the Doctor's Daughter!
Janet
Hi Tonya! Good to see you here this morning. Thanks for stopping.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Melanie, the Netie pot has changed my husband's life. Seriously. I'm glad it's helped you.
ReplyDeleteIt's okay to laugh about the ear candles. It is kind of crazy. My friend and I laugh like maniacs when we're using them.
Janet
Edwina, I'm not a good sleeper and have considered Melatonin, but for some reason I'm leery. I'm glad it works for you. Someone told me to try L-Theanine, an amino acid that doesn't have sedative properties but relaxes people's active minds.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Hi Susan. Have you tried Flax Seed oil capsules for easing dry skin? I've been told it's a great natural lubricant. And it's good for cholesterol.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Ausjenny! I am using the wrist rubber band trick. I do't have a big problem with it but a small one, I know to be careful, never read in the car, etc.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have a sister who has a real problem with car sickness. So much so she won't hardly travel in a car unless she can drive, the only place in a car she doesn't get sick.
I'll see if she's heard of them.
I didn't know you lived in the Ukraine, Melanie. Sounds like a great experience. Covering the top of the head in cold weather makes good sense. Glad you've got a Ukrainian Mama at church who treats you as special as you are!
ReplyDeleteJanet
I think garlic has some property that causes lifted moods.
ReplyDeleteWhen ever I chop garlic, the real thing, I feel cheerful. I recommend it to people who are bummed out.
Go add garlic to your soup.
I also have a personal theory about home remedies...I think modern medicine is great and I depend upon it...however...if you take some natural or herbal or whatever supplement and you think you feel better.......then.... you think you feel better...right?
So why would that be bad?
Good morning, Mary. Didn't know you got car sick. I'm glad the rubber band trick works. I can read in a car. Thank goodness! I'd go batty without a book on those treks to Florida. Audio books are great, but my husband prefers mystery to romance.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Hi Walt. Thanks for reporting a sighting of Courting the Doctor's Daughter!
ReplyDeleteYour wife's mixture has the ingredients I keep hearing about. I'm going to get honey in the house.
Janet
Could be the placebo effect at work, Mary. But several medicines stem from herbs. So I suspect there's validity in many home remedies. I bought a jar of grated garlic so don't chop garlic these days. I'll take a sniff and see if it improves my mood.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Has anyone ever tried that Royal Jelly the grandmother, mom and grandaughter advertise in magazines? Everytime I look at the ads, I'm tempted to shell out the bucks.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Janet, your research and info is awesome to read about! Oh, I can't wait to get into your books! Isn't it fun to discover so much about that period - and then be able to write about it?
ReplyDeletei made a garlic oil with the help of a master herbalist i live next to in case my daughter ever has an ear infection. i'm amazed at all the things plants and herbs can do for you...just the way God intended. :) thanks janet, for such an interesting post. i have allergies, and everyone on facebook kept saying, "local honey and a neti pot." i was like, "neti pot?!?" but now i even know what one looks like. congrats on your book!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Janet! I grew up in the plant selling business and we now sell perennials. Many of them have medicinal uses, as you noted. People forget that nature is where medicine began.
ReplyDeleteSome are dangerous, like digitalis, which will kill you if you don't need it. We had Tansy growing along the neighbors driveway when I was pregnant with my first child. I had to avoid it--tansy can cause utering contractions.
As for home remedies: for head congestion, I have used the treatment of onion slices in a pan boiling water, you drape a towel over your head to breath in the steam. Usually I don't need the steam--the onions alone work! Even slicing scallions will get me crying sometimes. LOL
My pastor's wife told me about using local honey to help combat pollen allergies. She sent me an article about it. Sounds interesting.
I saw Couting the Doctor's Daughter in Walmart here in MA Saturday night. I'd love to win a copy: tdinishowen at charter dot net
Thanks again for a fun post.
Janet, here's a plus!!!
ReplyDeleteIf licorice tea DOES have a laxative effect, then it could help that weight gain, right?
And how naughty of you, blaming that eensie, weensie, baby toe for the slightly thickening middle.
Oy vey.
The chocolate's got nothin' to do with it, darling????
:)
big smooch.
And I'm glad I'm way over here so you can't smack me.
Ruthy
Janet I think you need to touch the garlic. I think it soaks into your skin to enhance your mood.
ReplyDeleteHey, as long as we're dishing out home remedies I can make up anything I want....still I was always cheerful while chopping garlic.
Definitely Vicks Vaporub for a cold. Might get a hot toddy from Mommy if it was really bad -- tea with a dash of bourbon.
ReplyDeleteDon't really use either with my children. At first sign of a cold, lots of orange juice. At first sign of allergy symptoms, lots of water helps. Keeps system flushed and hydrated, and often wards off whatever looks like it's coming. And avoid dairy during this time to forego the mucous build up.
My husband thinks cough syrup is the jack-of-all-trades. Cold? Cough syrup. Headache? Cough syrup. Broken leg? Cough syrup.
Hey, I just thought of something. Coffee comes from a plant. So that makes it an herbal medicine, right?!! LOL
ReplyDeleteFor that matter, so is chocolate. Well, there's a bunch of non-herbal stuff in milk chocolate, but...even the sugar comes from a plant source.
Okay, I'm stretching. Gotta justify my mega-number-cups-of-coffee-per-day habit ;D
Hi Raynene, It is fun, especially for this history lover. :-) Thanks for your interest in my books!
ReplyDeleteJanet
Hi Jeannie, thanks for the congrats!
ReplyDeleteMy allergies always effect my sinuses. Hope the netie pot helps you!
Janet
Hi, Janet,
ReplyDeletePlease excuse the garlic fumes. Could I be entered in your give away, too?
APSchrock_at_aol_dot_com
Hi Tammy, The book I have talks about what herbs are dangerous and the levels that could produce toxity. We've got to respect herbs, as we would prescription drugs.
ReplyDeleteOur health food store sells local honey. It's pricy but using it to fight pollen allergies makes perfect sense.
Thanks for reporting a sighting of Courting the Doctor's Daughter!
Janet
Ruthy, I'm not blaming chocolate for my weight gain. Its mood elevating properties are imperative for writers. The toe's turned into a tortoise when I so badly need the hare. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
ReplyDeleteSWAK, not SMACK. :-)
Janet
Okay, Mare, I'll use the chopped garlic jar as a finger bowl. :-)
ReplyDeleteJanet
Patricia, you make a great point with eliminating dairy during a cold. Some of my friends who sing don't indulge in dairy because it produces mucous that effects their singing.
ReplyDeleteLOL about your husband's faith in the healing ability of cough syrup.
Janet
Tammy, you're so smart! I checked my Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs and there was coffee. Who knew it was an herbal brew! Sadly I didn't find chocolate.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Ann, the garlic odor just makes you more eligible to win. ;-)
ReplyDeleteJanet
catnip for household stuff? I heard the other day that it helps during pregnancy, but I dont remember what for...
ReplyDeleteI would love a chance to win Courting the Dr's Daughter, I loves Janet's first book, and am looking forward to reading the newest
I like the Rodale book on herbs and have also used "Magic and Medicine of Plants" by Editors of Readers Digest (published in 1986, so harder to find). That one also tells about uses people believed in even if they've never been proven. And superstitions about plants/herbs that have turned out to be false (like tomatoes being poisonous).
ReplyDeleteEveryone should have an herb garden! If you live an apartment, you can grow some herbs on the windowsill. Okay, I've done my duty as a plant grower :D
I think I'm totally ignorant on this subject, but it was a fun read. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi Helga Marie. I love readers who come looking for the second book. :-) Thanks!
ReplyDeleteJanet
And herbs look so cute on windowsills, Tammy! You're a great salesman. Could use you to peddle my books. :-)
ReplyDeleteJanet
Hello Sheila, Glad you found the post interesting! Thanks for leaving a comment.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Janet, I got my copy of Courting this morning while out shopping of my daughter's birthday. Since she's 15 and just told me she needs another book to read, I guess I have to let her have it as one of her gifts and read it after she's done. Although I considered trying to read it this afternoon before I gave it to her, I don't think even I can read that fast. Besides, I want to savor it.
ReplyDeleteOne herbal remedy I got from a holistic practitioner for earaches is to place heated onion slices (sauteed or microwaved) in a washcloth and put them on the infected ear. It will often get the ear to start draining and relieve the pressure.
OH my gosh! LOL Apple fritters after ear wax didn't have an appealing effect.
ReplyDeleteSnort.
:-) Seriously, this is a very cool post. Some of this I've heard, others are new.
Thanks for sharing Janet!
Hi Janet:
ReplyDeleteI liked your idea about using catnip. I guessed your active ingredient would be cocaine as back then it was legal and many patent medicines used cocaine to ease pain and depression. A lot of ‘snake oil’ actually worked which in one sense made it more dangerous.
BTW, I would not have mentioned Luke’s profession as it may spoil some of the fun of the first part of the book. IMHO anyway.
I hope you have “Autographed Copy” stickers to put on bookstore books. I always buy these autographed books when I see them in the store. However, in Tulsa, I have only seen one author do this over the years in a supermarket or non-bookstore. It helps to use iridescent stickers. I am also impressed when a sticker says “Local Author”.
I think “Noblesville” is too rich an environment to leave to history. So I’m waiting for a “Christmas in Noblesville” – I can see an orphan train, snow, Christmas trees, and a group reading of “The Man Who Invented Christmas” before it was called “The Christmas Carol:”
I loved the book!
Vince
Peppermint tea for the tummy and garlic for almost anything are standbys. Something new we are trying is Calcium Bentonite Clay used as a mask, for a burn, a rash or internally for cleansing. I burned the inside of my mouth, put clay on it and it took the pain right away. I don't know how it works but it helps!
ReplyDeletePlease include me in the drawing for Courting the Doctor's Daughter. Thanks!
worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com
Janet,
ReplyDeleteNo catnip for me. Maybe I'll have to check that out. I've heard of dandelion soup too. Can't remember what it was for.
Echinacea, ginger, cinnamon, cranberries, curry, vinegar, onion, garlic, honey. And different oils as well. those are just a small list of the home remedies I use.
Taking out the ear wax with a candle sounds interesting.
I tried feverfew for migraines, didn't help much, tried the melatonin as well.
Now I need to try the cayenne and perhaps SLIP myself a banana peel.
I was told by a nurse if you put the vicks on the bottom of your feet it works better. The jury is out on that one.
Janet, all the best on the release of your latest book. I've been using lavender scented candles and oils to create a calming effect. Also, use peppermint for an upset stomach and garlic to boost my immunity to infection. I'd love to win a copy of your novel. Please include my name in the drawing.
ReplyDeletepatjeannedavis[at]verizon[dot]net
Very interesting, Janet! And I've loved reading all the comments as well.
ReplyDeleteI would love to hear what to do with the banana peel for migraines. Sniff it? Eat it? (Ugh. Can't imagine.) Slip on it and fall and bang head on floor to distract from previous pain?? :)
Also, I love catnip. My cat goes absolutley crazy around it. She rolls in it and it cracks us up the whole time. Great entertainment!
When I went to my doctor with a very bad cold, I was told to use cloves in hot water and place my face over it, covered with a towel. My doctor was a Mennonite, but left the order to become a doctor for both Amish and English.
ReplyDeleteplease include me in the book drawing.
usleann at hotmail dot com
Lorna, Happy birthday to your daughter! I'm pleased Courting the Doctor's Daughter is part of her gift. And you'll get to share it!
ReplyDeleteWish I'd known about the sliced cooked onion when our daughter had earaches and ruptured eardrums.
Janet
LOL, Jessica! I never thought of how gross that might be, especially for those who are queasy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping.
Janet
Hi Vince,
ReplyDeleteI'd have kept that a secret but Steeple Hill wrote the backcover blurb. Not me.
I like the picture you paint of Noblesville at Christmas. My next book is set in Iowa--a mail order bride story. But maybe later. Nice trivia about the original title of Christmas Carol.
I have the stickers but they're just gold.
So glad you loved the book! I love your reviews. Hint. Hint. :-)
Janet
Hi Mez, I've never heard of Calcium Bentonite clay. Sounds like it's quite versatile. Is it reusable? :-)
ReplyDeleteJanet
LOL, Tina P, I love the banana peel pun. The good thing about putting Vicks on the bottom of your feet is the odor isn't right under your nose. Can you tell I'm sensitive to fragrances? I move pews at church because of perfume/after shave. I'm sure people wonder what my problem is.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Thanks for entering Pat Jeanne. I could use the calming effect of lavender, but I can't tolerate scents. Anyone got a cure for that?????
ReplyDeleteA friend had acupuncture treatments to help with her chemical/fragrance sensitivities. I think it helped her, but it's expensive. Would be interesting though. She'd have to stay away from people for a few days afterward. Not sure I could stand that.
Janet
Missy, the banana is to be laid over your forehead. Or was it just the peel? I've had migraines and I can't imagine that would do the trick. I use prescription drugs.
ReplyDeleteWith all that laughing, catnip is good for you too! :-) Why don't you save a little catnip before your cat frolics in it and dry and brew it. Let us know if you feel calmer.
Janet
Garlic is the definite remedy winner today! Thanks Leanna! And thanks for stopping at Seekerville, my favorite place to be.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Loved the blog and all the comments...
ReplyDeleteOh, just thought of something. Janet, check your book for the benefits of Irish potatoes.
Seems like my mother used sliced Irish potatoes to reduce the swelling in my brother's eyes once, but for the life of me I can't rememberh what was wrong.
I just remember something about the potatoes.
Oh, I remember what it was.
ReplyDeleteMy brother watched while daddy was welding, and burned his eyes, apparently not so badly that he needed to go to the doctor.
He layed in a darkened room with potatoes slices over his eyes to ease the pain and the swelling.
Okay...now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure that's what happened.
Hi Pam, No potatos in my Enclopedia of Herbs, but not all remedies are herb based. Wonder how the potato helped to reduce swelling.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Hoosier Home Remedies by Varro Tyler is a good one.
ReplyDeleteHe was a Purdue University professor. He asked people, especially senior citizens, to send in their best cures. Then he reviewed them from a modern pharmacist's point of view.
Very interesting, I thought.
Honey is another thats meant to be really helpful certain honeys are used to help heal ulcers and other sores in some hospitals cos of its healing qualities.
ReplyDeleteHoney and lemon are good for sore throats.
I tired something like Melantonen (sp) for sleeping last year cos its meant to be good to combat jetlag but didn't help me at all. But I know some who it works wonders on.
My cold is improving, speaking of which Liqrice is meant to be very good for your health. keeps you regular and its got good properties. I think they use the aniseed plant (which they use in liqrice) for similar things I love that smell. I know its in some cough mixtures the ones I prefer cos i love that taste.
Thanks Ann, for mentioning Hoosier
ReplyDeleteHome Remedies. Sounds like a great research book! The author is the same one for the book I mentioned in my post.
Janet
Hi Jenny, thanks for sharing your experiences with home remedies! I didn't realize hospitals used honey to help heal patients' sores. Hopefully no flies are around. LOL
ReplyDeleteJanet
Hi Janet,
ReplyDeleteI buy the calcium bentonite clay in a dry powder. You add it to water to make a paste or you can add it to water or juice to drink. Some people with terrible rashes put it in the bath to soak in. It is also used in lotions which are very soothing. Interesting stuff!