Natural Remedies and Traditions

We hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the warm Summer days. As we move through July, the fields are lush and green, and the community is bustling with the activities of the season. It's a time of growth and harvest, and we are reminded of the beauty and simplicity of our way of life.

This week, we continue our exploration of Amish healthcare practices, focusing on the natural remedies that have been passed down through generations. Last week's discussion on healthcare thoughts among the Amish sparked much interest, and we are excited to delve deeper into the natural remedies that play a significant role in their daily lives.

In the Amish community, natural remedies are a cornerstone of health and wellness. Essential oils, tinctures, herbs, and salves are commonly used to treat a variety of ailments. Knowledge about these remedies is passed down through family teachings, handwritten notes, and personal experience, ensuring that each generation is well-equipped to care for their families.

One of the most revered remedies is B & W Salve, used for burns and wounds. Combined with burdock leaves or other mild leaves like plantain, grape, or lettuce, this salve has kept many out of the hospital's burn centers. Echinacea, golden seal, and garlic are also staples in Amish households, serving as natural antibiotics. An interesting recipe shared by an Amish lady in the community includes equal parts of liquid vitamin C, liquid vitamin E, and liquid garlic, used as a natural antibiotic for her family.

Most ailments and health conditions, except for medical emergencies, are treated using natural remedies. For instance, homemade lye soap and tea tree oil provide immediate relief for poison ivy itches, while tea tree oil is also effective for athlete's foot and minor cuts. A simple yet effective remedy for wounds involves soaking a thick slice of homemade yeast bread in hot cow's milk and applying it to the wound. This method has proven to be a welcome relief for many.

The knowledge of these remedies is also passed down through hands-on experience and health meetings, ensuring that the younger generations are well-versed in their use. Faith and spirituality also play a crucial role in the Amish approach to health and wellness. The belief that God created herbs for our benefit and that He is the ultimate healer is deeply ingrained in the community.

While natural remedies are widely used, conventional medicine is not entirely dismissed. In emergency situations or when there is a lack of knowledge about a natural remedy, conventional medicine is sought. This balance ensures that the community can benefit from both traditional and modern healthcare practices.

More than one Amish family in our community told us they keep the book "Be Your Own Doctor" by Rachel Weaver M.N. in their homes. It provides them with a guide and has practical advice on herbal home health care, covering everything from treating colds and flu to healing wounds and dealing with emergencies. They tell us that the book is a valuable resource, providing recipes for tinctures, poultices, teas, and salves, and emphasizing the importance of self-reliance and natural healing.

Here are a few happenings the families who are dedicated to weaving the beautiful baskets featured on AmishBaskets.com have shared with us this week.

The Mast Family

This week brought a bit of unexpected "cow confusion" for the Mast family. Their neighbor, who usually comes over once a week to get milk, arrived around 2 in the afternoon while the Mast family was in town. Coincidentally, the Mast's milk cow had missed being milked that morning. Seeing the cow in need, the neighbor kindly took it upon themselves to milk her and took the milk home. When the Mast family returned, they were puzzled to find their cow mysteriously milked. It wasn't until the next day that they discovered their neighbor's helpful deed.

The Yoder Family

Over at the Yoder household, the children have been thoroughly entertained by the antics of their mother banty hen. With wild rabbits being plentiful this year, several have taken up residence near an old shed behind the Yoder's shop. The mother hen, however, is having none of it. She regularly chases the rabbits away, with her brood of chicks trailing behind her in a comical procession. The sight of the hen and her chicks in hot pursuit of the rabbits has provided endless amusement for the Yoder children.

The Gingerich Family

The recent strong winds have left their mark on the Gingerich family and others in the community. The Gingerich family discovered the metal cover of their rinse tub blown into a neighbor's pasture, bent and no longer fitting well. This week, they have been busy cleaning up, as several of their potted plants were knocked over and scattered. Their sweet corn plants were also flattened by the wind, but thankfully, they are beginning to right themselves again. Despite the challenges, the Gingerich family remains resilient and optimistic.

"Summer is the season when children slam the doors they left open all winter."

— Amish Wisdom