Folk Remedies, Czech Republic
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Traditional Remedies: Czech Republic

| Modified on Dec 22, 2020
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The Czech Republic emerged from the former Czechoslovakia in 1992 but brought with it a rich Bohemian history that includes well-trusted folk remedies and natural medicines to support physical and mental health. Herbal remedies especially, including stinging nettles and sage, have a long history of usage in Czech society. In fact, modern chemists/pharmacists are likely to have popular herbal remedies readily available for common ailments. One book on medicinal phyto-chemistry contains a study that "compares approximately 22 species of fungi belonging to 13 families, one species of lichen, and 283 species of plants belonging to 81 families... which have been utilized in folk medicine in the Czech Republic."

One local remedy worth noting and predating penicillin and other antibiotics is a milk and bread poultice, which was placed on wounds to protect and heal the skin. Of course, the universally popular plum liqueur known as slivovice is also offered as a folk remedy for everything from sore throat and viral infection to muscle aches, much as whisky is offered for the same ailments in other nations and for the same reason--the antiseptic and relaxing effects of alcohol.

Holistic Treatments: Rose hip tea has always been a popular health tonic in the Czech Republic, primarily as a source of Vitamin C. Also, physical activity has been considered critical to health and emotional well-being, and athletic clubs formed to encourage community participation in athletics and outdoors activities.


The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Colds

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Posted by Robert (Torrance, CA) on 01/23/2013
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Another remedy I use to this day (not for kids, though) is a hot black tea mixed with squeezed lemon, honey and one shot of Rum. It helps with colds by getting the sweating started.

Replied by Mmsg
(Somewhere, Europe)
01/24/2013

A similar drink that works just as well is: rose-hip tea with honey and lemon. 3-4 cups a day usually works within 48 hours.

Coughs

Posted by Anna (Lidecko, Czech Republic) on 02/13/2013

This, is a remedy they used in my village in Czech Republic. It is a warm drink for a dry irritating cough... Where you need to create mucus to expel. My mother makes it with warm milk, honey and some melted butter (maybe 1 teaspoon). Not very healthy, but it tastes good when you are feeling sick and makes a lot of mucus!!

Replied by Cathy
(Texas)
03/03/2015

I just had a question. Do you know anything about a paste that can draw out splinters etc. Smells good and is light brown. We know it has bees wax in it, maybe alcohol. My dad had the recipe from his mom but it is gone and both are deceased. Thanks for all your help and reading this.

Replied by Robert Henry
(Ten Mile, Tn.)
03/03/2015

HI U CATHY OF TEXAS, , , , , , , , I think you got the right string, but the wrong yoyo. Years ago folks used Ichthammol Ointment to bring a boil to a head or splinters that could not be removed without going to an MD. It is a petroleum product worked like the crude old coal tar shampoos that would cure hair dandruff , fungus or Roseasa. Amazing , shampoo your hair and cure the roseasa on your face. Those products I can no longer find. It's doctor thing.

Watched the Netanyaho speech and saw many of the congressman have red noses and face. That is a sign the they have heath problems big time. I have a red nose and red face and I know I have health problems.

This ointment would cause pus to form around a splinter and then with pressure it would come out. I'm convinced the medical folks sought it's demise because you could heal lots of problems without seeking a doctor's service. Thats just the way folks are these days. You too dumb to self medicate, you must go to a doctor.

This ointment now has to be specially ordered and we did that a few years ago. Most folks under 50 have no clue about this ointment. Don't need it often, but it works as you remember.

Wish you well.

========ORH===========

I. Brooks
(Columbia, SC)
12/22/2020

The name for the black salve here is --Prid --get it in the Drugstore, cost approx. $ 7.--

The Newspaper AFP (American Free Press) has still advertisement for it in it's pages. Pills and Salve.

Replied by Rebel
(Somewhere, Usa)
03/03/2015

Don't know if this is what you are looking for, but there is a product in most Wal-Mart stores called Smile's PRID. It is a drawing salve. It says it is homeopathic. It is light brown and has Beeswax in the ingredients and Petrolatum and Rosin. It says it is made by Hyland's INC.

Sauerkraut

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Posted by Robert (Torrance, CA) on 01/23/2013
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I remember when I was a kid and was having a cold and fever my mom always gave me homemade raw uncooked sauerkraut and also a glass of sauerkraut juice (the sour water squeezed from the sauerkraut). It's supposed to be loaded with vitamin C and other good stuff to strengthen your immune system especially during winter months and it was also great fever reducer. I don't know about the vitamins, that's just what my mom always told me but I know it worked pretty well. I loved the taste of it so many times I was just snacking on it or drinking the juice because it was also a great craving quencher.

Oh, I also remember it was great for hangovers when I was older.

The side effect of sauerkraut is it gives you gas.

Sauerkraut is big in Czech Republic so most of the families used to have a big jar of their own homemade sauerkraut at home. We always had our own in our cellar. I don't think people still do it there because I assume it's easier to buy it now.

Sore Throat

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Posted by Robert (Torrance, CA) on 01/23/2013
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For a sore throat I always eat raw onions. A lot of onions. If I catch it early enough usually it takes care of the sore throat completely. I just make myself a simple sandwich topped with a ton of raw onions. My favorite is bread with liver paste and onions but you can use anything you like instead of the liver paste, like tuna etc. Basically the bread and the paste are there to help with the taste of the onion but still I like it when it actually burns inside my mouth and throat and it brings tears to my eyes. Then it feels like it's doing something. I usually eat at least 4 of the sandwiches a day.

liver and onions remedy

I've been using this remedy for years. I actually found it in a book I had long time ago that was loaded with old Czech home remedies. I wish I knew where the book is now because it was a real treasure. It's probably somewhere with all our stuff we left back in Czech.

I just did a quick search and found that the liver paste is also loaded with some great stuff like a ton of protein, potassium and then Vitamin A, Calcium, Vitamin D, Thiamin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Phosphorus, Selenium, Vitamin C, Iron, Vitamin E, Riboflavin, Vitamin B12, Manganese, Copper, Magnesium, Zinc. Maybe that's why I crave it when I'm sick.



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