With today’s advancements, especially in the medical field, it is always inspiring to look back on the simpler days and ponder on the simplicity then as well as how far the world has come now. To commemorate this, Clementine Holmes Bass shares her Aunt Dollie’s collection of natural remedies pre-pharmacies in her book Aunt Dollie’s Remedies and Tips: 175 Years of Home Remedies.

Aunt Dollie’s Remedies and Tips is a comprehensive collection of recipes, from simple and easily available ingredients, on pain management and other medical treatments that folk healers popularly used back in the day. It also tackles diet and exercise, only with the help of herbal medication. All in all, the book promotes boosting overall health and wellness the natural way.

Equally entertaining and informative, Aunt Dollie’s Remedies and Tips is not an attempt to counter the current medical ways but to perpetuate the simpler times as well as the wonders of home-grown treatments and procedures.

For nearly four decades, Clementine Holmes Bass dedicated her life to being a school administrator, nurturing and encouraging children to pursue an education and give back to society. She is originally from Rison, Arkansas and attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

"Long before the arrival of the twenty-four-hour pharmacy, folk healers took care of aches, pains, and sniffles with home-grown remedies. Hidden in their kitchens, they had their own bag of tricks used for centuries to treat what ailed them. Growing up, Clementine Holmes Bass learned about many of these home cures from her beloved aunt Dollie, a woman whose wits and wisdom profoundly impacted the author’s life. Some of her best days were spent in Aunt Dollie’s kitchen, laughing and learning about her friends, family, and ancestors. Clementine shares some of her late aunt’s best advice, as an entertaining look at how things were once done. Aunt Dollie advocated the use of commonly found ingredients such as sulphur powder, molasses, mustard plasters, onion, and even turpentine. Clementine, however, does not advocate that these remedies be mistaken for actual medical advice. She shares this information more as a humorous glance back at simpler times, not as a handbook for modern injuries and sicknesses-and she isn’t recommending these techniques for your use. Instead, she offers Dollie’s extensive collection of recipes, tips, and advice for entertainment, amusement, and historical value. Alongside Aunt Dollie’s contributions, Clementine also shares some treasures she learned from her Choctaw ancestors and the senior citizens of Cleveland County, Arkansas. Some of these “cures” are practical-and others will boggle your mind!"

As we celebrate the wisdom of traditional healing methods, books like "Aunt Dollie's Remedies and Tips: 175 Years of Home Remedies" by Clementine Holmes Bass serve as valuable resources. They provide comprehensive guides to natural remedies, empowering individuals to explore holistic well-being and embrace the power of time-tested solutions.

Buy the book on Amazon. 

5 of The Best Natural Remedies

As modern medicine continues to evolve, there is a growing recognition of the efficacy and benefits of natural remedies. Scientific studies have explored the healing properties of various natural ingredients and their ability to address common ailments. Here are five of the best scientifically proven natural remedies:

Ginger: Known for its potent anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, ginger has been used for centuries to alleviate nausea, reduce muscle pain, and support overall digestion. Studies have shown that ginger can effectively reduce symptoms of motion sickness, morning sickness in pregnancy, and even post-operative nausea.

Turmeric: Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, possesses powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies have demonstrated its potential in reducing chronic pain, alleviating symptoms of arthritis, and improving cognitive function. Turmeric's therapeutic benefits extend to promoting heart health, supporting liver function, and boosting the immune system.

Echinacea: This flowering plant native to North America is renowned for its immune-boosting properties. Scientific research has revealed that echinacea can enhance immune response, reduce the duration and severity of common cold symptoms, and potentially prevent respiratory tract infections. Echinacea is a natural alternative to support the body's defense against various infections.

Chamomile: Chamomile is a gentle and soothing herb known for its calming effects. Chamomile tea aids in relaxation, improves sleep quality, and reduces anxiety symptoms. Studies have also highlighted chamomile's potential in relieving digestive discomfort, menstrual cramps, and skin irritations.

Peppermint: Peppermint is a versatile herb that offers numerous health benefits. It has been shown to alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including abdominal pain, bloating, and gas. Peppermint oil may also help relieve tension headaches and improve cognitive performance.