The use of home remedies has a long history. Natural home remedies have been around hundreds, and in some cases, thousands of years. They come from folk traditions of medicine and therapy. Before modern medicine, treatments were passed down from generation to generation. These treatments typically included the use of native plants, such as flowers, herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Traditional medicine is based on skills and practices developed through the experiences of people long before modern medicine came into existence. 2 Today, the use of home remedies is on the rise. Many people are concerned with potential side effects of modern medicines, so they are turning to traditional medicine for alternative treatment. In some areas of the world, folk medicine never went away. For example, in some rural communities in Asia and Africa, more than 80 percent of the population relies on traditional treatment as their primary form of health care.
3 Herbalism, ethnomedicine, and medical anthropology are fields of modern medicine that are dedicated to the study of traditional medicine. Some of these methods have been proven to be effective by modern research. Much of this research focuses on the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory traits of many common plants.
4 Home remedies are inexpensive and natural options for many medical issues. Most home remedies are not medically proven, so one should always consult a doctor for any medical issue. However, using folk medicine to help relieve certain symptoms can help in some situations. For example, the following home remedies are still practiced and have become common in modern culture.
5 Chicken soup has long been a home remedy for relieving the symptoms of upper respiratory infections. Honey, garlic, and tea have long been used in the treatment of cold and flu symptoms. Honey can help relieve a cough, and garlic can help a sore throat. Garlic has antimicrobial properties that also fight pain and irritation. Linden flower tea can help reduce a fever. The tea stimulates the part of the brain that controls temperature. It also makes the body sweat, which can reduce a fever.
6 For stomach-related problems, ginger and peppermint are common home remedies. Ginger is used to treat nausea. It works best to infuse warm water with ginger; then strain it and freeze it. Nibbling on the ginger ice chips can help relieve nausea. Peppermint is also used to treat an upset stomach. It helps kill bacteria in the gut that causes bloating and discomfort.
7 Willow tree bark tea helps get rid of headaches. It contains similar chemicals as the pain relievers in aspirin. The gel from the aloe vera plant helps soothe the pain of a burn. The gel protects the nerve endings on the skin from the air. Foot odor can be banished by soaking feet in vinegar and water, or in black tea. Both treatments kill smelly bacteria.
8 Every culture has a tradition of home remedies. People have trusted folk medicine for centuries. The fact that many of these remedies cannot be scientifically proven doesn't seem to matter to the people who say they work.
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Select all the correct answers.
In which two ways does the third paragraph contribute to the development of ideas in the passage?