TRADITIONAL GREEK FOLK MEDICINEInspired by a few Hubs about the increasing cost and declining quality of healthcare in the US, here are is some traditional Greek folk medicine, hopefully saving you all some money. Some of these have been tested scientifically, most I have tried myself, and some I am not sure about. They certainly will not harm a healthy person, and I am not out to make any money! However, I am not medically trained, so seek professional advice if you have any doubts.Many areas of Greece are a long way from civilization and medical aid, even in the modern age, with MedEvac and paramedics often far away. Over the centuries, the Greeks have developed many traditional Greek folk remedies, designed to cure without the need for visiting the doctor. The Greeks have one of the longest average lifespans in the world and, whilst much of that can be attributed to good diet and low stress, some of these old medicines do work.1) Olive Oil - The Mainstay of Traditional Greek Folk MedicineThe Greeks use olive oil by the bucket load and, as well as tasting good, it offers a whole raft of health benefits. Aside from fulfilling many nutritional and dietary requirements, it contains compounds for thinning the blood, reducing cholesterol and it is recommended for cardiac patients. Apart from this, extra virgin oil has some other welcome benefits. Before moving to Greece, my partner suffered badly with a stomach ulcer. This flared up often, especially when she was stressed. A diet containing olive oil has completely stopped the condition, so, if you are prone to ulcers or acid reflux, take a couple of spoons of olive oil, morning and night. If you are constipated, drink a small glass every day until things start moving again.2) Alcohol - Greek Ouzo as a Folk MedicineIn the hot summer, I often suffer from thick blood, leading to frequent nosebleeds, despite drinking lots of water. I questioned my pharmacist about this, and he told me to drink two glasses of Ouzo or Whiskey every day. Just to be on the safe side, I drank five or six, but the nosebleeds stopped and I felt a lot less lethargic. The Greeks often refer to Ouzo as �To Farmako�, meaning �The Medicine.�The Greeks have a drink called Tsiporou, or Raki, which is a fiery spirit distilled from the leftover mash left after making wine. If you are suffering from a cold or flu, mix in a little honey and cinnamon, warm up and enjoy. It certainly clears the head and alleviates the worst of the symptoms. Whiskey and Brandy are good substitutes for those living outside Greece.3) Aloe Vera - An Ancient Folk RemedyMost of us are used to after sun lotion containing Aloe-Vera juice. In Greece, if you get sunburn, you simply find the nearest plant, break off a leaf and rub the pulp onto the burn. This is very nice and soothing, although not getting burnt in the first place may be the best solution.4) Garlic - Tasty and Healthy Traditional Greek Folk MedicineMost people are aware that garlic has many beneficial effects within the body, as well as tasting good. Garlic is also excellent for keeping mosquitoes away, although eating vast quantities will keep everybody away. Another great use for garlic is as an antiseptic. If you have a cut or puncture, rub cut garlic onto the wound or crush and make a poultice. Onion also works but hurts a hell of a lot more.Read Sandy's great Hub about garlic as a cure for acne.5) Greek Mountain Tea - A Unique Greek HerbThe mountain herbs found in Crete and the Taygetos Mountains are world renowned for their healing properties, detoxifying the body and relieving the symptoms of colds. They are also the best hangover cure I have found. Whilst they may be difficult to get hold of outside Greece, there is evidence that an infusion of the herb Sage is effective.6) Tomatoes - A Greek Salad a DayAccording to the Greeks, a tomato a day reduces the chances of a man developing prostate cancer. Whilst evidence shows that Greek men are less likely to develop the condition, this has never been directly linked to tomatoes. Personally, I love the Greek breakfast of tomato, feta cheese, bread and olives all drenched in extra virgin olive oil and herbs, so it is no great hardship.

7) Greek Thyme Honey - Sweet AntisepticGreek thyme honey has some wonderful antiseptic qualities, and is increasingly used as a first line treatment for minor burns. I have a friend who was an ex-medic in the RAF, and the British Military now use honey as a treatment for burns.Honey is also a good ointment for minor wounds by preventing infection, always a danger in a hot climate.8) Grapes - A Sight For Sore EyesFor tired and dry eyes, instead of eye drops, the Greeks use the sap from grapevines. It is wonderfully refreshing and just as good as any commercial drops.9) Diet - Live Long and ProsperIt is impossible to write a Hub about Greek health and traditional Greek folk medicine without mentioning diet. Whilst the Greeks are starting to suffer the same problems as the rest of the world, with a growing obesity epidemic caused by meat and processed food, the traditional diet is one of the healthiest on earth. Forget Low Carbs, Atkins and Alkaline balance. Buy a Greek recipe book and learn how to eat a healthy Mediterranean diet, nutritious, tasty and simple.10) Low Stress - The Key to Traditional Greek Folk MedicineThis, more than anything, is the key to why the Greeks are so healthy. They enjoy life, and celebrate every day, rather than seeing it as a burden. Even the poorest Greeks manage to eat out once a week, enjoying the company of family and friends. Having a more relaxed lifestyle helps, but everybody can make sure that they leave a little quality time for themselves and their loved ones. This, more than anything, is the very foundation of traditional Greek folk medicine.Hope that some of these tips help, and do not be afraid to ask around. Some folk medicines are just as effective as modern methods, and are much cheaper.