The Healing Power of Produce: Natural Remedies from the Fruit Stand

Photograph courtesy of Lydia Wilen.
By Lydia Wilen

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, where quick fixes and instant remedies are often sought, it is refreshing to embrace the wisdom of natural, folk remedies. Following the success of my previous article, "Sidewalk Medicine Chests on the UWS: Safe, Natural Remedies From Bubbies and Other Experts," which garnered over 5,000 views, I felt compelled to explore more about how fruits and vegetables can enhance our health and well-being. Let’s dive into the canvas of nature’s pharmacy, painting a picture with produce that can remedy what ails us and enhance our vitality.

Who Am I to Tell You What to Eat?

You might wonder why I dare to share these remedies without the title of a medical degree. The answer is simple: my family’s rich anecdotal history with folk remedies has shaped my approach to health. Raised in a household where my grandmother, lovingly referred to as Bubby, passed down her age-old wisdom from the old country, my sister Joany and I became passionate about natural healing. Armed with a blend of traditional knowledge and research from homeopathic and integrative medicine, our goal has always been to uncover effective, safe, non-addictive remedies grounded in nature.

Our journey led to the writing of Chicken Soup and Other Folk Remedies, the first in a series of books we published that compiled insights from readers, viewers, and listeners. With this legacy in mind, let’s explore some remedies that can bring comfort and health, sourced directly from your local fruit and vegetable stands.

An A-Peel-ing Bruise Eraser: Bananas to the Rescue

When disaster strikes in the form of a bruise or scrape, the answer lies in your banana peel. Apply the inside of a banana peel to the affected area and secure it with a bandage, changing it every four hours. This simple remedy can alleviate pain and speed up healing.

Moreover, bananas aren’t just handy for accidents; they are a fantastic source of potassium. If you’re on diuretics, a couple of bananas a day could help maintain your potassium levels and reduce cramping. Always check with your healthcare provider about dietary adjustments related to medications.

Natural Diuretics: Combatting Bloating

For those dealing with mild water retention, especially during menstruation, simple produce can lend a hand. Some effective choices include:

• Leeks: Slightly milder than scallions, they can be consumed raw in salads or cooked in soups.

• Watermelon: Starting your day with watermelon and avoiding other foods for two hours can bring relief.

• Celery: It boasts high water content, making it an ideal snack to fight dryness and reduce bloating.

Additionally, Native American traditions utilized corn silk for its diuretic properties. To make a soothing tea, steep a handful of corn silk in boiled water for five minutes, strain, and sip throughout the day.

Battling Insomnia with Aromatherapy

If sleepless nights plague you, an unconventional remedy may be just the trick. Chop a yellow onion and place it in a jar beside your bed. When sleepless, take a couple of deep whiffs; many have found this aromatic approach effective in promoting restfulness. It’s a quirky remedy that may conjure laughter, but sometimes laughter is precisely what we need to unwind.

A Natural Moisturizer: The Power of Grapes

In the realm of skincare, green Thompson seedless grapes can be a delightful natural moisturizer. Cut the grapes in half, gently crush them, and apply the juice to your face and neck. This natural treatment is said to diminish the appearance of crow’s feet and hydrate the skin effectively. In late summer to autumn, with grapes abundant, it’s easy to integrate this simple routine into your beauty regimen.

Cold Combat: Garlic’s Potency

When illness strikes, garlic emerges as an age-old hero, often referred to as “Russian penicillin.” For a potent cold remedy, try holding a peeled garlic clove in your mouth (without chewing) and replace it every few hours. The allicin in garlic works as a mucous-thinner and boasts antibacterial properties, making it an effective ally against the common cold.

Savoring Sweet Relief from Gout with Bing Cherries

As cherry season wanes, seize the chance to stock up on Bing cherries, renowned for their ability to alleviate gout symptoms. After enjoying fresh cherries, try freezing them for later use. The freezing process retains their benefits, ensuring you have natural relief at your fingertips throughout the year.

Visit Your Local Produce Stand

The collective wisdom of past generations, combined with current knowledge, urges us to embrace the healing power of fruits and vegetables. Here are some of my favorite local fruit and vegetable stands where you can find these healing delights:

• NW Corner of 70th Street on Broadway
• NW Corner of 72nd Street on Broadway
• Westside of Broadway between 73rd and 74th Streets
• SW Corner of 68th Street on Columbus Avenue
• SE Corner of 90th Street and Broadway across from Chase Bank

If you have a go-to fruit stand that you love, I encourage you to share your favorites in the comments!

Conclusion

The journey to health and wellness doesn’t always need to stem from pharmaceutical interventions. By returning to the simple remedies our ancestors utilized, we can bring nurturing practices into our lives that respect both our bodies and the earth. Embrace the beauty of nature’s bounty, and let the fruits and vegetables around you serve as your allies in health.

To read my previous article on natural remedies, click here.

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