In the former Soviet Union, people rarely used doctors or prescription drugs to cure illnesses. Physicians were inundated with patients, not having the time to look after citizens with mild conditions such as colds, influenza or aches and pains. Thus, the Soviet people had to learn to cure themselves.
Common Homeopathic Remedies and Natural Cold Cures
In the days of communist medicine, even children in the Soviet republics were able to cure themselves of mild conditions with the help of plants and herbs. Today, in the West, it is trendy to cure oneself naturally, but back in the Soviet Union, this was the only available option to stay healthy. Prescription drugs were hard to come by. Meanwhile, very cheap herbs, teas and seeds were sold at markets.
Soviets were particularly interested in preventative natural medicine. A trip to the hospital was not pleasant and a stay in the hospital was even less pleasant. Thus, people did whatever they could to avoid this experience.
For example, Soviets prevented the common cold by eating more vitamin C such as in cranberries and Central Asian pomegranates--all bought at the market. However, a particular favorite amongst Soviets was black currants, which served as our modern day Airborne. In other words, for an oncoming cold, people would indulge on black currants, which are packed with vitamin C.
To cure a cold, onion juice unclogged a stuffed up nose. According to the September 1980 Sarasota Herald-Tribune article entitled "Soviets Rely on Home Remedies for Whatever Ails Them," author Eliza K. Klose says, "two drops per nostril from an onion freshly grated over cotton can clear the head with explosive force."
Vodka Cures
Vodka was not only a drink, but used as an antiseptic for many ailments. For example, a tradition from Soviet times and beyond, Eastern Europeans swab vodka on cuts and insect bites. In order to get rid of a cold, they also take a shot of vodka to kill the illness in the body. Vodka also cleans out infected areas and sterilizes household items such as a thermometer for taking a person's temperature. In the Soviet Union and even today, a bottle of vodka in the house goes a long way.
Honey Treatment
A tradition from the Soviet Union and beyond, Eastern Europeans are beekeepers. Thus, honey is treated with reverence. Tea with honey is used to sweat out a fever. Honey heated with vodka cures a sore throat. For minor wounds, honey is an antiseptic because bacteria cannot survive in it due to the high amount of potassium. In addition, honey promotes fast healing and helps with scarring.
In the Soviet Union, people had to be resourceful to cure ailments. They concocted all sorts of natural home remedies from the Earth's resources to pass on to generations to come. Eastern Europeans hold steadfast to these cures even in the 21st century.
This article, History of Soviet Union Doctors, discusses the role of physicians in the Soviet Union.
This article, Weight Loss Diet Plans for Boosting Immune System, discusses how to lose weight and stave off illness at the same time
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Sources:
Klose, Eliza K. " Soviets Rely on Home Remedies for Whatever Ails Them." Sarasota Tribune-Herald, September 19, 1980. (viewed March 28, 2010)
Earth Clinic Folk Remedies, March 28, 2010.
Jennifer Ciotta - Jennifer Ciotta is the author of I, Putin (Vladimir Putin novel): http://vladimirputinnovel.com.
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