Some ways to make you feel good

For today, I am featuring questions from some of my readers.

Ella asked if I can feature some tea concoctions for various ailments. She’s a tea lover and she’d like to know what teas she can mix for everyday ailments.

Teas are a very wonderful way of experiencing the healing benefits of plants. Did you know that for 4,000 years, tea has been a cure for many ailments?

They say that the healing effect of drinking herbal teas is sometimes even more potent than taking herbs in pill form.

Here are some concoctions you may want to try for every ailment:

For cold and flu: Peppermint, elderflowers and yarrow with a touch of ginger and fresh lemon.

For constipation: Either leaf or pod of Sienna mixed with anise, galangal, ginger or celery.

For insomnia: A cup of valerian root taken at about 8 p.m. is the safest and most effective sleep aid. No side effects.

For sore throat: Marshmallow root and slippery elm to soothe the throat and bayberry bark and chamomile for inflammatory irritation.

For fatigue: Russian, Brazilian and Chinese ginseng.

Rissa inquired if there’s a simple massage she can do at the office when she’s feeling tired.

Pinch the point between your thumb and forefinger for two minutes. This acupressure area is said to release instant energy.

Now, Nona, a six-month pregnant woman, wanted to know of any lotion or oil that will help minimize her stretch marks.

I also have those in my stomach and breasts. Creams or lotions are not guaranteed to prevent stretch marks. You can, however, try one that will act as a good moisturizer and one that will speed up cell regeneration.

Try mandarin oil. Mix five to six drops with one of any vegetable oils.

Nikka requested me to suggest oils to help treat cellulite, soothe stiff muscles and ease cramps.

I’ve read that Cypress oil helps treat cellulite, Marjoram for stiff muscles and lavender for cramps. You may add this to your bath or mix with carrier oil for an all-over massage.

Menchu asked what hydrotherapy is and how it is used for healing.

From the book Body, 100 Tips for a Better Body, hydrotherapy involves alternating temperatures of water varying from extreme cold to steam. The greater the difference in temperature, the more effective the treatment is. Spas use underwater jets that start at the soles of the feet and work up the body to increase blood and lymph flow, which speeds up the rate at which toxins leave the body.

A hand-held jet is used for pummeling cellulite, treating sports injuries and relieving aching muscles.

Mila wanted to know what oil can she use to treat tired, overworked muscles.

Sesame oil is an anti-inflammatory and will help soothe your tired muscles.

And finally, Rona said she’s on her feet the whole day because she’s a saleslady. She wants a foot roller but can’t afford one.

Rona, there is a wooden foot roller at Watson’s for P 59.75. You can also improvise by using a bottle filled with lukewarm water. Choose one that will complement the size of your feet and use it as a foot roller.

(Keep on writing me at babyjackster@yahoo.com)