Tuesday, March 24, 2009

WFMW - Save On Doctor Bills And Prescriptions


Doctors visits cost alot of money. Especially when you are self employed and the cost of health insurance can equal two house payments every month. So we deal with most of the bumps, bruises, colds, and other owies right here at home with good old fashioned home remedies. That's not to say that we don't go to the doctor when it's something that requires more knowledge than I have. But my years of working in a doctors office gave me lots of insider info and practical remedies that I've used at home since hanging up my scrubs a few years ago.

Every once in a while I, or someone else in my family, will get a bladder or urinary tract infection. Those suckers are painful to say the least. We used to treat them by buying processed cranberry juice and swigging it daily while taking an antibiotic prescribed by a doctor. Granted we would buy the organic unsweetened juice, the best you can by when it comes to store bought, but we've found a better way.

I have a juicer that takes care of it for me now. (See my right sidebar under "I Recommend" to see which juicer I have.) One 16 oz glass of fresh juiced cranberries and apples makes a pure drink that knocks our bladder infections out in a matter of hours. It's incredible how much more potent and nutritious and yummy the fresh juice is then even the best store bought. And it only takes one glass of the pure stuff to wipe out an infection.

When it's cranberry season I stock up and keep them in my freezer until the need arises for another dose. There are also drinks we make for when we feel a cold coming on, an upset stomach, or when Chris or I decide to fast but still need some nutrients in our bodies. I can't tell you how much I love my juicer.

For more Works For Me Wednesday tips go visit HERE.

12 comments:

Andie said...

I just love your blog!~ You always have such great info and ideas.
Andrea

Southern Gal said...

I buy cranberry extract from the health store and mix it with water. I don't have a juicer, but this stuff works wonders. Also, regular Alka Seltzer will fix me up every time.

One day I may be able to get a juicer. Right now I really want a grain mill...

Rainy Day Farm said...

Thanks for the tip. We are self employed and doctor have become a nightmare subject around our house. The insurance is terrible and expensive, so any home remedy I can get is so helpful. Thanks for sharing.

onemotherslove said...

OH! I've been wanting a juicer! I'd love to see some recipes for how you use it & what concoctions help what ailments!!!

Rachael said...

What an awesome idea! Another reason I need a juicer!:)

AmyK said...

Interesting... that's certainly good to know! I haven't had a UTI in a year and a half, but I'll keep this in mind for if one pops up!

Moore Minutes said...

Thank you for sharing this idea! Now I just need a juicer...but you've convinced me to get one! :)

Liz said...

What a great tip! Thanks, Gayle!

Sonja said...

could you post some of those recipes? i'm especially interested in the one you use when fasting... thanks so much!-Sonja

Anonymous said...

I'd also love some of your juice recipes! Thanks for the info!

Anonymous said...

I am big on home remedies as well...also because of being self employed and not able to pay big insurance bills. Thanks for sharing the cranberry/apple juice remedy..would love to know of the other recipes if you have a chance! Thank you...you're such an inspiration! (I'm still making my own detergent and LOVING it. I just made my 3rd batch last night..SO much more convenient and affordable...)

mamaredhead said...

Gayle, came to find out the name of your juicer, but it's been replaced in the "I Recommend" section. Do you have the Juiceman?

Thanks so much for the recipes you posted too!