Handy Home Remedies for Summer: Don't Interrupt Your Summer Fun for a Run to the Local Pharmacy, Just Look in Your Cupboards at Home!

When you're home with the kids or even on vacation at the family cottage, it never fails that those summer health troubles hit when you're least prepared. Many parents are making that late night trip to the pharmacy or spending the night soothing an irritated child. However, for some things, Grandma was right and there are "old wives' tales" that really work!

Sheldon Lipshutz, M.D. is the author of "10 Things You Need to Know Before You See the Doctor". (Silver Lake Publishing, 2004.)

"The quickest and most effective remedies are often in the pantry, right at your fingertips," Lipshutz states, "And because they consist of gentle, natural ingredients, these cures won't cause the nasty side effects of so many of today's common medications."

Another book to check out is "Prescription for Natural Cures" written by James F. Balch, M.D. (Wiley, 2004). He has done a study on the use of spices and health.

Also look for the book "How to Save Your Own Life" by Marie Savard, M.D. (Warner Books).

These are a few fuss-free remedies that have been approved by doctors.

*For dry eyes look for fennel seeds in your spice rack. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. fennel seeds. Steep for 20 minutes; strain and cool. Soak a cloth in the tea; apply to closed eyes for 5 minutes.

*For acid reflux turn to the condiments and grab the mustard (any kind will do). Eat ½ tsp. of mustard to quickly end a bout of heartburn.

*For itchy bug bites look for aspirin in the medicine cabinet. Crush 1 low-dose aspirin and add 1 oz. of water to dissolve, then dab on the affected areas. This can ease the discomfort for hours in just 20 minutes.

*For cuts or burns grab some natural bee honey. Dabbing honey on a skin injury before covering it with a bandage is eight times more effective at speeding the healing that prescription and over-the-counter ointments. Honey contains a rich supply of natural antibiotics and enzymes that sterilize, ease pain and stimulate new cell growth to reduce the risk of scarring!

*For swimmer's ear use garlic oil. Chop 1 bulb of garlic and place in a double boiler with 1" of olive oil. Heat 1 hour. Strain; refrigerate for 20 minutes. Place 2 drops in the affected ear twice daily. According to recent studies, this can heal the ear faster than prescription drugs.

*For nausea or motion sickness caused by bumpy drives or rocking boats open a can of peaches. Sipping a few tablespoons of the peach syrup will relieve the discomfort in minutes.

For more information check out the books listed and go ask your Grandmother! Enjoy summer!