Peace Diaries Workspace

IV. SOUTH AFRICA
	Chapter 5: CAPETOWN, WESTERN CAPE and NATAL, KWAZULU NATAL Network Africa: Luhlaza High School, Springfield Convent, Westerford, and Mpophomeni High Teacher: Liz Barrett

	Samantha B. The problem: I have a huge biology test that seemed a lot smaller when I spent last night on the phone instead of studying. Most people’s solution is to simply feign an illness or general ailment to convince the powers-that-be that going to school would honestly kill them, but for me that is not an option. My mother has a remedy for everything. Though I can get away with my chronic 'bunkalitis' for a day or two, the tonic that I am given is worse then completing my essay on the reproductive cycles of fungi! For example, the sickening smell of a pot of nasturtium tea coming down the passage, with my name on it, incites a type of fear that would send Brave Heart crying home to mamma. This bitter brew, made to cure the common cold, is made of scalding hot water, too much ginger and someone else’s nasturtiums. Yes, that’s right, mummy never got round to growing her own, so out of love she used to go down to a river to pick them to put in our tea. I was always told that they were washed and that the boiling water would kill any germs, but I was never completely convinced. Another one of Nurse Mom’s miraculous cures is for a sore stomach. If you have ever eaten a bruised apple, you will understand my failing to comprehend how this STOPS nausea. To me, it brings it on! But the grated browned apple - looking suspiciously like the organic fertilizer my mother uses - is actually very good for sore stomach, I promise. You see, I would rather face the biology test than this magnificent magical medicine. They actually are magic, really. One only has to mention them and my health improves rapidly and by school time I am fully recovered and ready to tackle fungi.
	Sandi B. In South Africa we have a very useful plant called Bulbinella. It is a green succulent and we grew it in our garden. We first learnt about the healing properties of this plant when we lived in Saldanha. Saldanha is a town on the West Coast of South Africa. Our friend Cecily, who is very knowledgeable about natural medicines, told us about its wonderful healing properties. When you crush its leaves, its juice can be used to soothe burns, stings, rashes and grazes. This juice also helps to soften your skin.
	Yusrah B. Most families believe in one sort of medicine that will suffice for every ailment. My family is no different. We, like millions of others around the world, are firm believers in Vix Vapor Rub. An itchy bite? Headache? Sore muscles? Wipe it out the Vix! The list is endless and, needless to say, we have a quite a number of the blue and green tubs of Vix floating around our house. When it comes to nausea, however, there is a different choice of remedy. My mother will usually choose something sour, which is a trait she has passed on to me. One particular treat is green apples with salt. Any sweet thing is a definite "no-no" if you’re feeling sick. Yet through all these remedies there is one that has stood the test of time, proving to be more successful than any other product available at your local 'Seven-Eleven': rest. No one has ever argued that a hot shower and deep sleep is a sure way for curing illness. Basically, when I have the 'flu,' this is the procedure: I have a hot shower, dry my hair (wet hair is no good when you are trying to regain your health) put on some warm pajamas (depending on the weather of course) and then I smear some Vix across my forehead, chest, back and throat. I then eat something sour (like green apples and salt) climb into bed and drift away. At the end of the day, a bit of TLC (tender loving care) goes down well too.