"Nature, to be commended, must be obeyed."

— Francis Bacon, 1620 AD

Americans spend almost $100 billion annually in healthcare costs and we still have the highest rates of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic diseases, says Dr. Patrick Quillin, PhD, RD, a world recognized expert in healing and nutrition. His book, "Amish Folk Medicine," is a compilation of examples of natural healing based on the principles of the Amish folks who, for the most part, shun modern medicine.

"The Amish and other groups have maintained that health and happiness are attainable only when humans are in harmony with the laws of God and nature," says Quillin, who has tried many of these remedies himself and found them to be superior to modern medical treatments for his ills.

"I was having chronic sinus problems for more than a year, despite trying numerous nutritional and medical approaches," he writes. "With great skepticism, I tried one of the cures in my book, swabbing the inside of my nose with Vicks — a blend of camphor, menthol, eucalyptus, and other ingredients. It worked. I could breathe again."

Here's a sampling of more Amish remedies:

• Anemia. A good blood builder for anemia is drinking a cocktail of one-part beet juice with 2 parts red grape juice. Take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times daily.
• Asthma. The bronchial tubes leading to the lungs can become constricted or inflamed, giving the asthma sufferer the feeling of suffocating, says Quillin. A product called Breathe Easy tea can help. To relieve the suffocating feeling, press a very cold, wet rag against the forehead.
• Bad breath. Chew on anise seeds after meals. Eat less fat and sugar and more leafy green vegetables.
• Colds. Take vitamins A and D throughout the winter months. To make the throat hostile to germs, gargle with hot salt water and spit it out. Repeat often.
• Flu. Several teas are effective in treating the flu, according to Amish custom. One is elderberry tea and another is a beverage made by adding 1/4 teaspoon cayenne in 1 cup hot water. This encourages the body to sweat.
• Headache. Quillin says that stress is often the root cause of headaches, so learning how to relax is paramount. In the evening, add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to one cup of warm water and drink the same upon arising.
• Insomnia. Cultivate beautiful thoughts in the evening. Listen to soft music or read poetry. Near bedtime, soak your feet in hot water with 1/4 cup of white or apple cider vinegar.
• Itching. Use a poultice of cornstarch mixed with water and apply directly to the skin. You can also ease the itching by applying witch hazel or rubbing alcohol to the affected area.
• Rheumatism and arthritis. The Amish made an herbal tonic by cutting up 6 oranges, 6 lemons, and 6 grapefruits and then adding the sliced fruit, peels and all, to 2 quarts of water and cooking for one hour or until reduced by half. Strain and add a 1/2 cup of Epsom salt and let it stand overnight. Take one tablespoon twice daily.

Always check with your healthcare provider before using any treatment.