It's perhaps no surprise that Russia has a huge variety of centuries-old folk cures.0:26
As the world's biggest country, it has a rich diversity of people that relied on traditional treatments and remedies long before a state health system was set up.0:34
Did your parents ever put garlic in your pocket when you were a child to protect you against a flu epidemic?0:45
For hundreds of years, garlic has been considered to be a miracle cure for many ailments.0:52
Eaten regularly, it can boost the immune system, which protects the body against disease.0:59
It is even believed that chopped garlic can kill germs when it is left on a plate.1:06
For cold and flu symptoms, and even a bad cough, try gorčićniki.1:12
These mustard plasters, small pieces of paper covered with mustard flour, are soaked in warm water and then placed on the patient's back or front.1:18
After about 10 or 20 minutes, the patient goes straight to bed.1:29
Widely available at pharmacies, they bring the blood to the surface of the skin and heat up the patient.1:34
Many people swear by this remedy.1:41
Did you know that there are over 3,000 herbs with healing properties in Russia?1:45
Gargling with chamomile, a well-known antiseptic, can help a throat infection.1:51
St. John's wort is said to be the cure for 99 illnesses, and marigolds are excellent for skin allergies.1:58
They can even be added to children's baths to soothe sore skin.2:06
A more unusual cure is mummy yo, a tar-like substance that that grows in the cracks between rocks.2:12
This is another all-purpose remedy that can help with problems such as headaches, ulcers, and pain, and stress relief.2:20
Laboratory tests have even suggested that it can slow down both the mental and physical effects of aging.2:29
People usually try to avoid stinging nettles in the wild, but they are fantastically tasty made into a soup.2:38
And great for stopping bleeding from cuts and nosebleeds.2:45
Stinging nettles contain vitamins A, C, D, and K, as well as being rich in iron, calcium, and potassium.2:50
They can be used as a mouthwash to get rid of bacteria in the mouth or throat.3:00
Some people believe it can strengthen hair when boiled down and put on the scalp.3:06
Last but not least, the traditional banya, a steam bathhouse, has undoubted health benefits.3:12
Unlike the Finnish sauna, which may be hotter but has a dry heat, the Russian version is cooler with a wet, moist heat.3:20
A banya session is accompanied with a vigorous beating with pine or birch branches called veniki.3:30
The heat opens the pores and relaxes the muscles, while veniki improves the circulation like a good massage.3:38
For best results, if you dare, go from the heat of a winter banya into the cold of the snow or a freezing river.3:47
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