If you’re anything like us, then you sometimes get a little skeptical when someone says “This one home remedy will solve all your problems!” We’re here to tell you that some actually can!
Just remember: When you’re sick, it’s better to err on the side of caution and see a professional than to risk your health. If you can’t find relief through home remedies or basic medicine, then it’s time to consider more serious medical treatment.
Turmeric for pain and inflammation
Turmeric is a yellow spice commonly found in Indian cuisine. It’s been used for cooking for thousands of years and has recently become popular as a way to treat pain and inflammation. Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant that may help relieve sore muscles, arthritis, and motion sickness.
In addition to being an effective anti-inflammatory, curcumin has been shown to have anti-bacterial and -viral properties as well. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine published a study in 2006 that found turmeric effective against several strains of bacteria that cause human diseases.
I’ve personally used turmeric to help with aches, pains, nausea and even bloating as a result of PMS. Just sprinkle it directly on your food or drink it in tea. You can also mix it with water or coconut oil and apply it directly onto the skin.
Ginger for stomachache and morning sickness
Ginger is an excellent anti-nausea remedy, and it can be used to treat stomachaches as well as morning sickness. It has plenty of other benefits as well—some studies suggest ginger may help with joint pain and even reduce the risk of cancer. You can use fresh ginger root in cooking or take capsules (available at health food stores).
Eucalyptus oil for pain relief
Eucalyptus oil has been known to soothe pain brought on by muscle aches and sprains. It comes from the eucalyptus tree, which is native to Australia. The oil works as an analgesic and has anti-inflammatory properties that are great for relieving pain and inflammation in muscles. This can be used topically by rubbing it onto affected areas or inhaling it through steam by putting a few drops into hot water (not advisable for infants, people with asthma, and pets)
Lavender for migraine, anxiety, and troubles sleeping
Lavender is a popular home remedy because it works wonders on everything from migraines to anxiety and insomnia. A study published in “Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain” found that lavender aromatherapy significantly reduced headaches when combined with massage therapy. When rubbed onto the temples or the bottoms of the feet, lavender is also great at relaxing tight muscles, promoting calmness, and inducing sleepiness.
Peppermint oil for gas, diarrhea, constipation, and cramps
Peppermint oil is a natural remedy for gas and upset stomachs. To relieve gastric discomfort, simply place 2-3 drops on your tongue or rub it directly on your stomach for fast and effective relief. It’s also soothing for an upset stomach or nausea. You can even add about 10 drops to a cup of hot water for peppermint tea! Peppermint oil is also great for diarrhea and constipation because it stimulates digestion and helps the intestines move food along without any issues. For cramps, all you have to do is put on an old pair of socks and put 2-3 drops of peppermint oil into each one before bedtime—it’ll help relax tense muscles while you sleep.
Honey for sore throat and cough
When you’re sick, it’s easy to reach for over-the-counter medications or to go straight to the medicine cabinet. They work; they’re convenient; they’re there. But honey is the one thing that your grandmother was right about. It’s got loads of benefits, and being sticky-sweet doesn’t hurt any either.
In a pinch, honey can be used as an alternative to cough syrup or as a home remedy for a sore throat. Honey has been shown to help soothe sore throats by coating the throat lining and by increasing the amount of saliva in your mouth. For those who are too young to swallow pills or liquids, honey can be given in its original form. It’s even safe for babies! If you’re feeling really ill, try eating a spoonful every hour or so until you feel better. You can also use it as an alternative to cough syrup since it contains antihistamines that will calm your cough.
Green tea helps with staying awake and alert
When people think of staying awake, they think of coffee. Yes, coffee works but it isn’t necessarily healthy (or safe) for everyone. The best solution out there? Green tea! It has long been used as an alternative to coffee and is packed with antioxidants that may boost your immune system. One study from UCLA shows that green tea may help fight the common cold by increasing the number of infection-fighting cells in your body. However, the most effective green tea for fighting colds is Japanese matcha; loose leaf green tea does not have anywhere near as much benefit as matcha does. Matcha is ground into a powder that dissolves almost instantly in hot water, so you don’t have to worry about adding sugar or honey to make it palatable.
Aloe vera for burns and acne outbreaks
Aloe vera is a plant whose leaves are filled with a juice that has been used for generations as an alternative medicine for treating burns, acne, and other skin ailments. Its main active ingredient is the chemical compound acemannan, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can help skin heal faster.
In its pure form or in soaps or lotions, aloe vera is often used to treat sunburns. The substance reduces redness, itching, swelling, and pain from the burn. It also helps keep your skin hydrated, which is important for preventing peeling and further irritation.
For acne, you can take advantage of aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory properties to calm down some of the inflammation that causes pimples to develop in the first place. Simply break off a leaf from an aloe vera plant (or buy it in gel form at the grocery store), cut it open, and apply the clear gel inside directly to your face. The cooling sensation will give you instant relief and will help keep your skin clean and healthy.
DON’T MISS: >>How To Keep Cool In Hot Summer Days<<