Tuesday 24 / December / 2024
It is easy to pop in pills for a quick relief when we suffer from common ailments but if we rely a bit more on the ingredients found in our kitchen cupboard we might get cured naturally. While natural remedies are helpful, one should not take it without consulting a medical expert.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a common pantry ingredient but it also can be a real treat when suffering from dry, cracked, and chapped winter skin. To soothe dry, itchy skin, rub olive oil onto hands and feet and cover with socks or gloves for at least one hour. To treat the entire body, place 5 to 10 drops of olive oil in bath water. Be careful when exiting the bath as the tub will become quite slippery until properly rinsed.
Turmeric
The spice turmeric is an ingredient found in curry. If you are fond of curry, you’re already doing yourself a favour. There is scientific evidence that turmeric may help relieve arthritis pain. According to Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine curcumin, the active constituent in turmeric, may also have an effect on colon cancer. A 2006 study also showed that curcumin can help the brain get rid of built up plaques that may be associated with Alzheimer’s disease. By utilising curry in your diet as often as possible, you can give yourself a leg up on some of these illnesses.
Garlic
Garlic has seen many uses as a herbal remedy over the years. Garlic has impressive qualities and health benefits when eaten as a dietary supplement but garlic is also useful in common home remedies. A fresh, halved garlic clove applied to insect bites can help soothe and quickly heal the area. Try minced garlic and melted butter over toast or chopped garlic as a garnish for soup to help clear nasal congestion caused by colds and allergies.
Lemon and Honey
Lemon juice and honey make an excellent combination for a tea that soothes a sore throat and cough. Honey helps soothe and also has antibacterial properties that could be beneficial. Mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice in hot tea and drink. Do not give honey to children under the age of 2.
Ginger
Ginger has multi-faceted benefits. While it is known to help in managing the pain related to arthritis, headaches, and menstrual cramps owing to its warming effect, it is also helpful to treat common colds. It also reduces gas, painful spasms, and travel sickness.
Vinegar
Vinegar has many health benefits and is a great treatment for accidental sunburn. Though the smell may be a turn off, try rubbing areas affected by sunburn with a cotton ball soaked in vinegar. It will soothe the burning and help the skin heal faster. Some people recommend ingesting apple cider vinegar as a remedy for digestive problems, high blood pressure, sinus infections, and other ailments. The taste and smell of apple cider vinegar is likely going to repel your taste buds but making a vinaigrette salad dressing for regular consumption is one way to reap the benefits of ingesting vinegar.
Cinnamon
A favourite spice used on toast, in pies and cookies and other baked goods, cinnamon also has health benefits. German studies have shown that cinnamon can help lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol. That’s good news for diabetics and those who have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic. While the occasional bit of cinnamon in your food is great, large amounts can be dangerous. If you want to reap the health benefits of cinnamon, it is best to use a cinnamon extract.
Peppermint Extract
While many people are familiar with the scent and taste of peppermint, its health benefits sometimes go unnoticed. Peppermint tea, for example, has a very soothing effect on stomach upset caused by gas and bloating. Peppermint also has a way of relieving congestion in the head, nose and chest. Place 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract in hot tea and inhale the steam before drinking.
