Sometimes, the cure for a common ailment may just be lying around in your kitchen. You! takes a look...
health
Sometimes, the cure for a common ailment may just be lying around in your kitchen. You! takes a look...
Sometimes, the solution to loads of our everyday niggles lies in what we eat, and when. So, when treating any common ailment, food should always be your first step. It has the positive impact of medication minus the side effects. Although, bear in mind that everyone’s body is different and these remedies can be used to relieve initial pain. If things seem to settle down, consult your doctor immediately. This week You! lists down a number of natural remedies for common ailments...
Headaches
There comes a point in our busy lives that in the midst of deadlines, irksome bosses, off sleep schedules and traffic jams takes a headache takes a toll on us. When a cup of tea or coffee is futile to some relief, there are plenty natural remedies that can help. Mix equal parts of ginger juice and lemon juice and drink up. You can consume this once or twice a day. You can also apply a paste of ginger powder and 2 tablespoons water on your forehead for a few minutes to provide quicker relief.
Another recipe that helps with the pain is garlic juice (1 clove) mixed with 1 tablespoon of honey. Peppermint tea is also a powerful relaxant that is often used for pain relief along with Chamomile tea.
Nausea
Nausea is something most people are familiar with. It is never pleasant and can arise in a variety of situations, including pregnancy and travel. So, it only seems smart that one should always have a quick fix to reach for when needed. Ginger is a popular natural remedy commonly used to treat nausea. You can consume raw ginger in cooking, drinking it in tea, or eating the candied form, which you can eat as you would mints.
Moreover, slicing a lemon or simply scratching its peel may work in a similar way because it helps release its essential oils into the air. A vial of lemon essential oil may be a practical alternative to use when you’re away from home.
Heartburn
As desis, we are very well-accustomed to the spicy and oily foods that often served at our dinner table. While they are really delicious, it can be a cause of great discomfort for some in the form of heartburn or acid reflux. Some reflux is totally normal and harmless, usually causing no symptoms. But when it happens too often, it burns the inside of the oesophagus, you should make sure to consult a doctor.
A quick fix for heartburn is almonds. They help neutralise stomach acid; as soon as you experience heartburn, reach for a small handful to stop the burn. Also, aloe vera juice has a long history of use in Europe as a natural home remedy to relieve heartburn. You should only use aloe vera juice that has been specifically prepared for internal use.
Constipation
Constipation is unpleasant, but you don’t have to suffer; because the cure is lying around in your kitchen. Drinking orange and kiwi juice on an empty stomach in the morning will provide enough fibre to stimulate digestion and help alleviate constipation. Another source of fibre is organic oatmeal that you can consume with fruits. Eating apples without skin also helps digestion. Once your system has normalised, you can eat apples with skin.
Inadequate fluid consumption is a common cause of constipation, so it is best to drink plenty of water. You could also have lemon water or warm water with honey - whatever you enjoy drinking as long as they’re not sugary or caffeinated and pose no further threat for dehydration.
Nasal Congestion
Stuffy nose is probably the most annoying ailment to happen if not painful. Sleeping, eating and even breathing becomes a gruelling task. For quick relief and draining out your sinus, boil eucalyptus leaves in a bowl and inhale the steam by holding your head over the bowl, all the while taking in deep breaths. Also, a healing mix of bay leaf, sage, and cinnamon can easily help unclog your stuffy nose. Just place the herbs in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes and their magnificent smell will do all the work.
Moreover, drinking honey and apple cider vinegar can help. Mix a glass of water, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Let stand for 3 minutes before drinking.
Sore throat
Honey mixed in tea or taken on its own is a common household remedy for a sore throat. One study found that honey was even more effective at taming night-time coughs than common cough suppressants. Other research shows that honey is an effective wound healer, which means it may help speed healing the scars from sore throats. Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat and break down secretions. It’s also known to help kill bacteria in the throat. Make a saltwater solution with a half-teaspoon of salt in a full glass of warm water. Gargle it to help reduce swelling and keep the throat clean. This should be done every three hours or so.
Menstrual cramps
As women, we all know and dread it every month. The constant throbbing and cramping can sometimes be too much to handle. While some light exercises can help, there are some teas and household condiments that can prove helpful in alleviating the pain. Apart from Chamomile, you can have raspberry tea (made from raspberry leaves) which has been used for centuries to relieve menstrual cramps. You can also take one tablespoon of mustard seed powder with water or milk every day, during your menstrual cycle. Or, consume 1 tablespoon of flaxseeds daily throughout the menstrual cycle. Alternatively, mix 1 tbsp of flaxseeds along with yogurt or salad and eat it.
