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When feeling a little under the weather, there is always a tendency for someone to just let it be for a day or two and just stay at home while waiting for the discomfort to subside. Oftentimes, while staying at home, you try some home remedies that you and your parents have been using since you were little, just to try to alleviate the pain. Do you still have them all? What are the common home remedies that are proven to really work?
Benefits of home remedies
Let’s admit it; sometimes going to the doctor for as simple as mild pain or discomfort is a hassle. In fact, sometimes, when you are armed with the knowledge on how to administer first aid through natural medicine, going to the doctor is not needed at all. Here are some of the benefits we can get when using home remedies:
It is economical, more affordable than prescribed medicines- It is easy to find and prepare
- It has lesser side effects than drugs
- It not only cures the pain, but it also strengthens the immune system
- It targets the cause of the pain, not just alleviates the discomfort
- It enhances your mood and energy, making you feel healthier
- It lessens the hassle of going to and from the doctor’s office
It is economical, more affordable than prescribed medicines
8 Common home remedies
There are so many benefits that one can get from natural medicine, but sometimes, one herb works better than the other. Here are some of the most common and used herbal medicines that are tried-and-tested to be effective and potent.
Turmeric
This yellow ginger that originated in Asia is well-known for its outstanding capability to treat pain and inflammation. There have been several studies that showed a component of turmeric, called curcumin, to be much more effective in treating arthritic pain than an anti-inflammatory medication like diclofenac sodium (Voltaren). Although this Ayurvedic spice is a good choice for alleviating pain and inflammation, it should not be used if severe pain is felt and you need immediate relief. This home remedy is more often used as a supplement than an integral part of your pharmaceutical arsenal. What is best is take turmeric powder, tea, or other preparations even before having symptoms as a preventative and immune-boosting home remedy.
Chili pepper
If turmeric has curcumin, hot peppers have capsaicin. This component of several kinds of red hot chilis has been regarded as one of the most effective pain relief home remedies. Capsaicin alleviates the pain by making the body, or just a part, feel hot and then becoming numb from the discomfort. It is oftentimes used for muscle and joint pains.
Each chili pepper has a specific amount of capsaicin in them, so it is better to research on what pepper works best for a particular pain and body site.
Ginger
Do you know anyone who does not believe in the healing powers of ginger? Probably every one of us swears by its natural healing properties. For cough and colds, sore throat, nausea, or morning sickness for pregnant women, it is already a given to try and have some ginger tea to suppress any discomforting symptoms. Not only that, ginger is also known worldwide as one of the home remedies that are effective for pain and swelling relief. Ginger has, first and foremost, anti-inflammatory properties, so it combats pain and sensitivity by relieving swelling, much like what typical NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) would offer, but without the side effects!
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil has a component called 1,8-cineole, which may help relieve pain. Also called eucalyptol, this component has a morphine-like effect. This has been one of our pain relief weapons as our parents buy menthol-scented goods. From liniments like Vicks Vaporub, aromatherapy, to teas, eucalyptus and its mentholated properties surely ease pain, swelling, and tension of the body.
Ginkgo Biloba
A herbal extract derived from the leaves of the ginkgo plant from China, Ginkgo Biloba is another natural ingredient typically used in traditional medicine to treat memory loss and improve your concentration. Many traditional medicine professionals and nutrition analysts claim that this plant is great for general brain health as it is good to promote healthy blood circulation all over the body and brain.
Rosemary
A part of the mint family, rosemary is known to be part of the different spices we use for our food preparations, along with oregano, basil, thyme, and many more. However, this popular herb has also been recognized since ancient times for its medicinal properties. Rosemary was traditionally used to help alleviate muscle soreness, improve memory, boost the immune system and the body’s blood circulation, as well as promote hair growth.
Cranberry
Some studies have shown that drinking cranberry juice on a regular basis may help people avoid contracting urinary tract infections (UTIs). Cranberry juice contains specific nutrients that are used to stop bacteria like E.coli from infecting and damaging the lining of the urinary tract.
Clove
Are your teeth aching and keeping you up at night? You may have heard your dentist instruct you and use clove oil as a first-aid step. Clove oil is certainly a well-known traditional home treatment for toothache. That is because this natural medicine contains eugenol, a chemical ingredient that is used to relieve disconfort.
Home remedies are part of the alternative medicine that people have sworn upon to be effective and hassle-free. Because they can be easily found in your very own cupboards, pain relief is now within your reach. However, it is not all the time that you should rely on these natural home remedies. Try these options in conjunction with your prescribed medications, or consult your doctor to make sure that it is safe for you to use these herbs and spices to alleviate your symptoms, just to make sure that you are safe throughout your recovery.
