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Whenever we feel a little ache or discomfort in any part of our body, it is common that we would reach into our medicine cabinets or drawers to find the right pain medication or pill to relieve them. This habit is understandable because most drugs are reliable and have been tried-and-tested to help you ease any ache. However, are you aware that you can actually find a safer and organic solution for your symptoms? Let us discover six natural remedies that you can use to treat common illnesses so you can stack up and live healthier!
Why should I choose natural remedies over pharmaceutical medicines?
Are you having second thoughts in using natural remedies instead of pills? You are not alone! Most of us who do not necessarily believe in the power of herbal medicines would doubt its efficiency. But let us give you some points on why you should choose them over your pharmaceutical option.
It has no side effects. With your tablets and pills, you have to get the right dosage, frequency, and indication or else you will feel side effects. Moreover, taking too much is definitely not advisable even to the safest over-the-counter medication because it will hurt your liver and kidneys. With natural remedies, however, you can consume as much as you like, anytime you need it without thinking about side effects.
It’s easy to use. Because you do not need to think about the correct dosage and frequency of taking herbal medicine, there is no need for you to note what time you took the first dose and when it is best to take the next. If you feel pain, just consume what you can and do it several times a day without limit.
It is effective. This traditional practice will not have lasted for centuries if it is not effective or sufficient. Each natural remedy stood the test of time because people who used it before swore by the relief they achieved in using these herbs.
It is cheap. You can find these common natural remedies in your pantry and kitchen cupboard! Use it in cooking, make it into a tea or an ointment, and voila! Goodbye pain!
Common ailments and the natural remedies to use
Headache
Herb of choice: Peppermint
Peppermint, a combination of mint and spearmint, is widely located in Europe and North America. Peppermint preparations like oil are often used as a flavoring agent, and they sometimes add a kick on desserts, too! But you can also apply peppermint oil to the skin to help ease a splitting headache. When it is directly applied to the skin, the peppermint oil can make the surface feel warm, which relieves pain beneath the skin. You can also use peppermint oil for problems with digestion, colds, itching, and muscle pain.
Joint and muscle pain
Herb of choice: Turmeric
Turmeric is also known as the yellow ginger. This bright yellow root crop widely used in India and China has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Anecdotal evidence shows it is useful in treating inflammation of the soft tissue in arthritis cases. Try a turmeric tea, or sprinkle it over your food when cooking. For joint and muscle pain, you can try drinking the tea before meals, so the effect is more potent and directed to soft-tissue soreness. Just like other natural remedies, turmeric also addresses several other body pains like tummy ache. So, taking turmeric with food would address the abdominal discomfort.
Urinary problems
Herb of choice: Cranberry
Who knew these delicious juice drink is a medicine! Studies showed that women experiencing symptoms of UTI who drank cranberry juice reduced the occurrence of developing a full-on infection. Scientists learned that there is an active component in cranberry that prevents the bacteria from sticking itself to our bladder walls, preventing the emergence of the disease. Of course, there are some who doubt the power of cranberry juice and tablets, saying that there are also studies that show drinking the juice did not significantly lower the chances of urinary tract infection. So what do doctors tell their patients? Drinking cranberry juice is always good, and is never bad. It would not hurt you, and it may help.
Vertigo
Herb of choice: Basil
Pesto — be it in pasta or as a spread, basil is a popular staple herb that you can find in kitchen cupboards of most households anywhere you are. But did you know that there is more to basil than just being delicious? Many people use this as an aromatherapy scent to reduce the symptoms of vertigo and headaches. Experiencing a brain drain? Use basil oil or fragrance to wake your mind up so you can improve your focus and enhance mental alertness and attention to detail. Not only that, but basil can also alleviate intestinal problems like abdominal spasms, gas, poor appetite, as well as acne, kidney problems, and poor blood circulation.
Nausea and morning sickness
Herb of choice: Ginger
Ginger may be one of the most popular herbal medicine there is in the world of natural remedies. It can cure so many body complaints. It helps solve indigestion, flu and colds, sore throat, and relieve menstrual pain, among many others. But it is also the herb used to combat nausea or morning sickness for pregnant women. Studies show that people who feel seasick during a boat ride took refuge in drinking ginger tea to alleviate their nausea and dizziness. Moreover, post-op or post-chemotherapy nausea and vomiting are also alleviated by drinking the tea.
Acid Reflux
Herb of choice: Apple Cider Vinegar
his natural remedy may sound contradictory, using an acidic substance for acid reflux, but let us explain. Acid reflux happens because the acid in the stomach rises to the esophagus, making us feel chest pain (called heartburn) and that sour taste in the mouth. Scientists learned one of the reasons this happens is because there is a lack of acid in the stomach. So, if you add acid, in the form of apple cider vinegar, into your system, it normalizes the acidity of the stomach, preventing reflux. This practice may not be useful to some patients with notable moderate to severe heartburns and ulcers because it would irritate the sores. Aside from relieving acid reflux, you can also use apple cider vinegar for blood sugar control and weight loss.
There are so many other natural remedies that you can try and test on your own? Cough and colds? Try honey! Earache problems and wound care? Garlic to the rescue! Insomnia? Try lavender oils! And so much more! Read more articles about herbal and natural remedies and try them for yourselves. We can assure you that you will surely feel relieved and healthy after.
