Use of natural remedies has gained popularity and is the best preferred way for treating various ailments. Advantages being many, as such treatments have minimal side-effects, are handy, cost-effective, organic with no added chemicals etc. Use of natural ingredients like herbs, fruits for treating various health related issues is opted by many for efficacy purposes also. The use of these home remedies can be dated back to several years. Because of their innumerable benefits; people rely on them and are using them till date to remain healthy.
The kitchen cabinet is a great place to start with, as you can find quick solutions for many of your problem.The main objective is to make use of the natural ingredients present in the foods and spices to target the antigen or foreign element which is the root-cause of the ailment, and relieve you from pain and discomfort. This approach seems more realistic rather than stuffing yourself with loads of chemicals present in synthetic drugs. Such drugs (say, antibiotics) can be used in chronic cases and are unnecessary to treat mild ailments. A wide range of side-effects become inevitable as a result of using such drugs. Research is on to explore the potential effects of various foods and different ways in which they can be used to derive maximum benefits.
Natural remedies that work
These remedies can be used to cure acne, gastric problems, vision problems, hair loss and the list is endless. The information is based on experiences with a few tried and tested remedies. These remedies are only effective if used consistently and in the initial stages of disease or ailment.
1. Acne
A mixture of neem tree leaves, fenugreek leaves with gram flour can be applied on the affected area on a regular basis. Improvement can be seen mainly because of the anti-bacterial properties of neem leaves. Paste made of Carom seeds (ajwain), aloe vera and garlic also cure acne to an extent. Tea-tree oil too is found to be effective because of its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
2. Dark circles around eyes
A very effective remedy is applying a grated mixture of cucumber and raw potato. It works wonders for treating dark circles.
3. Hot Flashes
Use of rattle or squaw root is indeed found to be benefiting for treating hot flashes due to the presence of a potent ingredient called ‘Remifemin’ in it.
4. Cold/Sinusitis
Inhalation of steam, to which a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus, has been added, is used by many and is very effective because it clears or thins out the mucus, reduces heaviness, ache near the head and congestion problems.
5. UTI’s (Urinary Tract Infections)
Many women have greatly benefited by drinking cranberry juice. The juice is rich in specific compounds which prevent the infection causing bacteria to attack the bladder. It helps to prevent such infections as well as reduce them.
6. Heartburn
Use ginger, aloe vera juice, turmeric, bananas for relief from heartburn or gastric re-flux.
7. PMS (Pre–Menstrual-Syndrome)
Have calcium rich foods especially dairy products, they reduce PMS symptoms to a great extent. As, symptoms like bloating, cramps, headache occurs due to deficiency of calcium, this mineral has been found to be very effective to treat PMS.
8. Dry Mouth
Herbs like celery, rosemary, fennel work wonders for treating Xerostomia. Cayenne pepper can also be used to treat dry mouth.
9. Bee Stings
Wet tobacco and place on the sting for a while for relief.
10. Sore throat
Ginger juice, honey, onion juice, cayenne pepper powder or crushed; all can be very effective for relief from sore throat.
Natural remedies which simply don’t work
1. Ear blockage with pain
Most people insist on using a few drops of coconut oil in to the affected ear for relief. This can further intensify the problem. Pain in majority of the cases is because of fungal infection, and using coconut oil further facilitates the fungus to thrive because of favorable conditions (wet, humid conditions). So, it is a strict no.
2. Yeast/Fungal infections
Use of yogurt for treating such infections simply does not work, even though many swear by this remedy; it might further increase the problem. Natural sugars present in yogurt provide a suitable or favorable medium for them to grow. So, it is better to follow the antibiotic route to target the specific microorganism, to reduce the terrible itchiness.
3. Heartburn
Using apple cider vinegar for heartburn, it simply does not work. It may be effective for treating other problems but does not treat heartburn.
4. Burns
Mayonnaise for burns is a strict no as it can worsen the condition by allowing bacteria to grow.
So, it is better to be informed about all the effective natural remedies which really work and which don’t – to better deal with unexpected circumstances in everyday life. Effective natural remedies can definitely be used for treating mild infections and other ailments.
