Besides laughter, natural medicine can treat varied health conditions, from menstrual cramps, nutritional deficiencies to depression and colds. They are extremely useful once you know what health conditions you have.
There are natural health remedies available for almost every medical condition. Before you go for the over-the-counter solutions, it helps to establish if there are natural remedies that are effective in treating your condition. However, it’s essential to seek the advice of your naturopath first before attempting any line of treatment.
The following are nine natural remedies for most common ailments. They are a great addition to the usual teas, ointments and supplements.
1. Cranberries (for Urinary Tract)
A daily intake of cranberries is one of the best natural health remedies that protects you against Urinary Tract infection (UTI). This is because cranberries contain a compound known as proanthocyanidins, which prevents E.coli, a bacteria that’s responsible for triggering UTIs. Proanthocyanidins prevent the E.coli bacteria from attaching itself to the bladder walls and effectively stops UTI.
Taking enough water every day also helps. Cranberries by themselves won’t cure you if you already have UTI. However, consistently taking them can prevent future infections. According to medical studies, about 20% of women with UTI infections will contract another one. Taking a glass or two of 20% pure cranberry juice is a great preventive measure.
2. Apples (for Heartburn)
To stay away from heartburn, keep off trigger foods such as beef that’s high in fat, soda, and fried foods. Instead, make sure you have apples in your diet. This highly nutritious fruit contains pectin, a soluble fibre that’s especially effective at absorbing stomach acid.
Besides, apples contain malic and tartaric acids, which work hard to push back juices that attempt to flow out of your stomach towards your mouth. Go for organic golden or red apples, which are sweet and, therefore, alkaline. They restore pH balance by working at a cellular level.
3. Ginger (for Menstrual Cramps)
Ginger has been used in Chinese traditional medicine for over 2000 years. This tuber is known to improve blood flow and reduce muscle inflammation, including muscles in the uterus that are the epicentre of cramps.
Preliminary studies in the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine indicate that ginger is as effective as ibuprofen in relieving periods’ pain. Therefore, taking a cup of warm ginger tea could make PMS more bearable.
4. Calcium-rich foods (for PMS)
On average, 85% of menstruating women experience at least one PMS symptom every month, some of which include mood swings, irritability, menstrual cramps, headaches, etc.
Studies have shown that PMS affects people with lower blood calcium levels more than those who don’t. An adult should consume 1000 Milligrams of calcium a day. Food sources rich in calcium include broccoli, sardines, green leafy vegetables, almonds and dairy products.
5. Prunes (for Constipation)
Prunes are good natural health remedies that contain dihydrophenylisatin and sorbitol, substances that act as natural laxatives. With time, they work better than over-the-counter constipation solutions.
Prunes also contain a key nutrient known as insoluble fibre, which helps in fighting constipation. Since the insoluble fibre doesn’t dissolve in water, it adds to the bulk of the waste. It is therefore ejected through the digestive tract. Take one prune a day and bump it up to two if there is no improvement.
6. Oatmeal (for Eczema)
This is a nutritious breakfast food that also serves as one of the best natural health remedies. Oatmeal can help to calm inflamed, itchy skin. It comes loaded with phytochemicals, which contain anti-inflammatory properties, and is great for soothing rashes.
To deal with eczema, using a blender, fine-grind a third of a cup of non-flavoured plain oatmeal to prepare a soothing bath. Next, mix the powder with lukewarm water, stirring evenly using your hands to obtain a milky colour. Alternatively, mix a quarter cup of oatmeal and water to come up with a paste. Apply the paste directly to your skin for ten minutes.
7. Cucumbers (for Puffy Eyes)
These natural health remedies might look strange, covering your eyes with cold cucumber. However, this traditional beauty practice reduces puffiness. Comprised of 95% water, cucumbers give your puffy eyes a soothing sensation as the cold temperature constricts your blood vessels, reducing inflammation. This perhaps explains why cucumbers are more effective than ice packs.
To reduce swelling, cut the cucumber into slices, so they fit the contours of your eyes perfectly. Let them sit for ten minutes, and you will soon be sporting fresh-looking eyes.
8. Sugar (for Hiccups)
Your diaphragm experiences a series of spasms every time you hiccup. However, you can trick your body into ignoring or stopping this reaction? You can do this by inserting a teaspoon of sugar beneath your tongue. The resulting sweet sensation is enough to activate the vagus nerve.
This is the most extensive cranial nerve that extends from your brain stem to the diaphragm that controls your stomach. The trick is to make sure the sugar stays under your tongue until the hiccups stop; then, to fill the back of your throat with even more sensation, swallow it.
9. Nettle and Bee Pollen (for Allergies)
These natural health remedies are effective in combating and preventing allergies. These natural plant foods and extracts provide relief to allergies, just as antihistamines do. Antihistamines block histamine activity, a protein that sets off allergy symptoms, such as itchy eyes, a scratchy throat, and sneezing.
