Natural remedies and what Grandma knew

Natural remedies have helped people get healthy for centuries. They are not alternative medicine. They are the original medicine. Before antibiotics, before pain killer tablets, before medicinal drugs. They were what Grandma knew and used for cold, pain and fever. Funny thing is that most of the time they worked!

Natural remedies for pains in you joints was that yellow turmeric which has the active ingredient called curcumin. It reduces joint pain and inflammation and sometimes works better than some medications. There are many studies that show how curcumin can help with arthritis, pain and quality of life. Good thing is there are no negative side effects but you must be consistent and take it regularly. Daily you can also add it to curries and other dishes or take it as a supplement.

Muscle pain, strains and joint pain

Muscle strain can be an occasional ache or as a chronic condition as back pain or fibromyalgia. Hydrotherapy is a natural remedy that can help soothe both body and spirit. You don’t need to go to a spa, you can do it in your own bathroom. All you need is hot water, cold water and magnesium chloride or Epsom salts. All you need to do is run yourself a warm bath and add two cups of Epsom salts. Thermal mineral water contains important minerals, including calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. In just 20 minutes it can soothe inflammation linked to pain. It works for relaxing stiff, aching muscles and increases blood flow to the area. Finish with a cold shower to get that therapeutic boost. Just two minutes under cold water can increase blood flow, lymphatic circulation and boost your immunity.

Some minor injuries, like pulled muscles or mild impact causing swelling, can be treated by applying an ice pack. Ice is normally used for recent acute injuries where swelling is present. On the other hand ice packs reduce swelling and pain for a twisted ankle and can slow bleeding into your tissues that causes bruising. This also needs you to elevate and rest the swollen area. Remember to apply the ice pack straight away and to use a towel to wrap the ice pack not place it directly onto your skin. Keep an eye on the area and if the skin turns pink remove the ice pack and don’t leave it on longer than for 30 minutes at a time.

Natural remedies for colds, flu’s, stuffy noses and allergies

There are many natural remedies for colds, flu, sinus and allergies. Tea can help you get over a cold or flu faster. Green tea has antiviral components. Also Echinacea is good for all of these ailments. Add honey to your tea for taste and healing. Add lemon juice for extra vitamin C and anti-inflammatory effects. If you have a stuffy nose eucalyptus can also be effective. Eucalyptus has anti-inflammatory properties that help the airway clear. Just add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a humidifier or add fresh eucalyptus leaves or 10 to 12 drops of essential oil to a bowl of steaming water with a towel placed over your head while you breathe in deeply.

A neti pot is another natural remedy that cleanses sinus passages.  You use it by putting warm saline solution in the neti pot using distilled water. The place the spout against each nostril, with your head slightly tilted, pour the water into each nostril while breathing through your mouth. The water will flow out your opposite nostril, taking with it debris and pollen that clog sinus cavities and cause irritation. Neti pots must be used regularly to adjust to the routine and keep pollen away but should not be used too often.

Odour issues

Apple cider vinegar is great natural remedy for all different kinds of odours. It has powerful anti fungal and antimicrobial properties. It’s high in acid which makes it great for halitosis known as bad breath. Just add ½ tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a cup of pure water and gargle for 10 seconds each time until the cup is empty. Make sure you swish it to the back of your cheeks and into your upper and lower gum line, this will help to remove odour causing bacteria. For underarms wipe your underarm area each morning with undiluted apple cider vinegar on a cloth or cotton ball before spraying a natural deodorant. If you have bad foot odour fill a pan with warm water and add 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar then soak your feet soak for 15 minutes a week.

Stomach ache

Black seed is a great natural remedy for gastritis or inflammation of the stomach lining. A spoonful of ground black seed and honey, three times a day after meals will help. It may be a good idea to make black seed a regular additive to your diet as it has added benefits such as lipid lowering effects on hypercholesterolemia otherwise known as high cholesterol.

Natural remedies have been part of our life for centuries. If you want a toxic free, healthy environment start doing some research into what natural remedies are best for what ails you. Here’s some information on herbs for stress in last months article I wrote https://www.wellbeing.com.au/body/health/herbs-for-stress-relief.html.

Enlist the help of a trusted naturopath or nutritionist, herbalist, homeopath, acupuncturist or the like and let them take you on a journey into a more wholesome lifestyle where you can live to a ripe old age in harmony with the planet around you.