Before you contact the pharmacy for your next minor ailment, why not go staright to your kitchen cupboard or refrigerator and get a little help from nature's own "farmacy". Here are my favourite natural kitchen remedies that can be useful for various common ailments:
Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help alleviate nausea and motion sickness.
Add choppeed ginger to hot water or use in cooking to add zing.
2. Honey
Honey has antibacterial properties and can soothe irritated throats.
Add honey to hot drinks or pour over plain yoghurt.
3. Turmeric
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Use turmeric in cooking or add to juices with ginger, citrus and carrot.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can help with digestion and improve gut health due to its acetic acid content.
Add apple cider to salad dressings or add a tablespoon to warm water.
4. Garlic
Garlic has antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties due to its sulfur compounds.
Cook with garlic or even eat it raw if you dare (add some parsley to reduce bad breathe).
5. Cinnamon
Cinnamon can help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
Cinnamon is great in baked goods, Greek style cooking and also in hot drinks like coffee or hot cocoa.
6. Baking Soda or Bicarb
Baking soda neutralizes stomach acid, providing relief from heartburn and indigestion.
Add a teaspoon to water when needed.
7. Cucumber
Cucumbers have a cooling effect and can reduce swelling and puffiness around the eyes. They also act as an effective diuretic.
Place cucumber slices over the eyes and for internal use add to salads or juices.
8. Salt Water
Salt water helps clean and heal mouth sores by reducing inflammation and bacteria.
Add about a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water and gargle or swish in the mouth.
9. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer with antibacterial properties. Holding coconut oil in the mouth for 10 minutes (also called oil pulling) can help sooth irritated gums.
Take about two tablespoons and let it melt in your mouth and hold for at least 10 minutes before spitting out. Adding coconut oil to a bath is a great way to soften the skin.
10.
Potatoes
Potatoes have anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe minor burns when applied directly to the skin.
Simply halve a potato and place the wet end onto the affected area or secure slices onto the skin with some plastic wrap.
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