Home Remedies for Healing
Here are a few we found but have not tested:
Natural cures are nothing new. So if you’re tired of reaching for the medicine cabinet for minor aches and pains, why not try a home remedy instead? Bear in mind, however, that these remedies are not meant to replace proper diagnosis and treatment. Limit them to everyday problems, like those listed below:
*Indigestion and bloating caused by gas
Drinking a mug of chamomile tea after a meal can help discomfort. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties, and inflammation is the cause of many gastrointestinal complaints. The herb soothes the smooth muscles lining the digestive tract, relieving irritation and upset.
Another idea: grate some ginger root, put it in a teapot, add boiling water and honey, then sip. Ginger root has been widely used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Its properties neutralize stomach acids, easing motion sickness, menstrual camps, nausea, and morning sickness.
But perhaps the simplest cure for gas? Drinking carbonated mineral water—it will make you burp, easing gas. Ginger ale combines bubbles with ginger, and is another traditional home remedy for upset stomachs.
*Minor burns
Get relief from minor burns to the skin by applying honey, then covering the area with a bandage. Honey has antibacterial and antifungal properties, and can help disinfect and speed the healing process in minor wounds, scrapes and burns.
Another time-honoured cure is aloe vera gel. Widely used in China, Egypt and Greece for thousands of years, this plant has antibiotic and astringent properties. It is also a coagulating agent (stops bleeding), pain inhibitor, cell growth stimulator and scar inhibitor. Scientists have identified a total of 70 active ingredients in the gel, including Vitamin B12.
*Cracked lips
These can be a real nuisance. Try baking soda applied to a wet toothbrush, which you rub over you lips to slough off the flaky skin. Finish by rubbing on olive oil, unsalted butter, honey, or aloe vera gel. You could also pierce a Vitamin E gel capsule and apply the oil to your lips, for nourishing moisture.
Studies have shown that caffeine can help ease a headache. Caffeine constricts blood vessels, which increase in size during a migraine or headache. Drinking a cup of coffee when you feel one coming on can nip it in the bud. Your best bet is taking a pain reliever with that coffee; the caffeine can increase the drug’s efficiency by 40 percent. Many over-the-counter headache drugs contain caffeine for this reason.
Another solution: lie down in a quiet, darkened room, eyes closed, for 20-30 minutes. Sounds good to us.
Chamomile tea and ginger root are your best bets. Ginger absorbs the stomach acids that cause heartburn, while chamomile‘s anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties work well, too.
Annoying as they may be, hiccups usually go away on their own. You could try a few natural remedies to get them to stop. The goal is to disrupt or overwhelm the nerve impulses causing the hiccups. That’s why smelling black peppercorns, or eating ice cream is recommended – these supposedly divert the nerve impulses, either through irritation or extreme cold.
Again, these cures are recommended for everyday problems and are not intended to treat serious illnesses. If you have persistent pain, consult your doctor immediately.
*Cough
Ease a cough by drinking warm milk and honey—some people add a dollop of butter, too. You can also try a spoonful of honey mixed with one of brandy. Honey has antibacterial properties that can kill the germs causing sore throats and irritations. It can also soothe your throat, providing temporary relief.
