Medicine is a wonder. It saves, improves and prolongs lives and many of us couldn’t live without it.
However, there are also a number of wonderful natural remedies that have served us for centuries and are just as effective today.
Please note: it is important to seek medical advice if you have an existing medical condition or if your symptoms do not improve. The internet is a wonderful resource but never rely on it as a means of diagnosing or treating health problems.
Fish oil
Digested fish oil breaks down into hormonelike chemicals called prostaglandins, which reduce inflammation. Arthritis sufferers are often encouraged to add a fish oil supplement to their diet, and it has other health benefits, for example, cardio vascular health.
Arnica
This herb comes from a European flower; although its healing mechanism is still unknown, it does have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Taking oral homeopathic arnica decreases pain and swelling. Arnica can also apllied topically as a gel or ointment.
Tumeric
Tumeric is a highly coloured spice with anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. It can be found standardised in capsules, or you can add it regularly to cooking and drinks. It may be highly coloured, but it has a very delicate flavour – add it to salad dressings, warm water, and lemon juice or to rice dishes.
Ginger
Ginger settles digestive upsets and helps to reduce inflammation. Grate fresh ginger into hot water and honey for a delicious tea.
Onion
If you have a child with a sore ear in the middle of the night, an onion may be your best friend. Slice it finely, steam it (microwave is fine), wrap it in muslin and apply it to the ear. Its oils help draw out infection and pain, even if the child may object to the smell!
Garlic
Garlic has wonderful antiviral properties. In history, it was used to ward off evil spirits, but nowadays it is better recognised for its ability to fight viruses. Increase your intake of garlic when you feel a cold coming on. It can be added to salad dressings or roasted with vegetables. There are also odourless garlic capsules available at supermarkets and pharmacies.
Lemon
The humble lemon is packed with vitamin c and has been found to help fight viruses, purify your system and aid in weight loss.
Water
The elixir of life. Keep yourself hydrated. It helps shed your body of toxins, keep your brain sharp (a 3% decrease in hydration can affect brain function by up to 20%), assist in weight loss and reduce headaches.
Do your research
There are plenty of natural remedies sitting in your pantry. Investigate how you can keep yourself in optimal health, without consuming a chemical cocktail every day! Remember that maintaining a healthy weight and a positive outlook is one of the greatest things you can do for yourself – work on it every day.
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