The high cost of medicine has sent many of scrambling to find cheaper, alternative cures for minor ailments. That quest has led us back to the tried and true home remedies used by our grandparents before the advent of modern medicine. Next time you are afflicted with heartburn, poison ivy or common aches and pains, try some of these first aid remedies straight from your kitchen.
Heartburn
Everyone experiences occasional or chronic heartburn, and regardless of how often the burning symptoms hit, put the fire out fast with one of these home remedies. Mix one-half teaspoon of baking soda in a small glass of water and drink. The baking soda will neutralize stomach acid and stop the burn.
Sprinkle a little black pepper on food to stop heartburn before it starts. Black pepper stimulates the production of stomach acids which protect the digestive system and prevent heartburn and acid indigestion.
Poison Ivy
Time spent outdoors can yield a red, itchy skin rash that is difficult to get rid of, unless you know this home remedy. Make a paste with one teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of white vinegar. Apply the paste to the poison ivy rash and let dry. Re-apply as needed.
Aches and Pains
A little bay leaf goes a long way in both flavoring food and reducing aches and pains like headaches and joint pain. Bay leaves have also been shown to help aid digestion, regulate insulin, improve heart function and help prevent some types of cancer. Just add a couple bay leaves to recipes several times per week to reap the curative benefits.
PMS
Cinnamon is a natural anti-inflammatory which helps relieve monthly menstrual pain and reduces symptoms of PMS, like irritability and fatigue. Cinnamon also inhibits the production of prostaglandins, the chemicals that cause menstrual cramps. Just sprinkle some cinnamon on a favorite food to reap the benefits of this kitchen remedy.
Stress Relief
An effective kitchen remedy to relieve stress are tiny celery seeds, available in fresh or dried form and also found in vegetable juice. Celery seeds have been shown to reduce the level of stress hormone in the body and help loosen tense muscles. Celery seeds are frequently recommended by physicians as a natural diuretic that helps flush excess fluids and toxins from the body.
Colds
Grab a clove of garlic from the kitchen and add to recipes to kill viruses and bacteria that cause colds and other respiratory infections. Eating one clove of garlic per day, raw or cooked, or taking a daily garlic supplement can significantly reduce the number of times you get a cold or flu and speed recovery when battling a respiratory infection.
Mental Sharpness
Sage is a simple kitchen spice which has been proven to help you stay mentally sharp. Sage prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, the naturally occurring brain chemical which is essential for making new memories. A little sage added to recipes helps you retain knowledge and improves memory recall skills.
| Author Pam Johnson is a nurse who has made a living in first aid. She has found these home remedies from her years of experience in health care. She obtained her degree from one of the Top 10 Best Online BSN to MSN Degree Programs |
Disclaimer:
From time-to-time we have guest bloggers post on our site.The views, opinions and positions expressed within these guest posts are those of the author alone and do not represent those of Blue Horizon Development, LLC dba Precise Portions. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. Please seek your medical providers’ counsel to validate any claims that you might be concerned about. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The copyright of this content belongs to the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with them.