As I’m sure you know, the American pharmaceutical industry is huge, and carries on growing as everyone becomes more conscious of their health. Although modern science has done some great things, it’s understandable that a lot of people want to substitute all those pills and syrups for something more natural. Here, I’ve listed some common health problems with great natural remedies.
Menstrual Cramps
Traditional Chinese medicine, despite having more than a couple of holes in it, got a few things right that are still relevant to this day. Ginger has been used for pain relief in China for over 2000 years, and an increasing number of modern westerners are discovering why! A healthy dose of raw ginger can improve your body’s blood flow, and reduce inflammation in your muscles, including the ones in the uterus, which is where pesky menstrual cramps stem from. One study found that gram-for-gram, ginger can be just as effective as store-bought ibuprofen when it comes to relieving period pain. Brew up some warming ginger tea, and see if it makes your time of the month more bearable.
Ear Ache
From Flickr
Spring may be on its way, but a lot of us aren’t out of the woods yet! The cold weather, and all the coughs and sneezes that come with it, can often lead to painful ear infections and terrible pain. Luckily, this is one condition that has many home remedies. Applying heat is one of the most effective home remedies for relieving the pain that comes with an ear infection. Leaving a small throw pillow against a turned-up radiator for a while, and pressing it firmly against your ear until it cools, can do wonders for the pain. You can find some more great solutions through this video series from Home Remedy Shop.
Eczema
If you or someone in your family suffers from eczema, you’ll have some idea of how irritating and painful it can be. Though a lot of people aren’t aware of it, you can soothe that reddened, flaky skin with a popular breakfast food! Oatmeal is packed with phytochemicals, which have great anti-inflammatory properties. To apply this solution, take about a 3rd cup of plain oatmeal, blend it into a fine powder, pour it into a bath of lukewarm water, and then stir it until it’s a thick, milky color. Lie in this for a while, and you’ll start to feel the soothing properties almost instantly.
Cucumbers for Puffy Eyes
Yes, you’ll look a bit silly, but laying a couple of cold cucumber slices on your eyes is a miracle cure for sore, puffy eyes. This age-old beauty trick will cause your blood vessels to constrict, thereby reducing inflammation. Using an ice-pack might look a little less ridiculous, but cucumbers actually work better! Due to them fitting the contours of your eye sockets perfectly, they’ll be much more thorough at reducing the swelling, and getting your eyes back to their healthy, good-looking state.
If you’re suffering from any of these conditions, try using a home remedy instead of going to the drug store!