9 Home remedies that works

Nausea

Ginger is all you need to treat an upset stomach.

Remedy: Ginger is highly effective for all types of stomach upsets – from motion sickness to morning sickness (safe for pregnant women) – and can be used in a variety of ways. If you’re feeling ill, you can take several capsules of powdered ginger at a time (up to 25 capsules a day) with a little warm water. Sucking on a small piece of ginger during the day is another way to get your dosage. Or you can drink ginger tea.

To make ginger tea:
1. Simmer 1 to 2 t chopped fresh ginger in 1 cup water, in a covered pot for 10 minutes.
2. Strain and sweeten.
3. Drink small amounts throughout the day.

The proof: A controlled study in Germany found that ginger is more effective at relieving motion sickness than a prescription drug commonly prescribed for that malady.

Gum disease

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss or if they’re red and inflamed, you may have gum disease. Gums will become irritated and swollen due to a plaque or calculus (tartar) build-up. Here’s a simple remedy to wipe out gingivitis-causing bacteria.

Remedy: Making your own antimicrobial mouth rinse is simple. Make a strong tea by pouring two cups boiling water over two tablespoons of dried peppermint, spearmint, or rosemary, or a combination of the three herbs. Cover, and steep overnight. Strain, and add one teaspoon myrrh tincture, a natural preservative. Store in a glass bottle and shake well before gargling. If you use about two tablespoons twice a day, this will last about a week.

The proof A study at New York University College of Dentistry found that herbal mouthwashes and toothpastes kill more germs than conventional brands, and in some instances are as effective as prescription oral hygiene products.

Sunburn

When it comes to sunburn, prevention is the best medicine. But if you do get burnt, minimise the damage with these suggestions:

Remedy 1: During summer months or whenever you’re going to get a lot of sun, take daily doses of vitamin A (in the form of beta carotene, 10 000 to 20000 IU), vitamin C (500 to 1 000 mg), and vitamin E (400 to 800 IU).

Remedy 2: Aloe vera cools and soothes even the most tender skin. Keep a small aloe plant growing in your home or garden; slice off leaves as you need them and apply the inner gel to your skin. If you need a large quantity of aloe gel – when treating severe sunburn, for example – you can make up a batch of fresh aloe gel and keep it in the refrigerator. When chilled, it’s doubly effective for soothing burns.

To make fresh aloe vera gel:
1. Slice off an aloe vera leaf, peel it, and place in a blender.
2. For every quarter cup of aloe vera leaf, add 500mg powdered vitamin C, 400 IU vitamin E, and 1/4 t lavender essential oil.
3. Blend thoroughly and apply several times a day to burns, as well as cuts, wounds, and other skin irritations. Stored in a clean glass jar and refrigerated, this mixture will stay fresh for a couple of months.

The proof: Research has found that antioxidant nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E neutralise cell-damaging free radicals. They help prevent harmful effects, from premature ageing to cancer. Studies have shown that aloe speeds the healing of wounds and burns and also fights infection.

Hair loss

This remedy encourages hair growth and improves the condition of your hair and scalp.

Remedy: In a dark glass bottle, combine one teaspoon each of rosemary essential oil, basil essential oil, and lavender essential oil. Mix five drops of this mixture with one teaspoon of aloe vera gel and massage it into your scalp. Leave it in for a few hours before shampooing.

The proof: Research in Scotland found that massaging your scalp with essential oils can stimulate hair growth.

Hay fever

Thousands of people in South Africa live with nasal allergies like hay fever, but help is at hand.

Remedy: Eat foods that are naturally rich sources of the bioflavonoid quercetin, such as apples, citrus fruits, purple and yellow onions, and buckwheat. Aim for at least two servings of quercetin-rich foods daily. Or take concentrated quercetin in capsules, 200 to 500mg twice daily between meals. For best results, boost your intake of quercetin about a month before the start of allergy season and continue it throughout.

The proof: Many studies have found that quercetin inhibits the release of histamine, the inflammatory compound primarily responsible for the symptoms of hay fever.

High cholesterol

The SA Medical Research Council estimates that a staggering five million people have high cholesterol levels, and are at risk of heart disease. While many conventional doctors prescribe medications to lower blood cholesterol levels, simple dietary changes are often enough.

Remedy: Eat at least one and a half cups of cooked oatmeal daily. And remember, oatmeal doesn’t have to be boring to be healthy – liven it up with blueberries, bananas, and walnuts, or whatever suits your taste.

The proof: In the early ’90s researchers found that oatmeal absorbs excess cholesterol in the intestinal tract and sweeps it out of the body.

Colds and flu

Whether you’re trying to avoid getting sick or you’ve already caught a bug, here are two ways to shake it off.

Remedy 1: During cold and fl u season, eat one to two cloves of raw garlic daily. If you want to access the antimicrobial properties of garlic, most experts believe you must eat it raw! You can disguise the sharp, biting flavour by adding finely chopped, fresh garlic to baked potatoes, pasta dishes, and soups just before serving. Or try a sweet and spicy garlic salad dressing. The sweetness tones down the sharpness of the garlic without sacrificing any of its immune-enhancing properties.

Remedy 2: Inhaling plain steam will open clogged nasal and sinus passages, but adding herbs such as thyme or peppermint will help cleanse the lungs by promoting mucus expulsion.

The proof: Researchers in the US and China have shown that garlic not only kills cold and fl u viruses, but also strengthens the immune system. For gene rations, doctors have recommended warm steam to relieve congestion and ease laboured breathing; and numerous studies have confirmed that steam inhalations can open clogged nasal passages.

To make 3 to 4 servings of a sweet and spicy garlic salad dressing:
1. Combine 2 T extra-virgin olive oil, 1 T flaxseed oil, 1 t honey mustard, 1 t honey, and a pinch of sea salt in a small bowl.
2. Whisk in 2 T lemon juice, 2 T orange juice, and 4 cloves finely minced garlic.

Insomnia

Lying awake all night worrying that you can’t sleep? Try this:

Remedy: Experts believe a warm bath will make you drowsy by drawing blood away from the brain and towards the skin’s surface. Add eight drops of lavender essential oil to a tubful of warm water, and disperse it through the water with a few strokes of your hand. (For variety, you can replace two of the lavender drops with two of ylang-ylang essential oil, which also has relaxing properties.)

The proof: According to research published in the Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, a warm bath (about 38C) can induce drowsiness, even in people suffering from sleeplessness.

Depression

While prescription antidepressants have their place, you can take steps to restore balance to your life before they’re needed.

Remedy 1: A brisk 45-minute walk stimulates your body to produce endorphins, natural mood-elevating chemicals. Try it the next time you feel emotionally stuck, and practice preventive mental health care by taking a walk every day.

Remedy 2: St John’s Wort might help: Take 300mg of a standardised extract (containing 0,3% hypercin and 3% hyperforin) three times daily. Allow six weeks for the herb to begin working, and be diligent with the sunscreen as St John’s Wort can also make your skin sun-sensitive.

The proof: Dozens of studies have found that exercise is one of the best ways to lessen mild to moderate depression. In a review of 315 studies done over an eight-year period, published in Comprehensive Psychiatry, researchers confirmed that St John’s Wort is an effective treatment for mild cases of depression