Traditional home remedies have often been passed down through generations, from grandparents and community elders to younger people. If you have previously dismissed these remedies as old wives’ tales, you may be surprised – your food cupboard has healing properties similar to your medical cabinet!
Several positive aspects of natural remedies include limited side effects, affordability, and ease of getting the ingredients needed. Here are a few essentials.
1. Sore Throats – Salt Water
In addition to being effective and affordable, home remedies can be easier and more convenient to prepare for a parent with a sick child than going to the pediatrician’s office and then to a pharmacy. For example, most home remedies for sore throat in kids use easy-to-find ingredients that you’re likely to already have at home.
We’ll start with the most straightforward and affordable home remedy – salt. Salt is an essential part of the diet but can also help to clean wounds and relieve soreness.
Dissolving some salt in warm water and encouraging your child to gargle it will help. It acts as a disinfectant. Combined with painkillers, good hydration, and rest, this is often the best way to help your child through a sore throat without having to visit the doctor.
2. Inflammation – Turmeric
If you’ve got sore joints, it might be time to reach for your spice cupboard. Turmeric has been used to help control inflammation and medical conditions that have inflammation as a symptom, like arthritis or fibromyalgia. The inflammation in joints that you often use, like the knee or elbow, is what causes pain and stiffness in patients.
This is because of the high concentration of curcuminin the plant. Studies have suggested that curcumin might be as effective as an anti-inflammatory drug that a doctor would prescribe.
Turmeric can be included alongside other healthy spices like black pepper in a light chicken or vegetable broth for a warming treat that makes your joints feel better. Just be careful not to spill it – turmeric has a habit of staining anything it touches.
3. Indigestion & Nausea – Ginger
Ginger can be helpful with a multitude of stomach conditions, including nausea, indigestion, and diarrhea. One of the most effective ways to consume ginger is to grate some fresh ginger root into a cup of hot black or green tea.
Gingercan also be sliced or grated into many delicious dishes – you don’t need to put time aside to take medicine if it’s a staple part of your diet. Many South Asian and Southeast Asian dishes use ginger as a major ingredient, so this is a great time to expand your cooking repertoire!
4. Anxiety – Lavender
Lavender essential oils and teas can help with mental health issues like anxiety. The signature smell of the purple flowers helps combat stress and is sometimes used to help treat anxiety.
Lavender oil is often sprinkled on duvets or pillows to improve sleep, but you can also enjoy lavender in tea or as a garnish on many foods. French and Italian cuisines use lavender as a seasoning herb, while a warm cup of lavender tea before bed is a pleasant-tasting and aromatic way to settle in for the evening.
Final Thoughts
Experimenting with home remedies can lead you to find effective ways to cure common ailments that you may come to like more than taking traditional medications. While it’s always best practice to contact your physician if you believe something is seriously wrong, it’s time to consider how your spice cupboard can keep you healthy in the long run.