8 Home Remedies You Need to Know About: From the Comfort of Your Kitchen

8 Home Remedies You Need to Know About

At some point we have probably all tried a home remedy. Whether it be herbal teas to try and shake a cold, plant-based remedies to help us sleep or essential oils to dull a headache, sometimes the option to try a natural home remedy outweighs the desire to go to your doctor or health practitioner. For marginalised communities, home remedies act as cultural gatekeepers, as remedies are passed on generationally- and they are often a moment of pride. Without the preservation of these practices, the confidence the Western World possessed in regard to home remedy healing would otherwise be lost. Although it is unclear whether home remedies offer any actual physiological benefits or are simply a placebo effect, here are 8 remedies to remember from we buy any home, using items found around your home. However, it is important to remember that home remedies are not a replacement for a health professionals’ opinion or treatment,

1- Turmeric for Inflammation and Pain:

Ongoing for almost 4,000 years, turmeric is primarily used in South Asia as part of Ayuvedic medicine. Several studies have found that curcumin is responsible for creating the “wow” factor in turmeric. Effective for relieving back pain, and arthritis, turmeric is said to have the same pain relief results as ibuprofen. Whatever you do- don’t grind turmeric as it will stain. Consuming ½ to 1 ½ tsp of turmeric should provide noticeable benefits in four to eight weeks- all from the comfort of your kitchen!

2- Garlic vs. The Common Cold:

Garlic functions as a natural anti-microbial. The bulb of the garlic, which holds a pungent smell, can help you avoid catching the common cold or failing that, eases its symptoms. Allicin, which is the key component kills off bacteria and viruses.

3- Lavender for Migraine and Anxiety:

Lavender can aid with migraine attacks, headaches, anxiety or feelings of distress. Either drinking lavender tea or keeping a satchel of lavender close by during times of high stress is a way to relax the body and mind. Alternatively, lavender essential oil works just as efficiently, and has even been noted to relieve premenstrual syndrome symptoms (PMS).

4- Baking Soda for Whiter Teeth:

A popular remedy for a home approach to teeth whitening is to use baking soda and toothpaste. Simply place a small bit of toothpaste into a bow, add baking soda and water and mix thoroughly. Begin to brush your teeth for two minutes and remember to do it twice a week until you have your desired tooth colour.

5- Avocados to Relieve Constipation:

As avocados contain magnesium, which is a mineral that acts as a laxative by drawing water into the intestinal tract- avocados are a great way to relieve constipation. However, this might sound off-putting if you aren’t a fan of avocados, so perhaps mixing into a smoothie with berries and almond milk will be much tastier.

6- Carrot Compress for Stings and Bites:

Finely grate a carrot, wrap the pulp in thin paper or a cloth and place on the swollen area for 20 minutes. After storing in the fridge, repeat the process four times in 24 hours- and watch the inflammation and swelling from the insect bite or sting become reduced and dried out.

7- Honey as an Acne Saviour:

There’s nothing to ruin the morning quite like waking up with a blemish. If this is the case, then honey is your savior. Simply dab a bit of honey on the blemish and leave it on all day- even under makeup. As honey works as an antiseptic, it helps to stop the growth of bacteria that causes breakouts.

8- Ice, Ice…Bruises:

Getting a bruise can leave an ugly mark but making a DIY ice pack can help reduce discoloration and pain. Simply mix 3 parts water and 1 part rubbing alcohol in a resealable bag and freeze. As the solution will remain slushy, it will be easier to mould around bruises and decrease the bruise itself and any discomfort.