There’s no shortage of chemical laden over-the-counter remedies aimed at providing relief to symptoms that, for hundreds of years, have been treated holistically.If you are like most natural remedy skeptics, your doubt is enforced (even created!) by the barrage of advertising you encounter every day courtesy of Tylenol, Advil, Pfizer and countless other mega-drug corporations that spend millions in an effort to keep you coming back for more. While there is merit to turning to a bottle for symptom alleviation, there’s also something to be said for turning to some of the earth’s most natural health remedies.
Here are a few natural health remedies you need to consider before opting for a chemical solution.
Flickr Photo: mcfarlandmo
Natural Health Remedies to Alleviate Symptoms, Pain
1. The top herbal remedy, and one of the most well-known in modern society, is the use of aloe vera for burns, whether the minor burns occur as a result of sun exposure or a kitchen accident. The actual aloe vera leaf is the most effective, rather than store-bought products, and the potted plant is simple to maintain with water. The gel from the inside of the leaf eases the pain of the burn and expedites healing. Other very well-known remedies are cranberry juice for bladder infections, and echinacea is a commonly used as a preventative remedy for colds and the flu.
2. Menopause can be one of the roughest times in a woman’s life, but black cohosh has been proven, via a recent German study, that it is one of the most effective treatments for hot flashes. And for those who haven’t reached the menopausal stage but suffer from premenstrual pains, chaste tree has been shown to ease PMS after taken for at least three months.
3. Boswellia, also known as frankincense, is not one of the better known natural health remedies proven effective in treating arthritis pain and joint injuries and reducing swelling. Evening primrose oil is often used as an anti-inflammatory for rheumatoid arthritis, as well as the lowering of cholesterol levels. And for bone pain and degeneration that comes with osteoporosis, flaxseed can be a healthy alternative to hormone replacements. Feverfew is also a less commonly known herb but can be helpful in reducing the frequency of migraine headaches.
4. Then there are natural health remedies that are common drinks. Chamomile, most often used in tea, is known to assist digestion by smoothing muscles and calming stomach inflammation. Coffee, on the other hand, is often recognized for its caffeine and included in lists of items to remove from diets, but it can be helpful for quite a few conditions, such as pain relief (by blocking the perception of pain), and as a decongestants for colds, flu, and asthma (by opening bronchial tubes). In addition, the caffeine in coffee is good for athletic stamina, as shown by Korean researchers. – Source
5. Ginger tea and raw honey are another two examples of excellent natural health remedies. Both work effectively to break up chest congestion and loosen phlegm. It strengthens the immune system and acts as a natural antihistamine. – Source
Flickr Photo: Heatherbroster
Granted, you will always run into those who doubt natural health remedies, but the truth is – most of them already use natural remedies without knowing it. Anyone who drinks herbal tea or puts aloe vera on burns is taking advantage of nature’s healing power. Don’t let the skeptics get the best of you.
Looking to tackle those springtime allergies with natural health remedies? Take a look at this video to learn how natural remedies can improve your immune defense.