Whether you want to treat a wound or deep condition your hair, you’d be surprised how many beneficial ingredients are currently sitting in your kitchen. The truth is, natural products are derived from ingredients found in nature. They are extracted from flowers, herbs, seeds, nuts and more.
Home remedies offer healing and health-boosting properties. They are ideal for both internal and external use. Have a sore throat? There’s a natural remedy for that. Suffering from bad acne? You guessed it — you can skip drug store products and look to your kitchen cabinets and fridge instead.
It’s recommended that every household stock up on some key ingredients that are not only cost effective. but highly beneficial in terms of your overall health. These solutions offer properties as nature intended, reducing your exposure to toxins and chemicals.
Related: Must-Haves For Your Natural Medicine Cabinet
Home remedies in your kitchen
My friends often think I’m a bit odd, especially when I’m chomping on raw garlic cloves or shooting apple cider vinegar when I’m ill. But hey, at the end of the day, what they choose to ignore could actually harm them in the long run. From rashes to minor infections, there are natural cures that are likely sitting in your kitchen right now.
1. Ginger
Ah, ginger, a common addition to my morning green tea. Being used throughout Chinese medicine for thousands of years, ginger has been shown to improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
Rich in vitamins and minerals, ginger offers a wide range of properties — antifungal, antispasmodic, anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antiseptic and antibacterial. Whether you want to settle an upset tummy or treat morning sickness, ginger is an excellent all-natural remedy that tastes great as well — it’s a win-win. Plus, when that time of the month comes around for us ladies, ginger can help naturally soothe your uterus.
2. Cranberries
More than 50 percent of all women will experience at least one urinary tract infection in their lifetime, leading to painful symptoms. Although cranberries will not necessarily treat an infection that has already developed, it’s believed that they can prevent recurrence.
This is significant. Approximately 20 percent of women who have had a UTI will contract another in the future. Cranberries offer your body proanthocyanidins, compounds which help fight off bacteria. They also prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of your bladder. Drink unsweetened, real cranberry juice on a regular basis to protect your bladder and kidneys.
3. Raw honey
Unlike the translucent honey you often find at the supermarket, raw honey has not been processed, resulting in a much higher nutritional value. Offering a vast history, honey has been used for centuries for medicinal, cosmetic, spiritual and culinary purposes. It offers antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also an ideal solution for sore throats, burns, wounds, coughs and much more.
4. Oatmeal
For those of you who suffer from eczema, you know that inflamed skin is anything but fun. By reducing inflammation, oatmeal is able to both moisturize and reduce itching. Although you can most certainly grind some plain oatmeal and pour it into your bath, a paste is just as effective. Simply mix around 1/3 cup of oatmeal with distilled water. Apply the paste directly to your skin and leave it on for 15 minutes.
5. Prunes
Once again, I was a freak of nature. As a kid, my mom had to limit my intake of prune juice — I loved it so much. Although odd, I was doing my body a world of good. Natural plum juice is packed with fiber. Of course, increased fiber intake is ideal when aiming to improve constipation and weight loss effort. Prunes also offer a natural laxative effect that will help individuals eliminate their intake of over-the-counter constipation aids.
6. Sea salt
Salt has gotten a bad rep, but the truth is, your body needs some salt in order to function. Of course, highly processed salts should be avoided, but natural sea salt or Himalayan salt should be consumed in moderation. When it comes to external use, salt is actually ideal for positive skin health.
Since sea salt is minimally processed, it maintains its high mineral content. This helps to rejuvenate dry, inflamed skin. When soaking your feet in a sea salt bath, for instance, you can help stimulate blood flow, draw out toxins and reduce aches and pains. Simply combine 1/4 cup salt with warm water, as well as a couple drops of calming essential oils, such as lavender or ylang ylang.
7. Lemons
This acidic fruit offers a wide spectrum of health benefits, as well as a range of nourishing elements. From skincare to digestion, lemons are known to promote positive well-being. Whether you want to treat age spots or improve gum health, lemon juice can help address these common ailments.
Although the juice has long been recognized as a delicious way to stimulate positive health, it’s been found that the lemon’s peel offers its own unique benefits. As mentioned in a recent study published in Food Science and Human Wellness, the flavonoids from citrus peels may offer potent anti-tumor effects within cancers of the skin, colon, lung, liver and prostate.
8. Apple cider vinegar
The use of vinegar for medicinal purposes is nothing new. When sourcing apple cider vinegar, look for unprocessed varieties that contain “the mother” — which often leads to a murky consistency. This is what offers nutrient-rich proteins, enzymes and “good” bacteria, leading to positive immune function.
Apple cider vinegar can be used to soothe digestion, promote an anti-glycemic effect and even support heart health. It’s also an excellent way to reduce your exposure to toxic cleaning products. Based on its antibacterial properties, apple cider vinegar will naturally clean surfaces and neutralize odors.
9. Baking soda
Once again, baking soda is great for both health and cleaning purposes. For those who suffer from recurrent UTIs, baking soda has the ability to make your bladder more alkaline, preventing bacteria from reproducing. As soon as the first symptom arises, consume 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda mixed with eight ounces of water.
10. Aloe vera
You may not yet have one of these plants in your kitchen, but you may want one now. Not only does this plant absorb toxins in the air, including benzene and formaldehyde, but the gel is also an excellent topical remedy. Whether you have suffered a burn or symptoms of psoriasis, external application is highly effective. You can also eat aloe vera gel, promoting positive intestinal health.
11. Cayenne
We’re big fans of spice in my household — and do we ever make a mean chickpea curry. A common spice, this powdered form of the cayenne pepper can help you combat hemorrhoids, heartburn, coughs and more. If you’re ever under the weather, drink a mixture of two cups of boiled water, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, raw honey and lemon.
12. Turmeric
This golden spice contains compounds known as curcuminoids, including the more commonly known active ingredient, curcumin. Offering potent anti-inflammatory effects, this compound also offers potent antioxidant effects. To soothe and detox your liver, consume a turmeric tea one to two times weekly. Simply add a teaspoon of turmeric to three cups of boiling water, adding raw honey to taste.
13. Garlic
These little potent-smelling bulbs contain potent active ingredients, offering antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Ideal for the common cold, garlic has been shown to boost immune function, soothe inflamed tissue and help treat minor infections. When consumed on a regular basis, it’s also believed to lower blood pressure, improve bone health and reduce oxidative stress.
So the next time you’re feeling less than great, skip the doctor’s line and head to your kitchen. Reduce your exposure to toxins and pharmaceuticals by utilizing beneficial ingredients, just as nature intended.
— Krista Hillis