Surprising Home Remedies You Can Find Right in Your Kitchen
Posted on Sept. 8, 2009
The typical family medicine cabinet is usually stocked with Ibuprofen, bandages, antibiotic ointment, and burn cream. But did you know that many items found right in your kitchen might also help take care of life’s bumps and bruises?
Natural remedies offer a practical, affordable alternative for treating common ailments, and ordinary herbs and spices can have surprising health benefits. Amrit Devgun, ND, a naturopathic practitioner at Northwestern Health Sciences University’s Natural Care Center at Woodwinds in Woodbury, Minn., suggest families keep these items on-hand:
- Clove, which can ease toothaches or headaches. Clove can be used in its natural form or as an essential oil. “If you have a toothache, chew a clove on the side of the mouth that hurts,” says Devgun. “If you have a headache, rub clove essential oil on your temples”;
- Fennel, which can be chewed to freshen breath, and reduce bloating;
- Hing, which helps reduce gas pain. “Hing is an Indian spice,” says Devgun. “Use a pinch in sesame oil and rub it into the belly button. It is great for cramping as well, but it does have a strong odor.”;
- Nutmeg, which can reduce restless sleep. “Grate an almond-sized piece of nutmeg and put a half teaspoon in a glass with warm milk, a teaspoon of molasses, a pinch of cardamom, and some cinnamon,” says Devgun;
- Turmeric, which is great for the skin. “Mix turmeric powder with oil to make a paste,” says Devgun. “You can apply to your skin and then rinse with buttermilk. This remedy is best for oily skin.”;
- Tea tree oil, which is an essential oil that is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral. It can be used topically to treat rashes, athlete’s foot, and acne;
- Chamomile, which calms an upset stomach and aids in relaxation. It is most often used as a tea, but is also available as an essential oil. When added to bath water, it may help calm kids before bed,” says Devgun;
- Lemons, which can be used on rashes, insect bites, or combined with honey and hot water to treat a dry cough;
- Garlic, which helps keep the intestinal track clean and helps lower blood pressure;
- Peppermint, which is a great breath freshener and helps settle the stomach. “Peppermint can be taken as a tea, or the essential oil can be used externally,” Devgun says; and
- Vinegar, which can be used as a body splash. Pour white vinegar or rice vinegar into a clean, empty bottle and splash it on after you shower. The vinegar creates an acid mantle that pathogens avoid. Add an essential oil to avoid smelling like a pickle.
Before you make the drive to your local drugstore, make a stop in your kitchen. You might find just what you need for your family’s health right at home.
HealthyU is a program developed by Northwestern Health Sciences University to educate, empower, and support people who seek to improve and maintain their overall health and well-being through the integration of mind, body, and spirit. The HealthyU website features 1,200 pages of information on how to live healthfully and more than 1,300 links to additional resources on the web. Visit www.nwhealth.edu/healthyU.