Looking for a natural way to treat minor ailments? Just check your pantry! That’s right, your kitchen pantry holds more than your everyday cooking staples. You’ll be surprised to learn it also contains simple, effective solutions to many common health problems. While you should always seek proper medical attention for major injuries and problems, here are some nifty kitchen cures to keep on hand next time you or your loved ones are faced with a small boo-boo:
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Apple cider vinegar contains pectin – a soluble fibre that can do wonders for digestive disorders. Add two tablespoons of vinegar to water and drink before meals to enhance stomach acid production and increase digestive enzyme function.
Ginger is rich in potent anti-inflammatory compounds known as gingerols, making it an excellent remedy for joint or period pain. Apply grated ginger soaked in warm water to affected areas. The spice also contains caprylic acid, which can clear up fungal skin conditions. Simply dab the infection with some ginger-steeped liquid until it clears.
Turmeric can dampen down inflammation. Before bed, make yourself a glass of hot milk with a spoonful of honey (preferably Manuka honey) and half a teaspoon of turmeric to soothe an inflamed and scratchy throat.
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Sage contains essential oils with antibacterial properties that eliminate the root cause of bad breath problems. Try chewing a sage leaf after meals to help cleanse your mouth.
Onions have antibiotic properties and help to dissolve mucus, making it perfect for coughs and colds. Try slicing an onion and spreading honey on it. Leave overnight and take two teaspoons of the resulting fluid three times daily.
Raw honey has antiseptic, antibiotic and antibacterials properties, which allow it to inhibit bacterial growth and infection, and minimise pain while promoting the body’s natural healing processes. For wounds and burns, clean the affected area and apply honey before covering with gauze.
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Mix four tablespoons of pepper with one cup carrier oil like coconut, and apply to sore joints. Leave on for 20 minutes then wash off. The active compound, capsaicin, can stop pain-causing enzymes and inhibit inflammation.
Break off an aloe vera leaf and squeeze out two tablespoons of the liquid, adding a pinch of baking soda. Take three times daily to relieve heartburn. Aloe vera has cooling properties, which are helpful to balance the heating effects of stomach acid, while baking soda helps to neutralise the acid.
Cloves can be used to numb toothaches and fight off infections. Add water to ground cloves to make a paste, which you can apply to the affected areas. Leave on for five to 10 minutes.
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Try eating apples if you have a stomach ache. Cook two apples until mushy and then mix with one teaspoon of ghee (clarified butter) and a pinch each of cardamom and nutmeg.
(Text by Cora Lydon, Good Health (Bauer) / Additional Reporting by Natalya Molok)