Long before drug companies developed a pill for every problem, home remedies were used to treat everything from the common cold to constipation. Alternative medicine has made quite a comeback in recent years as people look for natural solutions to common ailments. In some cases, the remedy cooked up by your grandma is just as effective as what the best scientists have developed. Below, you will find some of the best home remedies which really do work.
At the top of the list of home remedies are a number of different herbs. Echinacea for example, has been shown to provide relief to people with cold and flu symptoms. It is also a proven infection fighter because it provides a natural boost to the immune system. It is also known as the purple coneflower and has undergone a number of scientific studies to determine if it is effective in treating upper respiratory infections. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine says the studies confirm the use of Echinacea can be beneficial.
Garlic is another immune system booster that will help the body ward off bacterial and viral infections. It also has been shown to bring down high cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease. There are some who say it has the ability to prevent stomach or colon cancer but there is no scientific research to back that up. Garlic acts as a blood thinner so you must limit its use before surgery or having dental work done.
St. Johns Wort is another popular herb that is used to treat a variety of ailments including depression. The herb can boost your mood and when applied topically is an excellent treatment for burns and muscle pain. You have to be careful taking St. Johns Wort because it can interfere with how effective other drugs that you may be taking are. It should not be taken if you are on anti-depressants or birth control.
Castor Oil is another household cure all which has been used for years. It is said to relieve severe itching and if applied early enough can prevent bruising. A spoonful of Castor Oil is also mentioned for relief of constipation and other gastrointestinal problems. The taste makes it tough to swallow but it can be mixed in a glass of juice to make it a little more appealing.
Cherry Juice is another favorite supplement which can help sufferers of gout and arthritis. It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Two tablespoons of concentrate mixed with six ounces of water should be taken each day to ward off the effects of these crippling ailments.
If you have a chronic cough, a popular candy may be what is needed. Licorice has long been a home remedy for coughs and chest congestion. Instead of eating it as a candy, the licorice root is used to make a cup of tea. Another old home remedy for congestion is a plate of fried onions. Prepare the onions in olive oil with a little bit of curry powder and soon you will feel the mucus in your chest start to break up.
