Home Remedies That Really Work

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Many people think that old folk medicine and home remedies from Grandma are just nonsense and dismiss them as pseudoscience. This mentality has prevailed for decades since the rise of the pharmaceutical industry in the early 20^th century. But a new resurgence of interest in traditional home remedies has begun in recent years. With the increasing number of antibiotic-resistant microbes, even the most skeptical may not have any choice but to embrace their use in the future.

The problem is that there is so much nonsense in the alternative health sphere it is hard to distinguish what really works from what is pure B.S. In this article, we’ll list a few cost-effective home remedies that have stood the test of time and will help you treat and ward off common illnesses.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Entire books have been written about the health benefits of apple cider vinegar. It is one of the original cure-alls, and has been used since at least the days of Ancient Greece to treat common illnesses. The Greek physician Hippocrates revolutionized the practice of medicine in his day. He is credited with making the connection between nutrition and health, and apple cider vinegar was one of the food items he identified as a powerful tool for warding off disease.

Apple cider vinegar is rich in prebiotic organisms which help promote a healthy gut environment. Despite being highly acidic, it also helps restore alkaline balance to the body. The vinegar can be blended with water and drunk to boost the immune system and reduce the duration of a cold or fever. It also helps clear the skin and give you more energy. Your whole body just runs better with the use of apple cider vinegar. It’s so cheap, and it’s been used for so long, why not pick some up and see what all the fuss is about?

(Note: It is important to only buy unfiltered apple cider vinegar which has “the mother” in it. This term refers to the cloudy sentiment at the bottom of the bottle. This is where all the nutrition is. Do not buy the ultra-cheap vinegar has been pasteurized. This removes all of the mother in it, and you’ll be depriving yourself of all the benefits of this amazing substance.)

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2. Ginger

Have you ever heard someone tell you to drink a ginger ale if you have a queasy stomach? There’s a reason for that. Ginger has long been used as a traditional remedy for upset stomachs. Eating raw ginger, or mixing some sliced fresh ginger in with your tea can provide relief for nausea and other gastrointestinal problems, and also provide relief for congestion sinus and colds.

Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties. A study published in Cancer Prevention Research found that it can reduce inflammation in the colon and significantly reduce one’s risk of developing colorectal cancers. Inflammation is very common with the modern, acidic and sugary diet most people eat, so adding more anti-inflammatory foods like ginger into your diet is a smart move.

3. Aloe Vera

These plants contain natural gels which can be used to sooth away pain from scrapes and burns. They also have natural antibacterial properties which protect against infection. Aloe vera also has antiseptic properties which help protect your mouth from tooth decay and the buildup of plaque. One study found that using aloe vera juice as a replacement for artificial mouthwash was just as effective at killing harmful bacteria as the standard mouthwash.

Using aloe vera gel on the skin can also reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It does this by improving collagen production in the skin and improve its’ smoothness and elasticity.

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4. Raw Honey

Most people think sweeteners are bad for us, but that’s not always the case. Old-fashioned raw honey is actually very healthy. Raw honey has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and also contains a compound called propolis (also known as “bee glue”). The gooey substance is what gives honey it’s thick consistency, and can help fight plaque and prevent cavities from forming in your teeth.

Honey also soothes a sore throat and helps you get a deeper, more restful sleep. Try drinking some warm water with honey next time you have a cold, a sore throat, or have insomnia.

One other benefit of honey is that is has lower glycemic profile than regular sugar. This means you would not experience the massive blood sugar spike followed by a crash that can occur after consuming foods or drinks with lots of sugar. This important for everyone, but especially people living with diabetes, or who are at risk of developing it.

Add these 4 time-honored home remedies to your lifestyle, and you can enjoy a long and healthy life, and save money while doing it.

References:

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

www.nccih.nih.gov

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