Home Remedies For Everyday Aches

Back in the days, many decades ago that is, medication was inexistent. In fact, in our ancestors' times, they relied on a multitude of home remedies to treat minor daily injuries. And so, passed on from generation to generation, these old grand-mother home remedies are now known to have quite some efficiency. Here are 10 of them that I wanted to pass on to you. 

Salted water for soar throats
Gargling with salted water is one of the oldest home remedies out there. In fact, warm water saturated with salt soothes irritated mucous membranes. Just mix a tablespoon of salt in one cup of water. For best results, gargle every hour.

Chicken soup for colds
A U.S. study found that chicken broth is effective in relieving cold symptoms. For example, the steam released by a hot liquid promotes nasal decongestion. Chicken soup is also recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Cloves for toothaches
Cloves have long been known to relieve toothache. It contains an ingredient called eugenol, which has anesthetic and antimicrobial properties. Generally, the trick is to use the clove's essential oil to numb the aching tooth. The oil must be applied directly on the tooth, but not ingested. If you don't have some clove oil, you can apply a crushed clove.

Feverfew for migraines
Feverfew and chamomile are known for their preventive and healing actions when it comes to migaines. Recent studies have demonstrated their effectiveness. To prevent a migraine, it is suggested to eat two or three leaves of fresh or frozen chamomile or feverfew per day. To treat a migraine, it is recommended to ingest the same amount at the onset of symptoms.

Rice water for diarrhea
The water from the cooked rice is one of the best home remedies to cure diarrhea, since it's known for its antidiarrheal effects. Just boil 2 to 3 tablespoons of rice in 4 cups water, to which you add 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This should be enough to get you back on your feet, quickly!

Ginger for nausea
According to several studies, ginger is effective in preventing nausea due to motion sickness, pregnancy, surgical procedures and chemotherapy. The capsules are more potent than fresh ginger, but you can also take 1 to 2 grams of ground ginger or a centimeter-thick slice.

Valerian for sleep
This plant is known for its sedative and relaxing properties. So far, research shows that it promotes sleep, improves sleep quality, and reduces nervousness and agitation related to stress. The ideal is to drink an infusion of valerian shortly before bedtime. The taste is rather unpleasant though, so you might not enjoy drinking it. In such case, the alcohol extract (tincture) or tablets can also be an option.

Oatmeal for rashes
Oats are a popular remedy to relieve itching associated with rashes, sunburn and insect bites. Two cups of oatmeal in a hot bath will suffice. Seeing that oats are rather sticky when wet, I would suggest to put the flakes in a muslin bag or nylon stocking to avoid clogging the pipes. Drugstores also sell small pouches of oatmeal powder.

Black liquorice for stomachaches
The effectiveness of black licorice against indigestion is known worldwide. As a matter of fact, it has antispasmodic powers in addition to allowing the reduction of gastric acid production, promoting the formation of mucus that lines the stomach wall and protecting it from gastric juices. To prepare a tea, infuse 2 to 4 grams of dried root in 150 ml of boiling water. Drink this mixture three times daily after meals or you can eat organic black liquorice as well.

Cranberries for urinary infections
This small red fruit is known to fight urinary tract infections caused by various bacterias. Why? Because cranberries contain pigments that prevent harmful microorganisms from adhering to the internal walls of the urinary tract. If you want to be preventive, it's recommend to take a daily capsule of cranberry extract or about a cup of cranberry juice. If you're looking for a treatment, then two capsules or 2 cups of juice per day.


***Please remember, these remedies are solely intended to treat minor aches. For more serious situations, please refer to a health practitioner.