Building a Natural Medicine Cabinet
Keep These Remedies on Hand to Fight Common Illnesses
Natural remedies are becoming increasingly popular for treating and preventing various health conditions. With so many products to choose from, it can be hard to know which products work and are backed by science.
Sherry Torkos, well-known pharmacist and author of Breaking the Age Barrier and Winning at Weight Loss, has put together a Top-10 List of common ailments and natural remedies to consider when building your natural medicine cabinet.
- Bruises/Muscle Strains
To manage pain and swelling with an acute, minor injury apply an ice pack for 20 min. Arnica gel can reduce pain/swelling and speed healing. Topical creams that contain Celadrin (fatty acid mixture) and menthol can also help reduce pain and swelling and promote healing.
- Colds
For acute treatment or to shorten the duration of a cold infection, try echinacea or zinc lozenges. For prevention of a cold consider a regular supplement regimen of North American ginseng (Cold-fx) and vitamins C and D.
- Cough
Buckwheat honey has been found to be more effective than DM (common ingredient in over the counter cough syrups) as a cough suppressant. Lozenges with honey, eucalyptus and echinacea can also help.
- Diarrhea/Constipation
Probiotic supplements can help with both constipation and diarrhea. These products contain friendly or beneficial bacteria that are important for supporting intestinal health, immune function and digestion. Look for a product that is in a glass bottle and stable at room temperature. Bananas can also help. They contain a soluble fiber called pectin that can normalize bowel movements, aiding both diarrhea and constipation. They also provide one of our best sources of potassium (467 mg each), and diarrhea causes depletion of important electrolytes, such as potassium.
- Eczema/skin rash
Oatmeal baths help relieve dry, itchy skin. Bathe in warm (not hot water, which can further dry out and irritate skin). Add 2 cups of ground colloidal oatmeal (not breakfast oatmeal) to a tub of warm water. Apply a moisturizer with soothing and hydrating ingredients such as vitamin E, aloe, and lavender. Supplements that contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), such as evening primrose or borage oil, may help reduce itching and inflammation.
- Headaches
For treatment of a headache try a supplement that contains butterbur. For headache prevention, butterbur and feverfew have been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Both are available at health food stores and some pharmacies.
- Hemorrhoids
Apply witch hazel compresses to reduce inflammation and soothe. Supplements containing diosmin, a flavonoid (antioxidant), can help reduce pain, inflammation, itching and bleeding. Fiber supplements can improve laxation, making bowel movements less painful. Try a few tablespoonfuls of a chia seed supplement, such as Benexia, daily with lots of water. Chia is rich in soluble fiber, fatty acids and antioxidants.
- Insomnia
Valerian improves many aspects of sleep. It is non-addictive, but may cause some next-day drowsiness. For insomnia due to stress or anxiety, try Lactium (a milk peptide) or L-theanine (an amino acid from green tea). Both of these products promote relaxation without any serious side effects. Melatonin is particularly helpful for those who experience sleep problems due to jet lag and shift work.
- Motion Sickness
To prevent/manage motion sickness brought on by travelling in a car, plane or boat, try ginger root. Ginger contains very potent anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols. Research has found that it can help relieve motion sickness, dizziness, nausea and gas, and soothe the intestinal tract. Try ginger tea or tablets, or get real ginger ale, which is found in health food and specialty grocery stores.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
UTI is the second most common infection in women. For prevention of UTI consider pure cranberry juice or a supplement that contains Cran-Max (a clinically studied cranberry supplement). Several studies have shown cranberry to be as effective as antibiotics for prevention of UTI without the side effects.
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