Long before Tylenol and ibuprofen, folks had to rely on everyday kitchen items to cure their ailments and relieve their aches and pains. So if you ran out of pain medication, look in your pantry first. You might just find a useful new remedy!
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, and has traditionally been used to cure headaches. To make yourself a headache-relieving tea, simply infuse 1 tsp of fresh ginger in one cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Add honey to taste and drink!
It’s also good for digestion. If you often have symptoms of indigestion (abdominal pain, bloating, and gas), eat fresh ginger 10 minutes before a meal. Mix about ½ tsp of fresh ginger with a pinch of salt to form a paste. Chew on the mixture and swallow together with warm water.
Another useful ingredient said to relieve headaches, is peppermint extract or oil (not peppermint essence!). And it’s as easy as making a quick cold compress. To a small bowl of ice water, add up 8 drops of peppermint oil. Dip a face cloth in the water, wring the excess water out, and place on your forehead for about 15 minutes.
Peppermint oil can also help with heartburn, indigestion, or nausea. You can either inhale the peppermint, or dilute it with a carrier oil and massage your stomach.
The antibacterial properties of garlic have been recognized for a long time, and it’s even said to have the ability to fight the common cold. At the first sight of an upcoming cold, make a mixture of crushed garlic cloves and honey. Chew on this mixture every few hours.
If you are experiencing fatigue, it could be due to a number of reasons. For women, it’s often because of our hormonal cycle. You can mix 1-2 tsp blackstrap molasses with warm water (or milk), and drink the mixture daily. Remember fatigue can be a symptom of many ailments, so if it doesn’t improve, you should go see a doctor!
Turmeric is the golden child of kitchen cures. And it’s all thanks to the compounds called curcuminoids. Turmeric is known to fight inflammation, so it’s not only good for headaches, but also for those suffering with arthritis. Its antioxidant properties are said to fight liver damage, and could possibly protect the liver from future damage.
What are your go-to kitchen cures? Tell us in the comments below!