”Life can be pretty nasty a lot of the time on any given day, and most of us either soldier through it or grab something from the pharmacy. Whether it’s a a nagging headache, a re-occurring cold sore, a stuffy nose or an annoying dry cough, there’s natural remedies for all of it. “
Natural remedies for headaches
When you take over-the-counter pain killers, all you’re doing is smothering your symptoms and ignoring the real issue of what triggers the headache. Often, a headache can simply be the result of tension which has accumulated in the muscles of the upper back, shoulders and neck. If you’re feeling like you need a massage, the chances are, you’re right. A 10-minute shoulder massage whilst sitting in a supportive chair can do absolute wonders. The trick is, finding the willing on-hand masseuse to help you out.
As soon as you feel a headache coming on, have a glass of water with a lemon slice or fresh lemon juice. This will help keep you hydrated and cleanse your pallet. A lot of people go through life regularly on the brink of dehydration, and headaches are a first symptom when our fluid levels start to drop.
Take a break, stretch it out, relax and breathe. Take a walk outside and mobilise your limbs. Fresh air, a change of scene and an increase in blood circulation can all help a sinus-y head throb. The trick with headaches is knowing your own body and what’s usual for you. If you rarely experience headaches and then suddenly are slapped with the mother of all migraines, you should definitely call the doctor.
Natural remedies for dry coughs
It’s never a fun situation when you have a persistent cough, and Raw Organic Honey should be your first line of defense, it’s the best of the natural remedies. Here’s why:
Studies, such as one conducted at Penn State College of Medicine, have found that honey can work more efficiently to calm a cough than over-the-counter drugs. It is a rich demulcent, with a high viscosity and stickiness that does an incredible job of coating and soothing those irritated mucous membranes. Thanks to an enzyme added by bees when they harvest honey, it also has antibacterial properties, which may help shorten how long you have the cough if it is due to a bacterial illness.
Note: This is an excellent alternative remedy for both kids and adults, but should never be given to children under the age of 2 years due to the risk of botulism.
Another wonderful and simple remedy is steam. A steamy shower is not bad, but what’s better is a pot of steaming water mixed with essential oils. Tea tree, eucalyptus and lavender are all great options. Alternatively, if you don’t want to sit with your head over a pot, hop in the bath and apply essential oils liberally. Remember to inhale and don’t hesitate to cough it out as phlegm loosens up. Leave drops of essential oils on your pillow at night for a continued aromatherapy treatment.
Natural remedies for cold sores
Liquorice contains a virus-killing acid called glycyrrhizic. Since cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, it’s perfect for stopping an outbreak dead in it’s tracks. About 90% of the population have the herpes simplex virus, so don’t freak out if you’re a cold sore sufferer, there’s not much you can do about it. Next time you notice those pesky blisters appearing, try buying some liquorice powder and sprinkling it on the sore, or mix up a cream with a pinch of liquorice powder and a smidgen of pure vegetable shortening, then apply to the sore.
You can’t exactly go out in public with liquorice powder and shortening on your lips, so when you need to head out, change the treatment.
Take a cotton pad, damp it slightly and wipe off the liquorice paste. Then take a cotton bud, dip it in some coconut oil and dab it onto the sore. Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides that have antiviral, antibiotic, and anti fungal properties, specifically lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid. These little good fats are capable of dissolving the outer layer of lipid covered bacteria, viruses, and fungus. It also helps with the pain by soothing the skin and stopping the sore from crusting over and splitting with lip movement.
It’s important to remember not to directly touch the sore with your fingers, and if you do, wash your hands to prevent spreading. Once the cold sore has vanished, change out your toothbrush and wash your towels on a high-temperature setting with half a cup of apple cider vinegar in the machine. Same with bedsheets.
Natural remedies for a stuffy nose
Eucalyptus essential oil has decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties. Keep a few drops on the collar of your shirt for day time and the side of your pillowcase for night time. My first-aid kit is never without the stuff! It’s really effective on kids and can make the difference between them falling asleep or not. Another great de-stuffer is steaming water, so hot showers are going to help temporarily clear the sinuses. To use steam effectively, add either eucalyptus essential oil or peppermint oil. Some lavender oil can go in there too to help relax everything.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is another healthy remedy to consider. ACV can quickly clear a stuffy nose as it helps thin the mucus. Plus, being rich in several nutrients, it’s a great immunity booster to help your body fight off whatever it is that’s causing the congestion. Mix two tablespoons of preferably organic ACV, and one tablespoon of honey in a cup of warm water. Drink this two or three times a day for a few days.
Sources: Everyday Roots, Sun Warrior, How Stuff Works, Top 10 Home Remedies
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