When it comes to caring for your everyday minor health issues, you’ll probably want to find natural cures to your ailments rather than deciding to turn to prescription or over-the-counter drugs.
You should consult with your doctor before making any big decisions on treating your health issues, but for most small afflictions like headaches and an occasional stomach ache, it may make sense to naturally treat yourself with home remedies and adjusting to healthier habits.
The risks associated with prescription medications are enough to convince you that natural remedies are the way to go. With rising health care costs, long lists of serious side effects, and the dangers of combining multiple medications it’s no wonder that natural alternatives are on the rise.
For most everyday ailments you experience, there is a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals that can help you eliminate your problem. Next time you experience one of these minor inconveniences to your health, try one of these natural treatments.
Headaches
If you find yourself suffering from a pulsing headache, you may be tempted to grab a bottle of ibuprofen or aspirin. Instead of turning to OTC pain relievers, first try to hydrate your body. Dehydration is a common cause of tension that results in headaches, so simply pouring a glass of water or two can help your headache start to fade away within 30-60 minutes.
Some herbal remedies that can help a headache are Holy Basil and Feverfew. Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, is a plant native to India with known analgesic properties that can work as a muscle relaxant. Steam from the Holy Basil plant can be used to treat headaches caused by muscle tension, or an herbal tea from the plant can also be useful. Feverfew is also a great option that prevents headaches and migraines by reducing inflammation or stopping the aggregation of platelets.
If you’re looking for an essential oil to help cure your headache, try peppermint, lavender, rosemary, chamomile, and eucalyptus oil. You can apply these oils directly to your forehead, or use a few drops in a hot bath.
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Stomach Ache
When you’re experiencing a stomach ache, you may believe you will find comfort in cuddling up in your bed or on the couch under a mound of blankets. But whatever you do, don’t lie down! Acid is more likely to travel backward and move upward when you are horizontal and this can cause heartburn.
Try using a heating pad on your stomach when you have an upset stomach. Applying heat directly to your lower abdominal area can help soothe bowel movements and alleviate muscle tension.
You can also use ginger, an herb that acts as a natural anti-emetic. Ginger can help many varieties of stomach pain including flatulence, irritated bowels, and motion sickness. Make your own ginger ale or try a ginger tea to help soothe your stomach. Generally, ginger is a safe alternative to use; however, it does interact with medications that slow blood clotting so make sure to double check the safety of use with your doctor first if you take any anti-clotting medications, even aspirin.
Insomnia
Tired of the restless nights tossing and turning without catching quality ZZZs? Try some nighttime yoga stretches to help relax your mind and body before bed. Making this a regular part of your winding down routine will help your body recognize when it’s time to shut down for sleep.
Another issue you may be having is regulating your temperature while you sleep. “The reason temperature impacts sleep so much is that we have to have a decrease in our core body temperature to fall asleep,” Dr. Robert Oexman, Director of the Sleep to Live Institute explained. The ideal temperature for sleeping is 65-68 degrees. If that’s too cold for your preference, Dr. Oexman suggests piling on blankets but keeping your head exposed to the cold air to decrease your core body temperature.
You can also use natural sleep aids like melatonin to supplement your body’s natural melatonin production and help promote better sleep. John Hopkins sleep expert Luis F. Buenaver, PhD, C.B.S.M. explains that in order for melatonin supplements to be successful you should still create optimal conditions for it to do its job by avoiding blue and green light technologies at night which stimulate you to stay awake.
Muscle Cramps
When it comes to keeping your muscles healthy, hydration is key. Sufficient hydration in your cells will keep your muscles in healthy, working order. Regularly stretching is also an important component to avoiding muscle cramping. Stretch before and after any physical activities or exercising to help your muscles heal correctly.
Cherry juice is a known natural remedy to also help your muscle pain. Due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in cherry juice, it can help naturally relax your muscles. Magnesium supplements can also help you avoid muscle cramping by preventing buildups of lactic acid that cause pain and tightness.
Other natural treatments
Have another minor health problem you’re looking to treat? Here’s a list of other known natural alternatives to cure your everyday ailments:
- Garlic to fend off a cold
- Baking soda for sunburn
- Cranberries for urinary tract health
- Aloe juice for digestive issues
- Honey for wounds
- Cinnamon extract for high blood sugar
About the author : Laurie Larson is a freelance writer from Durham, NC. She enjoys working on her personal health and spending a lot of time out in nature.