7 Natural Remedies for Common Ailments

“The best doctor gives the least medicines.” ~Benjamin Franklin

It seems everywhere we turn, we are bombarded with messaging telling us that the cure for what ails us can be found in a pill or drug. The over-dependence and over reliance on medications is a serious problem in today’s society. Too many people turn to those shiny colorful pills promising an easy fix in the palm of your hand and away from proactive involvement in their own health. While modern medicine’s pharmaceutical intervention has indisputably saved and improved countless lives, there is another side of the coin. Research shows that despite the widespread use of store-bought and prescription drugs, an alarming percentage of people are unaware of their potential harmful side effects and drug interactions.

The real tragedy is that too many people have lost the ability to learn when a drug is a necessity and when other medication free options are the clear solution. The truth is that fundamentally drugs don’t treat disease; they cover the symptoms. They are designed to treat illness and distract us from addressing the causes of poor health.

In contrast, the holistic approach to healing empowers the individual to listen to our bodies and respond to our needs instead of ignoring or repressing them.

Healing is focused on responding to the early and subtle signs of distress, which unheeded can lead to overt disease. It is directed at mobilizing the mind and body to enhance natural defenses, accelerate recovery and promote full health. Its basis is in self-regulation versus professional intervention.

Natural remedies using herbs and food support the body’s innate ability to restore balance.

They are extremely useful in relieving many common complaints such as digestive problems, headaches and the common cold. Their medicinal properties are gentler than commercial drugs and the risk of harmful side effects are slim. To sum up, there is no need to go running to the doctor every time someone sneezes or coughs and we don’t always need to go running to the pharmacy for headache relief or to stop diarrhea. Try natural remedies instead.

Below are the Top Most Common Complaints and Natural Remedies you can try for relief:

1. Diarrhea

Herbal Teas: Slippery Elm, Ginger, Peppermint, Kukicha
Foods: BRAT Diet – Bananas, Rice, Apples, Toast
Other: Coconut Water, Blackberry Juice, Barley Broth

2. Constipation

Herbal Teas: Marshmallow Root, Slippery Elm
Foods: Add Chia Seeds and Ground Flaxseeds to diet, Flaxseed Oil (add to salad dressing), Figs, Prunes
Other: Aloe Vera Juice (2-4 oz. in water), Vitamin C, Psyllium Husk Powder, Magnesium, Probiotic

3. Heartburn

Herbal Teas: Fennel, Dandelion, Marshmallow Root
Foods: Apple Cider Vinegar (1 Tbs in water), Dandelion Greens
Other: Aloe Vera Juice (2-4 oz. in water), Probiotic, Digestive Enzymes
Lifestyle: Chew Food Well, Avoid Eating Late at Night, Reduce Fluids at Meals,

4. Gas / Bloating

Herbal Teas: Ginger, Fennel, Dandelion, Anise, Peppermint
Foods: Fresh Garlic, Fresh Parsley, Fennel Seeds, Caraway Seeds
Other: Probiotic, Digestive Enzymes
Lifestyle: Chew Food Well, Avoid Artificial Sweeteners and Sugar Alcohols (sorbitol, xylitol), Explore Common Food Sensitivities (Wheat, Dairy)

5. Sore Throat / Cough

Teas: Slippery Elm, Ginger Tea with Fresh Lemon Juice, Peppermint
Foods: Raw Honey, Fresh Ginger & Lemon in Hot Water – Warm Salty Water with Raw Honey & Turmeric
Other: Hot Water Inhalation: Head over pot of water covered with towel – add Eucalyptus, Tea Tree or Peppermint Essential Oil

6. Headaches

Herbal Teas: Lemon, Ginger, Peppermint, Kukicha
Essential Oils: Lavender
Other: Feverfew, Magnesium, Scalp / Forehead Massage & Deep Breathing

7. Nasal Congestion

Herbal Teas: All
Other: Hot Water Inhalation: Head over pot of water covered with towel – add Eucalyptus, Tea Tree or Peppermint Essential Oil – Hot Compress: Warm Wash Cloth Applied to Cheekbones, Nose and Eyes – Neti Pot