Simple home remedies you can start using right now

Before the rise of Western medicine (and even long after), natural remedies have been used. In fact, the ancient Chinese and Egyptian populations had used them for various medicinal purposes. Here are five home remedies that you may want to stockpile. (h/t to JustPlainMarie.ca)

1. Baking soda

Baking soda is one of the most common home remedies. For one, it is a great natural treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs). It works by neutralizing the acidity of urine, which relieves many painful symptoms of UTIs. This also enables the body to fight the infection and recover more quickly. To use, mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda and 1 cup of cold water thoroughly and then drink immediately.

For best results, drink the mixture twice a day for up to two days at least one hour after eating. If the UTI has not subsided after two days, seek proper medical attention.

2. Ginger

If you’re suffering from indigestion, try drinking ginger tea. Ginger has been used as a natural remedy for indigestion in Asian, Arabic, and Indian cultures for more than 2,000 years. Studies have shown that ginger is a carminative, which means it can remove intestinal gas from the body. It is also a spasmolytic, which is a substance that calms and relaxes the intestinal tract. Ginger also fights inflammation in the stomach and eases pain-related symptoms. To use, mix a teaspoon of ground ginger and a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for five minutes and then drink it. For best results, drink ginger tea up to four times a day.

3. Honey

You can use honey as a natural wound-healer thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also speeds up the recovery process by stimulating the growth of fresh skin tissue on wounds.

It is important to note that not all types of honey are made equal. Only use Manuka honey and raw, organic honey for treating wounds as they are 100 percent natural. Avoid the processed kinds of honey as they contain high amounts of high-fructose corn syrup, which can increase the risk of wound infection. (Related: 9 Reasons to take Manuka honey, a nutrient dense superfood with unique health-supporting molecules.)

Honey works best when directly applied to wounds. To use, apply an ounce of raw honey to a 4-inch x 4-inch waterproof dressing. If you need a bigger dressing, adjust the amount of honey accordingly. After that, place the dressing on the wound and secure it with a bandage. For deeper wounds, fill the injury with honey before applying the honey-covered dressing. For best results, change the dressing every day. If the wound is seeping fluid, change the dressing up to three times a day, depending on the amount of fluid that the wound excretes.

4. Licorice

First used as a natural remedy for sore throats, licorice has powerful anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Because of these properties, licorice can prevent the growth of viral infections that often cause sore throats and reduce pain or swelling around the throat. When choosing licorice, make sure that the product contains genuine licorice because a lot of products marketed as licorice in the U.S. are made from anise oil and contain little to no licorice.

One of the best ways to use licorice as a treatment for sore throats is to consume it as a tea. Just steep the root in boiling water for five minutes, strain, and drink it up to three times a day. Gargling a licorice solution for one to 15 minutes before surgery is as effective as a ketamine gargle in decreasing the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat (POST), according to studies.

5. Tea

Tea is a great remedy for cold sores, also known as fever blisters, which are a common viral infection. Tea is packed with phytonutrients, making it highly effective at fighting viral infections. To use, soak a tea bag in warm water and let it cool. Then, press it against the cold sore for 10 minutes.

Learn about more home remedies and other natural cures to include in your prepping stockpile at Remedies.news.

Sources include:

JustPlainMarie.ca

MedicalNewsToday.com

MayoClinic.org