Home Remedies
Being open to home remedies 
for everyday ailments doesn't mean making face masks out of apricot jam and dill, or shunning advances in modern medicine (if you think you might have appendicitis, by all means, get that checked out). There is something to be said, however, for using what you've got on hand. At times it seems like multi-syllabic prescription medications are distracting us from the healing power of more humbly named items like hot water, salt and vinegar. There's a reason people still turn to chicken soup and Vitamin C when they feel the common cold taking over. The idea of a natural fix is very appealing, and everyone's got an opinion. There are endless suggestions for hiccup cures (drink water while holding a pencil in your mouth, eat a spoonful of sugar, hold your breath as long as possible), and things to provide relief from terrible sunburn (witch hazel ,oatmeal ,vinegar , or just a shot of whiskey ). Of course, with any home remedy, it's always important to note that one solution won't work for everyone. If you have no luck soothing a bug bite with aloe vera , try applying a paste of baking soda and water, or squeezing some lemon juice on the itchy area. There is no shortage of possibilities when it comes to pantry medicine, which is not only natural but also cost-effective. Think of your great-great-grandmother, who would've rolled up her sleeves and concocted some sort of natural remedy for her sore throat instead of lamenting her lack of health care coverage.
Common Cold Remedies
While a common cold may not take you out of commission completely, the symptoms are very distracting and irritating. If you've grown weary of the endless brands of mango-banana-bubblegum-flavored cough syrup and lozenges, or are looking to supplement them with something that doesn't require changing out of your robe and Adidas sandals to go to the drug store, here are a few home remedies that have long been circulating.
- Though it's almost become cliche at this point, gargling with warm water and salt is an incredibly popular home remedy for a sore throat that can help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. Some prefer mixing the water with a little apple cider vinegar instead, or just sipping on some tea with honey and lemon . While these remedies may not provide long-lasting relief, they'll help take the edge off.
- Natural remedies for earaches tend to include heat. One option: Heat some table salt in a saute pan and fill a clean sock with it, creating a warm compress. Hold the compress on the aching ear for several minutes. If you don't have prescription ear drops on hand, it has also been suggested that a few drops of warm olive oil can be a good alternative. Even something as simple as chewing gum may help alleviate pressure in the ear.
- Heat can also be beneficial when looking for a headache remedy . Taking a hot shower or applying a warm compress to the face and neck helps relax the muscles and release tension. Lack of food or water can also cause a headache, so try having a snack or hydrating for some relief. Some also recommend a simple foot bath with lavender oil to help with the pain.
- A basic runny nose treatment is rinsing the nostrils with a warm saltwater solution. Moisture from a humidifier or a make-shift one (a pot with boiling water and a towel) can also help with nose-related ailments.
Other Common Ailments
There are plenty of other issues that arise where household items can come in handy. Whether it's the pimple that emerges at the most inconvenient time, or feelings of nausea you can't shake, relief could be just a couple of Saltines away.
- If you're looking for a home remedy for depression , doctors have suggested supplements like Omega 3s ,Vitamin B and St. John's Wort as natural means of promoting nervous system health. If all of that sounds too Mother Earth for you, try setting aside time each day for some physical activity. Exercise is a great way to boost endorphin levels and counteract the dragging effects of depression. It costs nothing, and it helps.
- Feeling anxious? Like depression, anxiety can sometimes lessen with exercise, like yoga or Pilates .Chamomile tea can also aid in relaxation, particularly before bedtime.
- It seems we are always on the hunt for home remedies for acne . From tea tree oil to toothpaste , just about every item imaginable has been tried. While many advise to leave the skin alone and avoid risking further irritation, most of us can't resist some kind of intervention. Some say hot compresses will help release bacteria; others insist cold compresses will reduce redness. The best bet might be to keep the area clean and make-up free for a few days.
Top Sellers
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1801 Home Remedies From the editors of Reader's Digest, this book offers home remedies for all sorts of common health issues. |
Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar is quickly becoming the go-to home remedy. And if it doesn't help your sore throat, just use it in dressing. |
The Herbal Home Remedy Book Author and herbalist Joyce Wardwell offers easy recipes and everyday remedies using herbs. |
The Doctors Book of Home Remedies Doctors offer lots of tips on what to do at home for common illnesses and ailments. |
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