Before the advent of modern medicine, people relied on different methods to care for health and wellbeing, and treat common conditions. They turned to nature to provide them the solution for any health issue they experienced in a time when scientific proof was still an outlandish concept. It wasn’t until after the Industrial Revolution that medicine as we know it today started to develop. We’ve come a long way since then as scientists made rapid progress in understanding how the body functions, and nowadays technology and modern medical practices give people the best chance at living a long and healthy life.
However, with all the advancement we’ve experienced in the medical field, natural remedies stood the test of time and haven’t lost their appeal. People still use nature as a source of healing and we now have scientific studies to back up certain natural remedies’ efficiency in helping prevent or treat different health problems. It’s important to note that no matter which path you choose in caring for your health, you should always consult a doctor before trying any kind of treatment, so you can make an informed decision.
That being said, here are some of the best time-honored home remedies approved by science and used by people since ancient times.
Turmeric
If you like to use spices to add flavor to your dishes, you’re probably familiar with turmeric already. What you might not know is that your love for this spice is also great for boosting your health. Turmeric has a long history behind it, being used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 4000 years and it’s praised for its ability to help with a variety of health issues. Its strong point is probably pain relief, especially if the pain is caused by inflammation. Curcumin seems to be the magical ingredient in turmeric that does all the hard work, and several studies show it can be effective in treating pain in patients with arthritis or osteoarthritis.
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Honey
Honey is not only a joy for your taste buds, but also a good ingredient for your health. A lot of women use honey in their beauty routines, mixing it with other ingredients to make their own face masks. But honey has quite an impressive range of other health benefits, including antioxidant, humectant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. It’s great for soothing a sore throat, treating digestive issues and it’s also one of the best remedies for canker sores. Put it in your tea, in your food or on your skin – honey seems to be good for everything.
Ginger
Who hasn’t tried ginger when fighting a cold, stomach aches, morning sickness or nausea? People have been using it for thousands of years to treat such symptoms, and apparently modern medicine approves of it. Studies have proven its efficiency when it comes to nausea and vomiting, and there’s some evidence it might help with menstrual cramps as well. Since it’s a powerful anti-inflammatory, it’s a good alternative for people who want to avoid the side effects associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Green tea
People seem to be in love with green tea lately, whether it’s because of its wonderful aroma or because they want to keep up with lifestyle trends. The reason doesn’t really matter since you’ll enjoy the same health benefits either way. Green tea is a powerhouse of antioxidants such as polyphenols-flavonoids and catechins that work their magic by reducing free radical damage in the body. To put it simply, it protects your cells of damage and works as a strong ally in fighting off disease. So, you have more than enough reasons to start sipping on this delicious beverage more often.
Garlic
You probably know that garlic can scare pesky vampires away, but did you know it also has some interesting medicinal properties? Scientists came to the conclusion that its health benefits are due to the sulfur compounds that form when chopping or crushing garlic cloves. Some studies have shown that consuming garlic may reduce the chances of developing certain forms of cancer. Also, it can be beneficial for boosting the immune system and keeping colds at bay, which is why a lot of people are more than happy to add it to their diets.
Cinnamon
Yet another delicious spice graces our list, this time bringing a Christmassy feeling with it. Cinnamon is most often associated with winter holidays and the smell of fresh baked cookies coming from the kitchen, but you can use it all year round because it has powerful health benefits. For starters, cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants and has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Apart from that, it’s known to be extremely effective for lowering blood sugar levels and having a powerful anti-diabetic effect. What more can one ask from a spice?
Shiitake mushrooms
Of all the mushrooms under the sun, shiitake mushrooms occupy a special place. That’s not just because they’re a popular ingredient in the kitchen thanks to their savory taste, but also because they boast a variety of health benefits. Several compounds found in shiitake mushrooms have important health supporting properties such as boosting immune function, helping fight cancer or improving heart health. Since they’re so delicious, it’s easy to introduce them into your diet, so you have no excuse for not trying shiitake mushrooms from now on.
Lavender
A lavender bouquet can make you daydream of wonderful purple fields in the Provence region and forget all about your worries. Wondering how it can do that? It’s because lavender is a potent ingredient when it comes to fighting stress and anxiety. Whether you have a strong migraine, you feel stressed or nervous or have trouble sleeping at night, lavender can help relieve your symptoms. There’s more than one way you can use lavender: you can drink a relaxing tea, keep a satchel in your room or add a few drops of essential lavender oil to your bath.