Cough and Sore Throat Remedy: Turmeric and Honey

Ingredients:

Photo Credit: Steven Jackson Photography

• 1 tsp of Honey
• Turmeric

Method: 

1. Spoon 1 tsp of honey 
2. Sprinkle turmeric to cover the honey
3. Consume mixture every 2 hours

Why it works

Honey has anti-bacterial properties to kill the bad bacteria and prevent infection. It is also a humectant, it gives moisture and soothes a dry throat and cough. It is also a hypertonic osmotic (it draws fluid from inflamed tissue). This reduces the swelling in the throat. Turmeric is also an anti-bacterial substance. It's able to prevent the condition from worsening.

Caution: Turmeric can leave a yellow stain. Do not use turmeric if you have gallstones or are taking blood thinners.

Nasal Congestion Remedy: Neti Pot

Photo Credit: Joelk75

Ingredients:

• 1 Clean Neti Pot
• Saline Solution

 Method:

1. Fill your neti pot with the saline solution and stand over your sink
2. Lean your head forward and start breathing through your mouth. (Breath through your mouth during the whole process so the passage from your nose to mouth is closed and the solution can’t pass.) 
3. Put the spout/nose cone into your right nostril 
4. Bend  forward and roll your head to the left. Make sure your left nostril is the lowest point. Your forehead and chin should also be lowered. Experiment with the position to see what works for you 
5. Tilt the pot so the solution is entering through your right nostril and emptying through your left. Hold your head in this position for 20 seconds and only move the pot to empty the solution. 
6. Remove the pot from your nostril and let all the solution flow out. Blow your nose very gently. Do not close one nostril and blow hardly because the water can escape to your ears.
7. Repeat the process with the left nostril, tilting to the opposite side 
8. You can move your head around to let the water out. You can also use tissue to dry up your nose. 
9. If your nasal passages are still congested you can repeat the process
10. Clean the neti pot after use

Why it works

The saline solution is an antibacterial and kills germs in the nasal passages. The liquid flow removes dirt and accumulated mucus. It also removes the infectious microorganisms. It also reduces the dryness in your nasal passages and overall, improving your breathing.

Mild Anxiety and Nervousness Remedy: Breathing Exercise

Photo Credit: kharied

Method:

1. Sit up straight
2. Place your right hand on your stomach and your left hand on your chest
3. Inhale deeply through your nose and let your stomach expand outward but keep your chest rather flat with your hand 
4. Exhale deeply through mouth and pull your stomach in 
5. Slowly let the deep breaths become more steady as you feel calmer
6. Repeat until your feel better

Why it works

Psychological stress and anxiety harms you physically as well as mentally. It causes your muscles to tighten and increases your heart rate. As the stress hormones release your body gets harmed. Breathing helps control your heart and breathing rate. This allows your body to be replenished by the oxygen. Breathing exercises help you calm down by reducing the levels of stress hormones.

Dry Skin Remedy: Coconut Oil

Photo Credit: *Randee

Ingredients:

• Quality Coconut Oil

  

Method:

1. Rub coconut oil on your skin as if it were body lotion
2. Use daily

Why it works:

Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids: lauric, capric, caprylic, myristic, and palmitic. This combination of acids allows it to penetrate the skin better than other oils and moisturizers. It is able to moisturize even the deep layers of skin. It also provides long lasting moisturization because is full of nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E. This oil  is also antimicrobial and is abundant in natural antioxidants. 

  

Caution: Frequent massages with coconut oil promotes hair growth.

Dry Skin Remedy: Honey Rub

Photo Credit: Flооd 

Ingredients

• Honey

Method 

1. 2-3 minutes before taking a shower, gently massage the honey onto your skin.
2. Remember to pay attention where the skin is driest e.g knees, elbows, feet
3. Rinse off in the shower

Why it works:

Honey can be used as a moisturizer because it is a humectant. A humectant is a substance that retains and provides moisture for the skin. It also has antimicrobial properties.

Digestion and Nausea Remedy: Fennel Seeds

Photo Credit: zoyachubby 

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp of fresh dry fennel seeds

Method:

1. Chew the seeds as is or add it to your salad or other meals 
2. Use this remedy once a day or when experiencing indigestion

Why this works

Fennel is able to relax the muscles in the intestines and aid digestion. It contains an oil called anethole which helps the production of digestive juices and gastric juices which help break down the food. Fennel also contains properties that reduces inflammation in the stomach. It also contains a chemical called aspartic acid which helps gas. Fennel is rich in fiber so it helps constipation as well. This household ingredient contains anti-bacterial properties and amino acids that help digestion. All the properties of fennel help cure stomach aches, prevent bad breath and aid with digestion.

Caution: In excess, fennel can quicken menstruation in women. In great doses it can cause intoxication.