natural cures in your kitchen

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Natural treatments in your own kitchen We all know that every time we feel sick or in pain, nothing is the same. You cannot work, you cannot rest, you cannot do anything. Most of us use different painkillers from the pharmacy to treat our symptoms but these are not only expensive, but also useless. So here we are to give you a few vital tips regarding ways of treating pains with natural things from your own kitchen. If our ancestors managed to survive and heal their wounds using natural remedies, why can’t we? You’ll be amazed how effective they are and you had them under your nose all these times without even knowing. Make muscle pain a memory with ginger When Danish researchers asked achy people to jazz up their diets with ginger, it eased muscle and

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  • Natural treatments in your

    own kitchen

    We all know that every time we feel sick or in pain, nothing is

    the same. You cannot work, you cannot rest, you cannot do

    anything. Most of us use different painkillers from the

    pharmacy to treat our symptoms but these are not only

    expensive, but also useless. So here we are to give you a few

    vital tips regarding ways of treating pains with natural things

    from your own kitchen.

    If our ancestors managed to survive and heal their wounds

    using natural remedies, why cant we? Youll be amazed how

    effective they are and you had them under your nose all these

    times without even knowing.

    Make muscle pain a memory

    with ginger

    When Danish researchers asked

    achy people to jazz up their diets

    with ginger, it eased muscle and

  • 2

    joint pain, swelling and stiffness for up to 63 percent of them

    within two months. Experts credit gingers potent compounds

    called gingerols, which prevent the production of pain-

    triggering hormones. The study-recommended dose: Add at

    least 1 teaspoon of dried ginger or 2 teaspoons of chopped

    ginger to meals daily.

    Cure a toothache with cloves

    Got a toothache and

    cant get to the

    dentist? Gently

    chewing on a clove

    can ease tooth pain

    and gum

    inflammation for

    two hours straight. Experts point to a natural compound in

    cloves called eugenol, a powerful, natural anesthetic. Bonus:

    Sprinkling a teaspoon of ground cloves on meals daily may

    also protect your ticker. Scientists say this simple action helps

    stabilize blood sugar, plus dampen production of artery-

    clogging cholesterol in as little as three weeks.

  • 3

    Heal heartburn with cider vinegar

    Sip 1 tablespoon of apple cider

    vinegar mixed with 8 ounces of water

    before every meal, and experts say

    you could shut down painful bouts of

    heartburn in as little as 24 hours.

    Cider vinegar is rich in malic and

    tartaric acids, powerful digestive aids that speed the

    breakdown of fats and proteins so your stomach can empty

    quickly, before food washes up into the esophagus, triggering

    heartburn pain.

    Erase earaches with garlic

    Painful ear infections drive millions of Americans to doctors

    offices every year. To cure one fast, just place two drops of

    warm garlic oil into your aching ear twice daily for five days.

    This simple treatment can clear up ear infections faster than

    prescription meds. Scientists say garlics active ingredients

    (germanium, selenium, and sulfur compounds) are naturally

    toxic to dozens of different pain-causing bacteria. To whip up

  • 4

    your own garlic oil gently simmer three cloves of crushed

    garlic in a half a cup of extra virgin olive oil for two minutes,

    strain, then refrigerate for up to two weeks.

    Chase away joint and headache pain with cherries

    Latest studies show that at least one in four women is

    struggling with

    arthritis, gout or

    chronic headaches. If

    youre one of them, a

    daily bowl of cherries

    could ease your ache,

    without the stomach

    upset so often triggered by todays painkillers. Their research

    reveals that anthocyanins, the compounds that give cherries

    their brilliant red color, are anti-inflammatories 10 times

    stronger than ibuprofen and aspirin. Anthocyanins help shut

    down the powerful enzymes that kick-start tissue

    inflammation, so they can prevent, as well as treat, many

    different kinds of pain.

  • 5

    Fight tummy troubles

    with fish

    Indigestion, irritable bowel

    syndrome, inflammatory

    bowel diseases... if your

    belly always seems to be in

    an uproar, try munching 18 ounces of fish weekly to ease your

    misery. Repeated studies show that the fatty acids in fish,

    called EPA and DHA, can significantly reduce intestinal

    inflammation, cramping and belly pain and, in some cases,

    provide as much relief as corticosteroids and other

    prescription meds. EPA and DHA are powerful, natural, side

    effect-free anti-inflammatories, which can dramatically

    improve the function of the entire gastrointestinal tract.

    Prevent PMS with yogurt

    Up to 80 percent of women will

    struggle with premenstrual

    syndrome and its uncomfortable

    symptoms. The reason: Their

    nervous systems are sensitive to

  • 6

    the ups and downs in estrogen and progesterone that occur

    naturally every month. But snacking on 2 cups of yogurt a day

    can slash these symptoms by 48 percent. Yogurt is rich in

    calcium, a mineral that naturally calms the nervous system,

    preventing painful symptoms even when hormones are in flux.

    Tame chronic pain with

    turmeric

    Studies show turmeric, a

    popular East Indian spice, is

    actually three times more

    effective at easing pain than

    aspirin, ibuprofen or

    naproxen, plus it can help relieve chronic pain for 50 percent of

    people struggling with arthritis and even fibromyalgia,

    according to Cornell researchers. Thats because turmerics

    active ingredient, curcumin, naturally shuts down

    cyclooxygenase 2, an enzyme that churns out a stream of pain-

    producing hormones.

    End endometrial pain with oats

    The ticket to soothing endometriosis pain could be a daily bowl

    of oatmeal. Endometriosis occurs when little bits of the uterine

  • 7

    lining detach and grow outside of the

    uterus. Experts say these migrating cells

    can turn menstruation into a misery,

    causing so much inflammation that they

    trigger severe cramping during your

    period, plus a heavy ache that drags on

    all month long. Fortunately, scientists say opting for a diet rich

    in oats can help reduce endometrial pain for up to 60 percent

    of women within six months. Thats because oats dont contain

    gluten, a trouble-making protein that triggers inflammation in

    many women, making endometriosis difficult to bear.

    Soothe foot pain with salt

    Experts say at least six million Americans develop painful

    ingrown toenails each year. But regularly soaking ingrown

    nails in warm salt-water baths can

    cure these painful infections within

    four days. The salt in the mix

    naturally nixes inflammation, plus

    its anti-bacterial, so it quickly

    destroys the germs that cause

    swelling and pain. Just mix 1 teaspoon of salt into each cup of

    water, heat to the warmest temperature that you can

  • 8

    comfortably stand, and then soak the affected foot area for 20

    minutes twice daily, until your infection subsides.

    Prevent digestive upsets with pineapple

    Got gas? One cup of fresh pineapple daily can cut painful

    bloating within 72 hours, say researchers at Californias

    Stanford University. That's

    because pineapple is naturally

    packed with proteolytic

    enzymes, digestive aids that

    help speed the breakdown of

    pain-causing proteins in the

    stomach and small intestine.

    Relax painful muscles with peppermint

    Suffering from tight, sore muscles? Stubborn knots can hang

    around for months if they arent properly treated. Three times

    each week, soak in a warm tub scented with 10 drops of

    peppermint oil. The warm water will relax your muscles, while

    the peppermint oil will naturally soothe your nerves -- a combo

    that can ease muscle cramping 25 percent more effectively

  • 9

    than over-the-counter painkillers, and cut the frequency of

    future flare-ups in half.

    Give your back some TLC with grapes

    Got an achy back? Grapes could be the ticket to a speedy

    recovery. Recent studies at Ohio State University suggest

    eating a heaping cup of grapes daily can relax tight blood

    vessels, significantly improving

    blood flow to damaged back

    tissues (and often within three

    hours of enjoying the first bowl).

    Thats great news because your

    backs vertebrae and shock-

    absorbing discs are completely

    dependent on nearby blood

    vessels to bring them healing

    nutrients and oxygen, so improving blood flow is essential for

    healing damaged back tissue.

  • 10

    Wash away pain injuries with water

    Whether its your feet, your knees or your shoulders that are

    throbbing, you could kick-start your recovery in one week just

    by drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Why? Experts

    say water dilutes, and then helps flush out, histamine, a pain-

    triggering compound produced by

    injured tissues. Plus water is a key

    building block of the cartilage that

    cushions the ends of your bones,

    your joints lubricating fluid, and

    the soft discs in your spine. And

    when these tissues are well-hydrated, they can move and glide

    over each other without causing pain. One caveat: Be sure to

    measure your drinking glasses to find out how large they really

    are before you start sipping, she says. Todays juice glasses

    often hold more than 12 ounces, which means five servings

    could be enough to meet your daily goal.

    Heal sinus problems with horseradish

    Latest studies show sinusitis is the nations number one

    chronic health problem. And this condition doesnt just spur

    congestion and facial pain, it also makes sufferers six times

    more likely to feel achy all-over. Horseradish to the rescue!

  • 11

    According to German researchers, this eye-watering condiment

    naturally revs up blood flow to the sinus cavities, helping to

    open and drain clogged sinuses and heal sinus infections more

    quickly than decongestant sprays do. The study-recommended

    dose: One teaspoon twice daily (either on its own, or used as a

    sandwich or meat topping) until symptoms clear.

    Beat bladder infections with blueberries

    Eating 1 cup of blueberries

    daily, whether you opt for

    them fresh, frozen or in

    juice form, can cut your

    risk of a urinary tract

    infection (UTIs) by 60

    percent. That's because

    blueberries are loaded with tannins, plant compounds that

    wrap around problem-causing bacteria in the bladder, so they

    cant get a toehold and create an infection.

    Heal mouth sores with honey

    Dab painful canker and cold sores with unpasteurized honey

    four times daily until these skin woes disappear, and theyll

    heal 43 percent faster than if you use a prescription cream, say

  • 12

    researchers at the Dubai Specialized Medical Center in the

    United Arab Emirates. Raw honeys natural enzymes zap

    inflammation, destroy invading viruses and speed the healing

    of damaged tissues.

    Fight breast pain with flax

    In one recent study, adding 3 tablespoons of ground flax to

    their daily diet eased

    breast soreness for one in

    three women within 12

    weeks. Scientists credit

    flaxs phytoestrogens,

    natural plant compounds

    that prevent the estrogen

    spikes that can trigger breast pain. More good news: You dont

    have to be a master baker to sneak this healthy seed into your

    diet. Just sprinkle ground flax on oatmeal, yogurt, applesauce

    or add it to smoothies and veggie dips.

  • 13

    Cure migraines with coffee

    Prone to migraines? Try muscling-up your painkiller with a

    coffee chaser. Whatever over-the-counter pain med you prefer,

    researchers at the National Headache Foundation say washing

    it down with a strong 12- ounce cup of coffee will boost the

    effectiveness of your medication by 40 percent or more.

    Experts say caffeine stimulates the stomach lining to absorb

    painkillers more quickly and more effectively.

    Tame leg cramps with tomato juice

    At least one in five people regularly struggle with leg cramps.

    The culprit? Potassium deficiencies, which occur when this

    mineral is flushed out by diuretics, caffeinated beverages or

    heavy perspiration during

    exercise. But sip 10 ounces of

    potassium-rich tomato juice

    daily and you'll not only

    speed your recovery, you'll

    reduce your risk of painful

    cramp flare-ups in as little as 10 days.

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    Foods that can help

    v Migraines

    Quinoa is a well-known super food packed with protein and

    nutrients including iron, copper and magnesium. Its known to

    help relax blood vessels and reduce the frequency of migraines.

    It can also help with high blood pressure, reducing the risk of

    heart attacks.

    Fatty fish such as sardines, herring and trout are also known to

    lessen the severity and frequency of migraines. Research

    suggests fatty fish, high in omega 3 can lower production of

    chemicals in the body that cause migraines. Eat a serving of

    fatty fish 2-3 times a week to treat migraines.

    Ginger has a long history of relieving pain associated with

    migraines. It works as an anti-inflammatory and helps treat

    nausea often accompanying migraines. Research suggests

    ginger can also be used to treat digestion problems. Try

    gingernut biscuits or take ginger supplements.

  • 15

    v Overweight

    Nuts are packed with mono-saturated fatty acids (the good

    fats) proven to help control your appetite. A high-protein snack

    such as almonds can increase the number of calories you burn

    for over 3 hours. One ounce of almonds high in vitamin E can

    also improve your memory.

    Eggs have been proven to support weight loss. Research

    proved eating 2 eggs (high in protein and nutrients) for

    breakfast 5 days a week can boost energy levels, increase body

    weight and improve muscle strength. Egg protein also keeps

    hunger at bay for longer.

    Whole grains are well known super foods for loosing weight.

    The body burns twice as many calories breaking down whole

    foods that are high in fiber such as brown rice or sweetcorn

    than processed foods. Whole grains also help control energy

    levels and decrease sugar cravings.

    v Poor digestion

    Ginger is a popular superfood for treating many ailments, least

    of all digestion problems such as aches, gas, indigestion,

    bloating and nausea. To improve digestion drink ginger tea -

  • 16

    add a few slices of ginger to boiling water or add the juice from

    a small piece of ginger and eat with a spoonful of honey.

    Peppermint is a popular treatment for digestive problems as

    the herb contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities.

    Peppermint oil can be added

    to tea, taken as a

    supplement or the leaves

    added to salads. It is also

    used to treat irritable bowel

    syndrome as it can soothe

    and relax the bowels.

    Yoghurt is a probiotic and contains a high amount of good

    bacteria that can relieve indigestion. It can also reduce other

    related health problems including constipation and diarrhea.

    Look for live or active culture yoghurt or added fiber. Add

    fiber-rich berries like raspberries to sweeten the yoghurt.

    v Sexual Dysfunction

    Garlic can be off-putting in romantic situations, but its actually

    known to help boost the sex drive. It contains allicin, which is

    known to increase blood flow, which will strengthen erections.

  • 17

    Allicin also boosts the immune system and garlic is known to

    prevent cancer.

    Maca acts as a natural Viagra boosting the libido and helps

    alleviate symptoms of sexual dysfunction. Maca can also help

    balance hormones and prepare women for pregnancy and IVF.

    Maca provides an instant energy boost and higher doses can

    have a relaxing effect on the heart.

    Oysters are the perfect aphrodisiac (eaten cooked or raw).

    Oysters contain zinc, which helps maintain healthy sexual

    function and increases the libido for both men and women.

    Oysters can improve mens sperm count, produce better

    swimmers and increase their sexual potency.

    v Stress

    Mushrooms are a great source of vitamin D as theyre rich in

    selenium, proven to help improve your mood and boost your

    energy levels. Studies show that if you suffer from seasonal

    affective disorder then mushrooms with their high vitamin D

    content can really lift your mood.

  • 18

    Dark chocolate has been

    proven to help reduce stress.

    Research found that eating 1.5

    ounces of dark chocolate a day

    for two weeks helped highly

    stressed volunteers really lower their stress levels. The

    magnesium content can also help treat depression, menstrual

    cramps and irritability.

    Green Tea has also been proven to beat stress in a Japanese

    study. Levels of stress were 20% lower in volunteers who

    drank more than 5 cups of green tea per day compared to

    volunteers who drank less than one cup per day. Green tea can

    also help protect the skin and aid weight loss.

    v Poor concentration

    Leafy greens are full of vitamin E, proven to improve your

    mental focus and help protect your brain cells from damage.

    Try eating leafy green vegetables such as romaine lettuce,

    broccoli or spinach. Leafy greens are also a good source of

    folate, which can help protect you against heart disease.

    Whole grains are proven to aid concentration. Studies have

  • 19

    found that eating a whole grain cereal for breakfast helps you

    stay more focused compared to eating refined carbohydrates

    or skipping breakfast. Whole grains also help you lose weight

    and reduce sugar cravings.

    Sardines contain omega 3 fatty acids well know for giving the

    brain a well-needed boost, improve concentration and memory

    and reduce the occurrence of dementia. The omega 3 fatty

    acids in sardines can also help reduce cholesterol and lower

    the chances of developing heart disease.

    v Fertility

    Maca is a root vegetable

    from the Peruvian

    mountains that looks like a

    radish. The vegetable is

    known as a natural Viagra

    and helps to balance the

    hormones and prepare

    women for pregnancy and IVF. Maca provides an instant

    energy boost and higher doses can have a relaxing effect on the

    heart.

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    Royal Jelly is a superfood that can increase the quantity and

    quality of eggs produced. Women are advised to take Royal

    Jelly for more than 3 months before beginning natural

    conception or IVF treatment. WARNING: Please dont take

    Royal Jelly if youre allergic to bee products.

    Shellfish contains vitamin B12 that has been proven in studies

    to help strengthen the endometrium lining reducing the risk of

    miscarriage. Shellfish is a great source of zinc and can be used

    to treat damaged skin after injury. It also plays a vital role in

    prostate health.

    v Common cold

    Garlic has been proven to reduce the chances of catching a cold

    and can help cold sufferers recover faster. Its most effective

    when eaten raw but you can buy aged-garlic extract capsules

    instead. Garlic can also boost your mood, repair your body

    after exercise and improve sexual performance.

    Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and tuna high in omega 3

    help fight colds and flu. Research shows that taking fish-oil

    supplements over a 3-month period reduces the inflammation

  • 21

    that causes colds and reduces symptoms of anxiety that

    weaken the immune system.

    Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes

    provide plenty of vitamin C. They have been shown to reduce a

    colds duration by roughly a day when vitamin C is consumed

    at the first sign of illness. Vitamin C has also been found to

    reduce the risk of heart disease.

  • 22

    Cures around the world In Sri Lanka: Coconuts Battle the Bulge

    The average Sri Lankan

    eats 116 coconuts every

    year -- yet folks living in

    this tropical paradise are

    just half as likely as

    Americans to get pudgy.

    The reason: Coconut oil is

    packed with medium-chain

    fatty acids (MCFAs) that prod the liver to burn body fat 50

    percent faster than normal. When women eat two tablespoons

    of coconut oil, six ounces of fresh coconut meat or 10 ounces of

    coconut milk daily, they can effortlessly shed up to three

    pounds every month.

    In Austria: Yoga Erases Insomnia

    Yoga is a wildly popular stress-buster and insomnia cure in

    Austria (folks there dont just practice at home and in classes --

    they also go on yoga retreats and holidays!). And according to

    University of Pennsylvania researchers, practicing yoga for as

    little as 20 minutes daily banishes insomnia as effectively as

  • 23

    sleeping pills, plus it dampens anxiety, chronic stress and blue

    moods for 60 percent of women within two weeks.

    Yogas gentle stretches and controlled breathing aids

    production of GABA -- a brain hormone that lulls the central

    nervous system into a calm, relaxed state.

    In Indonesia: Ginger Tames Triglycerides

    Indonesia grows, and consumes, more ginger than almost any

    other country in the world. And the locals dont just toss this

    flavorful root into stir fries -- they use it to make ginger tea,

    candy, bread and a host of other tasty treats. Theyve always

    considered this herb a potent heart tonic -- and now studies

    back them up. According to Stanford researchers, a daily dose

    of ginger can cut your production of artery-clogging fats called

    triglycerides by 27 percent. Plus, its twice as effective as

    aspirin at preventing dangerous blood clots -- ginger dampens

    inflammation, which is a key step in stopping the formation of

    clots, Stanford researchers say. The study-proven dose: 1/2

    tablespoon daily.

  • 24

    In India: Turmeric Steadies Blood Sugar

    In India, turmeric isnt just a

    flavorful spice -- its a

    medicinal staple and one of

    their go-to herbs when blood

    sugar problems flare. And now

    research at Indias Gujarat

    University confirms that turmerics active ingredient, called

    curcumin, switches on the genes that keep blood glucose levels

    in check. This compound also helps the pancreas ability to

    make insulin when sugar levels creep up. You must take at

    least half a teaspoon daily in order to see the benefits so start

    thinking about adding them to your meat and veggie dishes. A

    little dash also tastes great on eggs and rice.

    In Japan: Mushrooms Control Cholesterol

    These edible fungi are considered to be both food and medicine

    in Japan, and the average Japanese woman noshes at least eight

    pounds of them every year. Adding at least half a cup of

    mushrooms to your daily diet could cut your cholesterol levels

    as much as 30 percent, according to Penn State studies. The

    reason? Mushrooms are packed with antioxidants that dampen

    the livers production of artery-clogging fats, the study authors

  • 25

    say.

    Bored of button mushrooms? Criminis (which look like coffee-

    colored button mushrooms) have a richer, earthier flavor.

    Portobellos are great grilled, stuffed, or used as a meat

    substitute in burgers and sandwiches. And maitakes and

    shiitakes have a stronger, smoky flavor that can jazz up veggie

    and pasta dishes beautifully.

    In England: Mustard

    Baths Quell Muscle Pain

    Soaking in a hot mustard

    bath is a traditional English

    remedy for tight, achy

    muscles. Think thats a

    weird (and smelly)

    proposition? Mustard actually has healing plant compounds

    that draw toxins out through pores, improve circulation, relax

    tight muscles and speed healing of damaged tissues.

    To do: Mix 2 cups epsom salts, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/4

    cup dry mustard powder in a jar, then add 1/4 cup of this

    healing mix to the hot running water as you fill your tub. Soak

    20 minutes, then rinse.

  • 26

    In Germany: Chamomile Tea Beats Bloating

    It started as a simple German folk remedy, but science now

    proves its effectiveness. According to Stanford University

    researchers, sipping two cups of this soothing brew daily helps

    ease bloating and belly pain within 24 hours. Chamomile calms

    the adrenals, reducing their production of cortisol -- a stress

    hormone thats notorious for sabotaging digestion and

    triggering gas formation, belly spasms and painful spasms.

    In Russia: Garlic Fights Viral Invasions

    Russians reach for this tasty herb when they want to stamp out

    colds, the flu or pretty much anything. Turns out its not just

    hocus-pocus! Research at the University of Florida in

    Gainesville suggests just jazzing up your diet with a daily clove

    of garlic could cut your risk of viral infections as much as 43

    percent -- even if youre surrounded by sniffling, sneezing

    loved ones. Garlic is packed with allicin -- an immunity-

    boosting sulfur compound that sabotages the growth and

    spread of invading germs.

  • 27

    In China: Acupressure Prevents Headaches

    As many as 80 million Chinese now use this ancient healing

    therapy to prevent headaches. According to a study Taiwans

    Kaohsiung Medical University, daily acupressure treatments

    (which feel like massages, but which target specific nerve

    clusters in the skin) outperform prescription muscle relaxants

    for folks struggling with chronic tension headaches.

    Acupressure prompts the release of powerful painkilling

    hormones called endorphins, plus it relaxes scalp muscles and

    soothes overactive pain nerves.

    In Finland: Coffee Beats Depression

    People in Finland are the

    biggest coffee consumers

    worldwide -- they chug an

    average of 1,640 cups per

    year each (and thats the

    full-strength stuff). When

    java was first introduced to

    Finland in the 18th

    century, it was only sold in

    pharmacies and was praised as a great cure for depression.

  • 28

    Harvard research now backs up that claim. Their studies

    suggest sipping two cups of caffeinated coffee daily can cut

    your risk of blue moods by 34 percent -- and enjoying three or

    more cups daily cuts your risk of depression 42 percent or

    more. According to the study, coffees mix of caffeine and

    antioxidants stimulates the brain to produce more powerful,

    natural antidepressant hormones such as serotonin and

    dopamine.

    In Egypt: Coriander Fights Food Poisoning

    Its one of the worlds oldest spices -- and a popular Egyptian

    folk remedy for bad tummy troubles (the seeds have even been

    found in ancient tombs). And now research published in the

    Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry suggests that

    coriander seeds can actually speed your recovery from full-

    blown intestinal infections. Coriander destroys bacteria --

    including nasties like E. coli and Salmonella -- by punching

    holes in their protective outer membranes.

    The next time you have tummy troubles, mix one teaspoon of

    ground coriander into one cup boiling water, steep five

    minutes, sweeten to taste. Sip three cups daily until the bug is

    gone. The flavor will remind you of citrus peels and sage.

  • 29

    In New Zealand: Honey Prevents Sinus and Throat

    Infections

    Unpasteurized honey is one of the top home remedies used by

    New Zealand women when germs sneak past their defenses.

    According to researchers at the University of Illinois and

    University of Amsterdam, the natural antibiotics and enzymes

    in unpasteurized honey (but not the heat-treated kind) destroy

    almost 100 percent of bacteria and viruses on contact -- and

    that includes the bugs that cause painful sinus and throat

    infections.

    Just mix two tablespoons of unpasteurized honey into your

    daily coffee or tea to prevent (and help fight) these painful

    infections. For best results, choose a dark-colored honey.

    University of Illinois research suggests that the darker types --

    like buckwheat and wildflower -- contain up to 20 times more

    antioxidants than light-colored clover honey does.

    In Mexico: Aloe Vera Smooths

    Rashy Skin

    Traditional healers in Mexico

    recommend aloe vera as a

  • 30

    remedy for rashes and other skin problems. Researchers at

    Dallas University of Texas suggest that aloe can reduce

    redness, speed healing, increase your skins moisture level and

    strengthen its resistance to irritants like chemicals and soaps.

    Not only does this reduce itching and dryness, it prevents

    future rash flare-ups.

    In another study at Swedens Malm University Hospital, aloe

    vera cream even helped heal psoriasis flares for 83 percent of

    its subjects. Theres no doubt that aloe is a powerful anti-

    inflammatory that heals damaged tissues and promotes the

    growth of healthy new skin cells, says Dr. Balch.

    If you are having skin issues, look for aloe vera cream or gel in

    your health food store and apply three times daily to rash-

    prone areas.

    In Russia: Kefir Soothes Irritable Bowel Syndrome

    Kefir is a creamy, fermented drink

    that looks like a milkshake and

    tastes like tart, tangy yogurt. Its

    made by fermenting milk with a

    blend of healthy probiotic

    bacteria and yeast, and women in Russia sip roughly 40 four-

  • 31

    ounce servings of the stuff every year.

    Kefir is also their go-to remedy for irritable bowel syndrome --

    an often-debilitating intestinal hassle that causes bloating,

    pain, diarrhea and other upsets for one in five adults. Kefirs

    secret? It contains at least five times more healthy, intestine-

    soothing probiotics than yogurts do. And University of Madrid

    research suggests that a daily half-cup serving can trigger a

    ten-fold increase in healing, probiotic bacteria in your digestive

    tract. Itll also get rid of the bad intestinal bugs that cause nasty

    digestive upsets. Look for it in well-stocked grocery stores.

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    Conclusion Home remedies have become increasingly popular as the

    expense and hassle of conventional medicine continues to rise.

    Beyond the convenience, home remedies have found favor

    with a public that wants to take a more holistic approach to its

    ailments.

    The home remedies that we have collected aren't risky

    alternative therapies practiced against your doctor's

    objections. Rather they are safe, practical actions that you can

    utilize to help treat more than 100 common health problems,

    ranging from the minor ailments like ingrown hairs and

    athlete's foot to serious diseases like asthma and diabetes.

    Just remember that these home remedies don't provide

    miracle cures and aren't meant to take the place of the advice

    and treatments prescribed by your health-care professional.

    You should continue to work and consult with your doctor

    about your health problems.