Herbal Remedies As Natural Remedies

Natural remedies use plants as medicines to prevent or cure illness, with people employing herbal treatments for centuries as a natural means to manage symptoms and enhance overall wellbeing.

Some home treatments may not work for everyone and herbal products may not be regulated or tested as thoroughly as pharmaceutical medicines. Furthermore, they could interact with prescription medicines or be toxic at higher doses.

Gargling

Salt water gargles can be soothing and effective ways to kill germs. Both the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement and American Cancer Society recommend this ancient home remedy as a means to ease sore throats caused by canker sores (painful ulcers that develop in the mouth). A simple salt water rinse can irrigate throat and mouth areas while relieving pain and inflammation, and herbal remedies like licorice, marshmallow and slippery elm are great demulcents which soften tissues to promote healing.

An easy gargle recipe involves mixing 1/4 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and mixing well. Tilting your head back, swish this solution around your mouth and throat area until all tissues have been covered, before spitting out and repeating as often as necessary.

Lemon Water

Lemons and their juice are rich sources of vitamin C, offering numerous health advantages. Some of these benefits include improved digestion, an increase in metabolism, anti-inflammatory properties and enhanced immunity function. Lemons also contain plant compounds which act as antioxidants to mop up any free radicals which damage cells or lead to chronic inflammation.

Lemons contain soluble fiber that can help regulate appetite and decrease caloric intake, making it possible to lose weight more effectively while maintaining a healthy BMI. Furthermore, lemons stimulate peristaltic motion by increasing secretion of digestive juices, alleviating constipation.

Some believe that drinking lemon water helps treat Lyme disease, an infectious tick-borne illness caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria and manifested by fever, fatigue and an erythema migrans rash. Current treatments for Lyme include short courses of antibiotics.

Lemon water can be highly nutritious; however, its high acidic content may lead to acid reflux in some individuals. Drinking it alongside meals can help prevent this potential side effect and make for an easier experience overall.

Licorice Root

Licorice root has long been used to combat chronic inflammation and conditions like arthritis in mice studies (20). Furthermore, studies conducted with humans show it to help balance female hormones and alleviate premenstrual syndrome symptoms and menopause due to its natural estrogenic properties (21).

Licorice root extract has long been considered an effective remedy for cough, as studies have demonstrated. Studies also indicate its natural decongestant and soothing qualities when it comes to relieving both productive and dry coughs. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties make licorice extract an ideal way to ease throat irritation as well.

Licorice root is considered an “ambassador herb”, often serving to balance out other herbs in herbal formulas according to Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (12). This powerful remedy strengthens and drains fire in your system while relieving symptoms such as peptic ulcers, toxic build-up and urethral discomfort.

Licorice can cause sudden increases in blood pressure and decreased potassium levels, so those with high blood pressure or heart disease should exercise caution when using too much of this supplement. Furthermore, some forms of licorice supplements may interact with medications; it’s wise to read labels carefully before starting any new supplements without consulting your healthcare provider first.

Peppermint

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) can be used for various reasons, from soothing skin conditions and treating headaches to relieving nausea, easing menstrual cramps and bad breath. Peppermint may help relieve indigestion and alleviate symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome – more research needs to be conducted into how it works exactly; peppermint oil has been observed killing certain bacteria, fungi and viruses in test tubes suggesting possible antibacterial and antifungal properties in peppermint oil itself.

Peppermint contains menthol, which serves as a decongestant to loosen phlegm and allow easier breathing during respiratory illnesses. Furthermore, its natural expectorant qualities relieve throats of congestion and coughs.

Peppermint oil combined with vinegar may be more effective at reducing dental plaque than water-only rinses in reducing plaque build-up, according to recent studies. Peppermint may also help improve mental function and lower stress. Furthermore, its use may ease nausea caused by cancer treatments like chemotherapy – though some studies indicate it increases risk of vomiting.