Do you find yourself reading the labels of over-the-counter medicines more than ever before? A common outgrowth of developing a more self-sufficient lifestyle is an interest in natural remedies for everyday ailments.
Although natural medicine is often labeled as “alternative,” many remedies have stood the test of time far longer than those of conventional medicine. The practices of natural medicine have been passed down from generation to generation for centuries and all across the globe.
The best part is that you can make many homemade medicines at home using ingredients you already have in your garden and kitchen. Here are 10 natural medicines you can make at home.
1. Cold Medicine
Elderberry
syrup is frequently used to treat the aches and pains associated with
the common cold and to help boost the body’s immune system during cold
and flu season. You can buy elderberry syrup in stores, but you can make
your own syrup less expensively and without the added sugars found in
many commercial versions.
The basic ingredients for elderberry
syrup are elderberries, honey, a few herbs, and water. Her’es a great
recipe for elderberry syrup.
2. DIY Vapor Rub
Here is a
recipe for a kid-friendly natural vapor rub to help relieve congestion
due to cough and cold. It uses coconut oil, beeswax, and two essential
oils.
3. Flu Medicine
The flowering plant Echinacea has long
been used to help fight infection and boost immunity. A simple and
soothing way to consume echinacea is by sipping it in a tea.
Bring
eight ounces of water to a simmer over medium heat before adding a half
cup of fresh echinacea. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain before
serving. (You can add a tablespoon of honey for flavor and more health
benefits.)
4. Stomach Medicine
Ginger is known to ease stomachache, nausea, and menstrual cramps. It also has anti-viral effects and antibacterial properties.
It’s
easy to make ginger tea. Steep between about 1-1/2 teaspoons of freshly
grated ginger in boiling water for about 10 minutes. Strain out the
ginger and then sip the soothing tea. Once again, you can add honey, if
you’d like.
5. Throat Lozenges
Honey
can soothe the throat even in its simplest form – just by the spoonful
or mixed with warm water. Another option is to make honey lozenges. This
recipe uses honey, coconut oil, lemon juice, and ginger.
6. Ginger Cough Syrup
This homemade syrup is good for you, easy to make, and effective in quieting a nagging cough. Here is the recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of water
- 1/4 cup fresh ginger (finely chopped)
- 8 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 cup raw honey
- 1 fresh lemon, juiced
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
Directions:
- Simmer the thyme and ginger in the water in a small pan over medium heat until the water reduces by half.
- Cool completely before straining the herbs.
- Return liquid to the pan.
- Whisk in honey, lemon, and cayenne pepper.
- Take it in one tablespoon dose and store the rest in an airtight container.
7. Red Onion Cough Syrup
This
homemade remedy may sound gross, but it tastes surprisingly good, and
it’s effective. All you need is a red onion and some raw honey – just
two ingredients! Here’s the recipe.
8. Sore Throat Gargle
Turmeric
has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Here’s another
time-tested sore throat remedy using only turmeric, salt, and water.
Mix
a half teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of powdered turmeric
into a half cup of warm water. After gargling, avoid eating or drinking
anything for 20 minutes. Repeat as often as needed.
9. Earache Remedy
Frequent
childhood earaches are one of the reasons antibiotics are
over-prescribed in the U.S. Although sometimes antibiotics are
necessary, many earaches respond well to home treatment.
For centuries, mothers have used olive oil and garlic to ease their children’s ear pain. This article explains the process.
10. Gas and Bloating Remedy
Consuming
fennel seeds helps reduce gas, bloating, and stomach cramps. To make
fennel seed tea, simply steep one teaspoon of crushed fennel seeds in
the boiling water for five to 10 minutes, depending on the strength you
prefer. Strain the seeds and serve.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor and nothing in
this article should be taken as medical advice. Please talk to your
doctor before using any of the herbs and/or remedies mentioned in this
article.