Often I have I have run off to the pharmacy to purchase over the counter medicine for colds, flu, inflammation and general aches and pains. Often standing in front of the shelves completely confused and reading the fine print for side effects and the different drugs with the same ingredients at exorbitant prices and many have had the displeasure of the negative side effects of some of these over the counter drugs.
I then went back in time and remembered some of my mother and grandmothers kitchen cupboard home remedies.
I have encouraged our carers and nurses at Nursing Services of the North taking care of patients to try some of the below remedies, I must say I have had positive responses such as improved gut health, improved skin condition, less aches and pains, more alert and less cold and flu.
I named just a few kitchen cupboard spices below:
Ginger – Fragrant, tasty and so much more for your health
Ginger Tea – helps morning sickness and nausea and has been known to lower blood sugar levels and improve various heart disease risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes.
Ginger Hot Toddy – is an excellent antioxidant, detox and defiantly wards off colds and flu You will need, Fresh ginger (peeled and chopped) cinnamon sticks, turmeric fresh(peeled and chopped) lemon pieces and honey mixed together in a pot add water and boil on a low heat. . I make a pot for of this tea to last me the for at least 5 days having one cup per day If you do not have fresh produce – don’t stress – you can use the powder version from your spice cupboard.
Ginger tablets – can be taken every day for general well being and can be purchased rom any pharmacy.
Essential Ginger oil – is proven to be an excellent anti inflammatory and assists with the aches and pain of osteoporosis, rub a few drops over the affected area for the relief of pain.
Ginger also speeds up emptying the stomach which can benefit patients suffering from indigestion and other related stomach issues as well as an alternative remedy for several forms of cancer.
Turmeric – Has similar benefits to that of Ginger and more
Turmeric body scrub/mask – has a lot of benefits for your skin and when made into a scrub or paste and applied onto the body can assist in the alleviation of acne, inflammation, psoriasis as well as loss of skin elasticity.
Depending on how large the area you are wanting to treat – you will need honey,turmeric, lemon juice(if desired) – mix into a paste and apply, leave on for 20 minutes and rinse off with warm water.
Did you know that Turmeric has the potential to improve heart health and can assist in the prevention of Alzheimer’s and cancer.
Turmeric tablets – can be taken every day for general well being and can be purchased rom any pharmacy
Cumin – Fragrent and nutty with a whole bang of health benefits
Cumin Water generally known as Jeera water– Does not have any side effects and unless consumed in excess (like anything else in life) – Cumin is known to help in digestion and boosting your immune system as well as assist with weight loss. If using it for weight loss have a warm cup on an empty stomach every morning.
You will need – Tablespoon of cumin seeds crushed or ( cumin powder spice) in water, bring to a simmer and reduce to half, if using cumin seeds strain before drinking.
Much like Ginger and Turmeric, Cumin also has anti cancer properties and also has an anti inflammatory effect. It can help treat diarrhoea, helps control blood sugar and fights bacteria and parasites.
Cumin seeds – Also helps with bloating and can provide relief from indigestion and acts as a natural painkiller
Cumin tablets – can be taken every day for general well being and can be purchased from any pharmacy
Cinnamon – Tastes delicious but has so much more to benefit your health.
Cinnamon sticks / powder – Can be added to your green tea or ginger tea, the sticks can be crushed in a pestle and mortar to form a powder or you can just add the stick strait into your tea. – refer to Ginger tea above
Cinnamon tablets – can be taken every day for general well being and can be purchased from any pharmacy.
Cinnamon has natural antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects, it is a natural probiotic which improves gut health and can reduce blood pressure
So before you rush off to your nearest pharmacy to purchase expensive over the counter drugs – rummage through your kitchen cupboard.
I will be back soon with some more kitchen cupboard health and wellbeing remedies
