The best natural remedies are those that are easy to access, versatile, and of course — effective!
Whether you're dealing with the common cold, a bout of indigestion, or acne that just won't go away, there's likely a remedy made from natural ingredients that can help.
Here are nine natural remedies to keep on hand for quick and easy solutions to common ailments.
The aloe plant has been used for centuries to help a variety of health issues. Aloe vera — the gel inside the leaves of an aloe plant — is most commonly used topically to address burns or other types of skin irritation.
If you've got a sunburn, you can simply break open an aloe leaf and apply the gel directly to the affected area. It's known to soothe and calm redness, irritation, and inflammation.(1)
Aloe vera is high in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds, which may help promote wound healing.(2) So keep it on hand for minor cuts and scratches too!
CBD oil is made from the cannabis plant, but it doesn't get you high like THC does. Instead, it boasts a host of potential health benefits, including relief from pain, anxiety, inflammation, and insomnia.(3)
CBD comes in many different forms, including CBD oil, CBD capsules, CBD creams, CBD gummies, and more. A CBD oil may help you to manage pain after a surgery or injury. Or applying a CBD topical cream might relieve the itching and inflammation of psoriasis and eczema.(4)
For more on the uses and benefits of CBD, check out our blog!
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and full of vitamins — elderberries pack a wellness punch. And they’ve been used in folk medicine for centuries to treat colds and flus.
Does it work? Past research shows that elderberries might reduce cold symptom duration and severity.(5) So next time you’re feeling sniffly, reach for some elderberry!
Note that raw elderberries, including the leaves and seeds of the plant contain a toxic substance that can lead to nausea and vomiting.(6) Probably best to stick to cooked and processed elderberry products. You can find elderberries in gummies, supplements, and syrups.
Why not take the powers of elderberry and CBD combined with our Nano CBD + Elderberry Infused Gummies? With elderberry, vitamin C, and zinc added to our fan-fave CBD gummy recipe — these gummies offer mega immune support.
Ginger is a well-known remedy for nausea and indigestion. Research shows that it can ease nausea and vomiting in a variety of situations, from morning sickness to chemotherapy.(7)
Several studies also show that ginger may help you with weight loss.(8) So if you're struggling to shed those pounds, it might be worth adding a bit of ginger to your diet.
Ginger may also help relieve menstrual cramping. One study found that ginger was just as effective as ibuprofen in relieving menstrual pain.(9)
Ginger is generally quite safe, but pregnant women should consult with their doctor before taking it.
To soothe a sore throat, try adding honey to some warm tea or water with lemon. The research is in: Honey seems to be an effective cough suppressant, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of coughs.(10)
Plus, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antifungal properties of honey make it a great choice for overall health.(11)
Tea tree oil — or melaleuca oil — comes from the leaves of the Melaleuca Alternifolia plant. It can be used topically to help fight:(12)
And it can serve as an all-purpose natural cleaner in a pinch.
Before using tea tree oil on the skin, do a patch test to make sure you're not allergic. It’s best to dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil — like coconut or almond oil before directly applying, especially if you have sensitive skin.
And avoid ingesting tea tree oil — stick to topical use.
An essential vitamin for immune system health, vitamin C has many benefits — such as reducing the risk of cancer and strokes. It might also keep the skin looking younger by preventing wrinkles.(13)
Vitamin C might also reduce the severity of colds and flu, though the research shows that consistent use may be more effective than just taking it when you feel sick.(14)
Witch hazel is a natural astringent that’s often used to treat a variety of skin conditions. It can be used for many different minor skin irritations, such as:(15)
It's typically applied directly to the skin and can be purchased in liquid form as well as pads, wipes, and creams. Keep your medicine cabinet stocked with witch hazel to address any minor skin irritations that may come up.
Zinc is a nutrient that’s necessary for a healthy immune system, to support wound healing, and facilitate cell growth.(16)
Zinc can be found in many different foods but is also sold as a supplement. It’s frequently added to lozenges to boost their infection-fighting capabilities. Some research suggests zinc might help reduce the duration and severity of a cold when taken at the first sign of symptoms.(17)
But taking high doses of zinc for a long time isn't recommended. So if you're considering a zinc supplement, consult with your doctor first.
Mother Earth offers plenty of options for self-care. We’ve only covered a few here in this post.
It's always a good idea to have a few natural remedies on hand because you never know when you’ll need something to tame a throat tickle or calm a queasy stomach. With these straight-from-nature staples already stocked at home — you’ll be all set. Which is especially nice when you're not feeling up to going out.
Ready to try one of ourfavorite natural remedies?
References
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