5 Natural Remedies from Your Kitchen Cupboard

Natural remedies don’t have to be expensive or exotic! Here are 5 common remedies you can find in your own pantry…

Trying to eat clean and ensure you only put safe and healthy foods into your body may mean swapping out some harmful products for safer and more natural alternatives. This can apply to remedies and medicines, as well as your daily meals and snacks. However, you don’t have to spend a bundle on pricey herbal tinctures or specialty herb blends. In fact, there are many ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen cupboard which make great natural remedies!

Here are a few good ones that you probably already have on hand:

1. Turmeric

It’s hard to even research natural remedies these days without coming across turmeric. This ancient spice has many health benefits, which is one reason why it has been used for decades in Indian cooking. Turmeric is best known for acting as a strong anti-inflammatory, and is often used for relieving joint pain and aches.

2. Ginger

This spicy rhizome is not expensive and is usually easy to get your hands on. Many people already have fresh ginger or ground ginger in the kitchen cupboard, and adding a bit of it to your meals can add not only flavor, but also some health benefits. Ginger is commonly known to help relieve the pain associated with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, and can also be used to soothe an upset stomach. You can add crushed ginger to salads and stir-fries, or make a warm ginger tea to sip with honey – which is especially helpful for reducing sinus pain and sore throats during a cold. It can also be mixed with turmeric and honey and used as a decongestant, and some studies show it may even help to lower cholesterol.⁽¹⁾

3. Olive Oil

You probably don’t necessarily think of olive oil as a natural remedy, but there are many things you can use it for besides cooking. You can use olive oil on your hair to help it retain healthy oils and stay smooth and shiny, or you can use it on your skin as a moisturizer. Olive oil also acts as an anti-inflammatory, so it’s a good idea to drizzle some over salads and other meals on a regular basis.

4. Cayenne Pepper

Despite its spicy flavor, cayenne pepper is actually an anti-inflammatory – both when used internally and externally. It may help with high blood pressure and digestive health when consumed internally, and is an effective external remedy for pain.⁽²⁾ You can make your own cayenne cream for joint aches using two popular kitchen ingredients – cayenne pepper and coconut oil. For every half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, mix in 2-3 teaspoons of warm coconut oil. You can also try making a paste using warm water if you don’t have coconut oil available at home. (Note: for those with sensitive skin, be sure to test the cream on a small area of skin to check for irritation before applying more widely.)

5. Cinnamon

Cinnamon has many uses, including helping to fend off respiratory infections.⁽³⁾ In addition, consuming cinnamon may also help to regulate your sugar levels if you suffer from Type 2 Diabetes. If you have any problems with your liver, you should be careful how much cinnamon you eat. But in for most people, eating cinnamon in moderation is safe and can be beneficial for your health.

As you can see, these common natural remedies are easy to find and are generally quite affordable – even if you’re buying the organic versions. Using these simple remedies is a great way to take control of your own health without spending a lot of money. But be sure to consult with a qualified herbalist or medical professional if you have any underlying health conditions to make sure these substances are safe for you.

 

Sources:

1.) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/ginger-health-benefits/

2.) https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-cayenne-pepper

3.) https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-cinnamon