Natural Remedies For Headaches, Arthritis, Colds, Allergies & More

Natural remedies can be a useful way to deal with common ailments, particularly if you don't want or need medical intervention. Natural remedies aren't miracle products or ways to cure serious issues, but some have been used for thousands of years, leading to studies that have proven their benefits for both body and mind. 

Below, we look at six of the most well-regarded natural remedies for various ailments.

1. Luffa

What Is Luffa?

Luffa is a tropical plant within the cucumber family. As it matures, it develops into a highly fibrous material that can be dried into a natural sponge. Early in its life, it is a source of edible fruits, and it is these fruits that are used in natural remedies.

Luffa Is A Natural Remedy For Colds, Hay Fever, Dust & Animal Allergies

Luffa Cylindrica Roem fruit extract is the common ingredient in luffa products. When consumed orally in this form, luffa has a desensitising effect on nasal membranes and, as a result, it can help alleviate and stop the symptoms of allergies and colds, such as itchy eyes, runny noses and congestion. It is also an antioxidant, which can help prevent damage to immune cells and so can be a natural remedy for easing and preventing colds.

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2. Nettle

What Is Nettle?

Nettles, specifically stinging nettles, are a commonly found plant all around the world. They get their name from the stinging sensation that occurs when they make contact with skin. Nevertheless, stinging nettles are also known for their health benefits. 

The roots and leaves of stinging nettles are used to create a natural remedy, most often taken in liquid form. 

Nettle Is A Natural Remedy For Inflammation, Arthritis, Eczema & Seasonal Allergies

Nettle has the ability to modulate the body's immune response, similar to an antihistamine, helping it to ignore allergens rather than react to them. This makes it a useful natural remedy for seasonal allergies.

Additionally, nettle inhibits some of the inflammatory processes in the body, such as those that cause congestion and itchy skin. As a result, some people have found that nettle has benefits for the symptoms of eczema, where itchy skin is common, and conditions that cause painful muscles and joints, such as arthritis.

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3. Neem

What Is Neem?

Neem are large, bushy trees found in tropical regions. They are considered evergreen as they keep their leaves year round. The seeds, leaves and oil, extracted from within the tree, have been used in various skincare products for years.

Neem Extract Is A Natural Remedy For Hives, Eczema & Contact Dermatitis

Neem extract has a host of beneficial properties, including being antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory. These properties make neem a useful natural remedy for alleviating inflammation and red and itchy skin.

Neem can be both ingested and applied topically, and the way you use this natural remedy will depend on the issue you are trying to address. For allergies, it can be taken orally as a supplement or with leaves stewed in hot water to make tea. For skin conditions, like dermatitis or eczema, the oil can be applied topically to the affected area. 

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4. Echinacea

What Is Echinacea?

Echinacea is a flowering plant in the daisy family. It is found in the wild exclusively in eastern and central North America and has long been used medicinally. It can be taken as a supplement in tablet, capsule or liquid form.

Echinacea Is A Natural Remedy For Colds, Allergies & Respiratory Infections

Echinacea is a good natural remedy for colds, allergies and even some types of infections because of its ability to boost immune function, reduce inflammation and due to its antivitral and antioxidant effects.

The roots and leaves of echinacea have been found to reduce inflammation and boost immune function. Studies have also found that echinacea extract reduces the likelihood of recurring respiratory infections when taken regularly. 

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5. Chamomile

What Is Chamomile?

Like Echinacea, chamomile is a plant within the daisy family. It is found across Europe, the United States, India and Asia. Chamomile has long been regarded for its benefits, dating back thousands of years and across cultures. For example, Ancient Egyptians believed chamomile could cure fevers.

Chamomile Is A Natural Remedy For Period Pain, Cramps, Allergies & Inflammation

Chamomile is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), like aspirin. One of its primary health benefits is as an anti-inflammatory. Because of this, it has benefits for symptoms of period pain, allergies and issues caused by inflammation.

Studies have found that chamomile's anti-spasmodic properties can help to relieve painful cramps and period pain. For allergies, chamomile works as a natural antihistamine, easing congestion, improving immunity and generally minimising your body's reaction to allergens like pollen. 

Chamomile tea is the most common way of consuming it to gain its benefits. However, due to the overall anti-inflammation properties of chamomile, when applied topically, in a cream or as an oil, it can help with skin inflammation, such as that caused by eczema.

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6. Peppermint

What Is Peppermint?

Peppermint is a hybrid mint indigenous to Europe and the Middle East, though found in other parts of the world due to cultivation. It has been used in numerous products, the most well-known being in chewing gum, toothpaste and as a herbal infusion.

Peppermint Is A Natural Remedy For Headaches, Stress, Joint Pain & Indigestion

Peppermint has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it beneficial as a natural remedy for a range of issues, from colds and sinus infections, to muscle and joint pain. For aches and pains in your body, applying peppermint oil topically can offer relief. 

For headaches, colds and stress, breathing in peppermint oil or drinking peppermint tea will help ease your symptoms. It can even be used as an aromatherapy to relieve stress and improve mental health.

Peppermint oil supplements can also help with indigestion – when taken at least an hour before meals.

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By Panasha Desai, Pharmacist

 

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Disclaimer

The products offered are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness or disease, or replace the advice of a medical professional. Results are not guaranteed and may vary from individual to individual.