By Sue Black
It's a gentler way to self-medicate and you probably have most of these natural remedies at home. This article reports on how they can soothe many everyday health problems.
CABBAGE - for food poisoning
Well-cooked cabbage and the water it's been boiled in are effective at clearing up minor diarrhoea and sickness caused by food poisoning. White cabbage, in particular, is very high in sulphur, which helps destroy harmful bacteria in your stomach. Try to eat at least three large tablespoons of thoroughly boiled leaves, or sip a cup of the cooking water.
WALNUTS - For winter blues
Walnuts are a fantastic source of zinc, amino acids and omega 3 and 6, which help prevent depression. They influence the levels of serotonin in the brain and help to nourish the nervous system. You should aim to eat a small handful every day. Other feel-good foods include flax seed, almonds and sunflower seeds, which are high in tryptophan, an essential amino acid that increases the production of serotonin.
CINNAMON - For bloating and indigestion
This aromatic spice helps inhibit the growth of E coli when added to food. It encourages the digestive system to work efficiently and can be used to treat indigestion and flatulence. And because it improves appetite, it's also an effective herb to use when recovering from a cold or flu.
Stir a half-teaspoon of powder into a warm drink or porridge every morning. Use only small amounts and do not take if you're pregnant.
HORSE CHESTNUT - For aching joints and muscles
Horse chestnut strengthens the walls of small blood vessels and helps treat aching muscles, varicose veins and swollen ankles caused by weakened veins. Horse chestnut extract is just as effective as elastic stockings in providing relief from swelling and leg pain. As an anti-inflammatory, it can also be beneficial in the treatment of arthritis and aching joints.
LAVENDER - For stress and insomnia
Lavender essential oil acts as a mild sedative and promotes deep sleep. It also helps aid relaxation and emotional stress.
Use four drops in carrier oil on your pillow or up to six drops in the bath before bed.
Lavender oil also helps ease post-operative pain when mixed with oxygen.
SAGE - For sore throats
Sage is one of the strongest medicines used by herbalists. Try infusing a small handful of leaves in warm water and use to gargle. The phenolic acid in the leaves helps target streptococcal bacteria and soothes the pain. It's also effective for treating ulcers and as general mouthwash, but don't use it when pregnant.
ROSEMARY - For circulation
Rosemary oil is an approved treatment for joint pain and poor circulation.
Use a generous pinch of fresh or dried leaves in teas and food, but don't overdo it. Too much rosemary can raise blood pressure, causing a throbbing head.
MELISSA / Lemon balm - For cold sores
If you feel the tingle of a cold sore coming on, apply lemon balm oil directly on the spot. Aim to use five drops a day or buy a specially formulated stick, which is particularly handy for skiing holidays where UV rays increase susceptibility.
Melissa is also known as a good treatment for easy sleeping. You can drink it as a tea every day before bed. It also makes you calm and distresses you.
BASIL - For migraines
Basil can help calm nervous irritability. Its analgesic effect helps relieve tension headaches and migraines and should be taken as soon as the pain starts.
Infuse a handful of freshly chopped basil in a pint of water for 20 minutes. Strain and divide into two or three doses to be drunk throughout the day.
CRANBERRIES - For cystitis
Drinking one or two glasses of cranberry juice a day can help prevent and treat urinary infections. Women are half as likely to have a recurrence of cystitis if they drink a glass of cranberry juice a day. The chemicals in the berries stop bacteria sticking to the lining of the bladder and bowel, and help flush out the system. Look for unsweetened brands, as bacteria in the bloodstream can feed of sugar. Adding live yogurt to your diet can also help prevent bacteria moving from the bowel to the bladder, one of the main causes of cystitis.
LEMON - for colds
Vitamins A and C in lemon work well to protect the mucus membranes of the nose, mouth, throat and lungs - all more infections in winter. If you're susceptible to cols, aim to take 500-1,000mg of vitamin C per day throughout the winter.
Infuse fresh lemon and ginger in warm water and drink every morning. Vitamin C supports liver function and is a natural immunity booster and vitality builder. Lemon juice is also an antiseptic - apply to cuts or grazes to clean the area and stop bleeding.
CAYENNE - For blocked nose and sinuses
This spicy pepper has been used for centuries to clear airways. Cayenne contains capsaicin, which has been shown in clinical studies to have powerful antibacterial and decongestant properties to prevent and fight sinusitis. Cayenne can help relieve headache and migraine pain. Add a dash to hot food or soups - the pungency will help to clear congested nasal passages.
THYME - For chesty coughs and phlegm
The essential oils in thyme act as a powerful decongestant when swallowed. Thyme helps liquefy phlegm on the chest and enables it to break away so the cells underneath can start to heal. Cooking will destroy the oils, so use fresh thyme in food or buy soothing thyme syrup. Drinking a cup of tea made from warm water and half a teaspoon of thyme two or three times a day can also help to cure coughs.
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