Natural  treatments  in  your    

own  kitchen    

We  all  know  that  every  time  we  feel  sick  or  in  pain,  nothing  is  

the   same.   You   cannot   work,   you   cannot   rest,   you   cannot   do  

anything.   Most   of   us   use   different   painkillers   from   the  

pharmacy   to   treat   our   symptoms   but   these   are   not   only  

expensive,   but   also  useless.   So  here  we   are   to   give   you   a   few  

vital   tips  regarding  ways  of   treating  pains  with  natural   things  

from  your  own  kitchen.    

 

If   our   ancestors   managed   to   survive   and   heal   their   wounds  

using   natural   remedies,  why   can’t  we?   You’ll   be   amazed   how  

effective  they  are  and  you  had  them  under  your  nose  all  these  

times  without  even  knowing.    

Make  muscle  pain  a  memory  

with  ginger  

When   Danish   researchers   asked  

achy   people   to   jazz   up   their   diets  

with   ginger,   it   eased   muscle   and  

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joint  pain,   swelling  and  stiffness   for  up   to  63  percent  of   them  

within  two  months.  Experts  credit  ginger’s  potent  compounds  

called   gingerols,   which   prevent   the   production   of   pain-­‐

triggering   hormones.   The   study-­‐recommended   dose:   Add   at  

least   1   teaspoon   of   dried   ginger   or   2   teaspoons   of   chopped  

ginger  to  meals  daily.  

 

Cure  a  toothache  with  cloves  

Got  a  toothache  and  

can’t   get   to   the  

dentist?   Gently  

chewing   on   a   clove  

can   ease   tooth   pain  

and   gum  

inflammation   for  

two   hours   straight.   Experts   point   to   a   natural   compound   in  

cloves   called   eugenol,   a   powerful,   natural   anesthetic.   Bonus:  

Sprinkling  a  ¼  teaspoon  of  ground  cloves  on  meals  daily  may  

also  protect  your  ticker.  Scientists  say  this  simple  action  helps  

stabilize   blood   sugar,   plus   dampen   production   of   artery-­‐

clogging  cholesterol  in  as  little  as  three  weeks.  

 

 

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Heal  heartburn  with  cider  vinegar  

Sip   1   tablespoon   of   apple   cider  

vinegar  mixed  with  8  ounces  of  water  

before   every   meal,   and   experts   say  

you  could  shut  down  painful  bouts  of  

heartburn   in   as   little   as   24   hours.  

Cider   vinegar   is   rich   in   malic   and  

tartaric   acids,   powerful   digestive   aids   that   speed   the  

breakdown   of   fats   and   proteins   so   your   stomach   can   empty  

quickly,  before   food  washes  up   into   the  esophagus,   triggering  

heartburn  pain.  

 

 

Erase  earaches  with  garlic  

Painful   ear   infections   drive  millions   of   Americans   to   doctors’  

offices   every   year.   To   cure   one   fast,   just   place   two   drops   of  

warm  garlic  oil   into  your  aching  ear   twice  daily   for   five  days.  

This   simple   treatment   can   clear   up   ear   infections   faster   than  

prescription   meds.   Scientists   say   garlic’s   active   ingredients  

(germanium,   selenium,   and   sulfur   compounds)   are   naturally  

toxic   to  dozens  of  different  pain-­‐causing  bacteria.  To  whip  up  

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your   own   garlic   oil   gently   simmer   three   cloves   of   crushed  

garlic   in  a  half   a   cup  of  extra  virgin  olive  oil   for   two  minutes,  

strain,  then  refrigerate  for  up  to  two  weeks.  

 

 

Chase  away  joint  and  headache  pain  with  cherries  

Latest   studies   show   that   at   least   one   in   four   women   is  

struggling   with  

arthritis,   gout   or  

chronic   headaches.   If  

you’re   one   of   them,   a  

daily   bowl   of   cherries  

could   ease   your   ache,  

without   the   stomach  

upset  so  often   triggered  by   today’s  painkillers.  Their  research  

reveals   that   anthocyanins,   the   compounds   that   give   cherries  

their   brilliant   red   color,   are   anti-­‐inflammatories   10   times  

stronger   than   ibuprofen   and   aspirin.   Anthocyanins   help   shut  

down   the   powerful   enzymes   that   kick-­‐start   tissue  

inflammation,   so   they   can   prevent,   as   well   as   treat,   many  

different  kinds  of  pain.  

 

 

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Fight   tummy   troubles  

with  fish  

Indigestion,  irritable  bowel  

syndrome,   inflammatory  

bowel   diseases...   if   your  

belly  always  seems  to  be  in  

an  uproar,  try  munching  18  ounces  of  fish  weekly  to  ease  your  

misery.   Repeated   studies   show   that   the   fatty   acids   in   fish,  

called   EPA   and   DHA,   can   significantly   reduce   intestinal  

inflammation,   cramping   and   belly   pain   and,   in   some   cases,  

provide   as   much   relief   as   corticosteroids   and   other  

prescription   meds.   EPA   and   DHA   are   powerful,   natural,   side  

effect-­‐free   anti-­‐inflammatories,   which   can   dramatically  

improve  the  function  of  the  entire  gastrointestinal  tract.  

 

Prevent  PMS  with  yogurt  

Up   to   80   percent   of  women  will  

struggle   with   premenstrual  

syndrome  and   its  uncomfortable  

symptoms.   The   reason:   Their  

nervous  systems  are  sensitive   to  

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the   ups   and   downs   in   estrogen   and   progesterone   that   occur  

naturally  every  month.  But  snacking  on  2  cups  of  yogurt  a  day  

can   slash   these   symptoms   by   48   percent.   Yogurt   is   rich   in  

calcium,   a   mineral   that   naturally   calms   the   nervous   system,  

preventing  painful  symptoms  even  when  hormones  are  in  flux.  

 

Tame   chronic   pain   with  

turmeric  

Studies   show   turmeric,   a  

popular   East   Indian   spice,   is  

actually   three   times   more  

effective   at   easing   pain   than  

aspirin,   ibuprofen   or  

naproxen,  plus  it  can  help  relieve  chronic  pain  for  50  percent  of  

people   struggling   with   arthritis   and   even   fibromyalgia,  

according   to   Cornell   researchers.   That’s   because   turmeric’s  

active   ingredient,   curcumin,   naturally   shuts   down  

cyclooxygenase  2,  an  enzyme  that  churns  out  a  stream  of  pain-­‐

producing  hormones.  

 

End  endometrial  pain  with  oats  

The  ticket  to  soothing  endometriosis  pain  could  be  a  daily  bowl  

of  oatmeal.  Endometriosis  occurs  when  little  bits  of  the  uterine  

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lining   detach   and   grow   outside   of   the  

uterus.  Experts  say  these  migrating  cells  

can   turn   menstruation   into   a   misery,  

causing  so  much  inflammation  that  they  

trigger   severe   cramping   during   your  

period,   plus   a  heavy   ache   that  drags  on  

all  month  long.  Fortunately,  scientists  say  opting  for  a  diet  rich  

in  oats  can  help  reduce  endometrial  pain  for  up  to  60  percent  

of  women  within  six  months.  That’s  because  oats  don’t  contain  

gluten,  a  trouble-­‐making  protein  that  triggers  inflammation  in  

many  women,  making  endometriosis  difficult  to  bear.  

 

Soothe  foot  pain  with  salt  

Experts   say   at   least   six   million   Americans   develop   painful  

ingrown   toenails   each   year.   But   regularly   soaking   ingrown  

nails   in   warm   salt-­‐water   baths   can  

cure   these   painful   infections   within  

four   days.   The   salt   in   the   mix  

naturally   nixes   inflammation,   plus  

it’s   anti-­‐bacterial,   so   it   quickly  

destroys   the   germs   that   cause  

swelling  and  pain.  Just  mix  1  teaspoon  of  salt   into  each  cup  of  

water,   heat   to   the   warmest   temperature   that   you   can  

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comfortably  stand,  and  then  soak  the  affected  foot  area  for  20  

minutes  twice  daily,  until  your  infection  subsides.  

 

 

Prevent  digestive  upsets  with  pineapple  

Got   gas?   One   cup   of   fresh   pineapple   daily   can   cut   painful  

bloating   within   72   hours,   say   researchers   at   California’s  

Stanford   University.   That's  

because  pineapple  is  naturally  

packed   with   proteolytic  

enzymes,   digestive   aids   that  

help   speed   the   breakdown   of  

pain-­‐causing   proteins   in   the  

stomach  and  small  intestine.  

 

Relax  painful  muscles  with  peppermint  

Suffering   from   tight,   sore   muscles?   Stubborn   knots   can   hang  

around  for  months  if  they  aren’t  properly  treated.  Three  times  

each   week,   soak   in   a   warm   tub   scented   with   10   drops   of  

peppermint  oil.  The  warm  water  will  relax  your  muscles,  while  

the  peppermint  oil  will  naturally  soothe  your  nerves  -­‐-­‐  a  combo  

that   can   ease   muscle   cramping   25   percent   more   effectively  

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than   over-­‐the-­‐counter   painkillers,   and   cut   the   frequency   of  

future  flare-­‐ups  in  half.  

 

Give  your  back  some  TLC  with  grapes  

Got   an   achy   back?   Grapes   could   be   the   ticket   to   a   speedy  

recovery.   Recent   studies   at   Ohio   State   University   suggest  

eating   a   heaping   cup   of   grapes   daily   can   relax   tight   blood  

vessels,   significantly   improving  

blood   flow   to   damaged   back  

tissues   (and   often   within   three  

hours  of  enjoying  the  first  bowl).  

That’s   great   news   because   your  

back’s   vertebrae   and   shock-­‐

absorbing   discs   are   completely  

dependent   on   nearby   blood  

vessels   to   bring   them   healing  

nutrients  and  oxygen,  so  improving  blood  flow  is  essential  for  

healing  damaged  back  tissue.  

 

 

 

 

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Wash  away  pain  injuries  with  water  

Whether   it’s   your   feet,   your  knees  or  your   shoulders   that   are  

throbbing,  you  could  kick-­‐start  your  recovery  in  one  week  just  

by  drinking  eight  8-­‐ounce  glasses  of  water  daily.  Why?  Experts  

say  water  dilutes,  and   then  helps   flush  out,  histamine,  a  pain-­‐

triggering   compound   produced   by  

injured  tissues.  Plus  water   is  a  key  

building  block  of   the   cartilage   that  

cushions   the   ends   of   your   bones,  

your   joints’   lubricating   fluid,   and  

the   soft   discs   in   your   spine.   And  

when  these  tissues  are  well-­‐hydrated,  they  can  move  and  glide  

over  each  other  without  causing  pain.”  One  caveat:  Be  sure  to  

measure  your  drinking  glasses  to  find  out  how  large  they  really  

are   before   you   start   sipping,   she   says.   Today’s   juice   glasses  

often   hold   more   than   12   ounces,   which   means   five   servings  

could  be  enough  to  meet  your  daily  goal.  

 

Heal  sinus  problems  with  horseradish  

Latest   studies   show   sinusitis   is   the   nation’s   number   one  

chronic   health   problem.   And   this   condition   doesn’t   just   spur  

congestion   and   facial   pain,   it   also   makes   sufferers   six   times  

more   likely   to   feel   achy   all-­‐over.   Horseradish   to   the   rescue!  

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According  to  German  researchers,  this  eye-­‐watering  condiment  

naturally   revs   up   blood   flow   to   the   sinus   cavities,   helping   to  

open  and  drain  clogged  sinuses  and  heal  sinus  infections  more  

quickly  than  decongestant  sprays  do.  The  study-­‐recommended  

dose:  One  teaspoon  twice  daily  (either  on  its  own,  or  used  as  a  

sandwich  or  meat  topping)  until  symptoms  clear.  

 

Beat  bladder  infections  with  blueberries  

Eating  1  cup  of  blueberries  

daily,   whether   you   opt   for  

them   fresh,   frozen   or   in  

juice   form,   can   cut   your  

risk   of   a   urinary   tract  

infection   (UTIs)   by   60  

percent.   That's   because  

blueberries   are   loaded   with   tannins,   plant   compounds   that  

wrap  around  problem-­‐causing  bacteria  in  the  bladder,  so  they  

can’t  get  a  toehold  and  create  an  infection.  

 

Heal  mouth  sores  with  honey  

Dab   painful   canker   and   cold   sores  with   unpasteurized   honey  

four   times   daily   until   these   skin   woes   disappear,   and   they’ll  

heal  43  percent  faster  than  if  you  use  a  prescription  cream,  say  

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researchers   at   the   Dubai   Specialized   Medical   Center   in   the  

United   Arab   Emirates.   Raw   honey’s   natural   enzymes   zap  

inflammation,  destroy   invading  viruses  and  speed   the  healing  

of  damaged  tissues.  

 

 

Fight  breast  pain  with  flax  

In   one   recent   study,   adding   3   tablespoons   of   ground   flax   to  

their   daily   diet   eased  

breast  soreness  for  one  in  

three   women   within   12  

weeks.   Scientists   credit  

flax’s   phytoestrogens,  

natural   plant   compounds  

that  prevent   the  estrogen  

spikes  that  can  trigger  breast  pain.  More  good  news:  You  don’t  

have  to  be  a  master  baker  to  sneak  this  healthy  seed  into  your  

diet.   Just   sprinkle   ground   flax   on   oatmeal,   yogurt,   applesauce  

or  add  it  to  smoothies  and  veggie  dips.  

 

 

 

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Cure  migraines  with  coffee  

Prone   to   migraines?   Try   muscling-­‐up   your   painkiller   with   a  

coffee  chaser.  Whatever  over-­‐the-­‐counter  pain  med  you  prefer,  

researchers  at  the  National  Headache  Foundation  say  washing  

it   down  with   a   strong   12-­‐   ounce   cup   of   coffee  will   boost   the  

effectiveness   of   your   medication   by   40   percent   or   more.  

Experts   say   caffeine   stimulates   the   stomach   lining   to   absorb  

painkillers  more  quickly  and  more  effectively.  

 

Tame  leg  cramps  with  tomato  juice  

At   least  one   in   five  people  regularly  struggle  with   leg  cramps.  

The   culprit?   Potassium   deficiencies,   which   occur   when   this  

mineral   is   flushed   out   by   diuretics,   caffeinated   beverages   or  

heavy   perspiration   during  

exercise.  But  sip  10  ounces  of  

potassium-­‐rich   tomato   juice  

daily   and   you'll   not   only  

speed   your   recovery,   you'll  

reduce   your   risk   of   painful  

cramp  flare-­‐ups  in  as  little  as  10  days.  

 

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Foods  that  can  help    

v Migraines    

 

Quinoa   is   a   well-­‐known   super   food   packed   with   protein   and  

nutrients  including  iron,  copper  and  magnesium.  It’s  known  to  

help  relax  blood  vessels  and  reduce  the  frequency  of  migraines.  

It  can  also  help  with  high  blood  pressure,  reducing  the  risk  of  

heart  attacks.  

Fatty  fish  such  as  sardines,  herring  and  trout  are  also  known  to  

lessen   the   severity   and   frequency   of   migraines.   Research  

suggests   fatty   fish,   high   in   omega   3   can   lower   production   of  

chemicals   in   the   body   that   cause   migraines.   Eat   a   serving   of  

fatty  fish  2-­‐3  times  a  week  to  treat  migraines.  

Ginger   has   a   long   history   of   relieving   pain   associated   with  

migraines.   It   works   as   an   anti-­‐inflammatory   and   helps   treat  

nausea   often   accompanying   migraines.   Research   suggests  

ginger   can   also   be   used   to   treat   digestion   problems.   Try  

gingernut  biscuits  or  take  ginger  supplements.  

 

 

 

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v Overweight  

 

Nuts   are   packed   with   mono-­‐saturated   fatty   acids   (the   good  

fats)  proven  to  help  control  your  appetite.  A  high-­‐protein  snack  

such  as  almonds  can  increase  the  number  of  calories  you  burn  

for  over  3  hours.  One  ounce  of  almonds  –  high  in  vitamin  E  can  

also  improve  your  memory.  

Eggs   have   been   proven   to   support   weight   loss.   Research  

proved   eating   2   eggs   (high   in   protein   and   nutrients)   for  

breakfast  5  days  a  week  can  boost  energy  levels,  increase  body  

weight   and   improve  muscle   strength.   Egg   protein   also   keeps  

hunger  at  bay  for  longer.  

Whole   grains   are  well   known   super   foods   for   loosing  weight.  

The  body  burns   twice  as  many  calories  breaking  down  whole  

foods   that   are   high   in   fiber   such   as   brown   rice   or   sweetcorn  

than   processed   foods.  Whole   grains   also   help   control   energy  

levels  and  decrease  sugar  cravings.  

 

v Poor  digestion  

Ginger  is  a  popular  superfood  for  treating  many  ailments,  least  

of   all   digestion   problems   such   as   aches,   gas,   indigestion,  

bloating   and   nausea.   To   improve   digestion   drink   ginger   tea   -­‐  

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add  a  few  slices  of  ginger  to  boiling  water  or  add  the  juice  from  

a  small  piece  of  ginger  and  eat  with  a  spoonful  of  honey.  

Peppermint   is   a   popular   treatment   for   digestive   problems   as  

the   herb   contains   anti-­‐inflammatory   and   antiseptic   qualities.  

Peppermint  oil  can  be  added  

to   tea,   taken   as   a  

supplement   or   the   leaves  

added   to   salads.   It   is   also  

used  to  treat   irritable  bowel  

syndrome   as   it   can   soothe  

and  relax  the  bowels.  

Yoghurt   is   a   probiotic   and   contains   a   high   amount   of   good  

bacteria   that   can   relieve   indigestion.   It   can   also   reduce   other  

related   health   problems   including   constipation   and   diarrhea.  

Look   for   ‘live’  or   ‘active’   culture  yoghurt  or   ‘added   fiber’.  Add  

fiber-­‐rich  berries  like  raspberries  to  sweeten  the  yoghurt.  

 

v Sexual  Dysfunction  

 

Garlic  can  be  off-­‐putting  in  romantic  situations,  but  it’s  actually  

known  to  help  boost  the  sex  drive.  It  contains  allicin,  which  is  

known  to  increase  blood  flow,  which  will  strengthen  erections.  

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Allicin  also  boosts   the   immune  system  and  garlic   is  known   to  

prevent  cancer.  

Maca   acts   as   a   natural   Viagra   boosting   the   libido   and   helps  

alleviate   symptoms  of   sexual   dysfunction.  Maca   can   also   help  

balance  hormones  and  prepare  women  for  pregnancy  and  IVF.  

Maca   provides   an   instant   energy   boost   and   higher   doses   can  

have  a  relaxing  effect  on  the  heart.  

Oysters   are   the   perfect   aphrodisiac   (eaten   cooked   or   raw).  

Oysters   contain   zinc,   which   helps   maintain   healthy   sexual  

function   and   increases   the   libido   for   both   men   and   women.  

Oysters   can   improve   men’s   sperm   count,   produce   better  

swimmers  and  increase  their  sexual  potency.  

 

v Stress  

 

Mushrooms  are   a   great   source  of   vitamin  D  as   they’re   rich   in  

selenium,  proven   to  help   improve  your  mood  and  boost   your  

energy   levels.   Studies   show   that   if   you   suffer   from   seasonal  

affective   disorder   then  mushrooms  with   their   high   vitamin  D  

content  can  really  lift  your  mood.  

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Dark   chocolate   has   been  

proven   to   help   reduce   stress.  

Research   found   that  eating  1.5  

ounces  of  dark  chocolate  a  day  

for   two   weeks   helped   highly  

stressed   volunteers   really   lower   their   stress   levels.   The  

magnesium  content   can  also  help   treat  depression,  menstrual  

cramps  and  irritability.  

Green   Tea   has   also   been   proven   to   beat   stress   in   a   Japanese  

study.   Levels   of   stress   were   20%   lower   in   volunteers   who  

drank   more   than   5   cups   of   green   tea   per   day   compared   to  

volunteers  who  drank  less  than  one  cup  per  day.  Green  tea  can  

also  help  protect  the  skin  and  aid  weight  loss.  

 

v Poor  concentration  

 

Leafy   greens   are   full   of   vitamin   E,   proven   to   improve   your  

mental   focus   and   help   protect   your   brain   cells   from   damage.  

Try   eating   leafy   green   vegetables   such   as   romaine   lettuce,  

broccoli   or   spinach.   Leafy   greens   are   also   a   good   source   of  

folate,  which  can  help  protect  you  against  heart  disease.  

Whole   grains   are   proven   to   aid   concentration.   Studies   have  

  19  

found  that  eating  a  whole  grain  cereal  for  breakfast  helps  you  

stay  more   focused   compared   to   eating   refined   carbohydrates  

or  skipping  breakfast.  Whole  grains  also  help  you   lose  weight  

and  reduce  sugar  cravings.  

Sardines  contain  omega  3   fatty  acids  well  know  for  giving  the  

brain  a  well-­‐needed  boost,  improve  concentration  and  memory  

and   reduce   the   occurrence   of   dementia.   The   omega   3   fatty  

acids   in   sardines   can   also   help   reduce   cholesterol   and   lower  

the  chances  of  developing  heart  disease.  

 

v Fertility  

 

Maca   is   a   root   vegetable  

from   the   Peruvian  

mountains  that  looks  like  a  

radish.   The   vegetable   is  

known   as   a   natural   Viagra  

and   helps   to   balance   the  

hormones   and   prepare  

women   for   pregnancy   and   IVF.   Maca   provides   an   instant  

energy  boost  and  higher  doses  can  have  a  relaxing  effect  on  the  

heart.  

  20  

Royal   Jelly   is   a   superfood   that   can   increase   the   quantity   and  

quality   of   eggs   produced.   Women   are   advised   to   take   Royal  

Jelly   for   more   than   3   months   before   beginning   natural  

conception   or   IVF   treatment.   WARNING:   Please   don’t   take  

Royal  Jelly  if  you’re  allergic  to  bee  products.  

Shellfish  contains  vitamin  B12  that  has  been  proven  in  studies  

to  help  strengthen  the  endometrium  lining  reducing  the  risk  of  

miscarriage.  Shellfish  is  a  great  source  of  zinc  and  can  be  used  

to   treat  damaged  skin  after   injury.   It   also  plays  a  vital   role   in  

prostate  health.  

 

 

v Common  cold  

 

Garlic  has  been  proven  to  reduce  the  chances  of  catching  a  cold  

and   can   help   cold   sufferers   recover   faster.   It’s  most   effective  

when  eaten   raw  but   you   can  buy  aged-­‐garlic   extract   capsules  

instead.   Garlic   can   also   boost   your   mood,   repair   your   body  

after  exercise  and  improve  sexual  performance.  

Oily  fish  such  as  salmon,  mackerel  and  tuna  –  high  in  omega  3  

help   fight   colds   and   flu.   Research   shows   that   taking   fish-­‐oil  

supplements  over  a  3-­‐month  period  reduces  the  inflammation  

  21  

that   causes   colds   and   reduces   symptoms   of   anxiety   that  

weaken  the  immune  system.  

Citrus   fruits   such   as   oranges,   grapefruit,   lemons   and   limes  

provide  plenty  of  vitamin  C.  They  have  been  shown  to  reduce  a  

cold’s  duration  by  roughly  a  day  when  vitamin  C   is  consumed  

at   the   first   sign   of   illness.   Vitamin   C   has   also   been   found   to  

reduce  the  risk  of  heart  disease.  

                                   

  22  

Cures  around  the  world    In  Sri  Lanka:  Coconuts  Battle  the  Bulge  

The   average   Sri   Lankan  

eats   116   coconuts   every  

year   -­‐-­‐   yet   folks   living   in  

this   tropical   paradise   are  

just   half   as   likely   as  

Americans   to   get   pudgy.  

The   reason:   Coconut   oil   is  

packed  with  medium-­‐chain  

fatty   acids   (MCFAs)   that   prod   the   liver   to   burn   body   fat   50  

percent  faster  than  normal.  When  women  eat  two  tablespoons  

of  coconut  oil,  six  ounces  of  fresh  coconut  meat  or  10  ounces  of  

coconut   milk   daily,   they   can   effortlessly   shed   up   to   three  

pounds  every  month.  

 

In  Austria:  Yoga  Erases  Insomnia  

Yoga   is   a   wildly   popular   stress-­‐buster   and   insomnia   cure   in  

Austria  (folks  there  don’t  just  practice  at  home  and  in  classes  -­‐-­‐  

they  also  go  on  yoga  retreats  and  holidays!).  And  according  to  

University  of  Pennsylvania   researchers,  practicing  yoga   for  as  

little   as   20  minutes   daily   banishes   insomnia   as   effectively   as  

  23  

sleeping  pills,  plus  it  dampens  anxiety,  chronic  stress  and  blue  

moods  for  60  percent  of  women  within  two  weeks.  

Yoga’s   gentle   stretches   and   controlled   breathing   aids  

production   of   GABA   -­‐-­‐   a   brain   hormone   that   lulls   the   central  

nervous  system  into  a  calm,  relaxed  state.  

 

In  Indonesia:  Ginger  Tames  Triglycerides  

Indonesia  grows,  and  consumes,  more  ginger  than  almost  any  

other   country   in   the  world.  And   the   locals  don’t   just   toss   this  

flavorful   root   into   stir   fries   -­‐-­‐   they   use   it   to  make   ginger   tea,  

candy,   bread   and   a   host   of   other   tasty   treats.   They’ve   always  

considered   this   herb   a   potent   heart   tonic   -­‐-­‐   and   now   studies  

back  them  up.  According  to  Stanford  researchers,  a  daily  dose  

of  ginger  can  cut  your  production  of  artery-­‐clogging  fats  called  

triglycerides   by   27   percent.   Plus,   it’s   twice   as   effective   as  

aspirin  at  preventing  dangerous  blood  clots  -­‐-­‐  ginger  dampens  

inflammation,  which  is  a  key  step  in  stopping  the  formation  of  

clots,   Stanford   researchers   say.   The   study-­‐proven   dose:   1/2  

tablespoon  daily.  

 

 

 

  24  

In  India:  Turmeric  Steadies  Blood  Sugar  

In   India,   turmeric   isn’t   just   a  

flavorful   spice   -­‐-­‐   it’s   a  

medicinal   staple   and   one   of  

their   go-­‐to   herbs   when   blood  

sugar  problems   flare.  And  now  

research   at   India’s   Gujarat  

University   confirms   that   turmeric’s   active   ingredient,   called  

curcumin,  switches  on  the  genes  that  keep  blood  glucose  levels  

in   check.   This   compound   also   helps   the   pancreas’   ability   to  

make   insulin   when   sugar   levels   creep   up.   You   must   take   at  

least  half  a  teaspoon  daily  in  order  to  see  the  benefits  so  start  

thinking  about  adding  them  to  your  meat  and  veggie  dishes.  A  

little  dash  also  tastes  great  on  eggs  and  rice.  

 

In  Japan:  Mushrooms  Control  Cholesterol  

These  edible  fungi  are  considered  to  be  both  food  and  medicine  

in  Japan,  and  the  average  Japanese  woman  noshes  at  least  eight  

pounds   of   them   every   year.   Adding   at   least   half   a   cup   of  

mushrooms  to  your  daily  diet  could  cut  your  cholesterol  levels  

as   much   as   30   percent,   according   to   Penn   State   studies.   The  

reason?  Mushrooms  are  packed  with  antioxidants  that  dampen  

the  liver’s  production  of  artery-­‐clogging  fats,  the  study  authors  

  25  

say.  

Bored  of  button  mushrooms?  Criminis  (which  look  like  coffee-­‐

colored   button   mushrooms)   have   a   richer,   earthier   flavor.  

Portobellos   are   great   grilled,   stuffed,   or   used   as   a   meat  

substitute   in   burgers   and   sandwiches.   And   maitakes   and  

shiitakes  have  a  stronger,  smoky  flavor  that  can  jazz  up  veggie  

and  pasta  dishes  beautifully.  

 

In   England:   Mustard  

Baths  Quell  Muscle  Pain  

Soaking   in   a   hot   mustard  

bath  is  a  traditional  English  

remedy   for   tight,   achy  

muscles.   Think   that’s   a  

weird   (and   smelly)  

proposition?   Mustard   actually   has   healing   plant   compounds  

that  draw  toxins  out  through  pores,   improve  circulation,  relax  

tight  muscles  and  speed  healing  of  damaged  tissues.  

To   do:  Mix  2  cups  epsom  salts,  1/4  cup  baking  soda  and  1/4  

cup   dry   mustard   powder   in   a   jar,   then   add   1/4   cup   of   this  

healing  mix  to  the  hot  running  water  as  you  fill  your  tub.  Soak  

20  minutes,  then  rinse.  

  26  

 

In  Germany:  Chamomile  Tea  Beats  Bloating  

It   started   as   a   simple   German   folk   remedy,   but   science   now  

proves   its   effectiveness.   According   to   Stanford   University  

researchers,  sipping  two  cups  of  this  soothing  brew  daily  helps  

ease  bloating  and  belly  pain  within  24  hours.  Chamomile  calms  

the   adrenals,   reducing   their   production   of   cortisol   -­‐-­‐   a   stress  

hormone   that’s   notorious   for   sabotaging   digestion   and  

triggering  gas  formation,  belly  spasms  and  painful  spasms.  

 

In  Russia:  Garlic  Fights  Viral  Invasions  

Russians  reach  for  this  tasty  herb  when  they  want  to  stamp  out  

colds,   the   flu   or   pretty  much   anything.   Turns   out   it’s   not   just  

hocus-­‐pocus!   Research   at   the   University   of   Florida   in  

Gainesville  suggests  just  jazzing  up  your  diet  with  a  daily  clove  

of   garlic   could   cut   your   risk  of   viral   infections   as  much  as  43  

percent   -­‐-­‐   even   if   you’re   surrounded   by   sniffling,   sneezing  

loved   ones.   Garlic   is   packed   with   allicin   -­‐-­‐   an   immunity-­‐

boosting   sulfur   compound   that   sabotages   the   growth   and  

spread  of  invading  germs.  

 

 

  27  

In  China:  Acupressure  Prevents  Headaches  

As  many   as   80   million   Chinese   now   use   this   ancient   healing  

therapy   to   prevent   headaches.   According   to   a   study  Taiwan’s  

Kaohsiung   Medical   University,   daily   acupressure   treatments  

(which   feel   like   massages,   but   which   target   specific   nerve  

clusters  in  the  skin)  outperform  prescription  muscle  relaxants  

for  folks  struggling  with  chronic  tension  headaches.  

Acupressure   prompts   the   release   of   powerful   painkilling  

hormones  called  endorphins,  plus  it  relaxes  scalp  muscles  and  

soothes  overactive  pain  nerves.  

 

In  Finland:  Coffee  Beats  Depression  

People   in   Finland   are   the  

biggest   coffee   consumers  

worldwide   -­‐-­‐   they   chug   an  

average   of   1,640   cups   per  

year   each   (and   that’s   the  

full-­‐strength   stuff).   When  

java  was  first  introduced  to  

Finland   in   the   18th  

century,   it  was  only  sold  in  

pharmacies   and   was   praised   as   a   great   cure   for   depression.  

  28  

Harvard   research   now   backs   up   that   claim.   Their   studies  

suggest   sipping   two   cups   of   caffeinated   coffee   daily   can   cut  

your  risk  of  blue  moods  by  34  percent  -­‐-­‐  and  enjoying  three  or  

more   cups   daily   cuts   your   risk   of   depression   42   percent   or  

more.   According   to   the   study,   coffee’s   mix   of   caffeine   and  

antioxidants   stimulates   the   brain   to   produce   more   powerful,  

natural   antidepressant   hormones   such   as   serotonin   and  

dopamine.  

 

In  Egypt:  Coriander  Fights  Food  Poisoning  

It’s  one  of   the  world’s  oldest  spices   -­‐-­‐  and  a  popular  Egyptian  

folk  remedy  for  bad  tummy  troubles  (the  seeds  have  even  been  

found   in   ancient   tombs).   And   now   research   published   in   the  

Journal   of   Agriculture   and   Food   Chemistry   suggests   that  

coriander   seeds   can   actually   speed   your   recovery   from   full-­‐

blown   intestinal   infections.   Coriander   destroys   bacteria   -­‐-­‐  

including   nasties   like   E.   coli   and   Salmonella   -­‐-­‐   by   punching  

holes  in  their  protective  outer  membranes.  

The  next   time  you  have  tummy  troubles,  mix  one  teaspoon  of  

ground   coriander   into   one   cup   boiling   water,   steep   five  

minutes,  sweeten  to  taste.  Sip  three  cups  daily  until  the  bug  is  

gone.  The  flavor  will  remind  you  of  citrus  peels  and  sage.  

  29  

 

In   New   Zealand:   Honey   Prevents   Sinus   and   Throat  

Infections  

Unpasteurized  honey  is  one  of  the  top  home  remedies  used  by  

New   Zealand   women   when   germs   sneak   past   their   defenses.  

According   to   researchers   at   the   University   of   Illinois   and  

University  of  Amsterdam,  the  natural  antibiotics  and  enzymes  

in  unpasteurized  honey  (but  not  the  heat-­‐treated  kind)  destroy  

almost   100   percent   of   bacteria   and   viruses   on   contact   -­‐-­‐   and  

that   includes   the   bugs   that   cause   painful   sinus   and   throat  

infections.  

Just   mix   two   tablespoons   of   unpasteurized   honey   into   your  

daily   coffee   or   tea   to   prevent   (and   help   fight)   these   painful  

infections.   For   best   results,   choose   a   dark-­‐colored   honey.  

University  of  Illinois  research  suggests  that  the  darker  types  -­‐-­‐  

like  buckwheat  and  wildflower  -­‐-­‐  contain  up  to  20  times  more  

antioxidants  than  light-­‐colored  clover  honey  does.  

 

In  Mexico:  Aloe  Vera  Smooths  

Rashy  Skin  

Traditional   healers   in   Mexico  

recommend   aloe   vera   as   a  

  30  

remedy   for   rashes   and   other   skin   problems.   Researchers   at  

Dallas’   University   of   Texas   suggest   that   aloe   can   reduce  

redness,  speed  healing,  increase  your  skin’s  moisture  level  and  

strengthen   its  resistance  to   irritants   like  chemicals  and  soaps.  

Not   only   does   this   reduce   itching   and   dryness,   it   prevents  

future  rash  flare-­‐ups.  

In  another  study  at  Sweden’s  Malmö  University  Hospital,  aloe  

vera  cream  even  helped  heal  psoriasis  flares  for  83  percent  of  

its   subjects.   There’s   no   doubt   that   aloe   is   a   powerful   anti-­‐

inflammatory   that   heals   damaged   tissues   and   promotes   the  

growth  of  healthy  new  skin  cells,  says  Dr.  Balch.  

If  you  are  having  skin  issues,  look  for  aloe  vera  cream  or  gel  in  

your   health   food   store   and   apply   three   times   daily   to   rash-­‐

prone  areas.  

 

In  Russia:  Kefir  Soothes  Irritable  Bowel  Syndrome  

Kefir  is  a  creamy,  fermented  drink  

that   looks   like   a   milkshake   and  

tastes   like   tart,   tangy   yogurt.   It’s  

made   by   fermenting   milk   with   a  

blend   of   healthy   probiotic  

bacteria  and  yeast,  and  women   in  Russia  sip  roughly  40   four-­‐

  31  

ounce  servings  of  the  stuff  every  year.  

Kefir  is  also  their  go-­‐to  remedy  for  irritable  bowel  syndrome  -­‐-­‐  

an   often-­‐debilitating   intestinal   hassle   that   causes   bloating,  

pain,   diarrhea   and   other   upsets   for   one   in   five   adults.   Kefir’s  

secret?   It   contains   at   least   five   times  more  healthy,   intestine-­‐

soothing  probiotics  than  yogurts  do.  And  University  of  Madrid  

research   suggests   that   a   daily   half-­‐cup   serving   can   trigger   a  

ten-­‐fold  increase  in  healing,  probiotic  bacteria  in  your  digestive  

tract.  It’ll  also  get  rid  of  the  bad  intestinal  bugs  that  cause  nasty  

digestive  upsets.  Look  for  it  in  well-­‐stocked  grocery  stores.                              

  32  

Conclusion    Home   remedies   have   become   increasingly   popular   as   the  

expense  and  hassle  of  conventional  medicine  continues  to  rise.  

Beyond   the   convenience,   home   remedies   have   found   favor  

with  a  public  that  wants  to  take  a  more  holistic  approach  to  its  

ailments.  

 

The   home   remedies   that   we   have   collected   aren't   risky  

alternative   therapies   practiced   against   your   doctor's  

objections.  Rather  they  are  safe,  practical  actions  that  you  can  

utilize   to  help   treat  more   than  100  common  health  problems,  

ranging   from   the   minor   ailments   like   ingrown   hairs   and  

athlete's  foot  to  serious  diseases  like  asthma  and  diabetes.  

 

Just   remember   that   these   home   remedies   don't   provide  

miracle  cures  and  aren't  meant  to  take  the  place  of  the  advice  

and   treatments   prescribed   by   your   health-­‐care   professional.  

You   should   continue   to   work   and   consult   with   your   doctor  

about  your  health  problems.