10 Natural Alternatives for Medicines
Alternative medicines which are of natural origin aim to achieve the healing effects of medicine but lack biological plausibility. Home remedies are now used widely by people due to negligible side effects and easy availability.
Let’s see how certain natural treatments / home remedies can help you avoid taking medicines.
#1 Clove
Clove, Credits: pixabay
Cloves are aromatic flower buds used popularly as a spice in a variety of ways across the world. It provides an analgesic effect just like ibuprofen and can be used to relieve tooth pain or sore throat.
Other Benefits:
Eugenol – the active constituent of clove is used in tooth decay, halitosis or bad breath.
When used as a warm beverage, it can help relieve congestion.
Clove oil is also used as a bug repellant and is thought to help relieve headaches, flatulence, as well as reduce stretch marks.
#2 Onion
Credits: pixabay
Onions are flavourful bulbs rich in vitamins, antioxidants and sulphur. It’s antibacterial and antifungal properties can act similar to zinc pyrithione which is found in anti-dandruff shampoos.
Other Benefits:
Prevents hair fall. An onion mask made from onion paste applied over your hair can help fight dandruff, hair fall and naturally condition the hair.
The anti-oxidants in the onion bulbs help fight inflammation
Slices of onion cut and placed in your socks during night time can be an option to detox your body. Onions have antibacterial and anti-viral properties. The components of onions enter into the bloodstream which helps purify the blood, strengthening your immune system.
#3 Garlic
Credits: pixabay
Garlic is a plant in the allium family with potent medicinal properties. It is used as a flavouring agent that adds a spicy flavour to the food. It can help reduce inflammation due to injury or infection.
Other Benefits:
Research studies have shown that people who eat raw garlic at least twice a week are less prone to cancer.
Allicin compound in garlic increases insulin secretion and slows down the glycation process thus beneficial regulating blood pressure and diabetes.
Reduces Levels of LDL Cholesterol.
Helps prevent Neuro-Degenerative Diseases.
Garlic oil instilled into oil can help relieve ear pain.
#4 Turmeric
Turmeric, Credits: pixabay
Turmeric is used as a spice which also imparts golden colour to the food. It has a warm bitter taste and has shown to produce many health benefits. It can be used as an alternative to painkillers or NSAID’S for chronic disorders and wound cuts.
Other Benefits:
Joint pain, muscle stiffness, and inflammation where the curcumin component in turmeric helps ease the pain and inflammation.
Also aids in good sleep, aids in weight loss, and improves skin health.
A glass of warm milk with half a teaspoon of turmeric powder.
#5 Tulsi
Tulsi, Credits: pixabay
Tulsi is a revered holy plant in Hinduism. It not only has spiritual values but also has medicinal properties. Tulsi is used as an alternative remedy for treating constipation, common cold, cough and flu.
Other Benefits:
Tulsi is a potent germicidal, with anti-bacterial, antifungal and antibiotic properties that are great for resolving fevers.
Tulsi leaves extract has the potential to cure fever caused due to malaria.
Tulsi is a carminative agent with aromatic pungency thus it helps reduce bloating and flatulence.
#6 Banana
Banana, Credits: pixabay
Bananas are a rich source of carbs and sugars. The high content of fibre in bananas helps you keep full for a longer duration. It is used as a natural antacid and laxative.
Other Benefits:
Bananas contain high levels of tryptophan, which stimulates serotonin secretion and elevates mood. Thus help overcome depression and anxiety.
Rich in Vitamin B6 and magnesium helps treat insomnia and relax muscles.
It also helps fight constipation.
The active compounds in the banana peel can be used as a natural remedy to help get rid of any ugly warts.
#7 Potato
Potato, Credits: pixabay
Potatoes go with every vegetable or can be eaten as sides. It is called a superfood and has a long history as a folk remedy for pain.
Other Benefits:
Potatoes have the ability to retain heat for a longer time. Thus, It is used as a wrap to treat muscle and bone pain.
The alkalising and anti-inflammatory properties of potatoes soothe a stomach ache and reduce stomach acidity.
The alpha-lipoic acid, a coenzyme present in the potatoes is good for the nervous system where it promotes cognitive effects.
Potatoes are also good for the heart and keep your heart healthy because it contains zero cholesterol.
Instead of consuming antacid solutions for your acidity, try eating a boiled potato.
#8 Aloe vera
Aloe Vera, Credits: pixabay
Aloe vera, the succulent herb has widely found its use in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries. It offers innumerable health benefits and can be used both internally and externally. Aloe vera can be used as an alternative to burning creams
Other Benefits:
Aloe vera leaf sap contains aloin that can be used externally to ease inflammation of joints and reduce arthritis pain.
Aloe vera juice combined with lemon and ginger can help reduce inflammation throughout the body.
The gel-like substance applied to the burnt area can provide a soothing effect on the skin.
#9 Guava leaves
Guava, Credits: pixabay
Guava leaves are considered to be the best herbal remedy for diarrhoea and dysentery.
Other Benefits:
Tea made from Guava leaves has been extensively used by Japanese people to manage their diabetes.
The antioxidants and vitamin C rich guava leaves decoction can help heal sore throats and cough, while also boosting the immunity.
Lowers the cholesterol levels in the blood.
#10 Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, Credits: pixabay
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent remedy for diabetes.
Other Benefits:
There are numerous studies which have shown apple cider vinegar to slow down the digestion. It makes the intestines take longer to absorb food. This, in turn, results in lower blood glucose levels in the body.
Mix apple cider vinegar in a glass of water (preferably lukewarm) and drink it every morning.
It also helps provide relief from an upset stomach.