10 Home remedies you can find in your kitchen

Home remedies can relieve common ailments including colds, indigestion and rashes. When you have home remedies on hand, you are well-equipped to deal with ailments swiftly and effectively. Use the following tried-and-tested remedies the next time you need a quick fix.

Honey

Raw honey is an excellent source of antioxidants that promote healthy skin. To moisturize dry skin, mix one teaspoon of honey with mashed banana and apply the paste as a face mask. Leave it on for at least 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can also rub honey on areas that are prone to fungal infections, such as the skin in between the toes and the groin. You can also use honey to heal wounds and burns thanks to its antimicrobial properties.

Green tea

Green tea is packed with plant compounds known as catechins that prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria, especially in the mouth. To get rid of oral bacteria, steep two tea bags in warm water and use the solution as a natural mouth wash.

Baking soda

Baking soda is the crystallized form of sodium bicarbonate, a natural antacid that you can use to treat heartburn or acid reflux. It also works as a cleaning agent. If you have plaque or discolored teeth, sprinkle enough baking soda to cover the toothbrush bristles and brush your teeth as usual. Additionally, you can use baking soda to treat bee stings and rashes. Just make a paste by mixing equal parts of baking soda and water and apply it to the affected area to reduce itchiness.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil contains high concentrations of lauric acid, a healthy fatty acid that helps kill acne-causing bacteria. Coconut oil also acts as a natural moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated, which can help minimize the appearance of acne scars.

Beer

Beer is an excellent source of B complex vitamins that promote hair growth. Moreover, the malt and hops used to create beer are packed with protein, which provides structural support to hair strands, nails, skin cells and muscles. To boost hair health, use beer instead of commercial shampoo. Beer will not only cleanse the scalp of impurities, but also promote soft and shiny hair.

Black pepper

Black pepper is a potent remedy for chronic cough and sore throat thanks to a natural antibiotic known as piperine. To relieve a persistent cough, steep freshly ground black pepper in boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain and drink with a teaspoon of honey to enhance black pepper’s antibacterial effects.

Red chili

Red chili peppers contain capsaicin, an active compound that can relieve joint pain and swollen muscles. Chili peppers can also reduce inflammation and treat infections in the gastrointestinal tract. (Related: Chili peppers found to be a powerful natural cure for depression.)

Red wine

When consumed in moderation, red wine can improve overall cardiovascular health and regulate blood sugar levels. But it can also be used as a topical remedy for cold sores. A compound in red wine known as resveratrol can inhibit the spread of the herpes virus that causes cold sores. To treat sores, leave a few drops of wine on a shallow dish and leave it covered overnight. Once the wine has congealed, apply it to the sore and let it sit for five minutes.

Coffee

A persistent headache can interfere with the day’s activities. The next time you feel a headache about to occur, grab a cup of coffee. Caffeine constricts dilated blood vessels caused by headaches and provides immediate relief. Caffeine also blocks adenosine receptors, which are neurotransmitters involved in pain transmission.

Bananas

If you have a hard time falling asleep, eat a banana before bed. The high magnesium and potassium content of bananas can promote relaxation and greatly improve sleep quality due to its calming effects on the mind and body. Bananas also help regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle thanks to an amino acid known as tryptophan.

Pantry staples, such as honey, coffee and baking soda, double as effective home remedies for minor ailments like headaches, scrapes and inflammation. Organic foods offer several immune-boosting nutrients and medicinal compounds, so avoid processed ones, or better yet, make your own staples out of fresh ingredients.

Sources include:

Mirror.co.uk

Healthline.com