Government surveys show that millions of Australians use natural or complementary medicines, and the number is growing. The popularity of these remedies hasn’t been lost on GPs, who are increasingly acknowledging the usefulness of many alternative therapies. We asked doctors for their favourite natural remedies − the ones they use themselves and suggest to patients instead of writing a prescription.
1. Problem: Bacterial infections between the toes
Try: white vinegar
When heat and humidity make the area between the toes red, cracked or oozy, vinegar soaks can help dry skin and treat any infection that may have developed. In the early stages of infection, the vinegar can be used alone: soak the foot in a bath of one part vinegar to three parts water. If the infection is more advanced, you may need to apply an over-the-counter antifungal treatment afterwards.
2. Problem: Bloating and nausea
Try: fresh ginger
Ginger regulates the flow of digestive juices to make sure food is properly absorbed, improving the function of bile and pancreatic enzymes to help digestion. It can soothe the stomach and reduce discomfort from bloating, nausea and abdominal distension. Peel, slice and dice fresh ginger to add to a smoothie, or steep it in boiling water for about 10 minutes to make tea.
3. Problem: Sinusitis and bronchitis
Try: humming
Most sinus infections occur due to poor movement of the nasal cilia, microscopic hairs that continually beat backwards and forwards to expel bacteria and dust from the nose and sinuses. Similarly, when cilia in the air passages are compromised, bronchitis can result. Humming stimulates these nasal and bronchial cilia, and helps to break up the mucus in your nose, sinuses, throat and chest.
4. Problem: Constipation
Try: unsulphured blackstrap molasses
This type of molasses is a wonderful stool softener. Take one tablespoon daily on its own, or stir it into water or any drink. It’s especially useful for pregnant women because it is a natural alternative to chemical laxatives, plus it contains iron and many other essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, magnesium, copper, calcium, potassium, manganese and selenium. Note: If you have diabetes, you should not take molasses.
5. Problem: Dry scalp
Try: extra virgin olive oil
A dry scalp can be caused by a loss of moisture or a build-up of styling products. (The flakes from a dry scalp are finer than those from dandruff .) Warm about five tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, allow it to cool slightly, then massage it into the scalp. Comb through, then cover with a towel or shower cap and leave on for 20 to 40 minutes or overnight. Rinse with warm water. Repeat as needed.
6. Problem: Cuts and abrasions
Try: raw manuka honey
Because of its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, manuka honey helps speed the healing of cuts, burns and other wounds. It’s rich in gallic acid and the antioxidant quercetin, which both help with healing. Wash the affected area and massage a small amount of honey directly onto the wound, then cover it with an adhesive bandage.
7. Problem: Headaches
Try: peppermint oil
You can make your own treatment by adding five drops of peppermint essential oil to 30ml almond or grapeseed oil. Shake well and store in a small glass jar. When you feel a tension headache coming on, massage a few drops of the oil into your temples. Close your eyes and take half a dozen deep breaths. Repeat in 20 to 30 minutes, if needed. Note: Keep the oil away from your eye area, and don’t use it on children under six.
8. Problem: Hot flushes
Try: cumin, coriander and fennel tea
Steep half a teaspoon each of cumin, coriander and fennel seeds in a litre of boiling water. Strain into a heatproof vacuum fl ask and sip throughout the day until sunset. This is an Ayurvedic remedy that is said to improve digestion and sleep, and decrease palpitations, hot flushes, worry and anxiety,
9. Problem: Gout
Try: eating cherries
Eating as few as six cherries a day can prevent recurrent attacks of gout. No one knows why or how this works, but specialists often report seeing success. If you suffer from gout frequently, it’s a nice remedy, particularly if you are wary of taking daily prescription medicine.
10. Problem: Indigestion
Try: oregano
Oregano is a concentrated source of antioxidants, which help to reduce inflammation and soothe the stomach. Buy readymade oregano tea or steep one to two teaspoons of fresh or dried oregano in 25ml hot water for about 10 minutes. Drink the tea up to three times daily.
11. Problem: PMS
Try: saffron
Studies show the equivalent of 15mg of saffron − or about one tenth of a teaspoon of threads − twice daily can decrease PMS symptoms, including anxiety, irritability, depression, mood swings and insomnia. Add it to food, take it in capsule form or brew a cup of saffron tea. Note: People with bipolar disorder shouldn’t use saffron without consulting their doctor.
12. Problem: Itching
Try: Epsom salts
Epsom salts can soothe basically anything that itches or burns the skin, including mosquito bites, bee stings and mild sunburn. Soak for at least 12 minutes in a bath made by dissolving two cups of salts under running water. Or make a compress by soaking a cotton washcloth in a cup of cold water mixed with two tablespoons of Epsom salts, then apply it gently to the itchy area.
13. Problem: Toenail fungus
Try: tea tree oil
The compounds in tea tree oil are a safe, effective way to treat this problem, which is an infection inside the nail. Paint 100 per cent tea tree oil onto the toenail, as you would nail polish, twice a day.
14. Problem: Warts
Try: apple cider vinegar
Soak a cotton swab or cotton ball in vinegar and apply directly to the wart several times a day. If the vinegar stings too much, dilute it with water. Warts are caused by a viral infection in the top layer of the skin. The vinegar probably works because its acidity is toxic to the viral cells.
15. Problem: Scalds and burns
Try: aloe vera If you scald yourself with hot water or forget to reapply the sunscreen, frequent, gentle application of aloe vera gel will soothe the burn. The anti-inflammatory gel creates a second skin to protect the burn from the air, which irritates exposed nerve endings.
16.Problem: Foot odour
Try: vinegar or tea foot baths
To eliminate smelly bacteria, soak feet nightly in a solution of one part apple cider vinegar to two parts warm water. Alternatively, give your feet a daily bath in strong black tea (let it cool first for 30 minutes). The tannic acid in tea kills bacteria and closes pores, keeping feet dry longer (bacteria thrive in moist environments). You’ll see results in a few days to a week. Do the soak only when feet are free of cuts.
17. Problem: Chapped lips
Try: olive oil
Rub on antioxidant-rich and moisturising olive oil two or three times a day to soothe, soften and lubricate your lips. They will feel better immediately, but keep using the oil, as it will take a few days before lips start to heal on their own.
18. Problem: Dry skin, rashes and eczema
Try: an oatmeal bath
Although oatmeal is a centuries-old skin soother, researchers have only recently recognised the avenanthramides in oats as the key compounds that calm inflamed, itchy skin. Put whole oats in a clean, dry sock, seal the open end with a rubber band and then drop the sock into a warm bath. Soak in the bath for 15 to 20 minutes.
19. Problem: Flatulence
Try: enteric-coated peppermint capsules
Take one 200mg enteric-coated peppermint capsule three times a day. Peppermint kills bacteria that cause bloating and relaxes gastrointestinal muscles for smoother, spasm-free digestion. The enteric coating prevents capsules from opening in the stomach and increasing discomfort by causing heartburn and indigestion. The peppermint releases and goes to work lower in the gastrointestinal tract, where the digestive discomfort occurs.
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