Simple Cures that Really Work
If you're like most people, you've heard of some magical home cures that claim to cure a wide variety of ailments, from colds to arthritis to the flu. Maybe your mother used to use some of them on you when you were sick, and maybe you have friends that swear by natural remedies to this day. If you're skeptical of these homemade treatments, you're right to be, since many of them haven't been proven to be effective. But some of these home remedies actually work
Write your relationship success story. Find 50+ Singles on BetterDate.com. Join Today!
Ginger. Studies have shown that ginger is an effective at aiding the digestion process, curing motion sickness and ameliorating nausea. It can be consumed in supplement or tea form, and works better if you use less than two grams per dose. Ginger tea is sold in most grocery stores, but it's even more effective if you make your own by cutting off a small bit of fresh ginger and steeping it in hot water. If you get carsick, try doing this before you travel. Ginger is also useful for settling your stomach when you're nervous or if you overeat.
Vicks Vapor Rub. This ointment can be used for more than just relieving congestion - it's a surprisingly effective at killing nail fungus. According to one study, the vast majority of participants saw a partial reduction or full removal of their toenail fungus after applying it once a day. Doctors think it may be the menthol in the rub that eliminates the fungus, but they aren't positive why it works.
Honey. With its sweet and soothing properties, honey can sometimes be even more effective at easing coughs and sore throats than your average over-the-counter cold medication. Honey, which has been used as a traditional medicine for many years, works because its antibacterial agents can be used to treat inflammation. Plus, it tastes amazing when added to hot water or tea.
Zinc. There has been some disagreement as to whether or not zinc combats colds, but a recent analysis suggests that taking zinc can reduce the length of a cold by nearly 50 percent. Additionally, the study showed that if taken regularly, zinc can decrease the number of colds a person experiences each year. Whether you take it in lozenge or syrup form, zinc successfully reduces cold symptoms such as fever, headaches, coughing, soar throats, and achy muscles. Zinc works by intervening with rhinoviruses - the cause of over 75 percent of all colds.
Yogurt For Bad Breath. If you eat a serving of yogurt per day, chances are you will notice a change in your breath. Why? Yogurt contains live bacteria that are helpful in neutralizing compounds that cause odor, like hydrogen sulfide. In one study, yogurt also helped eliminate bacteria in the mouth, which led to less plaque and gum disease. To make sure you're getting this benefit, buy yogurt that contains live cultures.
Cranberry Juice. You've probably heard that cranberries can have a beneficial impact on urinary health, and in recent years, scientific studies have proven that. Cranberries can prevent bladder infections by keeping bacteria from sticking to bladder walls. Try drinking a glass of cranberry juice each day to get the full benefit.
Steam For Sinus Issues. If your nose is stuffy, inhaling steam from hot water will help clear your sinuses. This works even better when you add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the water, which increases the decongestant effect. To get it set up, just pour about 5 cups of boiling water into a bowl and set it on a table. Without bringing your face too close to the hot water, put a towel over your head so that it envelops the bowl and allows the steam to concentrate. Breathe deeply for about 10 minutes. You can do this 2-4 times daily when you're in the midst of a cold.
Also Popular On ThirdAge:
9 Great Heart Healthy Exercises
