Most people do not recognize the power of Home Remedies in Common Ailments. They want quick remedies for common illnesses in allopathy, while they can treat themselves at home with the ingredients available in their kitchens. These are cheaper, effective, and safe. Our ancestors passed down this wisdom from one generation to another, and even now, most of the modern population has been using these home remedies to treat small and common diseases like cold, cough, headache, bodyache, indigestion, etc., effectively.
Relevance of Home Remedies
Inexpensive and easy availability
Most of the ingredients used for home remedies are readily available in our homes, gardens, and nearby fields etc. We can easily take advantage of these cost-effective items without spending money on doctor’s prescriptions or over-the-counter medications.
Fewer Side Effects
Home remedies generally have no side effects and are safe. If anybody is allergic to some of the home remedy ingredients, they should avoid that particular ingredient for treatment.
Preventive Care
Like carom seeds, which are used for treating bloating, many remedies act as preventive measures, helping us avoid illness in the first place.
Common Ailments and Their Simple Home Remedies
Cold and Cough
- Ginger juice taken with honey is very useful in relieving a sore throat. It reduces further congestion in the throat because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Steam Inhalation gives a very soothing effect to the nasal tract in severe cold and cough. A few drops of eucalyptus oil, if added to hot water, can prove magic to ease breathing and loosen mucus.
Indigestion
- Chewing a teaspoon of fennel seeds after meals helps in digesting the food and reducing bloating.
- Curd or butter milk is very useful in treating indigestion.
Headaches
- Applying Peppermint Oil can provide a cooling sensation and help relieve tension headaches.
- Drinking enough water can sometimes ease a headache caused by dehydration. A cup of black tea provides some relief from headaches.
Sore Throat
- Salt (preferably rock salt) Water gargle is very effective to treat the sore throat as it kills bacteria in the throat.
- Ginger juice with honey is also very effective in soothing a sore throat. Warm milk with a pinch of turmeric can soothe soreness and speed up healing due to its antibacterial properties.
Minor Burns and Cuts
- Aloe Vera Gel, known for its cooling and healing properties, provides relief and aids in skin regeneration.
- Honey’s antimicrobial nature can help prevent infection and accelerate wound healing. Virgin Coconut oil helps in the early healing of burn injuries.
Diabetes
- Both Fenugreek plants and seeds are advised for diabetic patients.
- The juice of Bitter gourd is advisable for patients suffering from diabetes.
Diarrhea
- Fenugreek seeds help to firm up stools, since they contain water-soluble fiber.
- Curd Rice combination helps to firm up the stool.
- Isabgol seeds’ husk mixed with curd also helps in firming up the stool.
Sprains
- Firstly, compress the swollen area with a clean towel soaked in cold water for some time. After some time, wrap the swollen area with the cloth soaked in warm water mixed with Epsom Salt. This will help ease the pain caused by sprains.
- At night, drinking warm milk with a pinch of Turmeric (Haldi) and Black Pepper (Kali Mirch) powder helps in quick internal healing.
Dry Skin
- Apply a paste of honey and ground plain oats powder on the dry areas for 15-20 minutes. It nourishes the skin and soothes the itchiness.
- Applying the cold-pressed coconut oil on the affected areas helps in moisturizing the dry skin naturally. It also acts as an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial due to the presence of lauric acid in it.
- Stay hydrated.
Acidity
- Boil Basil (Tulsi) leaves with Fennel Seeds (Saunf) and sip this warm water after meals to ease the acidity problem.
- One small teaspoon of crushed Carom Seeds (Aajwain) mixed with a pinch of Black Salt gives an immediate relief to ease the acidity.
- Drinking Kanji made of Beet roots/Carrots/Rice helps in reducing the acute acidity.
When to Seek Medical Help
Home remedies cannot be a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment in serious cases. Although they are effective in common minor ailments, in the case of treating children, pregnant women, and people with weak immunity, it is wise to seek the advice of a healthcare professional. If health issues aggravate and symptoms require a doctor’s attention, like high fever, persistent pain, or signs of infection, always seek a qualified doctor’s advice without any further delay.
Conclusion
The power of home remedies for common ailments cannot be underestimated, even in the modern era of medical science. These have been effectively used for ages for the well-being of mankind. Sometimes, simple home remedies save us time, money, and the possible discomforts of minor health issues. These home remedies are part of our daily routines, particularly in the rural population, where qualified doctors are not easily available.
But for major illnesses, one should certainly seek the expert doctor’s advice for timely treatment.