Guest Post: 9 Troubles You Can Treat with Ingredients Already in Your Cupboard

Disclosure: I have not been compensated for this post nor does it contain affiliate links. 

Author: Whitney Hollingshead

Everyday life can present various discomforts and challenges. The next time you encounter the various symptoms of discomfort, you may want to turn to your spice cabinet or kitchen cabinet instead of your medicine cabinet. Many common discomforts can be treated naturally with ingredients that are already in your kitchen. Check out the list below to find natural solutions for many of your everyday physical troubles:

Nausea = Ginger

Several studies have shown that ginger can help to quell everyday nausea, as well as nausea tied to morning sickness in pregnant women. Just put a spoonful of honey in a small cup. Add a pinch of ground ginger and stir. Eat with a spoon. While the remedy should prove helpful in alleviating the symptoms of nausea, ginger should not be used to treat nausea for longer than a four day period.  

Heartburn = Baking Soda

Baking soda contains sodium bicarbonate which makes baking soda an effective remedy for treating the symptoms of heartburn. The pancreas naturally produces sodium bicarbonate to aid in neutralizing stomach acid and baking soda is thought to perform the same function. For adults, mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda powder into water and drink every two hours as needed. For children, consult your doctor concerning the right amount.  

Cough = Honey

A study published with the Natural Institute of Health reported that honey was more effective than common cough medicine at suppressing nighttime coughs in children with upper respiratory infections. Honey has also been shown to be an effective healing agent. The American Academy of Pediatrics also encourages using honey as a cough remedy, especially in children under the age of six. For adults or children over the age of one, try two teaspoons of honey. Never give honey to any child under the age of one for any reason.  

Sore Throat = Salt

Perhaps your mother encouraged you to gargle with warm salt water as a child to ease your throat pain. The Mayo Clinic agrees that gargling with salt water is an effective remedy for your sore throat. Heat a glass of water until warm (not hot!) and stir in ½ teaspoon salt until dissolved. Gargle small amounts of the mixture. Keep in mind that children under the age of six are usually unable to gargle properly.  

Dry Skin or Rash = Oats

Oats are proven to calm inflamed skin and can be used on all skin types, even super sensitive skin. Just fill a sock with whole oats and tie the open end in a knot. Drop the oat filled sock into warm bath water and soak the affected areas for 15-20 minutes.

Sunburn = Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar works as an antiseptic and cools the skin as it evaporates, making it a great remedy for sunburn relief. As explained here, in order to keep your skin from stinging, dilute the vinegar with water. Use the same amount of water as vinegar and apply to the sunburned area with a wet washcloth.

Bee Sting = Meat Tenderizer

One of the enzymes in the seasoning works against the toxic proteins which may reduce the body’s reaction. Just mix meat tenderizer with water to make a paste and gently apply the paste to cover the affected area.  

Bug Bite = Basil

Basil contains eugenol, a chemical compound believed to relieve itchy skin. Boil ½ cup of water in the microwave and add 2 tablespoons of dry basil. Let cool completely. Dip a cotton ball in the mixture and gently apply to bug bite site. If you happen to have fresh basil leaves on hand, you can chop the leaves and place them directly on the affected skin.

Dandruff = Bay Leaves

The antibacterial properties in bay leaves are known to treat scalp skin plagued by dandruff. Simply boil 4 cups water and add a handful of dry crushed bay leaves. Allow the mixture to steep for 20 minutes. Strain the liquid and cool completely. Apply to scalp. You can wait up to one hour before rinsing.

Remember these helpful natural remedies the next time you encounter one of the common troubles listed above. Just remember that if any of the discomforts above is accompanied by additional symptoms, or if the symptoms persist, you should seek the advice of a medical professional.