Natural alternatives to over-the-counter medications have become widely popular. With a laundry list of benefits, i.e. fewer side effects, affordability, better digestion, less allergies, hormonal balance, etc, it’s no wonder many are opting in.

Whether you solely use your kitchen as the pharmacy or are just diving into holistic medicine, we’ve got you covered. Here are four recipes to help create a remedy for relief from natural pain relief and common ailments in the comfort of home.

1. For Dehydration – Himalayan Sea Salt and Lemon Tonic

Besides feeling thirsty, dehydration can present itself as headaches, dry skin and lips, or fatigue. Get your body to optimal hydration status, sans the extra sugar or coloring of popular sports drinks, with a Himalayan sea salt and lemon tonic. The salt provides essential electrolytes and the lemon juice helps detoxify.

What You’ll Need:

8 ounces of warm water

2 teaspoons of Himalayan sea salt crystals

Juice and zest of ½ lemon

Directions:

Combine sea salt, lemon juice, and water in a glass. Drink in entirety. You should start feeling relief within 15 minutes.

2. For Toothaches / Cavities – Coconut Oil Mouthwash

Oil pulling is infamous for whitening and erasing stains, reducing teeth sensitivity and plaque, and even healing cavities. Adding this one extra step in your hygiene routine could save discomfort, time, and money.

What You’ll Need:

Organic Coconut Oil

Directions:

Before brushing your teeth and eating in the morning, swish one teaspoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 20 minutes. Spit into the trash to prevent clogging the sink. Rinse mouth with water, then brush teeth, floss, and use mouthwash as usual. In a few weeks, you should see and feel the results.

3. For Congestion – Spicy Apple Cider Vinegar Syrup

As the seasons change, we’re more susceptible to experiencing congestion. Whether it be from allergies or a common cold, this natural decongestant can help bring relief fast. All ingredients have expectorant benefits, meaning you’ll be feeling better and breathing freely in no time.

What You’ll Need:

½ cup lemon juice

½ cup honey

½ cup apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon ginger

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

Add all ingredients except the honey to a saucepan. Bring to a simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes. Strain liquid into a jar, then add honey. Adding honey last preserves the beneficial enzymes that would be destroyed in the heating process. Take three to four teaspoons daily.

4. For Upset Stomach – DIY Ginger Ale

Fresh, zesty ginger ale is a go to for upset stomachs. But did you know that in most popular brands ginger makes up less than two percent of the actual drink? With ginger as the first ingredient, this at-home alternative is perfect for bringing quick and lasting relief.

What You’ll Need:

8 ounces fresh ginger, peeled or unpeeled

2 cups sugar (for a sugar-free version, use ⅓ cup powdered stevia)

4 cups of water

Pinch of salt

Directions:

First, make a ginger syrup to add into your liquid of choice, i.e. lemonade, tea, or sparkling water. To do, thinly slice the ginger, then roughly chop it into smaller pieces.

Add ginger, water, sugar, and salt into a pan. Heat on medium-high heat until boiling, then reduce heat to a steady simmer. Cook for about 1 hour. Let cool and strain your syrup through a fine-mesh strainer. Store your syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. It will keep for about 2 weeks.

For ginger ale, combine ¼ cup ginger syrup, 1 ½ cup soda water, and (optionally) a squeeze of lemon or lime.

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The post Kitchen Pharmacy: Home Remedies for Natural Pain Relief & Common Ailments appeared first on Elev8.

The post Kitchen Pharmacy: Home Remedies for Natural Pain Relief & Common Ailments appeared first on Black America Web.