YOUR PANTRY’S SECRET HEALING POWER

A well-stocked kitchen offers a feast for your taste buds- and a natural pharmacy! Find out which pantry staples pack a healing punch.

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A well-stocked medicine cabinet is not only convenient, it's essential - especially if you have kids or don't live near a pharmacy. But have you ever considered opening your grocery cupboard instead of your medicine cabinet to cure that sore throat or soothe an itch?

Natural healing practices are as old as humanity itself. From the earliest records of the Middle Palaeolithic age (50 000 to 30 000 years ago) to the detailed Egyptian hieroglyphics documenting more than 700 medicinal herbs and plants, people have long turned to nature's pharmacy for relief. Many time-tested remedies offer gentle solutions for common ailments. Let's take a look...

KITCHEN REMEDIES FOR COMMON COMPLAINTS
Stock up on these well-researched natural solutions for everyday and common health concerns.

Digestive health: That cup of herbal tea isn't just comforting - it's medicine in a mug. Both chamomile and peppermint tea can calm an upset stomach, while liquorice root and lemon balm tea can ease indigestion.

Sore throat: Both salt and baking soda can help soothe a sore throat. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt or baking soda with warm water and gargle every three hours. Both ingredients help reduce throat swelling and discomfort, while baking soda has the added benefit of breaking up mucus.

Women’s health: For those monthly cramps, traditional remedies like fenugreek and ginger have shown promising results. Ginger has also helped generations of women ease morning sickness during pregnancy. Fresh garlic can help relieve the pain associated with endometriosis (in which uterus-like tissue grows outside the uterus).

Joint care: The golden spice turmeric has earned its reputation as a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Whether in curry or in a warm latte, turmeric can help ease arthritis symptoms and reduce joint inflammation. For best absorption, combine it with black pepper.

Heart health: That creamy avo on your toast is packed with healthy fats that can help manage cholesterol levels. Regularly tucking into avos as part of a balanced diet has been linked to improved heart health markers.

Problem skin: Coconut oil, a staple in many kitchens, makes more than great dishes. When you apply it directly to the skin, the oil can help manage eczema symptoms thanks to its moisturising and antimicrobial properties. The natural fatty acids in the oil help restore the skin's protective barrier.

BEYOND THE KITCHEN
Herbal medicines have also shown impressive results in research studies. Take a look:

Mental health: Studies show St John's wort is relatively effective in treating mild to moderate depression. However, the herb should never be taken without guidance from a health professional, as it can interact with many other medications.

Women's health: Vitex (chaste berry) can assist in stabilising menstruation, while black cohosh can relieve menopausal symptoms. These herbs have been subjected to scientific testing, supporting their traditional use.

Respiratory health: African geranium (Pelargonium sidoides) can help treat bronchitis and sinusitis. Common ivy extract can also help relieve persistent coughing, making it a valuable natural option during the cold and flu season.

Urinary health: While it is well known that cranberry juice helps to prevent bladder infections, a combination of centaury, lovage and rosemary has shown promise in treating uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs). Note that these remedies should complement, not replace, any treatments prescribed by a doctor.

A WORD OF CAUTION
While these natural remedies offer genuine healing potential, approach them with care.

Scientists are still working to understand how many plant compounds work in the body. More importantly, 'natural' doesn't always mean 'safe' or 'harmless' - herbs and foods can interact with conventional mcdicincs and may cause side effects in some people.

Before using any natural remedy, especially if you're taking other medications or have a chronic health condition, consult your healthcare provider. They can help ensure your preferred natural remedies work safely alongside your prescribed medicines.

By: Carine Visagie
Photography by: Gallo/Getty Images, Shutterstock
Text courtesy of Jet magazine