Heartland Directory - Rural Living 2013 Issue | Page 20

Au Naturale
Some products straight from
nature not only taste good,
they’re good for your health

We’ve all heard of various natural remedies for physical
ailments that make us scratch our heads, wondering why
people think they would work. Some involve drinking
various concoctions, or applying poultices that include
cow dung and other things too disgusting to consider.
But are there some natural remedies that actually do
work? Yes, here are some that have some solid science to
back them up.
Honey Not only does
it taste good, honey is also
good for you. A teaspoon
of honey can soothe a dry
cough and scratchy throat.
It also has antibacterial
properties when applied
topically to a minor scrape
or cut. And for those who
might have been in a partying mood, honey spread on
toast can also help curb
the affects of a hangover.
Omega-3 fish oil This is
a great natural way to lower
blood pressure, slow the
build-up of plaque in arteries
and reduce the risk of heart
attack or stroke.The best
source comes from eating
fish, especially fatty fish, but
supplements in gel tablet
form also provide benefits.
When taken with the herb

lemon verbena, it also reduces the affects of arthritis
and joint pain.
Aloe The gel from
the plant can be applied
topically to soothe sunburn
and other skin irritations.
In juice form, a teaspoon
can soothe ulcers and
intestinal irritation.
Chamomile tea This
tea is used to soothe upset
stomachs and reduce
heartburn. It is also a mild
sedative and can help you
get to sleep at night.
Cinnamon This promotes circulation. Used in
a tea, it is a great alternative to coffee in promoting
alertness.
Garlic Long used to add
flavor to foods, it is something of a natural wonder
drug. It has been shown to
have antiviral, antibacte-

rial and antifungal properties. Aged garlic has been
shown to be strong in
antioxidants, which reduce
the free radicals that can
lead to cancer. It may also
help lower blood pressure.
Ginseng Long known
to stimulate brain activity,
ginseng also is a natural
energy booster, helping
the body use energy more
effectively. Ginseng tea is a
natural appetite suppressant and can help with
weight control. American
ginseng may help control
type 2 diabetes. Korean
ginseng is used to improve male sexual function. Ginseng can interact
with some medications, so
consult a doctor before using if you take prescription
medication.
Horseradish This pungent root works wonders
in clearing up bronchial and
sinus congestion. A little
can go a long way.
Ginger This herb can
reduce motion sickness,
morning sickness, nausea
or other upset stomach
conditions. In addition, it
has been shown to reduce
pain from arthritis.
Lavender The scent of
lavender has been shown
to promote longer and
deeper sleep. Lavender oil
in a diffuser or a few drops
on a cloth that doesn’t
contact your skin can promote sound sleep.

Oatmeal Long a staple
at the breakfast table,
oatmeal has many health
benefits. It can lower
cholesterol, reduce the risk
of breast cancer, prevent
hardening of the arteries,
boost the immune system
and can be a diet aid because it makes you feel full
longer. In addition, a cupful
in a warm bath can help
combat eczema and other
skin conditions.
Tryptophan This is an
amino acid that boosts
the body’s production of
serotonin, which helps
promote sleep and reduces
stress. Tryptophan is found
in such natural foods as
turkey, chicken, milk, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds
and eggs.
Berries Some berries
like acai and blueberries,
and fruit like mangoes and
pomegranates, have high
levels of antioxidants, which
help fight the free radicals
in the body that can lead
to cancer. Acai berries also
contain high levels of resveratrol, the ingredient in red
wine that makes it healthy
for the heart.
Chocolate Although
usually seen as a negative,
chocolate in the proper
form (dark chocolate,
with minimal processing)
is a powerful antioxidant
that can help prevent
cancer and lower blood
pressure.