8 home remedies you need to know

As much as medicine evolves, many domestic recipes resist time and, some, even had their effectiveness proven by science. Although you will often prefer to use conventional remedies, do not disregard the popular wisdom contained in those tips learned from your mother or grandmother.

Home remedies for everyday health problems can be quick, effective and with far fewer side effects. If you want to replace (at least partially) conventional remedies, you need to know the medicinal power hidden in some items you should have at home.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Vinegar is not all the same and its usefulness goes far beyond dressing salads. In the case of apple cider vinegar, the list of health benefits is huge, including lowering cholesterol and controlling diabetes.

The bactericidal properties of apple cider vinegar make it a good treatment against insect bites as it disinfects and relieves itching. A vinegar and water solution can also help kill the fungus that causes chilblains if you soak your feet and socks.

Want more? Well, you can fight the bad smell in your armpits by rubbing them with a little cotton soaked in vinegar. The astringent characteristics of fermented apples prevent the proliferation of bacteria that cause the unpleasant odor.

2. Honey

The medicinal use of honey is not only in consuming it, as it has been used in the treatment of wounds since ancient times. Applying a little honey to the wound will protect the wound from bacteria and may reduce healing time. The benefits have already been scientifically proven by researchers at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, who concluded that honey can even be useful as an alternative to traditional dressings.

3. Olive oil

Olive oil is one of the best natural moisturizers you can have in your closet. It is very similar to the oils that our body produces and, therefore, is able to relieve the dryness of elbows, knees, hands and lips, restoring the skin’s natural moisture and returning that much desired soft touch. And there’s no need to exaggerate: just a few drops are enough to see the result.

4. garlic

Rich in a medicinal compound known as allicin, garlic has the potential to revolutionize your health by strengthening your immune system. Against flu symptoms, no homemade recipe is better known than garlic tea.

Although it is not such an attractive solution, the results are incredible. With it, the airways remain open and decongested, as garlic reduces and helps to dilute mucus in the lungs, being effective against persistent coughs and bronchitis.

5. Sugar water

Millennial and effective. Although it doesn’t specifically have any calming properties, sugar water can trigger a feeling of well-being because of the production of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin.

It’s a relief similar to what women feel after eating chocolate during PMS.

6. Sodium bicarbonate

Want to relieve heartburn without resorting to antacids? Try a homemade solution made with a teaspoon of baking soda and 100ml of water. It’s easy, fast and the relief is certain!

7. Ginger

Ginger is an antiviral and an anti-inflammatory that we should all have in our closet. Ginger tea can relieve a number of symptoms, including sore throats, stomach aches, and headaches. If sweetened with honey, the mixture is even tastier – an excellent alternative when you have the flu.

Ginger tea is also an effective home remedy for nausea in the early months of pregnancy. It softens the effects caused by the production of hormones, which is more intense between the second and third month.

But the exaggerated consumption of ginger is contraindicated for those who are hypertensive or have stomach problems, such as gastritis and ulcers.

8. Mother’s lap

A survey by the Federal University of São Paulo proved what most children have already experienced in practice: the power of the mother’s lap in preventing and relieving pain.

The work was carried out with 640 newborns, shortly before they were vaccinated against hepatitis B. A part of them received the direct injection. The other one, before the painful bite, stayed on her mother’s lap for a few minutes. Through crying intensity, facial features and heart rate, it was possible to detect that hugged children expressed less pain.

And if a lap already does that, what will a mother’s kiss be capable of?!

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.