6 herbal remedies for a healthier you

Herbs offer relief from day-to-day health glitches and are an affordable and safe alternative to antibiotics

Herbal remedies haven proven to be viable options for common health and skin-related problems. Herbs offer relief from day-to-day health glitches and are an affordable and safe alternative to side-effect-laden antibiotics. As compiled from motherearthliving.com, here are six ailments that can be alleviated by using herbs. ‘Bay leaf’ us, they work.



Indigestion: Try chewing half a teaspoon of fennel (saunf), caraway or dill seeds. You can also drink a cup of tea made from these seeds, after a meal. For an upset stomach, have one to two cups of peppermint tea.



Acne: Acne develops when there is an excess of skin bacteria, toxins and an imbalance of hormones in the body. Drinking detoxifying herbal teas made from burdock and dandelion root helps the system dispose these toxins. You can also apply astringent essential oils, such as lemon, lavender, aloe vera and tea tree. Blend them with almond, rosehips or grape seed oil and apply to your face after washing it.



Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Cranberries can avert bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. Drink at least three cups of unsweetened cranberry juice (diluted in apple juice for flavour) or eat one or two handfuls of dried cranberries daily for an infection-free urinary tract.



Joint pain: Turmeric contains an active ingredient, Curcumin, which has been shown to ease joint pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric can be used liberally in soups, sauces, and stir-fried vegetables. Arnica oil can also be rubbed on the skin for pain relief and to reduce soreness and stiffness.



Cough: Thyme has long been used as an expectorant, according to the University of Maryland Medical Centre. Make a cup of warm thyme tea with one teaspoon of dried thyme and a cup of water. Strain and drink up to three cups daily.



High blood pressure: Garlic helps lower blood pressure by keeping the arteries clear of cholesterol. Passion flower, valerian, lime flower and lemon balm have sedative properties and their teas can be helpful if your high blood pressure is connected to stress and anxiety.

Compiled By: Maria Ahmed

Published in The Express Tribune, October 18^th, 2014.

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