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Published on the 15th December 2020

10 Old School DIY Remedies

Reading Time: 5 min read

10 Old School DIY Remedies

We exhaust our health insurance coverage and line up in front of the drug store in search of medications to treat several physical discomforts. But, in many cases, home remedies that have been around for years can provide relief to these problems. In today’s piece, we will highlight some of those home DIY remedies.

However, none of these should be seen as alternatives to medical recommendations made by a physician. These DIY remedies are only meant for initial relief. If you feel better, there is no need to go to the doctor, but if you don’t, visit a doctor and seek a prescription. 

Witch Hazel For Skin Irritation and Pain

Witch hazel has natural anti-itching ingredients that help it relieve itchiness as soon as it comes in contact with the skin. Think of it as a milder alternative to rubbing alcohol. It can do a deep clean of the skin and draw out dirt and impurities. It is also fantastic for burns, bruises, and bites. 
Witch hazel is a better option for children than rubbing alcohol because it does not cause a tingling sensation upon application. 

Ginger For Nausea And Sore Throat

You should be no stranger to ginger if you are fond of Asian cuisine. You can grind a small chunk of ginger and then mix it with a tablespoon of warm water. Drinking it should soothe your sore throat and make you feel better if you have been feeling a bit nauseous.
You can buy ginger in a powdery form in Asian markets. It is easier to chew but works equally well in alleviating your bodily distress. 

Peppermint Tea For Acidity

The build-up of stomach gas is the most common physical discomfort people around the world suffer on a regular basis. If you have been having an intolerable acidity session, then you could hope to get some immediate comfort from drinking peppermint tea. For centuries, peppermint has been one of the most well-known DIY remedies for its stomach-healing properties. 
Peppermint can reduce the gas buildup and restore the digestive system to its functional form. 

Olives For Nausea 

Olive trees hold a special place in Greek mythology. In real life, the fruit olive proves to be more meaningful than the tree per se. It is commonly consumed with alcoholic drinks and is used to make pickles and oil. The Mediterranean fruit also has certain healing properties.
If you feel nauseous, chew and swallow some raw olive. It would release tannins in your mouth, dry it up, and stop you from feeling like sicking up. 

Epsom Salt For Muscle Pain

Epsom salts are often seen in a chiropractor’s chamber. They are very useful in breaking down muscle retention and alleviating muscle pain. Taking a bath in warm water mixed with Epsom salt can yield instant results for those who are having such problems. 
Epsom salt can also reduce inflammation and swelling in your body joints. You can buy them from any pharmacy, and they don’t cost much, either. 

Chocolate For Cough

Chocolates and cough have very little in common, but yet, here we are! The sweet delight of chocolate can help you get rid of the bothersome cough that has been troubling you for days. Chocolate contains a certain compound named theobromine, which can neutralize a cough. 

On the off chance, it doesn’t work, almost nobody would mind a few bites of delicious chocolates. So, it’s a win-win either way. 

Apple For Stomach Problems

Remember that old adage-” An apple a day keeps the doctor away”? If you have been having tummy problems, a few bites of apple could save you the visit to the doctor’s chamber. Apples are rich in pectin. Pectin can improve stomach issues as it can break down hard-to-digest food particles and relax the digestive system. 
However, don’t take apple juice instead of apple in this case. Because of the existence of sugar in commercial apple juices, it could make the situation even worse. 

Saltwater For Sore Throat

This is one of the most common household remedies for sore throat. Add half a tablespoon of salt in warm water, stir it well, and then gargle with it. You have to do it for at least 30 seconds. The water has to be warm rather than boiling hot. If the water is too hot, you could damage your throat instead of recuperating.
The saltwater can take out the bacteria, which is usually responsible for throat soreness. 

Lavender Oil For Sleep

Dried lavender is often used in bedsheets as a moth and insect repellent. It also has a pleasant aroma which makes the sheets smell really good. On top of that, lavender, like other DIY remedies, can actually help you sleep better. Inhale, or rub lavender oil on the skin before you sleep. You can expect a deep, soothing slumber. 
Lavender has also proven to be useful in bringing down stress and anxiety levels. 

Baking Soda For Insect Bites

Baking soda is one of the most utilitarian things to have in your kitchen. Besides baking, you can use it for cleaning and several healing purposes. To reduce the pain and swelling of insect bites, make a dough of baking soda and water and spread it on the affected area. 
After less than half an hour of application, you should forget there that you got bitten or stung by an insect. 

Incorporating old-school wisdom into our modern lives can be a great way to improve our well-being. These long-standing DIY remedies provide a glimpse into the wisdom of generations past, reminding us of the simple yet effective ways they cared for their health.

At GasanMamo Insurance, we prioritize your well-being in the contemporary context. Just as these remedies have evolved, so has the world of health insurance. We invite you to explore our range of health insurance options tailored to meet your unique needs.

*GasanMamo Insurance Limited is authorised under the Insurance Business Act and regulated by the MFSA