Used and trusted for centuries.
Before the advent of in-depth treatments and surgeries, the go-to was herbal remedies. While I am a proponent of modern medical science, it’s hard to beat the classics. You’re probably not going to be curing life-threatening diseases with this stuff, but herbal remedies can aid in recovery from lots of minor conditions. Here are a few classics that you can make in your own kitchen.
Elderberry
You already know the Monty Python reference, I’m not going to bother making it here. Made from cooked fruit from Sambucus nigra plants, elderberry is usually used for cold and flu relief. You can buy it in a syrup or as a cough drop, though it also goes good in tea with honey.
Turmeric
An offshoot of ginger, turmeric has gained some acclaim recently for being a good anti-inflammatory. The main component of turmeric, curcumin, is known for being a good choice for arthritis and chronic inflammation relief.
Ginger
Everyone’s favorite underground stem, ginger has been used as an aid against minor afflictions like colds and nausea. That’s why your mom tells you to drink ginger ale when you have a tummy ache (though a lot of commercial ginger ales don’t have that much ginger in them).
Valerian
Valerian flowers have been given the nickname of “nature’s Valium” for their potent relaxing properties. Since the time of ancient Greece, valerian has been consumed to treat insomnia, anxiety, and headaches.
Chamomile
Speaking of sleep aids, you can’t get much better than chamomile. While usually used for tea, it can also be turned into all kinds extracts and compresses. Chamomile is great for stomach pains and diarrhea, though it’s also great as a nighttime relaxant.
