Natural Remedies from Around the World

Every culture has its own way of treating common ailments and its own preferences when it comes to health practices. Each country has its own unique wisdom when it comes to health and natural remedies. If we look around the world to see how others treat their afflictions and infirmities, we can learn from them and practice some on our own. Is something ailing you? Try some of these health practices from around the world and see if they provide you with any relief or comfort.

Are you worried about heart health? People in Indonesia use ginger generously in their foods because they see it as a root that provides great benefits to the heart. Researchers from Stanford claim that half a tablespoon of ginger a day will reduce risk of clogged arteries by 27%, and it is also twice as efficient as aspirin at preventing dangerous blood clots. Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like ginger decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and overall mortality while promoting a healthy complexion and hair, and increased energy. Try some of these ideas to mix ginger in with your diet and keep track of any benefits that you notice:

• Add fresh ginger into your next smoothie or juice
• Add fresh or dried ginger to your next stir-fry or homemade salad dressing
• Steep peeled fresh ginger in boiling water to make your own ginger tea
• Use fresh or dried ginger to spice up any fish recipe.

Suffering from a nasty sunburn? In Germany, apple cider vinegar is used for sunburn relief. Though it seems counterintuitive to dab an acidic substance on inflamed, sunburned skin, it’s a remedy that many people swear by. Apple vinegar contains antiseptic properties that kill germs and relieve pain. The vinegar also helps to balance the pH of sunburned skin and reduces the blisters after burning. It has an agent that is able to soften the epidermis and allow dead skin cells to gently slough away. If you were out in the sun too long and you find yourself in need of something to soothe your skin, be sure to dilute the apple cider vinegar with a bit of water before applying it to your skin.

Have you been experiencing muscle aches? Soaking in a hot bath with mustard seeds is a traditional English remedy for muscle pain. Mustard has been known to stimulate the sweat glands, opening the pores and helping the body rid itself of toxins. When this happens, circulation is improved, congestion is relieved and pain is eased. Make your own DIY mustard bath:

• 1/4 cup mustard seed powder
• 1/4 cup Epsom salt
• 1/4 cup Dead Sea salt
• 1/4 cup baking soda

If you ever find yourself suffering from any of these common ailments, listen to the wisdom from around the world and try some of these age old natural remedies.