How to Safely Use Natural Health Products for Your Ailments

In today’s day and age many people are looking for ways to escape over-processed, potentially harmful, over the counter medications and treatments.  Furthermore, people are getting tired of relying on prescriptions to cure all ailments.  When one stops to consider that many of the most common conditions have been around since the beginning of time, it only makes sense that there would be a more natural route to take in curing or treating them.  However, before one goes ahead and begins to self-treat, it is important to understand that it is as easy to poison yourself at home as it is to do so with an over-the-counter product.  One can avoid known toxins by doing his or her homework, and the same can be done to avoid using the wrong treatments.  As always, it is best to consult a doctor before starting any new treatment routine.

Acne: This is the single most commonly searched condition when it comes to the use of home remedies.  There are many, many recommendations made via the internet on how to best treat this problem at home, but the best ones are usually simple, easy, non-harsh cleansing and continued moisturizing with natural oils.  Niacin and vitamin A supplements are also recommended for some sufferers.  Niacin is already used in many topical agents, which are sold for this purpose, and it has shown to have profound effects on clearing it up.  Vitamin A is also used in the treatment of wrinkles, brown spots, precancerous skin conditions, and other skin ailments.

Another common recommendation for home healing of acne is the use of orange peel.  Pounded in a small pool of water, this fruit peel will give off oils that can be directly applied to the affected area.  It is thought that the natural acid helps to reduce excess sebum secretion.

Arthritis: This is another very common ailment, which can be partially alleviated in the home.   Caused by bone and cartilage erosion, arthritis can be very painful.  It is thought that regular consumption of vegetable juices, such as potato, green vegetables, carrot, celery, and beet is good for both vitamin levels and for relieving the pain associated with the condition.  Also, a more obvious remedy is calcium supplements.  Increasing calcium intake helps with bone health and many believe that it can also relieve the symptoms of arthritis.

Body Rash: If you develop a rash on your body, it is absolutely recommended that you first see a doctor, as it could be a sign of something serious.  Rashes are caused by a wide variety of factors.  Once examined by a professional, it might be best to determine and eliminate any potential food allergies with the help of a food diary, as these are often the cause of rash.  It is also recommended for many rash sufferers to increase Vitamin C consumption, because the supplement can help skin fight the symptoms of rash.  Baking soda or aloe vera can be used to cool the skin and alleviate itching.  Aloe also provides natural hydration which can help.  Avoid direct sunlight, hot water, and cosmetic use on the affected area until healed, as these can further irritate the condition.

Chest Congestion: At certain times of the year, this condition seems to be inevitable.  However, if you wind up with a congested chest, it is not always necessary to rush to the doctor.  There are ways to alleviate it at home, including drinking hot, loose beverages (avoid those that may cause more mucus, such as coffee or cocoa).  Hot tea and hot apple cider can both serve you well.  Steam is also important in treatment.  Stand over a boil of super hot water or take a hot shower and breathe the moist air.  Other home remedies can include eating strong aromatics such as sautéed onions or spicy foods.

Dark Circles: An awful thing to wake up to in the morning, dark circles point to damaged capillaries around the eyes.  These can be caused by dehydration or lack of sleep.  Cucumber slices or a cold cloth held in place for fifteen to twenty minutes, up to two times a day, can be very effective at diminishing the signs.  For long term treatment, increase water intake and work toward better sleep patterns.  Some believe that an almond oil and honey rub placed directly on the area before bed can also be beneficial.

Nausea: Whether pregnant, ill, or hung over, there are few things worse than the upset stomach.  To help stave off nausea, consider eating ginger, either in its raw form, as a candy, or in hot tea.  Similarly, peppermint is known as a stomach soother and can be found in the same forms.  Make sure to eat and drink, though do so slowly as to not rock the boat.  Both dehydration and hunger can cause feelings of nausea.

Poison Ivy: Opposite the months of chest congestion, there is the risk of getting caught up in the natural irritants known as poison ivy and poison oak.  For those that do, there is the matter of serious itching and burning to be contended with.  It is best to see a doctor to ensure that this is really the problem, and to receive recommendations on how to stop the spreading.  At home, keep the area clean with hot water.  You might consider adding three cups of oats to hot bath water and soaking in that.  Banana peel, rubbed on the area after the shower is also though to help cool and soothe.  Similarly, potato paste, which is simple mashed raw potato, can alleviate the symptoms when applied and rinsed away throughout the day.  Finally, the old standby is natural aloe vera.  It cools, soothes, and moisturizes the skin.