Home remedies can be an important part of your health arsenal. For this guide, we’ve included herbal and natural cures that are recommended by top doctors, naturopaths, and other health experts. Every one of these remedies can be made and used at home, with simple ingredients and materials that you’re likely to have on hand. Relief will be on its way before you know it.
Acid Reflux • The terms acid reflux and heartburn are sometimes used interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid is regurgitated up into your esophagus, and you don’t feel it. But that reflux can lead to heartburn, that burning discomfort in the center of your chest as the acid irritates your esophagus. To prevent both issues, try these tricks.
Acne • Alas, it’s not just a problem for teenagers.
Allergies • A runny nose, congestion, itchy eyes, and sneezing—they’re a way of life for the 50 million Americans plagued by seasonal allergies. Fortunately, says integrative medicine practitioner and educator Andrew Weil, M.D., there’s much you can do to breathe easier beyond taking medications.
Aloe Vera • Do you remember Mom rubbing aloe vera gel on your lobster-red back after a day at the pool? She was onto something: Aloe vera can be a useful staple when it comes to at-home healing. Plus, it is low maintenance and grows quickly. Here, three easy ways to use it from Maura Henninger, a naturopath in NewYork.
Anxiety • This is a natural reaction to life’s challenging situations. In small doses, anxiety can be a good thing—motivating you to meet a deadline or preparing you for an important event. But in large doses, it can be so severe that it undermines your ability to function. Here are some tips for getting a handle on your nerves.
Apple Cider Vinegar • Fall is prime season for apples, but you can tap into the benefits of cider vinegar year-round. With its high levels of acetic acid, the vinegar can soothe inflammation, raise your metabolism, and knock out bacteria, says Maura Henninger, a naturopath in NewYork. She shares some fresh ideas for using it.
Arthritis • Americans spend $140 billion—yes, billion—on arthritis treatments each year. So it should come as no surprise that physicians, researchers, and the rest of us are always on the lookout for the latest ways to ease its pain. While home remedies can play a significant role in reducing it, there’s a lot of misinformation out there. Learn what you can do to feel better.
Athlete’s Foot • This fungal infection often occurs in people who have sweaty feet and wear tight shoes.
Back Pain • Back pain is the second most common reason Americans see their doctors (after colds and the flu). In fact, research shows that up to 90% of adults have back pain at some time in their lives. Both back and neck pain can be eased and prevented with a few time-tested methods, ditching bad habits, and exercising your back and neck regularly.
Basil • Many herbs in your kitchen have benefits that go well beyond spicing up your dinner. Here are some surprising uses for basil from nurse practitioner Caitlin Policastro, the clinical director of the NewYork Center for Innovative Medicine.
Bruises • Unless you encase yourself in bubble wrap, you’ll never be immune to an occasional mishap. But you can lessen the likelihood of a minor injury turning into a larger problem and help the black-and-blue fade.
Burns • Unpleasant encounters with the oven or fireplace can happen to the best of us.
Calendula • This hardy flower, also known as English or pot marigold, contains antioxidants that can calm inflammation and help wounds heal, says Aubrey Corbett, a naturopath in Portland, OR. If you’re allergic to ragweed, steer clear of this plant; otherwise, try some of her calendula home treatments (all ingredients are...
