Chemical Free Home Remedies

Chemical Free Home Remedies
Photo Credit ginger root image by Neelrad from Fotolia.com

Many traditional remedies require chemical-containing treatments, which can sometimes prove more harmful than beneficial. The Food and Drug Administration asserts that a variety of chemical and toxic components may be present in many of our daily items, such as medicine, food items and personal care products. Using natural home remedies to treat common ailments can provide comparable results without the side effects of chemicals or unnecessary expense. Always seek the advice of a medical care professional before using an in-home remedy.

The Common Cold

Usual symptoms of the common cold, which results from a viral infection, include congestion of the sinuses or nasal regions, throat irritation, coughing and discharge from both the nose and eyes. Medline Plus asserts that there is no cure for this illness as it stems from a virus, but controlling the associated symptoms helps to promote quicker healing. Drinking ginger tea with honey provides congestion relief by opening sinuses and nasal areas. Additionally, it acts as an expectorant, helping to expel mucus and congestive fluids, the Organic Facts website says. Ginger has heavy antioxidant properties that are helpful in boosting the immune system to prevent further health complications.

Skin Care

The Safe Cosmetics Organization asserts that 56 percent of personal care products contain penetration enhancers, which can potentially deliver irritating chemicals deep within the skin. Using natural skin care ingredients can help quell common skin irritations, cleanse impurities and improve the texture of the skin. Oatmeal, for example, is an effective yet gentle exfoliant that can remove acne-causing debris and impurities from the skin without stripping the skin of essential oils that alcohol does, asserts the RN Guide to Skin Care. Mix with distilled water until a thick paste forms and apply in upward strokes to the face. Alternately, adding milk and honey in lieu of water provides antimicrobial qualities helpful in cleansing the skin while soothing inflammation or irritation.

Cholesterol

Medline Plus affirms that the waxy, fat-like compound cholesterol occurs naturally within the body, but as the levels rise, severe health conditions such as heart disease and cardiovascular complications can ensue. Mayoclinic.com recommends eating a variety of whole-grains, high-fiber foods and fresh fruits and vegetables to effectively reduce your cholesterol levels. Oat bran and oatmeal provide healthy amounts of fiber, which reduce bad cholesterol, states the Organic Facts website.

References

Article reviewed by Gina Skurchak Last updated on: Jul 20, 2010

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