Herbal Remedies Are Real Solutions for Minor Health Conditions

Herbal remedies, often discounted by practitioners of traditional medicine, are starting to gain some modicum of respect as research studies show that many do, in fact, work. In general, herbal remedies cost less than many over the counter medicines and cost substantially less than a trip to the doctor and a prescription. For people with no insurance or high deductibles for medical care, using herbal remedies is a real solution for minor health issues.

Here are three herbal remedies that have been shown to work:

Ginger for nausea, colds and flu: Studies have show that ginger is effective in soothing nausea from a variety of causes, including motion sickness and stomach viruses. There have also been studies showing that ginger can relieve nausea from morning sickness. However, there are still questions about the safety of consuming large amounts of ginger during pregnancy. Pregnant women should consult their physician before using ginger as a morning sickness remedy. Ginger can also be used to treat coughs, colds, and the flu in place of over the counter medication. According to Dr. James Duke, one of the leading authorities on herbal healing, studies have shown that several chemicals in ginger have cough suppressing, pain relieving, and fever reducing properties. To treat nausea, colds and flu, ginger can be consumed as a tea, in ginger snap cookies and ginger ale (if real ginger and not just ginger flavoring are used), and as candied ginger.

Garlic oil for minor ear and fungal infections: Studies have shown that using garlic oil as ear drops can treat fungal infections of the ear as well as or better than pharmaceutical drugs (Note: garlic oil should not be used in cases where there is a perforated ear drum); and garlic can be also taken orally to fight ear infections. In addition, garlic oil can also be used topically to treat ringworm and athlete's foot.

Chamomile tea for sties and minor eye infections: Chamomile has been shown to have anti-microbial properties. To treat sties or minor eye infections, gently swab the eye with a clean cotton ball dipped in room temperature chamomile tea.