For many common ailments that plague us, such as the sore throat, cough and stomach ache, these can be easily treated simply by using natural remedies that are commonly found in our kitchen at home.

Here are some tips on how you can treat these common ailments simply and easily.

These tips are brought to you by Dr Othello Dave, a medical reviewer at Mount Elizabeth Hospitals’ Health Plus Database.

Sore Throat and Cough

If you are suffering from a sore throat or cough, drinking lots of water and taking honey or lozenges will help to relieve the symptoms.

As well, gargling hot or warm salt water helps too. Simply put half a teaspoon of salt into 240ml of water, three times a day, and this will help.

Also, try pineapple if you are having sore throat or cough too. Taking 100ml of pineapple juice three times daily or eating one slice of pineapple helps to suppress cough and relieve throat mucus because of the presence of an enzyme called bromelain.

But do note that if your cough or sore throat does not go away after one week, this could be a sign of a more serious infection such as pneumonia, and so you should see a doctor immediately.

Stomach ache

Simple stomach aches happen because of a variety of factors such as indigestion or acid reflux.

To help with this, take ginger. Eating ginger biscuits, ginger tea or ginger supplements work because ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties, thus relieving stomach problems.

Also, chamomile tea can help to soothe stomach cramps and peppermint tea can help with nausea and stomach pains.

But if your stomach pains last for more than two weeks, it is strongly advised that you should see a doctor. This is because it could be due to more serious problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, a gynaecological disorder or stomach ulcer.

Headache and Migraines

Headaches and migraines are increasingly common and we all get them every now and again.

To relieve a headache, either take a warm shower or wrap an ice pack in cloth and apply it for seven to 15 minutes.

For a migraine, apply lavender oil to your temples for about 15 minutes.

But do note that if your headaches are more severe than usual or if you are experiencing headaches at least three times a week, this could be a sign of something quite serious.

Also if your headache is accompanied by problems such as dizziness, loss of balance, fever or shortness of breath, or nausea or vomiting, see a doctor immediately. This may be a sign of something more serious – such as a brain tumour.

In fact this is exactly what had happened to my mum a few years back – she was having severe headaches accompanied by a few other symptoms, and she was diagnosed with a Grade 4 cancerous brain tumour.

So it is better to be safe rather than sorry.

This article has been adapted from https://www.mountelizabeth.com.sg/healthplus/article/3-common-ailments-with-simple-home-remedies.

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