Nurture with Nature

As you know, I am all about a natural remedy. However, above all else, I believe it necessary to find a balance between Western and alternative medicine. Just last week, my whole family was on antibiotics, and while I would have preferred avoiding this course of action, I am grateful for the ease and accessibility we are afforded drugs if, and when, necessary. 

I am not sure what direction health care is going as it seems to be a hot topic these days, but I do know that it is more important than ever to be your own advocate. At the end of the day, only we know our bodies — what works, what doesn't, and most importantly, what we intuitively sense. One of the best ways to begin learning how to trust ourselves more is using natural approaches to treat common ailments. 

I receive the GOOP newsletter weekly — Gwyneth Paltrow's publication. She is a natural health advocate so today when I saw she was offering natural remedy suggestions, I felt they were easy and practical enough for anyone to incorporate. Enjoy!  

Ginger Tea with Raw Brown Sugar (for menstrual cramps):

• Ingredients: Three slices of fresh minced ginger, raw brown sugar.

  Boil in 1 1/2 cups of water for 5 to 10 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of raw, unprocessed brown sugar and drink.

          And if drinking tea is not your cup of tea, try this:

          Firmly hold the tender point between the middle and ring finger of the hand, which represents the
          female urogenital organs. Massage until it is no longer painful.

          Usually 1 – 2 minutes will relieve heaviness and cramping.

Neti Pot (for clearing out the sinuses):

• For sinus congestion, allergies, and preventing colds.
  
  
  Materials: Neti pot, sea salt or kosher salt, baking soda, lukewarm water.

  In the neti pot, mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, add lukewarm water and stir. Rinse
  each nostril with the liquid 3 – 5 times. For first time users,
  I recommend letting the liquid flow straight back and spitting it out
  your mouth. The baking soda creates an alkaline environment, which
  prevents bacterial overgrowth. If you experience burning, increase your vitamin C consumption and reduce the amount of salt. Avoid using the
  neti pot while you are sick.

Dry Brushing (for healthy skin and lymphatic system):

• After
  showering, towel dry your body. Use a firm body brush (like a sisal
  brush), and brush your skin vigorously from the tips of the fingers
  and toes toward the heart. Avoid the face and delicate areas.
  Moisturize as you normally would.

Scar Ointment (for new scars):

• Materials: Nelsons Cuts & Scrapes Cream with with hypericum and calendula, and helichrysum essential oil — this essential oil is pricey; however, consider the cost of laser treatment or bleaching creams.

  Add ten drops of helichrysum essential oil per ounce of ointment. Mix
  thoroughly. Apply to the affected area twice daily and avoid sun
  exposure to the affected area.

Whether any of these are your on-ramp to natural cures or you discover others, it is a rewarding endeavor to learn how quickly you can take care of yourself and loved ones!