Often when we stock our cupboard, we are filling it with items that we use in cooking and baking, and while that is obviously important, you may be able to use some of these items for other, non-cooking things as well. When it comes to looking after your body, whether it be when you are sick, or just as a preventative routine, you don’t have to turn to drugs, antibiotics and over the counter meds to help you out. Instead, check out some of these natural ways to help you reach your healthiest self. Not only are they better for you, but they are cheaper, and have much less of a negative environmental impact!
Garlic
If you’re used to just using garlic in your pasta for flavor, you’ll be happy to know it has incredibly powerful anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti parasitic qualities, and functions as an anti-biotic. Consume garlic when you have issues with gut bacteria or other digestive disorders, cardiovascular or respiratory problems, or even when you just feel a nasty cold coming on. Many people also find benefits using it as a detoxifying agent, making a strong garlic drink or as a paste to apply to the bottom of the feet to help rid the body of toxins.
Licorice Root
While you may not have this in your pantry right now, it’s definitely something you should be adding. You can usually purchase licorice root at your local health food store, and it has a whole host of health benefits. Good for aiding in digestion make a licorice root tea the next time you have an upset stomach or cramps. It is also good for cold and flu season, offering a boost to your immunity and providing immune support. Furthermore, there is a component of licorice root that has been shown to help with depression and activate the adrenal glands which are responsible for our adrenaline response, something that may be lacking in depressed individuals.
Sage
Sage is a great herb to have on hand if you are prone to canker sores, bite the insides of your lips/cheeks easily, or just have a sore mouth from some dental work! Steep 5 or 6 sage leaves in some boiling water, covered for 15 minutes. Remove the cover and let the water cool slightly, and then take sips of it, using it as a mouth wash, and holding it in your mouth for 3-5 minutes to allow the oils from the sage to act against the mouth sores.
Parsley
Despite the fact that parsley is a pretty garnish on your plate when you eat out at a restaurant, the origins of this aren’t for garnish at all. Rather it’s because parsley is a breath freshener and especially good at combatting garlic breath, and eating the leaves with your meal can help prevent gas. If you don’t have bad breath though, consume it anyway for it’s incredible health benefits: high in vitamin C and magnesium, and an exceptional source of chlorophyll, which aids in detox.
Coconut Oil
If you’ve heard all the talk about coconut oil, you may already be well on your way to taking advantage of it’s many great healing abilities, but if not, you’re missing out. Not only is coconut oil great to consume as a source of healthy fat, but it can be turned into toothpaste, body butter, skin exfoliator, hair massage and used in oil pulling for healthy teeth and gums. It does well helping heal dry skin, and is great for in the shower to use in place of shaving cream. Search coconut oil online and you’re sure to find even more reasons to add this item to your pantry!
By: Laura Peill – (Check out her blog Chronicles of Passion & Facebook)
