Doctor Approved! 7 Home Remedies That Actually Work

by John Griffith
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There are a ton of natural remedies that exist and can treat a variety of issues, from colds to pain. However, there is also a lot of misinformation and lack of research to support many of them. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t any home remedies that work. Scientist have been researching about the effects of many natural remedies and have found that there are plenty that aren’t just an old wives’ tale. While most of these remedies can’t help with serious health conditions, there are a few that can help alleviate common annoying daily problems, like eczema or anxiety. You just need to know which types of treatments truly work. That’s why today we want to share with you some home remedies that actually work and are all approved by the Internets favorite MD – Doctor Mike.

There are a ton of natural remedies that exist and can treat a variety of issues

natural remedies in small portions

Home Remedies That Actually Work

There are a lot of home treatments that are a myth or simply have a placebo effect, which just makes you think they work when they don’t. But there are also a handful that you can use and are quite effective for treating mild health conditions, from sunburns to coughs. Some of these treatments you can even find hiding in your pantry, while other at your local pharmacy. While you may think that there is nothing natural in store-bought treatments, there are actually a few that contain minimal ingredients that are all found in nature. So, let’s see which remedies actually work.

Some of these treatments you can even find hiding in your pantry

oatmeal and a golden spoon

#Honey

Not only is honey a delicious treat, but it is also a great natural healer. The American Academy of Pediatrics even recommends honey rather than cough syrups to treat a nighttime cough. Some studies showed that honey was just as effective (if not even more effective in some cases) as over-the-counter cough suppressants. Honey has amazing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that not only soothe your throat and cough, but can also help wounds heal faster, as its high sugar content draws out the moisture from the bad bacteria and inhibits their growth. Just don’t give honey to children under one, as honey does contain bacteria that can be potentially lethal to them.

Not only is honey a delicious treat, but it is also a great natural healer

home remedies jar of honey

#Saline Nasal Spray

Saline nasal spray may sound like a fancy medical product, it’s actually just made up of water and salt. Yep, that’s all there is to it. However, it is amazing for treating sinus-related issues and nasal congestions. It is truly a God sent. No matter if you have a cold, sinus infection, or allergies, this little spray does a great job at washing out your nasal passageways. It helps clear your poor passageways from any irritants, allergens or excess mucus. Thus, you are able to breathe again. It is a gentle and natural solution suitable for all ages.

Saline nasal spray is made up of just water and salt

tissues and nasal spray

#Sugar

While sugar has a bad reputation in the medical industry to cause a variety of health problems, it too can come in handy in certain situation. However, Dr. Mikes shares that technically the overeating of sugar causes issues, not sugar itself as an ingredient, so let’s not villainize it completely. Did you know this sweet ingredient does a remarkable job at treating the hiccups? While there is no definitive scientific research why it works, there is a theory. The theory is that when you let the sugar sit on your tongue and dissolve, it will stimulate the vagus nerve. This nerves system is linked with the diaphragm, which when spasming is what cause hiccups. Since the sugar is relaxing the vagus nerve, it also relaxes the diaphragms and so your hiccups end. Sugar is also great when used as a scrub to remove dead skin cells as it promotes skin renewal.

Did you know this sweet ingredient does a remarkable job at treating the hiccups?

home remedies pouring sugar int container

#Oatmeal

Oatmeal makes for a yummy breakfast. But did you know it’s also a great soothing natural remedy? Yep, that’s right! Oatmeal is a real saver when it comes to conditions such as eczema, rashes, and sunburns. You need colloidal oatmeal, specifically, which is oatmeal that is ground into a fine powder. This magical powder can be used as a paste or in the bath. It forms a protective layer on your skin and holds in the moisture. This gives some relief from the inflammation and itchiness. Oatmeal contains the compound avenanthramides, which posses amazing anti-inflammatory properties that can help sooth your skin and keep it nice and hydrated.

Colloidal oatmeal is a real saver when it comes to conditions such as eczema

oatmeal cut and fine

#Aloe Vera

What can’t this amazing plant do? Aloe Vera is super versatile and has remarkable healing properties for the skin. Dr. Mike shares that the office of NCCIH recommends putting aloe vera on burns can speed up the healing process, while relieving the pain. The gel-like substance that is inside the inner leaf is packed with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. It also has amazing anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and redness. That’s why it is affective for skin irritations, sun burns, and other minor burns. Aloe Vera even has a moisturizing effect, so not only will it treat the burns, it will also provide them with a good dose of hydration. You can buy Aloe Vera gel or you can use it straight from the plant.

The gel-like substance that is inside the inner leaf is packed with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants

aloe vera gel from plant

#Prunes

If you are having trouble going, prunes can be a real lifesaver. You can eat them or drink them, either way they will help you treat constipation in no time. Prunes work in two ways. Not only does their high fiber content help you go, but they also contain sorbitol. Sorbitol is a type of sugar alcohol that the body doesn’t actually digest. While this may sound like something you don’t want in your body, it is quite useful. The sorbitol kind of hangs around in your intestines and through the process of osmosis sucks in water, which gives it a laxative effect. So, thanks to these two components, prunes are super effective at treating constipation. Some studies show that they are even more effective than psyllium, which is in most anti-constipation medications. However, Dr. Mike does warn that if you struggle with IBS, prunes can make your symptoms worse.

If you are having trouble going, prunes can be a real lifesaver

home remedies black prunes in a blue bag

#Melatonin

While the word melatonin may sound like something unnatural, it is a hormone that is naturally secreted by the pineal gland in the brain. Also known as the sleep hormone, melatonin helps to induce a state of drowsiness and sleepiness. This hormone is naturally released at night by the brain when your circadian rhythm begins to drop. It is best used by people who want to restart their circadian rhythm, for example if you are dealing with jet lag or you are struggling with insomnia. However, Dr. Mike recommends speaking to a healthcare professional before taking melatonin supplements to make sure you are getting the proper dosage and to ensure optimal results.

This hormone is naturally released at night by the brain when your circadian rhythm begins to drop

woman sleeping on bed

Check out Dr. Mike’s video to see what other natural remedies really work

These are the natural home remedies that actually work and are doctor approved! We hope you found this article useful. Now you can start incorporating these remedies when you need them and enjoy their benefits.

These are the natural home remedies that actually work and are doctor approved

prunes on a wooden table

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John Griffith

John Griffith is a young, passionate journalist. Writing has been John’s hobby ever since he was a boy. He has worked in some of the UK’s most successful news portals over the course of his professional career but found his forever home at Archzine.