I remember the days when my medicine cabinet was filled with over-the-counter drugs along with prescription medications. Those days are gone. These are the top five kitchen items my family uses for first aid and healthcare.
- Apple cider vinegar
- Garlic
- Coconut oil
- Aloe vera
- Ginger
Apple Cider Vinegar
Raw, organic apple cider vinegar is amazing. Many people swear by it as a preventative, taking shots each day. It is a probiotic; therefore, it helps keep the gut healthy. Its other uses include:
- Ear infections. At the first sign of an ear infection, lay on your side and use a dropper to fill the ear canal with apple cider vinegar. Catch it early enough, and one dose is all you need. Apple cider vinegar kills bacteria and yeast infections.
- In addition to ears, apple cider vinegar applied directly will kill fungal infections on the skin, including athlete’s foot.
- Sore throats. Gargle with apple cider vinegar. Just don’t breath in the fumes. Yes, it burns. But moments later, your throat will not hurt.
- Bug bites. Apple cider vinegar is a time-honoured cure for mosquito bites.
- Take a shot if you have heartburn. It works!
- Vaginal yeast infections. Use in a douche. Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to 8 ounces of filtered water.
- Dab on pimples and acne to kill bacteria and restore proper pH to the skin.
Garlic
Garlic is antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic. Who needs antibiotics when we have garlic? At the first sign of illness, chew garlic. It’s not for the faint of heart, I agree. But practice helps.
- Chew garlic for any systemic infection. Better yet, use raw garlic often and abundantly in your diet for preventative healthcare.
- Garlic can be diced up and used to treat fungal skin infections.
- Inserting a garlic clove into the vagina at night is said to help with some vaginal infections. For easier retrieval, sew a string through the core.
Aloe Vera
Few things are as soothing to the skin as Aloe vera.
- Break open a piece of Aloe vera and rub over a burn.
- Spread Aloe vera over affected skin.
- Cuts, scrapes, bug bites, acne. Spread Aloe vera over affected area.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is antibacterial and antifungal, and it is so soothing for any skin issues. You can add essential oils to treat nail fungus or make bug repellent.
- Use for oil pulling. Coconut oil is good for the teeth and gums and is reported to whiten the teeth. It can be used as a toothpaste alone or used as a base with other ingredients.
- Irritated skin. Every variety of irritated skin will benefit from coconut oil. It’s great for babies’ bottoms and adult nether regions as well.
Ginger
One of ginger’s claims to fame is its ability to cure nausea. While garlic is miraculous for cleansing the body of parasites, viruses and bacteria, it can cause severe nausea. Follow garlic with ginger to calm the stomach.
- If fresh ginger is taken at the first sign of a migraine, it will stop a migraine before it can take hold. Juice fresh ginger with apples or with apples and carrots.
- Chew ginger or juice it for a ginger shot.
