Pills seem to be a part in our daily routine. Whenever we get a Headache or a cough, we don’t think for a blink to grab a pill. Though it’s a risky affair to depend on alternative medicine in cases of emergency, they have always been reliable for generations together in treating common ailments. Watch out…

Cough:

Most of the cough syrups let us feel drowsy. But there is a natural remedy for cough without any side effects. We might not have heard the name `Terminalia chebula`! But we are certainly aware of its common name `Haritaki` (Hindi) or `Karakkaya` (Telugu). As per the ayurvedic principles Haritaki is known to cure the kafa dosha (phlegm). Haritaki is being used in India for thousands of years together. Though it has been attributed to cure various diseases right from the `sore eyes` to `HIV`… it’s miraculous during a cough. The crushed seed of Haritaki along with honey would certainly relieve us from severe cough!

Antacids:

Most of the antacids that are available over the counter contain either Aluminum hydroxide or Magnesium that might not be safe to our digestive tract. We often forget the most reliable antacids in our culinary i.e. `Ajwain` (vaamu in telugu). Any symptom that has aroused due to indigestion such stomach ache, gas formation, burning sensation might be initially treated with Ajwain. The water made of Ajwain seeds are available over the counter as `Omu` or `Omum` water. If there isn’t sufficient time to reach a counter, few seeds of Ajwain can be chewed along with lukewarm water.

Hypertension:

Blood pressure is probably the most common symptom that’s associated with the present day life style. Though many alternative medicines were suggested to synchronize the Blood pressure, most of them are debatable. However GARLIC was scientifically proven to reduce the Blood pressure. `Allicin`- The active ingredient in garlic which is the cause for its pungent odor is also medicinal in value. As per the report by the Daily Mail, Garlic was found to reduce the Blood pressure by at least 10% when taken in raw form. Though garlic is associated in curing many ailments… it’s found to be highly effective in maintaining blood pressure and reducing high cholesterol.

Antiseptic:

Our elders are wise and we are lucky to have the best antiseptic of nature in our own kitchen – Turmeric. Irrespective of place and position, people all over India have the habit of using turmeric in their kitchen. `Curcumin` which is the active chemical in turmeric is a proven Anti-bacterial, Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidant. Applying turmeric to the cuts and wounds would protect our skin from the foreign bodies that enter through a bruise and would heal it quickly. Besides inhaling the vapor of turmeric drained in the boiling water would relieve our breathing system from the minor ailments such as sough and cold. The intake of turmeric through food or through lukewarm water is believed to help in medical conditions such as Diabetes and Arthritis.

These are just a few mentions from the huge list of home remedies that we often ignore. When we start exploring the Home remedies around us… we almost feel as if our kitchen is nothing less than a Drug store.

- Nirjara