Nature’s medicine treasure chest

The healing properties of plants have been acknowledged and used for centuries. Nowadays, they are once again becoming increasingly popular as a healthy alternative to medicine. In South Africa, there are more than 200 000 traditional healers who use indigenous plants as medicine.

According to Dr Marike de Klerk from the Naturopathic Health Care Centre in Pretoria, there are many affordable products in your pantry and readily available plants in your garden with tremendous health benefits. Here are a few that you can try.

Basil

Basil is an excellent mosquito repellent and the oil in the leaves also helps to relieve itching. Basil contains nutrients and compounds that may help prevent chronic diseases, including cancer and diabetes. Additionally, basil helps to relieve headaches and the antioxidants in the plant protect the body from oxidative stress that can cause cancer, heart disease, cataracts, and arthritis. The vitamin K in basil promotes bone health and helps the body with blood clotting. It also improves blood sugar and cholesterol levels as well as brain health by promoting concentration and reducing anxiety.

Ginger

Ginger stimulates good digestion, relieves headaches, period pains and a sore throat, and reduces cold symptoms. It also helps with morning sickness and other discomfort associated with pregnancy. Experts who work with patients receiving chemotherapy for cancer say ginger relieves nausea after treatments without the side effects of other medicines. For people with type 2 diabetes, ginger can lower blood sugar and reduce the risk factors of heart disease.

Milk products

The fat and protein content in milk relieves the pain of burns and promotes healing. Soak the burn in milk for 15 minutes for quick relief. Full cream yoghurt, in turn, works wonders for dehydrated skin.

Mint

“Mint leaves or tea can be used to treat skin irritations, sore throats, coughs, minor pain, and nausea, and for fresh breath,” explains Dr De Klerk. Mint is a good source of phosphorus, iron, calcium, potassium, and manganese, which increases haemoglobin levels and promotes brain function. The antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and B complex improve digestion, relieve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and cold symptoms, and boost the immune system.

Oats

Do you have sunburn, eczema or a skin rash? Oats make skin irritation and itchiness bearable. Pour raw oats into a stocking and let it soak in a bath of warm water while you sit in the water. Oatmeal is an excellent source of iron, magnesium, zinc, vitamin B, antioxidants, and soluble fibre. It lowers cholesterol and controls blood sugar levels, especially in people with diabetes or obesity. It also reduces the risk of heart disease and asthma in children, is a filling meal that promotes weight control, and relieves constipation. The antioxidants in oats relax the arteries and improve blood flow.

Sugar and honey

One doesn’t usually think of sugar as a healthy companion. Yet studies have found that sugar can be used successfully in wound care. Similarly, irradiated honey is a natural antibacterial disinfectant. Apply it to a burn and cover with a clean cloth. Raw honey helps curb digestive problems by promoting good bacteria. It can also relieve sore throat and cough. Never treat wounds with raw honey.

Tea

Tea improves concentration, blood pressure, heart, gut, and bone health, relieves anxiety, and reduces the risk of diabetes and cancer. A damp tea bag can be used for skin irritations, sunburn, or to put on bee stings and boils. Swelling subsides thanks to the tannins in tea.

Vinegar

“Because of its antimicrobial properties, vinegar is useful for treating skin infections, sunburn, burns, nail fungus, warts, and ear infections. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, was already using vinegar to disinfect wounds more than 2 000 years ago,” says Dr De Klerk. Vinegar also keeps your blood sugar and cholesterol in check and supports weight loss.

Always consult your doctor before using natural remedies, especially if you are already using other medicine.