How Long Does It Take Concrete to Cure

Do Natural Cures Really Work?

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Make no mistake: 'Natural' is not a byword for 'ineffective'. On the contrary, many natural cures and traditional home remedies are actually more effective than modern pharmaceuticals.

Natural cures may be understudied, but only because there's not a lot of money in them. That said, you should be careful when it comes to relying on so-called "herbal" supplements. Because they may be classified as food, they're not subject to the same clinical safety and efficacy trials as pharmaceuticals. And they don't have to meet the safety standards set by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Even when it comes to raw plant medicines that you can grow yourself, it's important to be aware that 'natural' isn't a byword for 'safe' either. Still, some of the most effective cures don't come in a pill bottle or supplement jar. Here are some of the best.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is one of those innocuous-seeming natural cures kidney stones would do well to fear. It's particularly effective at breaking down these painful crystals of calcium and oxalate. According to researchers, citric acid also helps to prevent calcium and oxalate (a compound found in various foods, including, unhelpfully, both spinach and french fries) from crystallizing in the first place. The recommended intake is at least four ounces of lemon juice per day. That's roughly two lemons' worth. And, needless to say, the fresher they are the better.

Ice

While pharmaceutical companies invest millions into finding a cure for migraines, there's one so much closer to hand. As natural cures for migraines go, they don't get much simpler than this. According to the National Headache Foundation (and the countless millions who swear by this remedy), simply placing cold packs on the forehead and temples can do wonders for alleviating a migraine. And this is supported by a University of Hawaii study that found frozen wraps placed over the carotid arteries at the front of the neck could significantly relieve migraine pain.

Milk of Magnesia

Milk of magnesia is one of the best natural cures for ulcers there is. Also known as canker sores, ulcers are inflammations inside the mouth that may be caused by infection or injury. There are two ways you can use milk of magnesia to alleviate the pain of ulcers or canker sores. Probably the easiest method is to simply rinse the whole mouth with it a few times a day. An alternative, however, is to apply it directly to the ulcers themselves between three and four times a day.

Covering

Who says 'natural' has to refer to something that grows out of the ground, or indeed anything tangible whatsoever? One of the most effective natural cures for plantar warts, for example, is simply to cover them up and leave them alone. You can do this cheaply and easily with duct tape—a method with the backing of the American Academy of Dermatology. As for how it works, there are a number of theories. But the most important thing is that it does. In fact, covering warts with duct tape is something like 25% more effective than freezing them with an off-the-shelf cryotherapy product. It's also a lot cheaper.

Lavender

Not only is lavender great for better sleep, it has also been shown by research to be among a growing number of blood pressure natural cures. Smelling lavender decreases the heart rate as well, allowing you to relax and slip more easily into good quality shut-eye. One study actually found that smelling lavender before bed promoted brain waves associated with deep sleep—so the evidence isn't just anecdotal. Research has also shown lavender to have sedative and pain-relieving effects. Perhaps the best way to use lavender is to inhale the vapors from an essential oil.

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