Pineapple for a sore throat and duct tape for warts… everyday remedies you didn’t know were in your kitchen cupboard
MANY pharmacies are running critically low on key drugs, with chains including Boots limiting sales to just one product containing paracetamol per person.
Meanwhile, the National Pharmacy Association has urged the public to buy only those medicines they need right now so others can access essentials, too.
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And with the Government asking that we leave our homes only when necessary, is it time to rethink our approach to treating common ailments?
Here, Natasha Holt asks Dr Gill Jenkins of the Tea Advisory Panel how we can tackle some minor ailments and health problems just by using store-cupboard staples we have indoors.
Garlic & onion soup for a cold
IN many countries, garlic has been used medicinally for centuries, largely because of its antibacterial properties.
Dr Jenkins says: “Garlic and onions – which are from the same family – contain compounds that help the immune system to function.
“When garlic is crushed or chewed, it releases a compound called allicin, which encourages your body to produce more white blood cells which can help boost your immune system.”
Pineapple for a sore throat
“PINEAPPLE juice or fruit is sometimes recommended as a home remedy for sore throats because pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties,” says Dr Jenkins.
A study in 2010 showed pineapple juice helped soothe the throat.
A mixture of pineapple juice, honey, salt and pepper reduced cough symptoms five times faster than other remedies.
Green tea bags for a stye
“A WARM compress is a good way to treat a stye, which is a painful red lump growing at the base of the eyelid,” says Dr Jenkins.
“Using a teabag is particularly effective, as tea contains chemical compounds called polyphenols, which can have an anti-inflammatory effect.
“The caffeine can also help reduce the swelling.”
Steep a teabag in boiling water for a minute to sterilise it.
When it is cool, place it over the eyelid for five to ten minutes.
Peppermint oil for cold sores
THANKS to its anti-viral properties, peppermint is used for conditions ranging from IBS to skin irritations.
And although it can’t cure the herpes simplex virus which causes cold sores, research in 2003 showed peppermint oil calmed the symptoms of an activated herpes strain.
“There’s some evidence to suggest peppermint can reduce the activity of the virus,” says Dr Jenkins.
Apply diluted peppermint oil to the affected area when you feel that tingle.
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Oatmeal to soothe eczema
DR JENKINS says: “Oatmeal is recognised as having potential skin-protectant properties and soothing effects.”
Patients in one study used colloidal oatmeal – in which oatmeal is ground to a fine powder – in their baths for three months.
More than 70 per cent reported a dramatic or complete reduction in itching.
Dr Jenkins says: “This is because oatmeal has anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatories.”
Duct tape for warts
“IT sounds strange but sometimes duct tape is used as a home remedy for warts,” says Dr Jenkins.
"The theory is that duct tape deprives the skin cells of oxygen, effectively suffocating the wart.”
Apply a small amount of tape over the wart every three to six days, then remove it and rub the area with a pumice stone.
Leave the skin uncovered for 12 hours, then repeat.
Do this for up to eight weeks.
Chamomile tea for heartburn
“ACID reflux causes stomach acid to move into the oesophagus, which often leads to painful inflammation in that area.
It is believed chamomile’s anti-inflammatory effects may help,” says Dr Jenkins.
In a study by the University of Taubate in Brazil a herbal preparation that included chamomile lowered gastric acidity just as effectively as a commercial antacid.
Ginger & hot water for cough
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“MANY people use ginger tea to help relieve and ease dry or asthmatic coughs thanks to its potential anti-inflammatory properties,” says Dr Jenkins.
“It can also help ease digestive problems, nausea, loss of appetite, motion sickness and morning sickness.”
Ginger is particularly effective when mixed with honey in a hot drink, as both contain anti-microbial properties, which means they help fight bacteria and toxins.
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