By Rebecca Jones
It seems these days that there is a natural remedy for virtually anything that ails us. From vitamin A to Zinc your local health food store has more pill bottles than your average size pharmacy but do they really work? While some supplements may be little more than snake oil the following 6 natural remedies are guaranteed to give your health a boost and they have the science behind them to prove it.
Fish Oil
In trial after trial fish oil and its omega-3 fatty acids have proven to be beneficial to heart health. Known to lower triglycerides, reduce arterial plaque and lower blood pressure, fish oil can significantly reduce the risk of cardiac death in both healthy people and those who already suffer heart disease. Omega-3 has also been shown to regulate the heart’s electrical system and reduce inflammation making fish oil one natural remedy no home should be without.
Aloe Vera
A succulent plant that enjoys warm, dry climates Aloe Vera’s soothing properties have traditionally been used to treat minor burns and skin irritations. A sap is garnered from the fat green leaves of this plant and is often used in tissues, lotions, soaps, and sunscreens. While there are many products available containing Aloe Vera the best way to reap its benefits is to grow your own plant at home. There is no better remedy for a sunburn or dry skin than fresh aloe and its antibacterial properties can help protect against infection.
Vitamin D
According to the National Institute of Health about half of Americans do not get enough vitamin D from their diets or exposure to sunlight. Not only does vitamin D help the body absorb calcium but it also prevents heart disease, wards off certain types of cancer, and lowers the risk of autoimmune diseases like diabetes and arthritis.
Echinacea
The next time you feel a cold coming on nothing is more effective for boosting the immune system than the herb Echinacea. Often prepared as a tea, Echinacea has been proven effective for reducing symptoms and accelerating recovery from upper-respiratory infections.
Lactobacillus GG
To improve digestive and immune health probiotics like Lactobacillus restore the balance between good and bad bacterias in the digestive track. Since our digestive track is so closely connected to our immune system any bacterial imbalance can have a detrimental effect on our overall health. With ten times the number of live bacteria cells, taking probiotics everyday can restore the balance much more effectively than just consuming milk or yogurt.
Pycnogenol
Extracted from the bark of a French maritime pine tree, pycnogenol has been making headlines for its ability to ease joint discomfort in osteoporosis sufferers. Best known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities it has also shown evidence of preventing heart disease and blood clots, reducing blood pressure and stabilizing blood sugar in diabetes patients.
Despite the breakthroughs of modern science there are still occasions where Mother Nature knows best. While it is always good to approach natural supplements and remedies with a healthy dose of skepticism these treatments come with a recommendation from the scientific community as well. Years of research have been conducted to make sure that these remedies are safe and effective so that you can do something that will not only make you feel good but that you can feel good about as well.