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Food & Recipes

10 Common Pantry Foods With Healing Powers

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Your pantry can prove to be a treasure trove when it comes to natural remedies. Whether you’re suffering from heartburn or just have an unshakeable bout of the hiccups, these natural remedies will have you back on track in no time.

1. Apples

If you suffer from heartburn, try adding apples to your daily diet. The pectin in them settles your stomach by absorbing the acid. Opt for sweeter versions, like golden delicious, for the best results.

2. Broccoli

Studies suggest that the irritability and mood swings associated with menstruation could be caused by low blood calcium levels. Up your calcium intake not just with dairy products, but by snacking on broccoli and leafy green vegetables.

3. Cranberries

Cranberries are packed full of proanthocyanidins, a compound that can help combat E. coli, the bacteria that causes urinary tract infections (UTI). If you’re prone to UTIs, one or two glasses of 20 percent pure cranberry juice can help prevent them from coming back.

4. Cucumbers

There really is something to this age-old remedy: Placing cold cucumber slices over your eyes cools the skin and reduces puffiness, fitting perfectly to the contours of your eyes.

5. Ginger

Recent research has suggested that ginger is an effective pain reliever when it comes to period pain. Try a mug of ginger tea to improve blood flow, reduce muscle inflammation, and banish those cramps.

6. Oatmeal

With its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties, oatmeal can work as a treat on rashes and eczema. Grind 1/3 cup of plain oatmeal into a powder before adding to a lukewarm bath.

7. Prunes

Prunes contain two substances that act like a natural laxative and are also a great source of insoluble fiber, which helps to bulk up waste when you’re feeling constipated.

8. Sea Salt

Rough, dry patches of skin — especially on your knees, elbows, and heels — can benefit from a scrub with sea salt. Mix with olive oil or a light massage oil to make a moist paste, then start exfoliating.

9. Sugar

Trick your stomach muscles into quitting those annoying hiccup-spasms by placing a teaspoon of sugar under your tongue. The sweetness kick-starts the vagus nerve that controls the diaphragm.

10. Turmeric

Thanks to its curcumin compounds, turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can be used as an antibiotic ointment on superficial wounds. Pat a little powder onto the cut or scrape for a fast food fix.

This article was originally written by Women’s Weekly Food editors. For more, check out our sister site, Women’s Weekly Food.

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