It’s no surprise or wonder that a lot of women (myself included) have turned to “Nature’s Super Market” to treat our ills with natural, homegrown remedies. Some of them can even be found in our backyard! If you have a few minutes, I’d like to share with you some insights on natural herbs and medicines I’ve personally used during my fight to stay my healthiest.
1. Reducing Menopause Symptoms
When you’re at the grocery store, pick up tofu, tempeh and roasted soy nuts. These soybean products are loaded with isoflavones, which is a type of phytoestrogen. In laymen’s terms: our body uses isoflavones like estrogen! Soybean products also reduces dramatic spikes osteoporosis and heart disease levels. Although WebMD states that there is mixed evidence concerning soybean isoflavones effectiveness at reducing menopause symptoms. However, they do recommend you to try eating 40-80mg of isoflavones each day.
2. Kratom Leaves
Whether you’ve heard of Kratom leaves or not (Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia), there’s one thing that can’t be denied: they are one of nature’s powerhouse herbs that have helped a lot of people. Here are just a few of Kratom’s all-natural benefits:
- Natural pain reliever
- Increased energy
- Optimises immune system
- Helps curb anxiety (due to its calming effects)
- Helps during opioid withdrawal and alcohol addiction (replacing prescription medication)
Because the plant has several active chemicals that bind opioid receptors in the human brain, which can (and has) led to addiction—the DEA proposed a ban last year. Regardless, it still is legal within the United States.
As with any herbal plant or medicine, there are dangerous side effects when people use high doses (>15g). The leaves themselves can be brewed in tea, eaten raw or be eaten with food. To avoid addiction risks, you should never use Kratom on a daily basis – as addiction and abuse with any medicine (herbal or not) can be limited by the amount you use.
3. Clean Fruit With Vinegar
In 2007 the U.S National Library of Medicine released a study. They found that white vinegar’s bactericidal activity (i.e: bacteria killing) eliminated foodborne pathogens from food. Even apple cider vinegar (ACV), which has antibacterial properties, is more effective than water. ACV also reportedly has the following benefits:
- Prevents harmful bacteria (like e.coli) from spreading
- Food preservation and natural preservative
- Fights diabetes
- Lowers blood sugar levels
- Lose weight and reduces belly fat
When it’s time to wash fruit: fill your sink halfway with water, add 2 tbsps. of ACV (or distilled white vinegar), stir it a bit, and let soak for 10 minutes. Rinse clean afterwards.
4. Foods That Help Fall Asleep Faster
Foods high in tryptophan and magnesium reportedly help you sleep. Tryptophan is an amino acid commonly found in turkeys; explaining why your family feels sleepy after Thanksgiving dinner. This amino acid calms the brain to a sedated state. You can also find tryptophan in 100% whole grain oats, brown rice, corn and quinoa. Magnesium has also been proven to help you have a deeper sleep.
- Almonds
- Avocado
- Brown rice
- Spinach
Conclusion
As moms, hectic days and chaotic nights mean we’re often too busy to take are of our health. You have nothing to lose by turning to these healthy, natural alternative medicines. As always is the case, your health can only be fully optimised depending on the amount of sleep you get. So no matter what, be the best mom you can be by going to bed earlier and getting a more fulfilled sleep for a happier life.
