9 Ancient Remedies That Are Still Healing Us Today

Your body can knock you for a loop at any time and if you are visiting your doctor in the hope of getting those advanced treatments, then you may be proved wrong sometimes. You might not know this, but all the cool and ‘new’ remedies that doctors and leading researchers are using, have been around for more than 1000 years. These ancient remedies are preventive as well as curative. They have not been over-tested in laboratories, neither have they been marketed on huge billboards. What makes these remedies so special? Let’s have a look:

1. Ayurvedic treatments

Ayurveda is a 5,000 year old medical system originated in India. Ayurvedic treatments are based on the basis that there are three doshas: Kapha, Pitta, and Vata. Ayurvedic medicines are said to have no side effects and works on both the internal and external factors instead of just focusing on curing a single problem. It includes medicinal herbs, breathing exercises, meditation, relaxation, exercise, lifestyle, and diet. It can help treat autoimmune, digestive, hormonal and inflammatory conditions, including herpes, dementia, cancer, asthma, depression and Alzheimer etc.

2. Yoga

Yoga revitalises the body, mind, and spirit. There are numerous physical benefits of yoga like increased flexibility, reduction in weight, increased blood circulation, increased muscle strength etc. But did you know that yoga helps alleviate stress and also helps improve your mental wellbeing? It makes you calm, relaxed and more aware of your surroundings as well as yourself. There are more than 100 different forms of yoga; some of them are intense and fast-paced. It is a continuous process, so practice is important.

3. Aloe Vera

This plant is most famous for its benefits when applied as a gel externally to the affected area. It was used extensively by the ancient Chinese and Egyptians civilizations to cure fevers and heal burns and wounds. Aloe Vera was also used to enhance the beauty of the ancient royalty, including Cleopatra. It contains a plethora of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes that make it perfect to be taken orally as well, to ensure good digestion and a healthy immune system.

4. Parsley

Parsley is not just a garnish, but has many health benefits as well. It is a herb that originated in the Mediterranean region of Tunisia, Algeria, and Southern Italy. The health benefits of parsley include rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and cancer. It also gives you relief from nausea, bloating, stomach cramps and indigestion. It is also rich in anti-inflammatory properties, which acts as a pain reliever in various conditions.

5. Onions

Do onions have other qualities than making your mouth stink? Yes. They’ve been used as ‘cure-alls’ in many cultures. The Middle Eastern civilization prescribed onions mainly for diabetes. In the 1900s, United States doctors used onions successfully to cure respiratory and digestive problems. Onions were proven to improve athletic performance as well, with many Greek Olympians gorging down entire onions prior to their races. In modern research, onion has been proven to protect your body against stomach ulcers, breast cancer, and colon cancer. Onion also reduces blood sugar levels and helps prevent gum and tooth disorders.

6. Gotu kola

This small, perennial herbaceous plant has been in use in India, China, and Indonesia for centuries. It has been used to heal wounds, treat various skin conditions, reduce toxicity, soothe nervous disorders, boost cognition as well as improve mental wellbeing of individuals. In China, this herb has been termed as the ‘fountain of youth’ for its plethora of benefits.

7. Leech therapy

Since centuries, leeches were used to treat many ailments and conditions, including infections, skin diseases, dental problems, and abnormalities. In this procedure, blood is drawn out in the belief that removing that impure blood would heal the body. Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician, claimed that an imbalance in the 4 bodily ‘humours’ (blood, phlegm, black bile and yellow bile) would lead to disease. The oldest traces of the use date back to 1500 BCE. These days leeches are mostly used in microsurgery or plastic surgeries as they secrete proteins and peptides that prevent blood clots, which stimulate blood flow to wounds to help the heal.

8. Mint

Mint was first given credit by Charles the great around 1200 years ago. It has many notable health benefits and considered as one of the highest antioxidant capacities of any food. It is known to promote digestion, as well as soothe any sort of discomfort in the stomach. The lovely smell that emanates from mint leaves activates our salivary glands and secretion of digestive enzymes which accelerate digestion! It also has a potent phytochemical that can prevent many types of cancers.

9. Cayenne peppers

Columbus is usually given credit for the transportation of cayenne peppers from the ‘Old World’ to the ‘New World’. Cayenne peppers have been consumed in the America for at least 7000 years. Research today proves that the heat that is generated by these peppers is best for pain relief, which makes it an effective treatment for muscle aches and arthritis. It is also used in weight reduction as well as controlling your blood sugar levels. It has been used for a variety of problems such as tonsillitis, nausea, sore throat, flatulence, fever, paralysis, gout, tremors and heartburn.

Ancient remedies have been an important part of many cultures and are continuing to benefit us to this day. But it is important to remember that if any of these remedies don’t suit you, or you aren’t sure of their implications, it is best to consult a physician as soon as possible.

Please don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family. You never know who might benefit from these ancient remedies.

Read more: Panchakarma Treatment

Main image credit: drinkhealthydrinks.com