A Natural Remedy That Goes Both Ways

Apples have been used as natural remedies at least as far back as the Roman empire, where they were used as a treatment for diarrhea.

Apples actually help both diarrhea and constipation, acting both as a laxative and anti-diarrheal.

One of the key soluble fibers in apples is pectin. Pectin is contained in many fruits, and is a key reason that fruits are healthful. There are many other factors, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, etc., but pectin has some special effects in the digestive system that I want to discuss here.

Pectin acts as a laxative stool softener, so it is very helpful in treating constipation. Pectin is also a key ingredient in many over the counter anti-diarrheal preparations. Intestinal bacteria convert the pectin into a soothing and protective coating for the intestinal lining, which is often irritated by the microorganisms which cause diarrhea.

Apple pectin also helps control blood sugar levels, and reduces the amount of cholesterol absorbed from food.

Apples also contain a natural fruit sugar, sorbitol, which has some natural laxative properties.

Apple juice has a cooling effect on skin rashes.

The polyphenols (polyphenols are chemicals in plants, some are responsible for the color of the plant and some have antioxidant properties) in apples help prevent cell damage, and may lower the risk of heart attack.

Natural Home Remedy for Constipation

A friend asked me earlier if I could recommend any natural remedies for constipation. I do have a favorite, and that's what today's post is about.

It is a very simple home remedy, and very effective.

Take two tablespoons of olive oil, and drink them. It's effective and provides relief quickly.

Nearly everyone experiences occasional constipation; it could be caused by a change in diet or routine, as when travelling either for business or pleasure. This natural remedy is great in those instances, as it is widely available, and easy to take.

If you experience constipation frequently, you should consult with your healthcare provider, as it may indicate a more serious condition. Or, it may signal that you need a change in diet, to include more dietary fiber. Talking it over with a medical professional is the safe course of action.

Home Remedy for Upset Stomach

My favorite home remedy for upset stomach is a combination of three things you may already have in your spice rack, Anise Seeds, Caraway Seeds, and Fennel Seeds. If you don't have them, they are all readily available in any grocery store.

I recommend you purchase organic spices whenever possible, many grocery stores carry at least some organic herbs and spices, and may be able to special order them, if you ask. Most health food stores carry a good selection of organic spices.

To use these seeds as a natural remedy for nausea, (it also works for gas), take equal parts of each to make a heaping tablespoon of the three seeds. If you have a mortar and pestle, you can use it to slightly crack the seeds. If you don't have a mortar and pestle, you can place the seeds in a plastic bag, or between sheets of wax paper, and use a rolling pin or skillet bottom, and crush them that way. You are just looking to slightly crack the seeds, it is not necessary that you powder them. Place the seeds in a cup of boiling water and allow to steep for fifteen minutes. Strain and drink warm, as needed.

This is a very effective natural home remedy for nausea and upset stomach, and also quite safe. It is also a pleasant tasting drink.

All Natural Home Remedies

Welcome to my new blog. I will be adding information about making and using all natural home remedies, based on my experience as a massage therapist and herbalist. I will discuss herbal remedies as well as other types of natural remedies, such as compresses and oils.

If you have any questions, you can visit my website, Herbal-List-Remedies.com. There you will find a form which will allow you to send me any questions directly. You may ask questions about any natural remedies, not just herbal remedies.