Did you know that there are healing foods right in your kitchen?

With the seasons changing you can’t afford to not have the proper remedies for you and your family. Once the weather gets colder nobody wants to trek outside to get medicine (I know I don’t). Just go to your kitchen for all of your needs!

Whatever you don’t have, stock up beforehand. Your regular grocery store should have all that you need to help with common everyday illnesses (although all of the items I listed below can help with a variety of other conditions, but we won’t cover those here).

Check the list below to see what items you may already have in your kitchen (or need to add to your grocery list). Some of these things you may use in the form of an herbal tea, supplement, oil blend, or in its raw whole form, depending on the item, your need and your preference.

1. Garlic:

The active ingredient in this herb is a chemical called allicin, which is what makes garlic so useful as a medicine. Garlic may strengthen the immune system and be effective for treating hayfever (allergic rhinitis), cold and flu. It also removes toxic substances from the body. Other uses include treatment of:

• fever
• coughs
• headache
• stomach ache
• sinus congestion
• asthma
• bronchitis

2. Basil:

Can be used to treat:

• constipation
• stomach cramps
• indigestion
• cold/flu
• asthma
• bronchitis
• sinus infections

3. Thyme:

Thyme (an herb) is taken by mouth for:

• bronchitis
• sore throat
• upset stomach
• stomach pain
• diarrhea
• flatulence
• laryngitis
• tonsillitis

4. Lemon:

Lemons are acidic and rich in Vitamin C, so they will be effective against conditions like:

• cold/flu
• recurring ear infections

They have also been used as a treatment for:

• throat infections
• indigestion
• constipation
• fever

5. Ginger:

The taste of ginger is not for everybody, however, it can be used to:

• suppress allergic reactions
• combat morning sickness
• upset stomach
• gas
• diarrhea

Other uses include:

• menstrual pain relief
• upper respiratory tract infections
• cough
• bronchitis

6. Honey:

Who would have thought that the regurgitated byproduct of a bee could have so many healing properties? Honey can be used to:

• minimize seasonal allergies
• suppress a cough
• reduce throat irritation
• boost the immune system.

Mixing raw honey with water produces hydrogen peroxide, which can also be used to treat minor wounds.

7. Coconut oil:

Coconut oil is cholesterol-free and has many health benefits. However, it is still a saturated fat so don’t go overboard with it. If you’re going to consume it for health benefits, make sure it’s cold-pressed, unrefined, virgin, and organic.  Coconut oil can:

• boost the immune system and is believed to speed recovery from sickness
• helps with treating excess candida
• allergy symptom
• clearing up cold sores
• maintaining good oral health

8. Turmeric: 

Normally a spice used in Indian dishes, turmeric is a powerhouse spice that has been used for thousands of years to treat various conditions. The main reason why turmeric is so powerful is due to the curcumin, which is a powerful antioxidant by itself. Turmeric is known for so many things including:

• helping to boost the immune system
• treating digestive problems (which is especially good for those like me with IBD)
• reducing inflammation

9. Cinnamon:

Besides adding great taste to recipes, cinnamon can help:

• balance sugar levels
• fight bacteria, viruses, and fungal infections
• recover from cold/flu
• headaches
• fevers
• sore throat

The smell is also known to boost memory.

10. Nutmeg:

Nutmeg is used in traditional Indian medicine and makes a great adaptogen, which simply means it helps your body out in times of stress. It can:

• help lower blood pressure
• lift your mood
• soothe stomachaches
• help stop diarrhea
• relieve joint and muscle pain
• calm respiratory problems

11. Peppercorns:

Love ground pepper on my scrambled eggs! Pepper can:

• stimulate the appetite
• detox the body
• aid in digestion
• help relieve lung and bronchial infections
• help relieve stress