More Kitchen Cabinet Cures

Live Natural Yoghurt

Thrush

We've all heard of this one, but why does it work? In short, Thrush (that burning itch) is acidic (the fungus, Candida). When you slap some yoghurt on it, you are neutralising the area with an alkaline (the bacteria lactobacillus).

Any old yoghurt is fine, just be sure the yoghurt is sugar-free, flavourless, and has no colours or preservatives. Remember, where it's going, it doesn't matter what it tastes like.

See your doctor if you have strange smelling, or strange coloured discharge; sores on your vagina; pain; are pregnant; or have had two previous episodes of thrush in the last six months.

Olive Oil

Earwax

Olive oil can be used for removing earwax, or for softening hard earwax before going to the doctor. Although pharmacies sell bottles specifically for earwax, they are usually twice the price of bottles in the supermarket. Ditto, products sold as earwax removers are usually based on olive oil.

Once you have the safe ear-dropper that comes with the specialist olive oil bottles designed for earwax, you're just as well buying ordinary olive oil from the supermarket.

Ginger

Nausea

Whether you are an expectant mother, or undergoing chemotherapy, ginger is an effective treatment for nausea. A 2000 review of six studies found that consuming ginger was uniformly more effective than a placebo in the treatment of nausea, and as effective as the anti-emetic metoclopramide. They found this was the case in post-operative nausea, and nausea caused by chemotherapy. However the effect was not so strong in pre-operative nausea. Another 2009 study of pregnant women found that those who consumed ginger were less likely to experience morning sickness.

READ Ginger: Tasty Little Spice With Big Health Benefits

Osteoarthritis

Ginger is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. In a recent study of 261 people with osteoarthritis, those who took ginger extract twice daily needed fewer painkillers and reported less pain even when they weren't taking them. However, ginger isn't a miracle-worker. It may take several weeks to start working.

Cabbages

Mastitis

Mastitis is the most common breast infection suffered by nursing mothers. Cabbage leaves, placed inside the bra and next to the skin have been found to help. Reviews of research have concluded that green cabbage is best. It must be washed before use. The veins of the cabbage should be slightly crushed, so it is softer around the shape of the breast.  It's not necessary to chill it, although some women find it helps more with pain if it has been chilled before use. Leaves should be changed every two hours (sooner, if wilted).

Some women are allergic to cabbage. If it causes irritation, discontinue use.

Tea

Headache

Many headaches are caused by dilation or contraction of the blood vessels. A small shot a caffeinated tea may help reverse these changes and prevent the headache fully coming out.

READ Health Benefits of Peppermint Oil and Peppermint Tea

Bicarbonate of Soda

Body Odour

Bicarbonate of Soda is a natural antiperspirant, which absorbs moisture and kills bacteria. Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda on any part of your body which has body odour, such as your feet.

All these treatments are thought safe.