Hello, friends! One of the things I love most about living on the homestead is being able to rely on natural remedies for common ailments. Whether it’s a minor cut, a headache, or even a case of the sniffles, nature offers us an abundance of ways to heal and care for our bodies without reaching for over-the-counter medications (medical disclaimer).
In today’s post, I’ll share my favorite natural remedies for common ailments. You can easily make and use these on your own homestead in a sustainable way.
1. Natural Remedies: Cold and Flu
There are many herbal remedies that can help ease cold and flu symptoms, boost your immune system, and speed up recovery.
Elderberry Syrup for Immune Support
Elderberries are one of my go-to remedies. They boost the immune system and fight off colds and flu. Elderberry syrup is easy to make and can be taken daily as a preventative measure or at the first sign of illness.
- How to make elderberry syrup:
- First, simmer 1 cup of dried elderberries with 3 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon for about 30 minutes.
- Next, strain the mixture and stir in 1 cup of honey.
- Then, store the syrup in a jar in the fridge and take 1 tablespoon daily.
Elderberry syrup is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, and it’s especially helpful for reducing the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms.
Peppermint Tea for Congestion
When you’re feeling congested or have a stuffy nose, peppermint tea is a great remedy to open up the sinuses and clear your airways. Peppermint contains menthol, which acts as a natural decongestant and helps break up mucus.
- How to make peppermint tea:
- First, steep a handful of fresh peppermint leaves (or 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves) in boiling water for 5-10 minutes.
- Next, strain the tea, add a little honey if you like, and sip slowly.
The steam from the tea will help open up your nasal passages, while the menthol works to relieve congestion. Plus, the refreshing taste of peppermint is a great pick-me-up when you’re feeling under the weather.
2. Natural Remedies: Cuts, Scrapes, and Burns
On the homestead, cuts, scrapes, and burns are bound to happen from time to time—whether it’s from working in the garden, tending to animals, or cooking in the kitchen. Having a homemade healing salve on hand can make a big difference in how quickly these minor injuries heal.
Calendula Salve for Cuts and Scrapes
Calendula is a gentle yet powerful herb known for its skin-healing properties. It’s perfect for treating minor cuts, scrapes, and even rashes. You can make your own calendula-infused salve to speed up healing and reduce inflammation.
- How to make calendula salve:
- First, fill a mason jar with dried calendula flowers and cover them with olive oil.
- Then, let the flowers infuse in a sunny spot for about 2 weeks, shaking the jar occasionally.
- Next, strain the oil, then melt 1/4 cup of beeswax and stir it into the calendula oil.
- Finally, pour the mixture into small tins or jars and let it cool.
This salve is gentle enough to use on all skin types and is great for treating minor injuries. I like to keep a small tin of it in my garden apron for quick application after a scratch or scrape.
Lavender and Aloe Vera Gel for Burns
Whether it’s a sunburn or a minor burn from the kitchen, lavender and aloe vera are a powerful combination for soothing irritated skin and promoting healing. Aloe vera provides cooling relief, while lavender helps reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
- How to make lavender and aloe gel:
- First, mix 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel with 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil.
- Next, store the gel in a small jar in the fridge for added cooling relief.
- Then, apply to burns as needed to soothe and heal the skin.
I’ve found this gel to be especially helpful for sunburns in the summer, but it works well for minor kitchen burns too!
3. Natural Remedies: Headaches and Stress
When you’re juggling many responsibilities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or stressed. Headaches can also pop up after a long day of working outside or dealing with daily challenges. Fortunately, there are plenty of natural remedies to help you relax and find relief.
Peppermint Oil for Headaches
Peppermint essential oil is a fantastic natural remedy for tension headaches. The menthol in peppermint helps relax tight muscles and improve circulation, which can relieve headache pain.
- How to use peppermint oil for headaches:
- First, dilute 2-3 drops of peppermint oil in a tablespoon of a carrier oil (such as coconut or olive oil).
- Next, massage the oil into your temples, forehead, and the back of your neck.
- Then, take a few deep breaths and let the cooling sensation help relieve your headache.
Chamomile Tea for Stress and Relaxation
Chamomile is a soothing herb that’s known for its calming effects. Feeling stressed or anxious? A cup of chamomile tea can help ease your mind and promote relaxation.
- How to make chamomile tea:
- First, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers in boiling water for 5-10 minutes.
- Next, strain the tea and add a little honey if desired.
- Then, sip slowly, taking time to relax and unwind.
Chamomile is also great for promoting sleep, so it’s a wonderful tea to enjoy in the evening when you need to wind down.
4. Natural Remedies: Digestive Issues
From time to time, we all deal with digestive discomfort—whether it’s indigestion, bloating, or an upset stomach. Thankfully, there are natural remedies that can help soothe these digestive issues.
Ginger Tea for Nausea and Upset Stomach
Ginger has long been used as a remedy for nausea and upset stomachs. Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the digestive system and relieve symptoms of indigestion or motion sickness.
- How to make ginger tea:
- First, peel and slice a small piece of fresh ginger (about 1 inch) and steep it in boiling water for 10-15 minutes.
- Then, strain the tea and add a little honey and lemon for flavor.
Sip ginger tea slowly when you’re feeling nauseous or dealing with an upset stomach. It’s also great for motion sickness if you’re going on a road trip or boat ride.
Fennel Tea for Bloating and Gas
Fennel seeds are a natural digestive aid that can help reduce bloating, gas, and indigestion by relaxing the muscles in the digestive tract and encouraging the release of trapped gas.
- How to make fennel tea:
- First, crush 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds and steep them in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Then, strain the tea and enjoy after meals to help ease digestion.
If you often experience bloating or gas after meals, fennel tea is a simple and effective remedy to add to your routine.
5. Natural Remedies: Coughs and Sore Throats
Coughs and sore throats can be uncomfortable and annoying, but there are natural remedies that can help soothe the throat and calm a cough.
Honey and Lemon for Sore Throats
Honey is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, used in many natural remedies for soothing sore throats. Combined with lemon, which is rich in vitamin C, this simple remedy can provide quick relief.
- How to make honey and lemon tea:
- First, mix 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice in a cup of warm water.
- Then, sip slowly to coat your throat and reduce irritation.
Thyme Tea for Coughs
Thyme is an excellent herb for treating coughs and respiratory issues. It has antibacterial properties and can help relax the muscles in the respiratory tract, making it easier to breathe.
- How to make thyme tea:
- First, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried thyme in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Next, strain the tea and add honey for sweetness.
- Finally, sip the tea to help soothe your throat and reduce coughing.
Harnessing Natural Remedies
Living on the homestead gives us the opportunity to turn to natural remedies for so many of our needs, including our health and wellness. Whether it’s a cup of herbal tea for a cold or a homemade salve for cuts and scrapes, these remedies are easy to make and a joy to use.
Finally remember, natural remedies aren’t a replacement for professional medical care when it’s needed(medical disclaimer), but they can be a wonderful addition to your homestead’s first aid kit. I hope these natural tips help you stay healthy and well.
