Tipid Tips: Filipino Alternative Medicines for Common Ailments
7 min readCommon ailments don’t always need over the counter drugs. Alternative medicine is very much needed in our modern way of life because it not only helps alleviate the symptoms, but also provides the body with a myriad of healing properties without any side-effects. However, the fact still stands that it is important to see a doctor if the symptoms continue despite continuous treatment of natural medicine.
Most of these alternative medicines can be found at home, and are proven to be even more effective than over the counter drugs. You not only get to save a lot of money, but you also get to boost your immune system by taking herbal and healthy alternatives.
Cough
Coughing is the body’s way of expelling foreign particles, and other irritants from the lungs. Most coughs don’t always need to be treated with antibiotics, as frequent intake can result to antibiotic resistance.
 Oregano Coughing is the body’s way of expelling foreign particles, and other irritants from the lungs. Most coughs don’t always need to be treated with antibiotics, as frequent intake can result to antibiotic resistance. |
After washing the oregano leaves, squeeze the leaves until you get the extract. The ideal amount to be taken should be atleast two tablespoons after every meal. You may add kalamansi juice to make it taste better, or take a spoonful of honey after drinking the extract.Kids may take only a tablespoon after every meal. |
 Honey Honey has antibacterial and antifungal properties and it’s considered an all-natural cure for a lot of ailments, and it gives instant relief from persistent coughing. Important reminder: Never give honey to a kid under the age of 1. |
Take 1-2 teaspoons of honey after meals (or as needed for adults, or before bedtime to relieve your throat from incessant coughing.)You may also add honey in warm kalamansi juice with two tablespoons of honey. |
 Lagundi Honey has antibacterial and antifungal properties and it’s considered an all-natural cure for a lot of ailments, and it gives instant relief from persistent coughing. Important reminder: Never give honey to a kid under the age of 1. |
Boil 1 cup of Lagundi leaves to 4 cups of water, and let it cool. Strain the leaves and drink half cup of Lagundi brew three times a day. Important note: Avoid storing herbal brews for more than one day to avoid contamination. |
 Salt and Water The old-time cure to colds and cough. We might’ve already heard our parents suggest this home remedy. Gargling this salt solution removes the excess fluid from inflamed tissues in the throat, making them hurt less and its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties can remove allergens and loosen thick mucus. |
Add two teaspoons of salt in warm water, stir. Gargle three times a day. |
Sore Throat
Viral infections are the leading causes of sore throats, and most of the time, it comes with cold or flu. The pain causes difficulty in swallowing and eating. The following treatments are proven to alleviate if not get rid, of sore throat.
 Marshmallows The proper marshmallow to be taken should be the Marshmallow Root which is available in wellness shops. However, health websites rave about the usual, store-bought bag of marshmallows as a tried and tested way to cure your sore throat. |
Eat a few pieces first and notice the immediate relief to your sore throat. If it continues to be irritated, try another alternative medicine, like honey or salt and water gargle. |
 Honey Honey’s anti-bacterial properties helps alleviate sore throat. It soothes the irritation in the throat, and mucus membranes. |
You may mix a spoonful or two of honey in warm kalamansi juice (squeezed kalamansi juice in warm water), or directly take a spoonful of honey as needed to soothe sore throat.You may also put a spoonful or two of honey on green tea. The combination of honey and green tea will not only soothe your throat, but also boost your immune system. |
 Ginger Tea Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and Chinese Traditional Medicine (CTM) practitioners suggest drinking brewed ginger every morning for a number of benefits such as: – Warms the stomach and releases the “cold†from the body – Reducing joint pains and arthritis – Strengthens immunity – Regulates the menstrual cycle (also alleviates dysmenorrhea or menstrual cramps) – And improves blood circulation. |
How to make the perfect cup:- For each cup of water, use 5-6 slices of fresh ginger with skin. Use the knife to smash the slices of ginger to get more juice, then place in a small pot with water to boil for 5 minutes. Add brown sugar or honey to make it taste better. |
 Salt and Water This saline solution cures common colds, because of its anti-bacterial properties. |
Mix salt in warm water, gargle three times a day or as needed to remove irritants that causes sore throat. |
Fever
Fever is not an illness in itself, but rather, it’s the immune system’s way of fighting viruses and bacteria which are temperature sensitive. Sometimes the body temperature can get too high which can lead to complications, and it’s very important to see a doctor once the fever gets worse and lasts for more than 3 days. The following remedies can help you reduce body temperature:
 Sponge Bath The traditional way of cooling our bodies, spongebath has been a common practice to help kids and even adults feel better. If you have a fever and it doesn’t affect your appetite, then there’s no need for a spongebath.Know the difference in applying hot or cold sponge bath:Hot: for fever with high temperature but with cold feet and hands.Cold: for fever with dry skin and hot overall temperature. |
Hot Sponge Bath: Use warm water and rub the sponge or towel all over the body, making sure to focus on the face, ears, neck, arms, and chest. This helps make the blood circulate properly. Immediately wipe with a towel to dry and prevent chilling.Cold Sponge Bath: You can add ice to the water if the skin is too hot. Do the same procedure as hot sponge bath, and make sure that the body is thoroughly wiped after the sponge bath to prevent sudden drop for temperature. |
 Kalamansi or Lemon water with honey Boost your immune system by drinking squeezed lemon juice in warm water, and add honey to not only sweeten it, but also fuse its healing properties with that of the citrus extract. |
Squeeze the extracts and add a cup of warm water, mix with honey, and drink one to two times a day. |
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
UTI is caused by bacteria growing and multiplying in the bladder, thus causing pain while urinating. It’s important that recurring UTIs should be treated by the doctor. For immediate pain relief, these tried and tested remedies are the answer:
 Apple Cider Vinegar This condiment comes with important enzymes, rich in minerals and nutrients that prevent bacteria that cause UTIs from growing. It is important to note that this should not be taken straight or undiluted because its acidity may have adverse effects on your body. |
Mix 2-3 teaspoons of organic Apple Cider Vinegar with water and drink twice or three times daily. You may add honey to make it taste better. |
 Coconut Juice While westerners settle for Cranberry juice to help get rid of UTI, Filipinos are lucky to have easy access to coconut juice, with it being sold in the streets and in every market. |
Make sure you drink the freshly opened coconut juice. Drink as much as you can all throughout the day, along with drinking lots of water. |
 Lactobacillus Probiotics Prevent the growth of bacteria by drinking lactobacilli or eating yogurt. The probiotics help restore the natural bacteria to fight for the bad bacteria that causes UTI and pain. |
Consume 2-3 bottles of lactobacilli drink, or a pack of yogurt.Always remember that if symptoms persist, consult your doctor. |
 Ginger Tea Follow the same steps in brewing ginger. |
How to make the perfect cup:For each cup of water, use 5-6 slices of fresh ginger with skin. Use the knife to smash the slices of ginger to get more juice, then place in a small pot with water to boil for 5 minutes. Add brown sugar or honey to make it taste better. |
Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation that causes abdominal cramps. While making a conscious effort to switch to a healthy lifestyle is very important to reduce or get rid of dysmenorrhea altogether, here are some of the home remedies that will help alleviate debilitating abdominal cramps while you’re on your period:
 Heating Pad |
Apply heat to the painful area on the lower abdomen with a heating pad, or hot water bottle to significantly reduce pain. Apply as often as needed. |
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Herbal tea, or Ginger Tea Herbal tea and Ginger have been traditionally used to treat a lot of inflammatory ailments. |
Brew your own ginger tea, or prepare green or mint tea to help alleviate the nagging cramps. Best time to take are in the morning or before bedtime. |
Disclaimer: It is the responsibility of the reader to research the accuracy and usefulness of alternative medicines before trying them. Below advice is intended for informational purposes only. See your doctor if symptoms persist.
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