You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman

After a long day of writing papers, studying for finals, and pondering the meaning of life, I get a headache. It's only natural, using all that brain power, all that intense concentration. Headaches are a part of life and ever since I was a young girl, I have suffered from chronic headaches. So what do I do when I have a headache? Yeah, like almost everyone in the world, I reach for a bottle of Tylenol or ibuprofen, basically I go for the Acetaminophin. Pop a couple of those and relief is on the way! But wait! What about the other effects that this drug can have on me? Now back in the 1970's long term usage of Tylenol was linked to liver disease, but this research is outdated. According to this Medicine Net article, Tylenol's long term usage rarely causes liver disease in people with normal, healthy livers, but (yes there's always a but) Tylenol (Acetaminpohin) can cause an elevation of liver enzymes, causing injury to the liver. This gives me pause about reaching for the Tylenol next time I have a headache. But what else can I do, you might find yourself asking. Well, let me tell you about some natural remedies to everyday aches, pains, and sleeping problems.

One of the most easily found herbs that can remedy a headache is ginger. Ginger can be found at your local super market and even at your favorite Japanese restaurant. According to the research I found here, ginger inhibits platelet aggregation and, as a result, drinking ginger tea can help cure a migraine. Not only is ginger helpful in the prevention and treatment of headaches, ginger can help with a plethora of different ailments. For instance, ginger, because of its volatile oils and phenol compounds, can help cure motion sickness and nausea in pregnant women. Preliminary studies have even shown that ginger may help lower cholesterol and prevent blood from clotting.

So what about those of us who have trouble sleeping? I don't know if you know this, but chronic use of sleep aids can cause dependency and even insomnia. There is hope, though, with this herbal remedy! That herb is melatonin. Melatonin is found in the brain and its secretion in the body spikes at night, allowing us to fall asleep. Melatonin can also be found in health food stores and, sometimes, your local supermarket. This research shows that melatonin induces sleepiness and even lowers one's body temperature which could further aid in sleepiness. Taking melatonin about two hours before your usual bedtime can help you fall asleep, and stay asleep, easier.

Echinacea is another natural remedy to many common aches, pains and even bug bites. Echinacea is a plant found in North America and has been used for many years. This website informs me that it was even used to treat scarlet, blood poisoning, and syphilis in the past. The wonderful thing about echinacea is that it can be used in place of antibiotics. This is good new for people, like myself, who do not like to take antibiotics. Echinacea has been approved to treat urinary tract infections, broncitis, hay fever, and even hemorrhoids.

So maybe you're a skeptic when it comes to natural remedies, but I swear by ginger! Echinacea and melatonin, too! Next time you're feeling sick, anxious, or you're having trouble sleeping, instead of reaching for Tylenol PM or other similar medications, try a natural remedy!