Kotex

Chapped lips, coughs and colds, it’s that time of year again! But don’t let the dark evenings get you down, the perfect antidote for the cold-weather blues may be right under your runny noses. In your kitchen cupboard of course!

When it comes to finding the right therapies for a healthy body, many natural remedies will already be in your cupboards and you probably haven't even realised yet. So read on and discover which items in your kitchen cabinets can be turned to other uses. You'll be surprised that the usual ingredients you use for cooking are often enough to treat most ordinary ailments. The key lies in your knowledge about their use and how to prepare them. Try some natural remedies for yourself:

Dry skin.

Through a season of central heating, dry itchy skin can be soothed by adding a couple of large handfuls of porridge oats to your bath. Oats are a traditional remedy for eczema and inflammation. Camomile can be very soothing too - add two or three tea bags to your bath for a truly calming experience.

Coughs and sneezes.

Cloves are renowned for their anti-bacterial properties. To banish sniffles or flu, bruise a couple and add them to your favourite hot herbal tea, such as camomile or lemon and honey.

Tummy ache.

With the party season in full swing, rich foods can cause heartburn and stomach bloating. Egg white settles the stomach and is therefore useful for heartburn and indigestion. Whilst a bloated belly can be treated with a soothing cup of peppermint, ginger or fennel tea, all of which can ease or prevent digestive discomfort.

Sore eyes.

Sooth tired, puffy party eyes with a compress of grated raw potato or cucumber wrapped in a piece of gauze. If you don't have any gauze, just apply the vegetables slices straight over your closed eyelids, and then take a moment to relax. You’ll be bright eyed and ready for action in no time!

Chapped lips.

Unlike your skin, lips lack the natural oils needed to protect against the cold and the low humidity of indoor heating. But through the use of natural fats and waxes you will be able to smile without wincing through the cold months ahead. Simply combine beeswax and cocoa butter for a truly moisturising natural treat. Experiment with natural flavouring oils too. Try orange, lemon, mandarin, lime, grapefruit, anise, fennel or a small amount of peppermint - they taste yummy and are good for you too!