Save Money and Shop Natural

With today's push to "go green" it's not a bad idea to try some natural products in the home rather than chemical products. Even more motivating is the cost of the natural products versus the man-made ones. Try some natural remedies for all of your problems, from health to hygiene, and see if it saves a bit.

Skip the Cough Syrup

Honey has been used to calm sore throats for decades. It not only coats the throat, but it is also the only cough syrup I've ever tasted that doesn't make my mouth pucker. Honey contains a small amount of anti-oxidants and anti-microbial elements which are beneficial to overall health. The Guardian Society also recently reported that honey may work better than most over the counter cold medicines.

There are some cautions for honey, as with man-made medicines as well. Honey should not be given to infants, as it contains some bacteria that could be dangerous to undeveloped immune systems. It also should not be given to people with high blood sugar levels, for obvious reasons. Some people have a severe allergy to honey, and small doses should be administered at first to watch for such a reaction.

Tums or Vinegar?

During a recent visit, my doctor heralded the merits of vinegar for digestive problems. If taken in small doses, it relieves indigestion caused by the abundance of acid in the stomach. By adding an even stronger acid, vinegar, the stomach begins to release acid-reducing secretions, thus calming the indigestion. In essence, the vinegar replaces the drug store antacid.

Large amounts of ingested vinegar can be harsh on the stomach. Cider vinegar tends to be stronger and harsher; use caution as you would with any over the counter medication.

Skip the Oxyclean

The basic idea behind Oxyclean and its cousins is that oxygen and bubbles "release" the stain. Hydrogen peroxide does the same for less. Be sure to do a color test on a hidden area of the garment first. Then allow the peroxide to sit on the stain for a few minutes before washing. This works exceptionally well for blood and grass stains.

Be Pro-Active

Many products today advertise the inclusion of probiotics for added health. Probiotics are basically, very basically, "good for you bacteria." Ingesting probiotics on a regular basis can eliminate the need for a variety of over the counter medications for problems with digestive health, blood pressure, and the immune system. They are dietary supplements that are healthy, natural, and cheaper than most brand name dietary supplements. Soon you'll be feeling better than ever and you won't have spent a fortune doing it.