Ten Cheap Natural Remedies for Common Health Problems

That terrible burning. That unpleasant taste in your mouth. If you have heartburn, you'll do just about anything to get rid of it. If you're taking over-the-counter acid suppressants, you can save money by trying apple cider vinegar. Just one or two teaspoons of this cheap natural remedy twenty minutes before a meal can reduce the overproduction of acid in your system. The best part? Apple cider vinegar costs only 99 cents per bottle!

Note: Chronic use of acid suppressants will cause your body to compensate by continuing its overproduction of acid, which will cause a dependency on the over-the-counter drug. Apple cider vinegar does not have this effect.

Acne

It's hard to put your best face forward when you struggle with breakouts. If you're using an expensive prescription cream, you can save money by investing in a small bottle of tea tree oil. Two fluid ounces of this powerful, antibacterial oil will run anywhere from $7-$10 per bottle. The money-saver? A little goes a long way! Two fluid ounces can last anywhere from six months to a year!

Note: Never use tea tree oil full-strength. Use one containing a dilutant such as Vitamin E. If you have sensitive skin, do a 'patch test' by placing a small amount on your inner arm to check for a reaction.

Allergies

Sneezing, watery eyes, itchy throat and nose. It's allergy season and you're suffering but $1 a pill for an antihistamine is a bit much in a tough economy. So, what to do? Head to your local health food store or farmers market and pick up a jar of pure, natural honey processed in an area within 45 miles of your home. Just one teaspoon twice a day of this cheap natural remedy helps ease allergy symptoms as your body adjusts to minute amounts of pollen in the honey. Plus, the honey is soothing to the throat. A month's supply commonly costs around $10 and it's a tried-and-true natural remedy that works!

Note: Natural honey works best as a preventative so begin taking it a month or so before allergy season begins.

Insomnia

If you suffer from insomnia, taking an over-the-counter or prescription sleep aid may cause side-effects and dependency giving you just one more reason to toss and turn all night. An easy, natural alternative is valerian root; an herb designed to calm the body and mind and induce sleep. Unlike over-the-counter sleep aids, it is not habit forming. A bottle of 180 capsules of valerian costs just under $7!

Caution: Do not overdose on valerian. Though it is a natural herb, it can cause side effects such as vivid dreams, drowsiness, headaches and upset stomach. If you are pregnant or nursing, do not use valerian. If you are currently taking medications for insomnia or anxiety, do not use valerian unless directed by your healthcare practitioner. If you have liver disease, avoid using valerian.

Stress

Between the economy and the current state of the world, all of us are experiencing more than our share of stress. The irony is; stress costs money! Anxiety, insomnia, digestive disorders, headaches, high blood pressure and depression are all common ailments related directly to stress. So how can you save money and yourself? Find a healthy outlet for your stress. Grab a pen and paper and write down the causes of your stress on one side and some suggested solutions on the other. Having a plan of action creates feelings of empowerment, which can greatly reduce your stress. The cost? Nothing at all!

Skin Rashes

Since there are different types of skin rashes, it is important to first find the cause of yours. Red, inflamed, itchy skin could be the result of stress-related dermatitis or an allergic reaction to something in your environment such as latex, alcohol-based creams or chemical-laden sunscreens. Instead of simply masking the symptoms by continuing to purchase over-the-counter creams, I suggest seeing an alternative health practitioner who can get to the source of the problem and eliminate the rash. In the long run, it will be a money and skin-saving choice!

Sinus Congestion

Nobody wants to be known as a mouth-breather. If you have blocked sinuses, try a neti pot. A neti pot looks like a genie lamp and is designed to irrigate the nasal passages with saline solution. To use: Insert the tip of a neti pot filled with lukewarm, lightly salted water into one nostril, tilt your head to the side over a sink or basin and allow the solution to drain from the other nostril. This process clear out allergens and mucus from the nose, reducing congestion and post-nasal drip. The cost? A net pot runs anywhere from $6-$20. The savings? Unlike most sinus remedies, you only have to buy one!

Back Pain/Inflammation

It hurts to bend. It hurts to stand. Millions of people suffer with chronic back pain. If you're one of them, there is a cheap, natural remedy for the inflammation that is causing your pain. Omega 3 is a natural anti-inflammatory that has none of the side effects of over-the-counter pain relievers. And, unlike OTC pain relievers, Omega 3 helps the body to heal naturally instead of simply masking the symptoms. The savings here? A three-month supply of Omega 3 cost under $6!

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

High blood pressure is becoming more common as our stress levels increase and our physical activity decreases. The good news? This natural treatment for hypertension is most likely already in your cupboard at home. What is this cheap, ultra-common remedy? Garlic! Allicin, the active ingredient in garlic, relaxes the blood vessels, which reduces pressure and helps prevent further damage to the blood vessels. The best benefits of garlic are obtained by using it in its raw form; diced or chopped in food. However, if you prefer, garlic supplements are also effective in reducing blood pressure. The cost of a bulb of garlic is less than $1 and a one-month supply of a garlic supplement is less than $3 per bottle. A significant savings for your health and your budget!

Constipation

Everybody gets it. Nobody talks about it. Not only is constipation uncomfortable, it can cause serious health problems if left untreated. But before you reach for an over-the-counter stool softener, which has been linked to dependency, try Psyllium fiber instead. Psyllium fiber is not a stool softener or a stimulant. It is a bulk fiber designed to 'grab' waste materials and flush them easily and gently from the body. Psyllium can be taken in whole husk or pill form. Whole husks cost less than $5 and capsules are under $7.

As you can see, going natural can offer a significant savings and piece of mind. So skip the trip to the pharmacy and head on over to your favorite health food store. Your body and your wallet will thank you!

Note: If you have a serious health condition, it is always advisable to consult your healthcare practitioner before using natural remedies.

Sources: Personal experience and web research on various natural health websites.