9 Ancestral Remedies Your Abuela Would Approve Of
Disclaimer: reviving and honoring ancestral practices is important to us at Sustainable Baddie, but this article is not meant to be taken as medical advice.
Between the daily fight to save the planet and embodying the earth angel persona, even sustainable baddies can start to feel a little under the weather. We know it can be difficult to take a day off to rest or even go see a doctor. Whether you're looking for natural remedies to your temporary ailments or susty alternatives to everyday products, we reached out to sustainable daddy and in-house (almost) doctor, medical student Nicolas Palacio, for some advice on remedies we can concoct in the comfort of our own homes. These ancestral remedies are made from ingredients you likely already have! Not to mention the added benefit of knowing exactly what has gone into your homemade therapeutics.
We firmly believe that healthcare is a human right and should be accessible to all regardless of socioeconomic status, but unfortunately, this is not the reality of the world we live in. According to the US census, only about 35% of Americans had public healthcare in 2021. For those who don’t have financial or geographic access to healthcare facilities, ancestral remedies can be a vital source of relief. These natural medicines are often accessible, affordable, and can be made with ingredients easily found in local markets or gardens.
The revival of ancestral practices, especially medicine, is a significant part of honoring marginalized communities and the ways in which mainstream medicine ignores them. Western medicine often brushes off the rich history of natural remedies that have supported indigenous peoples and communities of color, dismissing it as lore. But by understanding the reasoning behind these ancestral remedies and incorporating them into our healthcare routines when appropriate, we can pay tribute to these valuable traditions.
1. Chamomile Tea as a Natural Sleep Aid
You can never go wrong with a nice tea. Chamomile, specifically, has been used as a natural sleep aid for centuries. It’s a beautiful flower that you can grow at home. It contains active compounds like apigenin and luteolin which have been proven to have a sedative effect on the body and mind. It’s an ideal choice if you’re looking for a more natural way to improve your sleep. Palacio mentions that Chamomile also has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can help alleviate discomfort and tension. So, he would even recommend it for menstrual cramps or headaches!
Just steep a few dried chamomile flowers in hot water to brew your tea. Maybe even add a pinch of ginger or a squeeze of lemon juice for added digestive benefits. Or a teaspoon of honey to help the medicine go down.
2. Aloe Vera for Sunburn Relief
Aloe vera has long been used to treat sunburns and other skin irritations. According to Palacio, the gel from the plant contains a compound called aloesin that helps to reduce redness and inflammation as well as glycoproteins which can help to speed up the healing process. Aloe gel also helps to moisturize the skin and reduce the itchiness associated with sunburns. It’s a natural moisturizer and keeps your skin from drying out.
Depending on the climate where you live, aloe can be an easy plant to grow on your own and you can easily propagate it like any old succulent! Just break off a piece, peel the skin, and apply the gel directly to the sunburned area.
3. Natural Deodorant Made From Baking Soda
Baking soda and coconut oil make a great natural deodorant. Palacio explained that sodium bicarbonate is a natural odor neutralizer, “what it does is neutralize the pH levels of the skin which reduces the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Coconut oil, on the other hand, is the perfect vehicle because it’s a natural antimicrobial agent, so it has the ability to kill bacteria.” Together, they make for an effective natural deodorant that can help to keep your underarms fresh and smelling clean.
To make it, just mix equal parts baking soda and coconut oil together in a small container. You can use a small spoon or spatula to mix the ingredients together until they form a smooth paste. Then, apply the mixture to your underarms as needed. It might not be as effective as commercial deodorants and you might need to reapply throughout the day, but it’s still a great alternative for those looking for a cost-effective and less chemical-laden option.
4. Oil Pulling for Oral Health
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice. You do it by swishing oil in your mouth for several minutes, and it's said to promote oral health. Oil pulling can actually be done with many oils, but Palacio explains that coconut oil is a popular choice because it’s rich in lauric acid, which has been shown to have antimicrobial properties. The lauric acid in coconut oil can help to reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth and help to improve oral hygiene. Coconut oil can also help to whiten your teeth by removing surface stains caused by food and drink. It can also improve gum health by reducing inflammation!
To oil pull, place 1-2 tablespoons of the oil in your mouth and swish it around for about 15-20 minutes before spitting it out. It's recommended to do this first thing in the morning, before brushing your teeth, as the oil can help to remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums.
5. Natural Hand Sanitizer with Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural antimicrobial agent that can help to kill bacteria and germs on your skin. Palacio says it’s known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties making it an effective ingredient for a natural disinfectant.
To make a natural hand sanitizer, mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water and rub it onto your hands. This is a great way to keep your hands clean and germ-free without exposing your skin to the irritants that can be found in commercial hand sanitizers.
6. Epsom Salt for Sore Muscles
Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, can be used to ease sore muscles. The salt contains magnesium, which is a mineral that is essential for muscle and nerve function. Palacio tells us that magnesium is known to help relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation. When dissolved in warm water, the magnesium sulfate in the epsom salt is absorbed through the skin, providing a natural way to increase the body's levels of magnesium. The warm water can help to increase blood flow to the muscles and help to reduce pain and stiffness. Epsom salt baths can also be used to relieve muscle cramps and spasms. It's known to help in reducing the symptoms of conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
If you are a regular tea drinker, start using your leftover tea bags to reduce inflammation and swelling around the eyes. “The caffeine or theine found in tea is a natural vasoconstrictor,” says Palacio, “which means that it can help to constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the area.” This can help to reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eyes. Just use a few leftover tea bags of your choice, such as green tea, black tea or chamomile tea. After enjoying your tea, let the bags cool enough to handle, place them over your closed eyelids and relax for a few minutes. You can use this treatment once or twice a day, depending on how much tea you drink. For an extra refreshing feeling, you can cool your tea bags further by popping them in the fridge. Cold tea bags can be more effective, as the cold can help to constrict blood vessels more efficiently. The tannins and antioxidants in the tea will help to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.
8. Honey and Lemon Throat Lozenge
If you grew up in a Latin household, then your mom has probably given this to you when you had a sore throat. Honey is a natural ingredient that can help soothe sore throats and alleviate the symptoms of colds and flu. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a natural alternative to over-the-counter throat lozenges or cough drops. Mixing honey with lemon juice can provide even more benefits, as the lemon juice can help to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.
To make a honey and lemon throat lozenge, mix equal parts honey and lemon juice in a saucepan, heat for a couple of minutes and allow it to cool into a silicone mold. Freeze for several hours, and then pop out the lozenges as needed.
9. Natural Bug Repellent
Essential oils like citronella, lemongrass, and eucalyptus can be used to naturally repel insects and keep them away from your home and skin. These oils are known to contain compounds such as citronellal, geraniol, and eucalyptol, which are toxic to insects and can effectively keep them at bay without the use of harsh chemicals. Essential oils can be effective in repelling insects, but may not work on certain types of bugs or might not be as good as commercial insect repellents, so note this alternative might vary in efficacy, depending on your specific situation.
To make a natural insect repellent, mix a few drops of your chosen essential oil with water and spray it onto your skin or clothing. A popular recipe is to mix 10-20 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil, such as coconut oil. You can also repel insects in a larger area by using an oil diffuser.
What ancestral or family home remedies do you swear by?