For millennia, humans have relied on natural remedies to cure physical ailments. With the advent of modern medicine and the easy availability of over-the-counter drugs, people have increasingly turned away from natural remedies. However, many ancient remedies still hold true and can provide relief for common aches and pains. In this article, we explore 12 natural remedies that can heal the body from within and target the cause of pain.

1. Aching Joints
When joint pain flares up, a fresh pineapple can be the perfect remedy. Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain that helps the body process nutrients, reduce inflammation, and support joint function. One can dice up a pineapple to make a delicious fruit salad and add a healthy punch to relieve joint pain.

2. Stomach Aches
Ginger and mint are the perfect combination for an upset stomach. Ginger contains a substance that relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract, while mint relieves stomach cramps and bloating. Homemade ginger mint tea can relieve stomachaches caused by motion sickness, nausea, indigestion, and gas.

3. Leg Cramps
Muscle cramps can be extremely painful, but a spinach white bean salad can help ward off the pain. This salad is packed with essential nutrients to reinvigorate muscles with the vitamins they need, including potassium, magnesium, and protein.

4. Heartburn
Heartburn is caused by acid reflux rising and irritating the esophagus, but there are foods that neutralize the acid and relieve the pain. Banana oatmeal cooked with almond milk combines high-fiber oatmeal to absorb the acid, alkaline acidic neutralizer almond milk, and low-acidic bananas that will coat your throat and provide relief.

5. Urinary Tract Infection
Compounds in probiotic yogurt help fight infections and reestablish a healthy bacterial balance. Mix in blueberries, which are loaded with antioxidants and have been shown to prevent E. Coli bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall.

6. Muscle Inflammation
When on the go but need a snack, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and dark chocolate can help relieve aches caused by muscle inflammation. Walnuts lower the body’s C-reactive protein which causes inflammation, while almonds and cashews contain anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Dried fruits and dark chocolate carry anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants, while pumpkin and sunflower seeds are packed with vitamins and healthy fats.

7. Headaches
Tart cherry smoothie can cure headache pain regardless of the cause. Packed with melatonin and polyphenol, cherries convert to nitric oxide in the blood and serve to relax muscles and blood vessels, allowing for better blood flow.

8. Arthritis
Salmon, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, reduces inflammation and enables better joint movement for arthritis patients. Garlic, olive oil, basil, and lemon also have anti-inflammatory properties, and cooking salmon with these ingredients can alleviate some of the joint stiffness and allow for more mobility to ease arthritic pain.

9. Sore Throats
To heal a sore throat, chamomile helps kill bacteria and serves as an anti-inflammatory to soothe aches or rawness resulting from a cold or cough. Adding honey and lemon inhibits viruses and bacteria.

10. Skin Irritation
Naturally occurring oils and compounds in basil can soothe and speed up healing for sunburn, insect bites, or pimples. Basil is naturally antibacterial and disinfecting, and the camphene cools the skin, suppressing any itchiness from bites or irritation.

11. Tissue Inflammation
Avocados, garlic, and cayenne pepper hold properties that fight inflammation and ease pain. Avocadoes carry a concentrated amount of carotenoids, which help to protect and strengthen skin, tissue, and cells for better health and function. Mixing them all together with a few other ingredients, and one has a delicious and popular snack.

12. General Aches and Pains
Overall lethargy and malaise can often be relieved by simply drinking water. Proper hydration has been shown to diminish the pain associated with migraines, muscle aches, joint stress, constipation, and other ailments. If the human body is a well-oiled machine, water is the lubricant.

In conclusion, natural remedies can help alleviate aches and pains from within. While modern medicine certainly has its benefits, sometimes the best solution is a natural one. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates once said, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.” Following this dictum, we can use food cures to target the cause of pain and heal the body from within.