Last of two parts
Here are some more food items that the website BabaMail says are natural painkillers.
Salt can ease the discomfort caused by ingrown toenail. Stanford University researchers found that soaking the feet in saltwater could heal ingrown-
related infections in just four days. Salt is antibacterial and
anti-inflammatory. Add a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water and add to twice daily foot baths until the infection is gone.
When I had a toothache, gargling with saltwater helped ease the pain. Dentists also recommend this to treat and prevent gingivitis or gum problems. Saltwater can likewise help ease a throat infection.
Pineapples are rich in protein-breaking enzymes that help speed up digestion. The enzymes also reduce stomach pains from gas buildups. Researchers at Stanford found that one cup of fresh pineapple every day could treat pain caused by gas within 72 hours.
Meanwhile, researchers at the University of Ohio found that one cup of fresh grapes per day could help improve blood flow to relieve backpain. The spine, BabaMail says, is highly dependent on nutrients and oxygen in the blood.
Plain water could help ease pain from injuries, researchers at Manhattan College in New York found. Damaged body tissue produces a chemical compound called histamine that causes pain. Water dilutes histamine in the blood, reducing pain.
Water is also essential for the health of the cartilage tissue between bones. It lubricates joints and the soft tissue in the spine.
“A well-hydrated body is a well-lubricated machine, which prevents joint pains,” BabaMail says.
Horseradish, honey, coffee
Sinusitis causes severe headaches and facial pain and can even hinder breathing. German researchers discovered that horseradish could increase blood flow to the sinuses, decongesting them and draining any obstructions that might cause infection. A teaspoon of horseradish every day is recommended until the symptoms are gone.
Experts from the Dubai Center for Health recommend honey for treating mouth sores, cold sores and other oral infections. Honey has anti-inflammatory enzymes that destroy viruses and speed up the healing process. Apply unpasteurized honey directly on wounds four times a day.
Drinking coffee can help people suffering from chronic headaches or migraines. Caffeine improves the stomach lining’s ability to absorb medication, increasing its effectiveness by up to 40 percent. BabaMail suggests taking headache medication with a cup of coffee.
Cramped muscles may be the result of inadequate levels of potassium in the body. A study conducted at the University of California found that drinking one cup of tomato juice every day could help ease and prevent cramped muscles.
Garden show
If you need new plants and garden supplies, try to catch the annual Horticultura Flower and Garden show, to be held Feb. 5-14 at the Hardin ng mga Bulaklak, Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City near the gate facing East Avenue.
You can even learn how to care for the plants you plan to buy. The event organizer, the Philippine Horticultural Society Inc., which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, will feature lectures, workshops and demonstrations by experts.
Among the topics to be covered are cacti and succulents, native trees, terrarium, bonsai, orchids, hybridizing plants and exotic fruit trees.
After the lectures, plants and other horticultural products will be raffled off.
Send letters to The Consumer, Lifestyle Section, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 1098 Chino Roces Ave. cor. Mascardo and Yague Sts., 1204 Makati City; fax 8974793/94; or e-mail lbolido@inquirer.com.ph.