

Natural Remedies To Try Before Heading To The Drugstore
Are you more likely to recommend natural remedies or pharmaceutical drugs when treating minor ailments? Throughout my childhood and most of adulthood, I preferred the latter.
At the first sign of a headache or menstrual cramps, I would head to my medicine cabinet. Filled with over-the-counter (OTC) pills and syrups, it rivaled the local drugstore's shelves. In mere minutes, I'd feel better, but it never occurred to me that non-prescription medication could be detrimental to my health.
My go-tos were painkillers like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen which can cause long-term side effects including indigestion, ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding that may require hospitalization.
According to The British Journal of General Practice, "Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are responsible for 30% of hospital admissions for [adverse drug reactions] ADRs, mainly due to bleeding, heart attack, stroke, and renal damage."
Image by Giphy
Using them sparingly reduces the likelihood of negative effects but it's not uncommon for some OTC meds to be used on a daily basis for other issues. A popular cold-and-flu medicine had been so widely used for sleeplessness that the brand created a formula specifically for treating insomnia. I've personally used this particular medicine for restlessness countless times before reading up on the recommended usage.
They warn that it should only be taken for "occasional sleeplessness" and advise that you should consult with a doctor if you're still experiencing trouble sleeping after two weeks of use. Considering that diphenhydramine, the main ingredient in some OTC sleep medications, can increase your risk of dementia, I decided to search for less harmful alternatives and stumbled upon herbal medicine.
Making the switch from traditional to natural medicine requires research and experimentation. It's an ongoing process, but I've found a few remedies that have replaced my past drugstore staples for good.
Ashwagandha Root
Image by Shutterstock
Ashwagandha is an Indian ayurvedic herb that has been successfully used to combat stress, anxiety, and inflammation. A 2012 study found that the stress levels of participants who took Ashwagandha root extract for 60 days were significantly reduced. The study required them to take capsules but I prefer it in tea form. I pack the loose tea in a strainer and drop it in a cup of boiling water. I usually let it steep for 10-15 minutes before consuming it. I prefer to take it at night because, within two hours, I can't stay awake.
Having Ashwagandha tea at least once a day has helped me reduce stress but more importantly, it has changed my sleep habits for the better. I am able to fall asleep and wake up much earlier, which allows me to get more done during the day. Regardless of which form you prefer to take it in, you can find Ashwagandha Root supplements, tea, or powder at your local and online health food store, tea shop, or Amazon.
Garlic & Ginger
Image by Shutterstock
These are staple household spices used in nearly all of my family recipes but they're not just for satisfying your taste buds. Much like Ashwagandha, they have anti-inflammatory properties but these herbs are multifaceted. I always stock up on fresh garlic bulbs and ginger root whenever I feel a cold coming or during holidays when I have a tendency to binge-eat.
I make it into a tea by boiling the garlic bulbs and peeled ginger in a pot for 20 minutes before straining it into a mug. Although I throw the bits of ginger out, I toss the garlic into the mug and eat them after I'm done drinking the tea. Consuming raw garlic is almost painful but after boiling them they have a soft, mushy texture and are tasteless. This combo has prevented colds and reduced symptoms of nausea and bloating for me. If they aren't already in your pantry, you can easily find them in any grocery store.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
Image by Shutterstock
Like THC, it's derived from the cannabis plant but if you want to manage pain and anxiety without causing brain fog, fatigue, or failing a drug test, CBD is a life-saver. A rheumatoid arthritis support organization advocates for the use of the oil to treat symptoms of the condition. A European Journal of Pain study concluded that the topical use of CBD proved beneficial as well.
Full-spectrum CBD oil has helped me with less severe issues like body aches, migraines, and cramps without any adverse effects. Because of its non-psychoactive healing properties, CBD has recently gotten a lot of mainstream attention. Products containing CBD have popped up everywhere in drinks, oils, lotions, and foods just to name a few, but not all CBD products are made equal. As a result of its newfound success, the Food and Drug Administration is "continuing to evaluate the regulatory frameworks for products containing cannabis and cannabis-derived compounds" and warns of potential dangers.
I've personally found that the natural remedies I use are better for my overall well-being than conventional medicine, but you should always do your research. And of course, anyone who is thinking of trying a new natural or traditional medicine should consult with their doctor.
Want more stories like this? Sign up for our newsletter here and check out the related reads below:
Why I Decided Menstrual Cups Were The Answer For My Period
Overcome Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder With These Natural Remedies
Featured Image by Shutterstock
Chantel Turner is a Los Angeles based writer who's passionate about mental health, philosophy, and pop culture. You can reach me by email at CTTWrites[at]gmail.com or https://chantelturner.contently.com.
Black women are not a monolith. We all are deserving of healing and wholeness despite what we've been through, how much money we have in the bank, or what we look like. Most importantly, we are enough—even when we are not working, earning, or serving.
Welcome to Black Girl Whole, your space to find the wellness routine that aligns with you! This brand-new marketplace by xoNecole is a safe space for Black women to activate their healing, find the inspiration to rest, and receive reassurance that we are one small act away from finding our happiness.
Want to discover where you are on your wellness journey? You don't have to look far. In partnership with European Wax Center, we're bringing you a customized wellness quiz to help you up your wellness game. Answer our short series of questions to figure out which type of wellness lover you are, what you need to bring more balance into your life, and then go deeper by shopping products geared towards clearing your mind, healing your body, and soothing your spirit.
Ready to get whole? Take our quiz now!
Leos rule the heart in Astrology, and they are no strangers to love. They love big, they love bright, and they love with all they have within them. A Leo's love can be akin to a romantic comedy. They take on this type of dramatic flair in life in general, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. Leo is all about the theatrics, and a relationship with them is full of fireworks. Leo protects, nurtures, and enlivens their relationships, and a Leo in love is a sight to see.
Who Is a Leo Most Compatible With?
When it comes to who Leo is most compatible with, it’s essential to know that Leo is looking for an equal, someone who can match their energy and their loyalty. Leo is a fixed fire sign and takes love very seriously. It might be the area of their life they take the most seriously. They will have their fun and dance the night away, but at the end of the day, a committed partnership is what this sign is looking for. If you can match Leo's drive and excitement for life with their ability to love fiercely, you might be the perfect person to rule alongside this royal.
How a Leo Pairs With Each Sign of the Zodiac
Leos are known for their strong sense of self and are one of the more self-confident signs. They do not like to have their egos bruised and can entertain bouts of jealousy in love if they are not getting the attention they feel they deserve. A Leo gives their all, and if you aren’t giving the same, they will take this personally. If you are willing to pour your entire heart into the relationship and receive this same type of devotion in return, then a Leo is a good match for you.
LEO + ARIES
Leo and Aries make a great match. This is a happy duo and one that can stand the test of time. Both Leo and Aries are on the same wavelength, and they feel this right away from each other. They similarly approach life, and they are the type to make the best out of anything. This type of energy is precious to them to have in their lives, and they create a passionate relationship together. However, these are two people who love hard but fight even harder, so the love will be strong, but if disagreements arise, it could overpower it. This relationship will only work if egos are kept in check and there is unconditional love.
LEO + TAURUS
Leo and Taurus are a unique pairing because you can’t see it at first. Taurus wants to enjoy life at home, and Leo wants to be outside. This is a relationship that grows with time and one where it either works or it doesn’t. From outsiders, this couple seems like an odd pairing, and it’s the type of relationship where they will often tell others, “It works for them.” Where this relationship thrives is in the fact that they are both fixed signs, and once they are in it, they are in it. They are loyal to the relationship and also put each other on a pedestal. However, at the end of the day, their stubbornness may get in the way of what the relationship could be. They will not easily give up on each other, but there also may not be enough to keep them together.
LEO + GEMINI
Leo and Gemini make good friends and lovers. They value each other's perspectives, and at the end of the day, they have each other’s backs. What makes this relationship work is that they are both so different and don’t step on each other's toes or interfere with each other's personalities, which is important to both of them. They let each other be themselves, and there is an underlying energy of unconditional love here. This is a couple that stands out at an event or party due to their cool aesthetic, PDA, and friendly banter between everyone in the building.
LEO + CANCER
Leo and Cancer are an underrated duo. Leo, ruled by the Sun, and Cancer, ruled by the Moon, have a deep respect for each other that is not talked about enough in Astrology. Although very different from each other, they each have their place, their purpose, and this feels good to them. However, this is a more moody relationship than most. Since these two are often on different wavelengths, wanting to do different things, there could be a lot of ups and downs here with emotional storms. Depending on the place these two are at in their lives, this could work if they are both willing to commit.
LEO + LEO
A Leo and Leo combo is more common than you may think. It makes sense, though, a sign that is known for loving themselves and having strong self-confidence, falling in love with someone who is just like them. Leo loves a good mirror, and it’s not hard to fall for someone who reminds them of themselves. This will be a very dramatic relationship, however, and this isn’t for the weak. They will have a lot of fun together but will also push each other’s buttons and may try to take each other's crowns. Power struggles are likely with this pairing, and the only way this will work is if they act on their heart rather than their egos in the relationship.
LEO + VIRGO
Leo and Virgo are like two peas in a pod. This relationship may be better off as a friendship in the long run, but overall, with these two right next to each other on the Zodiac Wheel, they both have a lot to learn from each other. Virgo finds Leo intriguing and even somewhat mysterious. Leo appreciates the way Virgo looks at them, and they have this same type of attraction and interest toward Virgo as well. Virgo is an attentive lover, and this is especially beneficial to Leo, who loves attention. These two often find a perfect place for each other in their lives, but as far as romance and chemistry, that is something that may not come right away here and will be unique to each pairing.
LEO + LIBRA
Leo and Libra are an iconic duo. The love they have for each other is undeniable, and this is a couple that has a lot of fun together. They share similar interests, they are both beautiful, and they both love a little drama in love. Fire and air signs are notorious for being compatible, and Libra is the best air sign match for Leo. This is a social couple who will love to spend time together and to be out on the town. This relationship could be borderline superficial, however, and as long as they are doing the work to build a strong foundation aside from aesthetics and vanity, then this is a pairing that can be an endgame for the both of them.
LEO + SCORPIO
A Leo and Scorpio relationship is not for the faint of heart. Leo and Scorpio are more similar than most fire and water signs, as they both share a passion and zest for life, but this relationship is more so like a volcano exploding than anything. Exciting, once-in-a-lifetime, and terrifying all in one. The strength of this relationship is their sex life, as this is one for the books. Their downfall, however, is that both of these two have an instinctual need for power, and oftentimes this will be at the other’s expense. Leo may be the one who ends up more hurt than anything, and it may be too late before Scorpio realizes the effect they have upon them.
LEO + SAGITTARIUS
Leo and Sagittarius are an adventurous, more progressive couple. This is the type of relationship that is high energy and high reward for both of them. Leo does well with other fire signs as they feel like their energy is reciprocated and not shunned, which is important to them. Leo needs to shine, and Sagittarius does too, and they are willing to share the spotlight here, which they are not willing to do with everyone else. With Sagittarius ruled by Jupiter, the planet of blessings, and Leo, the Sun, the star of vitality, this is a happy couple. They don’t ask too much of each other, and their presence is enough to build a passionate love.
LEO + CAPRICORN
Leo and Capricorn are a power couple that will either rule together or take each other down. This is a relationship where they are both striving for greatness and one where they will try to build a life together from the ground up. They both want the best of the best out of life and will see each other as someone to help them get there. Capricorn, being the devoted and loyal lover they are, is easily respected by Leo, who feels the same way about their relationships in life. However, where other signs don’t mind boosting the confidence of Leo and giving them that attention they crave, Capricorn is no brown-noser and will not feed the ego of Leo. Leo may find Capricorn too emotionally distant, and Capricorn may find Leo as just too much altogether.
LEO + AQUARIUS
Leo and Aquarius are opposite signs in Astrology, otherwise known as sister signs. They are very different from the outside, but once they unpack, they both realize there are many layers to both of them, a lot of them similar to one another. Leo and Aquarius both value authenticity in life, and in a relationship, they will take on this type of energy and will see their pairing as a unique one. Challenges arise, however, when it comes to determining who is going to take the lead. Leo is a leader, and Aquarius is anything but a follower. They can often feel like they are stepping on each other's toes, not knowing where they stand with each other. If they are willing to find balance with one another, this will be a dedicated, lifelong partnership.
LEO + PISCES
Leo and Pisces are an odd pairing and may just be Leos' least compatible match. The problem here is that Leo doesn’t understand Pisces. Pisces, on the other hand, can fall in love with just about anyone. Pisces is more willing to put aside differences to get to know their partner, whereas Leo is looking for that immediate spark they don’t typically get right away with Pisces. The positives to this pairing, though, are that they are both creative, fun, and warm souls who make life a little better. This is a dynamic duo, but at the end of the day, Leo may overpower Pisces, and this can lead to resentment and disparity.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by