Everyday remedies using everyday ingredients

It's the little things that count. Often we live our lives unmindful of the benefits we can derive from the simplest and humblest of remedies.

Look around. It's everywhere. Perhaps they become so commonplace to us that we label them as ordinary.

Here is how the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

Goodness in the bitter

That's right. It might leave a bitter taste in the mouth. But this is precisely where its health benefits come from.

Commonly known in the Philippines as ampalaya (momordica charantia Linn or bitter melon), this dark-green and cucumber-like vegetable with warts may be low on looks but is high on nutrients.

Also considered a fruit, its momordicin is what causes the bitterness. Nutrients include vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, C, minerals, calcium, iron and phosphorus.

Take ampalaya as a vegetable, salad or juice.

Health benefits: One cup of ampalaya every day can effectively cause hypoglycemic activity within the body. In short, it controls blood sugar/glucose levels immediately.

Recipe: Sugar Buster Juice

½ seeded fresh raw ampalaya fruit (with or without leaves)
1 small singkamas (jicama)
1 green apple (peeled and seeded)

Steps

1. Run through a juicer.

Antibacterial effect

Add ginger and sage to the list. If you have nausea, sore throat and indigestion, the antibacterial effect of this trio is amazing. Either fresh or powdered, they can be used as a tea and bath soak.

Recipe: Throat Soother

¼ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp freshly squeezed grated ginger
¼ tsp lemon juice. 

1. Mix the cinnamon and grated ginger in hot water.

2. Add the lemon juice

3. Mix and sip.

If you want a power-packed throat helper, add ½ tsp Manuka Honey from New Zealand.

The antibacterial power of this special kind of honey cuts itchiness in the throat almost instantly.