4 Easy Natural Remedies

Happy new month of September beautiful people! In today's post, I'm chatting about how to use simple, natural remedies to complement your health. You know I love nature to a tee - from most of my photos being in nature, to dancing in nature. 

The love affair 

My love for nature started in my childhood as my mum was huge on us eating as fresh and natural foods as possible plus using natural ingredients on our skin, including homemade face masks which were one of my favourite bonding moments with my beloved big sis' Eden. Also, growing up in Ziimbabwe in the 80's - the focus in my environment was about using natural items as our main source for sustenance.

As I blossomed into my independent health journey from age 18, I drew alot of influence from my sister Eden who has always been big on "keep it as natural as you can" and is herself a qualified Natural Health therapist, helping people heal through various natural routes and foods. 

I credit how I look/feel younger than my 41 years to the use of various natural remedies eg for my skin. Check out my Hotty@40 Skincare video here to get a glimpse into my basic, natural routine. Keeping things "au naturel" is one of the holistic aspects of the Fitness To A Tee plans too.

Photographer: @pics_that_pop

What's the fuss about "natural"?

Nature is truly our super healer. Not only can we get natural remedies galore like ginger which is great for the skin, reducing bloating etc - nature can also help our bodies eg by lowering high blood pressure. Research from the University of Queensland Australia shows that nearly 10% of people with hypertension can reduce their blood pressure if they spend 30 minutes or more in a park each week.

Surprise surprise, but it's been shown that folks living in more urban settings, with minimal nature around - are more likely to experience anxiety and depression than those who can easily access nature. Getting outside and accessing some greeeeen is vital to our #mental health. I personally LOVE trees. They make me feel peaceful, grounded and happy. See "barefoot walking" or "earthing" below. 

Natural remedies 

There are absolutely heaps of natural remedies out there for our mental/emotional health; nutrition; skincare and physical training routine. 

Here are 4 #fitnesstoatee firm favourites. You can also see this week's #workoutwednesday video where I show some of the ones I can't live without. 

Earthing (barefoot walking on the grass)

I started doing this regularly early this year and I can't rave enough about it, particularly in these mentally taxing covid times. Not only does it help me feel grounded; connected to my surroundings and my spirit - earthing has been shown to stimulate nerves in the body and balance our hormones. 

It's also great for reducing inflammation and pain in the body. Try doing it at least 3 times per week. I did it daily for up to 30 minutes max when I was going through a tough time emotionally early this year and felt the mental health benefits, along with my other holistic practices. 

Epsom salts 

I've been using the benefits of Epsom salts since my bodybuilding days in 2014. If you're sore and stiff from your fitness training; other physical labour or just want to relax your muscles - the magnesium in these is a beauty.

It's also great to do at night for a good sleep. Use a cupful on a warm bath and soak for 20 minutes. If you don't have a bath, use a bucket and soak your feet/legs up to at least knee height. Your feet will draw the magnesium into your body for the desired effect boom! 

Lemon

I go on and on about lemon. It's often included in my #fitnesstoatee client plans in various ways. When I travel, the one thing I never leave out of my routine is my beloved lemon (kiss kiss me loves you lemon baby lol)...wherever I am in the world. 

Use up to ¼ slice in warm water first thing in the morning to help your digestive health; boosting your metabolism and for a skin glow up from within.

It's also great for skin exfoliation and tightening your skin pores. Think age defying boo! 

Apple cider vinegar 

This is one of those things that are always in my kitchen cupboard, all year round. Ensure you get the one with the "mother" in it which is part of the core of the apple - the healthiest part. If it has the "mother", that also means that it's less processed and a better quality, more natural brand. 

Apple cider vinegar (acv) is good in small amounts so have e.g. 1 tablespoon in a large glass of water after dinner at night. It's great for digestive health e.g. reducing bloating; reducing high blood sugars and can even be used for things like marinating meat to make it more tender. Chicken breast is a favourite one which becomes so beautifully tender when marinated with it. 

It's also great for skin health so you can use eg ¼ cup in a warm bath for skincare, relaxation and picking up your vibe/mood. 

Ensure you test a tiny bit first when using acv as it's not suitable for everyone. 

So those are a snippet of my favourite natural remedies. It's all about being holistic and sustaining your health journey for a lifetime. A more natural approach will certainly help you do that and keep you safer in the process with things as close to earth as we can get them. 

If you're 30 years old+ and want to be a fit hotty even in your 40's, check out the personalised #fitnesstoatee Hotty@40 pIan. Click here to get in touch with me to find out more.