In 2015, the FDA increased the warnings associated with the use of over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Taking these painkillers comes with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Many are now questioning the use of painkillers for any reason.
If you’re dealing with a stubborn cough that just won’t quit, you might be desperate for relief. You’ve tried cough drops, tea, and even Googled remedies in the middle of the night. But have you considered a centuries-old herbal solution that works fast? Enter marshmallow root extract—a natural remedy that can quickly soothe your throat and stop a cough in its tracks.
How Marshmallow Root Works
Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) has been used for over 2,000 years to treat coughs, thanks to its natural mucilaginous properties. This thick, gel-like substance coats the throat, reducing irritation and suppressing dry coughs. “Marshmallow root has been shown to decrease throat irritation and coughing,” says Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, a family medicine physician. Studies confirm that this herbal extract offers fast-acting relief, with many users experiencing soothing effects within just 10 minutes.
Best Ways to Take It for Quick Relief
For the fastest and most effective relief, doctors recommend:
In addition to marshmallow root, several other natural remedies can help calm a persistent cough:
Polly put the kettle on…but not for tea. Boiled water is an excellent asset in your garden and around your landscape. Did you know that when you use commercial pesticides and herbicides, you expose yourself, your family, and your pets to dangerous and even deadly chemicals? Why not go a safer route with something you drink every day – water? Let’s take a closer look at how to use plain ol’ hot water to end weeds and ants for good.
Creating a sustainable home doesn’t require a total overhaul—just a few small changes can reduce waste, save energy, and lower your environmental impact.
Here’s how to make your home greener with practical, everyday swaps.
If you’re still using incandescent bulbs, it’s time to upgrade. LED bulbs last up to 50,000 hours and use a fraction of the energy, saving both money and resources. Unlike traditional bulbs, they don’t waste energy generating heat, making them the smartest lighting choice for an eco-friendly home.
Curtains aren’t just for décor—they help regulate temperature and reduce reliance on energy-hungry air conditioners and heaters. Insulated or room-darkening curtains block excess heat in summer and retain warmth in winter, making your home naturally comfortable.
Switching to a low-flow shower head can reduce water use by 40% or more, cutting down both water waste and your energy bill. Pair this with shorter showers for an even greater impact.
Paper towels, napkins, and disposable plates create mountains of waste. Swap them for washable cloths and reusable kitchenware to cut down on paper consumption. If you’re feeling bold, reusable toilet paper is even an option!
Switch to Natural Cleaning Products
Conventional cleaners release harmful chemicals into the water supply. Instead, vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice work wonders for cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing—without the toxic side effects.
Clothes dryers consume massive amounts of energy—opt for air drying instead. Whether it’s a drying rack or an outdoor line, your clothes (and the planet) will thank you.
Skip wasteful dryer sheets and switch to wool dryer balls. They naturally soften clothes, reduce static, and speed up drying time, helping you save both energy and money.
Looking for additional ways to make your home more sustainable? Try these eco-friendly solutions:
Houseplants do more than add beauty—they improve indoor air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. If you have space, consider growing a vegetable garden to produce fresh, pesticide-free food and reduce your grocery trips.
While solar panels require an upfront investment, they drastically reduce long-term energy consumption and lower utility bills. Plus, many regions offer incentives and rebates for switching to solar energy.
A simple but often overlooked tip: clean the back of your refrigerator regularly. Dust buildup forces your fridge to work harder, using more energy. Keeping the coils clean helps it run more efficiently and extends its lifespan.
Installing a rain barrel to collect water runoff from your roof can help reduce water waste. Use the collected water to water plants, wash outdoor furniture, or even flush toilets.
When it’s time to replace appliances, look for Energy Star- certified models. These appliances use significantly less energy and water, saving money and reducing your home’s environmental footprint.
Instead of tossing food scraps into the trash, start a compost bin. It’s a great way to reduce landfill waste while creating nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
Think your kitchen towels are harmless? Think again. These seemingly innocent cloths are breeding grounds for nasty bacteria, including E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus, lurking in every wipe and spill. If you’re not washing them correctly, you might spread germs all over your kitchen, contaminating your hands, counters, and food.
Picture this: You just sliced raw chicken, wiped your hands on a towel, then used the same towel to dry dishes. Congratulations, you may have just spread harmful bacteria all over your kitchen. Kitchen towels absorb everything from food residue to moisture, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply.
Want a safer kitchen? Keep your towels clean—and use disinfectant wipes for high-risk spills instead of your towels.
There is nothing more delicious than a juicy tomato picked from a homegrown tomato vine. I can remember plucking and eating fresh tomatoes, warm from the summer sun, from my grandparents garden. My grandparents ran a little country market in Iowa and grew some of the biggest and tastiest tomatoes ever. How did they do it? Here are a few of their time-tested tips that they happily shared with anyone who visited their market.
We put them in our cars, offices, homes, garages, and everywhere that odors may linger. We mist, spray, plug in, and sprinkle toxic “smell good” chemicals without knowing the health risks. Products that we think are making our air fresher are actually making it toxic.
Water, we can’t live without it, and consuming it on its own has a myriad of health benefits such as keeping us hydrated, aiding in weight loss, and keeping our skin, hair, and nails looking great. Plus, it can aid in digestion, maintain the balance of body fluids, energize muscles, help kidneys and bowels with regular function, and so much more. But…do you sometimes get tired of water and wish that it actually tasted like something other than, well, water? You are in luck. There are a number of easy-to-grow, delicious and nutritious herbs and fruits that you can add to your water.
Your belly button, which seems to do little more than collect fluff, was once the spot of a vital connection between you and your mother, the place where your umbilical cord once was. This tube-like structure connected to the placenta carries nutrients and oxygen from the placenta to the baby while exporting waste materials out. Once you entered the world, this cord was cut, leaving behind a scar – AKA, your belly button.
Protein is essential for muscle growth, metabolism, and overall health, but consuming too much at once can lead to discomfort and inefficiency. The general recommendation for protein intake is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight daily, but active individuals may need more. For example, a 150-pound person may require 80–160 grams of protein per day, depending on activity levels and fitness goals.
While research is inconclusive on how much protein the body can process in one meal, experts suggest 25–30 grams per serving as a general guideline. Overloading on protein in a single sitting may cause digestive discomfort, including bloating, nausea, and constipation.
Additionally, excess protein increases water loss, potentially leading to dehydration. If not used for muscle repair or energy, the extra calories from protein may be stored as fat, contributing to weight gain.
Instead of consuming large amounts in one meal, experts recommend distributing protein intake across 3–6 meals and snacks daily. This approach supports better absorption, sustained energy levels, and muscle recovery.
If you want to optimize your protein intake for muscle growth or weight management, consulting a nutritionist who can help you create a balanced diet that meets your needs.
Prioritizing consistency over excess in one sitting ensures your body makes the most of your protein intake.
Discover the magic hidden inside a simple lemon. These sunny citrus fruits aren’t just for lemonade – they’re natural powerhouses perfect for brightening your laundry, deep-cleaning your home, and banishing pesky odors. Here’s how lemons can effortlessly elevate your household routine, leaving your space cleaner, fresher, and full of zest.
Here are a few good ways to put the humble lemon to work!
Lemons are nature’s secret weapon for brightening your laundry. Packed with natural citric acid, lemons gently whiten clothes, removing stains and dullness without harsh chemicals. To give your whites a sparkling boost, simply squeeze fresh lemon juice into your washing cycle or soak whites in lemon-infused water before washing.
Harness the antibacterial and deodorizing powers of lemons to effortlessly tackle household grime. Cut a lemon in half, sprinkle it with salt, and scrub bathroom fixtures and tiles to remove stubborn soap scum, leaving behind a sparkling, citrus-scented shine.
Refresh and sanitize cutting boards naturally by rubbing them with lemon halves and then rinsing them thoroughly. This simple trick eliminates stains and lingering odors, keeping your kitchen fresh and clean.
Lemons are excellent odor eliminators. Place lemon slices in your refrigerator, garbage disposal, or trash bins to neutralize unpleasant smells. Simmer lemon peels on the stovetop for a fragrant boost, instantly freshening your home’s air.
Create a bright and cheerful atmosphere effortlessly. Add lemon slices to water bowls or flower arrangements for a refreshing look and subtle fragrance. Lemons enhance your home’s décor and uplift your mood with their vibrant scent and visual appeal.
Embrace these simple, effective, lemon-based solutions to naturally brighten your laundry, clean your home, and enhance your everyday life!
Susan has been nurturing her gardening tips and advice for over 00 years, it’s fair to say she knows her beans. She’ll be sharing her knowledge from tried and tested methods.
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