Nausea
“My favorite remedy is ginger,” Weil says. Swallow two ginger capsules, or mix half a teaspoon of ginger powder into a glass of water. Ginger ale or even candy made with real ginger can also do the trick. “Acupressure wristbands are very effective, too,” Weil says. “When the bands are carefully placed on each wrist, the pegs apply gentle pressure to specific acupres- sure points that help control nausea.”
Bruises
Apply arnica tincture to speed healing and soothe irritation—just avoid using it on broken skin or an open wound. “For serious bruising, consider taking bromelain, a pineapple enzyme that speeds healing, reduces inflammation, and eases pain related to soft tissue injury,” Weil says. Take 200–400mg three times a day, either 90 minutes before eating or three hours after.
Insomnia
“My favorite natural sleep aids are valerian and melatonin,” Weil says. Valerian, a sedative herb, has been used for centuries to address insomnia. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates daily biorhythms, including the sleep cycle. Take one or two capsules of a standardized valerian extract 30 minutes before bedtime, or let 2.5mg of melatonin dissolve under your tongue right before you get into bed.
Sunburn
Cold compresses will relieve some of the pain; a washcloth soaked in cold water will do. Next, apply aloe vera gel. It both soothes and promotes healing of sunburned skin. You’ll also want to include some natural anti-inflammatory agents in your post-burn regimen for a few days to speed up healing. Weil recommends Zyflamend by New Chapter or a molecularly distilled fish oil supplement.
Diarrhea
The most important thing is to hydrate with water and electrolyte-rich formulas like Pedialyte and Gatorade. Carob powder can soothe irritated intestines. Take one tablespoon on an empty stomach. “My favorite remedy, however, is probiotic therapy,” Weil says. “Probiotics help repopulate the digestive tract with healthy bacteria. Take one to two capsules with meals unless the label directs otherwise.”
Over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatories work. So do many natural solutions that come without a laundry list of chemicals and side effects.