In today’s busy world, even the most health-conscious person is going to feel a bit under the weather at some point. Instead of immediately running to the pharmacy for medication to ease whatever ails you, there are a multitude of expert-recommended natural remedies that you can put together from things you may likely have at home.

Here are a few expert recommended natural remedies to treat various common ailments safely, effectively, and quickly (at home):

Ginger: to ease nausea, infuse fresh ginger in hot water, strain the water then freeze the liquid in ice trays to crush and suck on throughout the day.

Garlic: to soothe a sore throat, press garlic cloves into a glass of warm water and gargle with the solution twice per day for three days. Research indicates that fresh garlic juice has antimicrobial properties that combat pain-causing bacteria and the warm liquid will soothe swollen tissue.

Dark Chocolate: Researchers have found that chocolate’s theobromine compound is more successful than codeine when it comes to suppressing a persistent cough, and without the typical side effects of codeine (drowsiness and constipation).

Linden Flower Tea: Linden flower tea stimulates the hypothalamus to control your body temperature and it also dilates the blood vessels, which induces sweating. This can help to reduce a fever. Steep a tablespoon of the dried herb or a tea bag of it, depending on which way you find it in the store, in hot water for 15 minutes, then sip on it. Drink three to four cups in a day. You can also take a cool bath to lower your body temperature. If this doesn’t lower your temperature after a day, then medical attention is the next step.

Aloe Vera: to ease the heat from a burn with anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to create a second skin and protect the burn from air, which can irritate the skin.

Cherries: Scientists have discovered that cherries are packed with melatonin, so eating a handful of them or drinking tart cherry juice before bedtime, can help you sleep. Try this, along with taking a hot bath to relax muscles and putting a couple of drops of lavender oil on your pillow.

Other natural remedies include black tea bags to help deflate and tighten bags under the eyes and making a paste with strawberries and baking soda to whiten teeth. Amazing, right?!