The more we dig (pun intended), the more we unravel new and wondrous benefits of simple and all natural ingredients. In the first installment of this article, we introduced you to five easy to find (and make) health remedies, and now we are introducing five more that we guarantee will help turn you into a healthier and happier self.

Olive Oil: Olive oil isn’t just good for softening hair and skin, it was also a staple in Mediterranean countries’ cuisines, and we all know why. Besides the fact that it is absolutely delicious, it is also known for its ability to reduce the risk of heart disease, aid with constipation, lowering blood sugar level and stabilizing blood pressure as well as being a source of Vitamin E. It also helps improve bone mineralization and calcification and preventing rheumatoid arthritis.

 

Olive oil, however, is high in calories (1tbsp = 140 calories), so stick to just two tablespoons a day to get the benefits without putting on the extra weight.

For a healthy, earthy meal, add two tablespoons of olive oil, do’et zaatar, a thyme and sesame mixture that you can buy at the grocery store, we recommend the brand Dora. Dip your favorite bread and munch away. I recommend either Lebanese flat bread or balady (whole-wheat) bread to bring out the ethnic taste of the dish. You can also add the mixture to unsalted feta cheese or labnah for a perfect midday sandwich.

For glossy, smooth and soft lips, apply olive oil on your lips before bed and scrub them in the morning with a soft toothbrush.

 

 

Ginger: Ginger is laden with vitamin C and known to be a natural immunity booster. Besides eating it with Sushi, you can use the powder to bring out the flavor in any dish, or even add it into your tea to treat stubborn colds.

Boil fresh ginger or add a small teaspoon to boiling water, the juice of three limes and a teaspoon of honey. The ginger and lime tea will work wonders on sore throats and don’t worry, the taste will eventually grow on you.

Cloves: An old trick passed on by our grandmas, chewing on cloves can help sooth that aching tooth and even give your teeth a good, natural clean. It also makes your breath smell fresh and a tad more exotic than Listerine.

Mint: Mint is overall awesomeness if you ask us. Not only does it make great tea, chicken, lemon sorbet or even chocolate, it is also great for digestion.

Anise: Our people are practically the godfathers of anise; Egyptians are among the first to have used this seed and discover its many health benefits. Known for its soothing an upset stomach and boosting your overall digestion health, anise is also used as an anti-oxidant, expectorant and its seeds are an excellent source of essential B-complex vitamins.

Boil the anise seeds for a stronger tea, use the teabags for a milder taste or incorporate it into your food — who doesn’t love a little anise cookie dipped in their tea?

Castor Oil: Zeit El Kharwa’ is a strong laxative, but that isn’t a characteristic we would recommend it for, what can we say it is just too strong for our comfort. Nonetheless, it has been known to work wonders on hair growth, be it your hair, lashes or eyebrows.

Dip a clean mascara brush in castor oil and brush it on your eyebrows and lashes every night for thicker brows and longer, thicker lashes. You can also use it as a hair mask for shine, scalp health, hair loss prevention, growth and thickening of hair. It is also known to treat dandruff and dry scalps.

Editor’s Note: Check part one of Time Old Health for more natural herbs, oils and ancestor favorites’ that will give you a health boost.