Natural allies for health: accessible, economical and versatile to meet various physical well-being needs.
By Franklin Delgado
Los Angeles, November 7 (LaOpinión).- Since ancient times, humanity has resorted to elements natural to maintain and recover health. Long before the medicine modern, our ancestors discovered in their immediate environment remedies troops that were passed from generation to generation. This popular wisdom, far from disappearing, found support in contemporary scientific research that validates many of these traditional practices.
Today, maintaining a kit natural at home is not only a way to connect with these traditionsbut also a practical and economical way to take care of our health in a complementary way.
Among the wide variety of natural resources available, three elements stand out for their versatility, accessibility and multiple proven benefits: baking soda, garlic and aloe vera. These three health allies are easy to obtain, economical and can be used in various ways to address multiple physical well-being needs.
Having these elements within reach represents a smart way to be prepared to deal with small everyday discomforts, complement conventional treatments and, above all, adopt a preventive approach to caring for our health.
Baking soda: the alkaline multipurpose
Baking soda is much more than a cooking ingredient. This simple chemical compound, whose scientific name is sodium bicarbonate, has alkalizing properties that make it a valuable resource for multiple health applications. Its ability to neutralize acids makes it especially useful in the treatment of digestive problems such as heartburn and reflux, acting as an effective and safe natural antacid when used occasionally.
In the field of oral hygiene, baking soda demonstrates its effectiveness as a natural teeth whitener and neutralizer of bad breath. Its mild antibacterial properties help maintain a balanced pH in the mouth, preventing the proliferation of bacteria that cause cavities and gum problems. Mixed with water, it can be used as a mouthwash or applied directly to the toothbrush for a deep clean.
For skin care, baking soda acts as a natural exfoliant, softening the skin by removing dead cells without causing excessive irritation. In addition, its topical application can relieve insect bites, minor sunburns and skin rashes thanks to its soothing properties. A bath with baking soda dissolved in warm water can provide widespread relief to irritated or itchy skin.
Even apart from its use in health, baking soda combined with hydrogen peroxide is also used as a powerful disinfectant and surface stain remover.
🔬💊 Beware of antimicrobial resistance!
Overuse of antibiotics creates resistance, making infections more difficult to treat and increasing risks.
🛑 Don’t self-medicate.
✅ Consult a specialist.
✅ Follow your complete treatment. pic.twitter.com/X3ZeY7tdnz— IMSS (@Tu_IMSS) November 6, 2025
Garlic, natural antibiotic par excellence
Garlic has been revered for millennia as one of the most powerful natural remedies in existence. Rich in allicin, a sulfur compound released when crushing or cutting garlic, this bulb has notable antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Numerous scientific studies have confirmed its ability to strengthen the immune system, making it a fundamental ally to prevent colds, flu and other infections.
The cardiovascular properties of garlic are widely documented. Regular consumption of garlic can help reduce blood pressure, lower LDL cholesterol levels (the “bad”) and improve blood circulation. These effects are due to its ability to promote the dilation of blood vessels and reduce the formation of arterial plaques, which represents significant support in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
As a home remedy, garlic can be consumed raw to maximize its benefits, although its intense flavor may be challenging for some. An alternative is to prepare garlic infusions with honey and lemon to relieve cold symptoms, or create garlic oils for topical application in mild fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. Its versatility makes it a must-have in any natural health conscious home.
Aloe vera: the healing gel par excellence
Aloe vera is known as the “plant of immortality” in various ancient cultures, and with good reason. The transparent gel contained in its fleshy leaves is rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and bioactive compounds that provide extraordinary benefits for the health of the skin and the digestive system. Having an aloe vera plant at home is like having a living pharmacy always available.
For skin care, aloe vera is unbeatable. Its gel has moisturizing, regenerating and anti-inflammatory properties that accelerate the healing of burns, including sunburns, minor cuts, scrapes and other skin irritations. Applied directly to the skin, aloe vera gel forms a protective layer that locks in moisture while allowing the skin to breathe and regenerate naturally. It is especially useful in cases of acne, eczema and psoriasis due to its antibacterial and soothing properties.
Internally, aloe vera juice can be consumed to improve digestive health, although this should be done with caution and preferably under supervision. It helps calm the digestive tract, may relieve irritable bowel syndrome, and promotes healthy intestinal flora.
However, it is essential to ensure that you consume only the clear inner gel and not the yellowish layer near the rind, which contains compounds with powerful laxative effects.
Three elements for the daily routine
The integration of these three elements into daily life does not require great efforts or specialized knowledge. For baking soda, it is enough to always have a bottle in the medicine cabinet and another in the kitchen. It can be added half a teaspoon to a glass of water for occasional heartburn relief, or mixed with coconut oil to create an effective homemade toothpaste.
Garlic should preferably be consumed raw to take full advantage of its properties, although cooked it also provides benefits. A healthy practice is to include crushed garlic in salads, dressings or take it on an empty stomach with a little water. For those who cannot tolerate its intense flavor, there are aged garlic capsules that concentrate its benefits without the inconvenience of the smell.
Aloe vera requires the minimum care of a succulent plant. Keeping one or two plants at home ensures immediate access to fresh gel when needed. To extract the gel, simply cut a mature leaf from the base, peel the green rind and extract the clear gel inside. This can be applied directly to the skin or blended with water and fruits to create healthy drinks.
Add color and flavor to your nutrition 🍋🍋
For your health and well-being choose natural 🙌🏼
Tasty, nutritious and fun #LaComidaNaturalEsPuraVida #knowgood #TecaeBetter pic.twitter.com/uNTuq5luEl
— SALUD Mexico (@SSalud_mx) September 30, 2024
Precautions and recommendations
Since nothing is perfect, although these three elements are generally safe, it is important to use them wisely and in moderation. Baking soda, for example, should not be used in excess as an antacid, as it can upset the pH balance of the stomach and cause alkalosis in extreme cases. People with hypertension should be especially cautious due to its sodium content.
Garlic, despite its numerous benefits, can interact with certain medications, especially anticoagulants, increasing the risk of bleeding. People who are going to undergo surgeries should stop taking supplements at least two weeks before the procedure. Additionally, excessive consumption can cause gastric irritation and persistent bad breath.
Aloe vera should be used with caution when consumed internally. Aloe latex, present in the yellow layer under the bark, contains aloin, a compound with strong laxative effects that can cause diarrhea, cramps and electrolyte imbalances if consumed in excess. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid internal consumption of aloe vera. It is always advisable to consult with a health professional before using these natural remedies as a treatment for specific medical conditions.
Complement to conventional medicine
Keeping baking soda, garlic and aloe vera at home represents a smart decision towards a more natural and preventive lifestyle. These three elements, accessible and economical, offer effective solutions for numerous everyday situations related to health and well-being.
Its use is not intended to replace conventional medicine, but rather to complement it, providing natural alternatives for minor ailments and contributing to the prevention of various conditions.
With adequate knowledge about their properties, applications and precautions, these natural allies can become fundamental pillars of a comprehensive home medicine cabinet that takes care of the entire family in a holistic and conscious way.