To get away from the various side effects of allopathic medicines, the world is gradually turning more and more towards natural or herbal  remedies, especially when it concerns day-to-day ailments like cough, cold, etc. It is heartening to note that there are innumerable natural and simple foods, which are tried and tested for centuries, and practiced in several cultures, which are effective in the treatment of simple ailments. Of all the remedial advantages, which these natural remedies offer, the best part about them is perhaps that they are without any side effect, and even if there were, they would be temporary and mild. Thus, people who try natural remedies suffer no or negligible side effects and they are cured at half the cost of the allopathic therapy. Let us take a closer look at some of the common ailments, which can be cured effectively using natural remedies:

 * Allergies: People can suffer from various types of allergies some causes of which are still unknown. Did you know that one of the most effective natural remedies for treating allergies is to drink plenty of water? Garlic and cayenne are time- tested remedies for allergies and therapy also includes thorough intestinal cleansing. For relief from symptoms, natural remedies include almonds, walnuts and sunflower seeds. Using multivitamin supplements and recommended doses of vitamins C, A, E and zinc are also useful.

* Acne: This is a common skin disorder affecting millions. While drinking water helps, as it flushes out the body toxins, soy protein diet helps. It has also been noticed that increased consumption of whole grains, fresh fruits, root vegetables also help patients with acne problems. You could also have three servings of any oily fish per week as this is known to treat acne well.

* Constipation: For effective treatment of constipation, increase your fiber intake. Folic acid and apple pectin also offer natural relief from constipation. Ginger tea or yerba mate in the form of a tea also helps. One of the most tried and tested remedies for constipation is cod liver oil, though this is difficult to consume. Dandelion tea, when drunk warm, helps in constipation.

* Stress: This is one of the most common evils haunting our lives. Trust basil leaves which have been tried for centuries to bring relief to stress. Restrict your consumption of coffee to bring down the level of adrenaline. Carbohydrates and fresh vegetables are also great stress busters. 

* Cancer: If you consume the trace elements, found in plenty in seafood, you can get help if you are suffering from cancer. Research has shown that broccoli, mustard greens, cabbage and turnips not only are effective as preventive therapies but can also cure some types of cancer. Of course, you have to restrict your fat intake. 

As is evident from the above, there are plenty of natural and herbal remedies along with simple foods, which can help us get effective relief from several common ailments. Many such foods ought to be included in our daily diets, which could prove to be preventive therapies.So even though pharmaceutical products still are used by many only to cure one common ailment but cause another , herbal remedies and supplements should be considered first after all they have been around for many more years than pharmaceutical products have.