Let’s be real, being a single mum means juggling school drop-offs, work, bills, dinner, and somehow still remembering where you last saw the Panadol. So when stress, a migraine, or a dodgy tummy hits, you want a natural option that doesn’t add another item to your already packed to-do list. That’s where home remedies come in handy. Whether you’re trying to calm a teething toddler or soothe your sore muscles, there are natural ways to feel better without rushing to the chemist every five minutes. From lavender oil for stress to ginger tea for that upset stomach, I will reveal the best natural remedies you can try at home.
And yes, I’ve tried most of these myself during some sleep-deprived crisis or another; so they’re mum-tested and life-approved.
10 Best Natural Remedies
Lavender: One of the Best Natural Remedies for Anxiety
I often find myself hitting stress overload by Tuesday. When my nerves are fried, I reach for a lavender essential oil. This calming solution has been around forever, and there’s good reason, as it helps settle the nervous system, encouraging relaxation and deeper sleep. Just inhaling lavender or using a diffuser during a quiet moment (once the kids are asleep!) can reset your mood.
Lavender is also used in aromatherapy to help reduce anxiety. I keep a roller blend of diluted essential oils (lavender plus a touch of peppermint) in my bag for those frantic school runs or awkward parent-teacher meetings. It’s a small thing, but it genuinely helps me feel a bit more grounded.
Ginger: One of the Best Natural Remedies For Digestive Pain
There’s not much that ginger can’t do. From easing nausea to settling a bloated tummy, ginger has been my lifesaver, especially when a sneaky bug starts making its way through the household. A cup of hot ginger tea with a touch of honey is my go-to home remedy for any digestive woes.
Ginger is also a powerhouse when it comes to anti-inflammatory effects. Ginger’s natural compounds, like gingerol, help relieve pain without needing to reach for ibuprofen. It is a lifesaver whenever you've overdone cleaning or just have general soreness. Bonus: it tastes lovely in smoothies too!
Eucalyptus: For Colds
The moment my daughter gets the sniffles, I whip out the eucalyptus oil. Inhaling eucalyptus oil is one of those cures that feels like magic. It clears up cold symptoms and supports breathing when the house feels like a germ factory.
You can use eucalyptus in steam inhalation or even mix it into a rub (always dilute essential oils!). It helps open up the airways and support the parasympathetic nervous system, which sounds fancy but just means it helps you chill and breathe easier. I find it especially useful on those nights when sleep is already a battle.
Best Natural Remedies (cont.)
Turmeric: For Aches and Pain
Turmeric isn’t just for your fave curry; it’s actually packed with curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. I first started adding it to my smoothies after dealing with knee osteoarthritis pain, and now I swear by it for overall pain management.
This golden spice may help treat issues like rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia, too. The trick is pairing it with a little black pepper to boost absorption. Whether you use it in a turmeric latte or sprinkle it on roast veggies, this natural solution offers serious pain relief. All without the chemical nasties.
Peppermint: Relief for Migraine and Muscle Pain
When a migraine hits and the kids yell over Bluey, peppermint oil is my little hero. Thanks to its menthol content, a few drops rubbed onto my temples help me soothe the pain. Its cooling effect makes it easier to get through the day (or at least until bedtime!).
Peppermint is also fab for muscle pain. After a long day of lugging laundry and chasing after kids, I use a topical cream with peppermint to relax tight spots. Even a warm bath with peppermint oil can feel like a reset. It’s one of those natural remedies I recommend to every mum friend.
Tea Time
There’s something about a warm cup of herbal tea that feels like a hug. Depending on your need, tea can help with sleep, digestion, or energy. I rely on chamomile or peppermint for winding down at night and ginger or green tea to pick me up in the morning.
Beyond being comforting, tea has medicinal properties. Some herbal brews even contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory elements that support immune function and help reduce stress. When you can’t change the chaos around you, at least you can sip something soothing.
Magnesium
Most of us are low in magnesium and don’t even know it. I learned this after my aunt dealt with fibromyalgia-like symptoms. Once she started taking a dietary supplement (and adding magnesium-rich foods like almonds and yogurt), the soreness started to ease.
Magnesium plays a big role in relaxing muscles and nerves, which can help with everything from migraine prevention to sleep quality. Whether you add Epsom salts to your bath or take a daily supplement, it will be one of the best natural things you’ve added to your routine.
Best Natural Remedies (cont.)
Capsaicin
If you’re brave with spice, capsaicin (the compound in chilli peppers) can do wonders for pain relief. It works by helping to activate your body’s natural pain relievers and desensitising pain receptors. I've used capsaicin creams for rheumatoid arthritis, and the relief was surprisingly good. It’s best used in topical form for pain associated with joints or backache. Just be careful not to use too much and always wash your hands! This natural treatment isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it definitely gets results.
Clove
Clove is one of those spices you don’t realise is powerful until you need it. I used it when I had a toothache, and the pain relief was incredible. Just a drop (well diluted) near the sore spot and the discomfort eased almost instantly. This spice also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, so it's great for immune support or as a backup cure for a sore throat. Add it to your tea, or use the oil when you need a little backup.
Mindfulness and Breathing Exercises
When everything else fails, or you simply don’t have any oils or herbs lying around, mindfulness and breathing exercises are a free and effective way to calm the chaos. Practising deep breathing when the overwhelm hits has saved me from snapping more than once.
These techniques help regulate our physiological response to stress or anxiety. It calms our nervous system and improves mental clarity. Even just taking five minutes to breathe deeply and exhale slowly can do wonders. No herbs, no oils. Just you, breathing, and a little peace in the madness.
Final Thoughts: Best Natural Remedies
When you're raising little ones solo, it’s easy to put your health on the back burner. But these natural remedies offer simple, low-cost ways to feel better, mentally and physically. You can sip on peppermint tea, rub in lavender oil, or take a quiet moment to breathe. Whichever you choose, all of these remedies will help you power through motherhood with a little more ease.
I’ve personally used many of these in my everyday mum-life chaos, and they’ve been a real help when I needed them. Remember, you're not just looking after your kids, you deserve to feel good too, Mama. Keep a few of these remedies up your sleeve, and give yourself the same care you give everyone else.
