We are pleased to welcome guest blogger Spencer Westley, Humanergy’s recent intern and wellness writer.

Tons of people get down on western medication, but c’mon! Scientific advances have made a positive impact, and without these practices, many of us may not even be here today. Even so, I’ve always been one to try to be as “natural” as possible. Whether I’m talking about food or cleaning supplies, I feel more healthy by avoiding chemically-altered products.

Try some of these natural alternatives to medicine to get you feeling ship-shape again (of course, after consulting your favorite medical professional):

• Tea Tree oil: Tea tree is a great antibacterial that many people use topically on acne, cuts, fungal infections and many other skin boo boos. It can be pretty powerful, so make sure to dilute it with water to see how your skin reacts the first time around.
• Vitamin E oil: This is great for cuts in the close-to-healed stage. Vitamin E can be used on any scar, including acne, and helps the healing process along. I have very sensitive skin that cracks a lot. When I get an occasional split on the surface that is taking way too long to heal, Vitamin E seals it up in only a few days.
• Spirulina: Spirulina is a blue-green algae that can taken as a supplement, or mixed with water in powder form. It’s one of the most underrated super-foods in my opinion. It floods your cells with wonderful nutrients to revitalize your skin from the inside out, while simultaneously lowering blood pressure and promoting regularity (ew). Be careful. This stuff will stain your clothes!
• Activated charcoal: Charcoal can be used as a topical face/body mask that helps with acne, mosquito/bug bites and exfoliation. On top of that, if ingested, it’s great for emergency toxin removal, alleviating gas and bloating, and curing hangovers (not that I would know; I’m not a lawbreaker). BONUS: Make a paste and spread it on teeth for a white smile!
• Fish oil: You’re all familiar with this one! Fish oil is a great fighter against our nation’s number one killer; heart disease. While promoting a healthy heart, it can also reduce blood pressure and inflammation, and decrease the chances of having a stroke.
• Water: Helps with everything.

Give these alternatives a try; your body will thank you! Have a favorite wellness technique? Comment below or leave us a message.

Photo from Britny Walker on Flickr.