The Homeopathic Home: Essentials for Your Natural Medicine Cabinet
With so many natural remedies available, deciding what to keep in your natural medicine cabinet can be overwhelming. However, you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on herbs and supplements. You can keep things simple by sticking to a few basic “cure-all” remedies. Stock up on these natural herbal products to keep your family healthy and happy.
Vitamin C
When it comes to fighting colds, according to Monicahealthmag.com, nothing beats vitamin C. In fact, studies show that taking vitamin C at the onset of a cold can reduce its duration and severity. Vitamin C can be purchased in pill or powder form.
Peppermint
Peppermint eliminates the bacteria that can cause bloating and gastrointestinal discomfort. Peppermint can be purchased in capsule form with an enteric coating to prevent heartburn and indigestion. Peppermint is also available as an essential oil, which is a great topical treatment for nausea, headache, and muscle ache. A tincture of peppermint leaf, fennel, and ginger can be used topically to treat nausea, heartburn, and stomach flu.
Oregano
It is said that Hippocrates, the father of medicine, used oregano as a cleaning agent as well as to treat digestive and respiratory illnesses. Oregano is rich in phenolic acids and flavonoids, and is packed with antioxidants.
Linden Flower Tea
Linden flower tea reduces fever by stimulating the hypothalamus to better regulate your temperature. Linden flower tea also dilates blood vessels, thereby causing you to sweat. To treat fever with linden flower tea, steep one tablespoon of the dried herb into a cup of hot water for 15 minutes. Drink three to four cups daily. For a fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit, take a tepid bath to cool the body until the temperature decreases to 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. After your bath, sip linden flower tea to lower your body temperature even further. If you’re still experiencing fever after a day of sipping linden tea, see your doctor.
Cayenne
Available in powder or tincture form, cayenne has many beneficial uses. The cayenne powder can be rubbed into wounds that won’t stop bleeding. Cayenne tincture dilates blood vessels and increases circulation, helping you recover faster from illness. Cayenne also boosts the effectiveness of any other vitamins or supplements you’re taking.
Chamomile
Chamomile tea can help relieve digestive problems, sleep difficulties, colic, and anxiety. Chamomile is safe for children and can be rubbed on a newborn’s skin to help the baby sleep more soundly.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is great for colds and congestion. It has antiviral and antibacterial properties, and is soothing to the lungs. Eucalyptus can be purchased as an essential oil, a tincture, or a loose-leaf herb. To clear cough and congestion, rub a few drops of eucalyptus oil on your hands and inhale it. Eucalyptus tincture can be diluted and rubbed the chest. To clear your lungs and sinuses, try a face steam with eucalyptus leaves.
Garlic
Sore throat? Try gargling with fresh garlic juice. Garlic’s antimicrobial properties soothe inflamed tissue and eliminate pain-causing bacteria. To make garlic juice, mix six pressed garlic cloves into a glass of warm water. Gargle twice with the solution for three days.
Arnica
Made from fresh or dried arnica flower heads, arnica tincture is an effective treatment for bruises, muscle soreness, strains, and sprains. Arnica can also be found in gel or cream form. Learn more about arnica here.
Lavender
The calming and soothing properties of lavender are great for treating pain and wounds. Lavender essential oil is gentle enough to be used directly on the skin. Rub the oil on your neck and feet for fast recovery from the flu. Learn more about lavender essential oil in this blog post at thealternativedaily.com.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is one of the best natural anti-inflammatories. Since most illnesses are caused by inflammation, taking a few capsules of fish oil is a good way to soothe just about any ailment.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe burns. The gel works by creating a second skin to protect the wound from air, which can irritate exposed nerve endings. Aloe vera is available in gel and plant form.
There are many natural remedies available. Use the list above to stock your natural medicine cabinet, and you’ll have a remedy for almost any injury, illness, or ache. These herbs and supplements are all readily available and extremely inexpensive, so you can become the natural “healer” for your family right away.
About the author: Zak Ferguson is a homeopath who learned all about natural medicine at a young age from his Grandmother. Arnica was the go-to remedy as he was growing up, falling out of trees and leading the typical life of a young boy back in the day! He writes about natural medicines and using nature for a healthier life. Image: Isabel Eyre