Ideas for your Home Natural Medicine Cabinet Aloe Vera For burns and skin irritations of all types. When you can, using a piece of live plant. Break off a leaf and rub it directly onto the skin for relief of burn, sunburn or poison ivy.
Arnica Montana Offers pain relief, heals bruises and reduces inflammation, easing muscle aches, strains and sprains. Rub into injured area as needed. Look for preparations that contain at least 15 percent arnica tincture.
Homeopathic Arnica Tablets Good to have on hand to give to kids when they fall down or get bumped and bruised.
Baking Soda For quick relief of pain for a burn (as in receiving a burn in the kitchen), dash a little bit of baking soda on the burn.
Black Cohosh Tincture Relieves abdomen, lower back and leg cramps associated with premenstrual syndrome.
American Indians first introduced colonists to black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), which they used to treat many conditions, including menstrual problems and recovery from childbirth. For 40 years, Europeans have used black cohosh to treat menopausal discomforts. During the past decade, the herb has become popular in the United States. Occasionally, a study questions its benefit, but the clear majority shows black cohosh effective for hot flashes.
Calendula Derived from the marigold, calendula cream is used on acne, athlete’s foot, bug bites or stings, diaper rash, boils, and minor skin wounds.
Catnip Tea A combination of catnip and chamomile is a great aid in calming children when dealing with various stress, teething, pain, etc.
Clove For a toothache, dab a couple of drops of this warm spice's essential oil on the sore area.
Cod Liver Oil Daily for it’s omega-3 content and naturally occurring vitamin A and D, which are also wonderful immune boosting aids. Cod liver oil is excellent for overall health.
Cranberry Prevents bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall long enough to cause infection, according to a 2004 article published in Clinical Infectious Disease. Many studies confirm the value of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) in the prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Capsules containing cranberry extract are available at health-food stores and many pharmacies.
Emergen-C 1000 mg of vitamin C, it also has a good portion of energy boosting B vitamins, in addition to various minerals and electrolytes.
Epsom Salts Excellent for soaking a small open wound to prevent infection also used in the bath for achy muscles and to help lower blood pressure.
Eucalyptus Oil Add a few drops to the humidifier for easier breathing and rub it on the chest to help relieve congestion
Flaxseed Menopausal Discomforts and Prevention of Osteoporosis and Heart Disease
Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) is rich in plant estrogens (phytoestrogens). At Laval University, Quebec, researchers gave 25 menopausal women hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or flaxseed (1.5 ounces daily mixed into food). Six months later, flaxseed relieved hot flashes as well as HRT. Flaxseed also mimics HRT’s bone-preserving ability. Oklahoma State researchers gave a placebo or flaxseed (1.5 ounces daily) to 38 postmenopausal women for 14 weeks, and measured calcium excretion in their urine, an index of calcium loss from bone. The flaxseed group showed decreased calcium excretion, meaning reduced bone loss. Recent research published in Drug News and Perspectives also suggests that flaxseed lowers cholesterol and risk of heart disease. Dosage: 1.5 ounces per day, mixed into food.
Fennel Seeds Alleviates gas and stomach upset. Chew several seeds. Make a tea by steeping a teaspoon of seeds in boiling water for about 10 minutes; strain and drink.
Garlic Oil Press 2-3 garlic cloves in 2 Tablespoons olive oil. Let warm on stove for 15-20 minutes. Strain garlic from oil. Lay child on side and drop 2-3 drops of garlic oil in ear and massage lower outer ear for a few minutes. Wait for half hour or so before doing the other side so oil won’t drain out. 3-4 times daily.
Ginger Tea Ginger’s wonderful effects as a treatment for nausea have led it to be highly recommended for sea sickness or motion sickness as well. Ginger tea is very settling. A great aid for pregnancy nausea as well. You can make a teat by boiling several cups of water and a few slices of ginger for about 10 minutes. Strain, sweeten with honey and drink to relieve nausea and coughs.
Traditional Medicinals Teas: Gypsy Cold, Breathe Easy, Throat Coat
Hydrogen Peroxide A great antiseptic. Pour directly onto a wound to clear out dirt and fight infection
Lavender Oil Lavender is revered for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, diuretic, and sedative properties. I keep it in the fridge (yes, the fridge) for one main reason though: Burns.
Disinfects cuts and scrapes, works as an analgesic to relieve pain. Relaxes muscles and restless or anxious mind. Apply topically. Rub on temples to relieve headache. Put 10-15drops in a warm bath. to soothe a cranky child.
Melatonin Mild sleep aid Taken 30 to 90 minutes before bedtime, it acts as a mild hypnotic, helping to relax a body into sleep.
Homeopathis Nux Vomina Calms headaches, stomachaches and even hangovers.
Oscillococcinum Homeopathic flu remedy, we take it at the first sign of fluish feelings.
Papaya Enzymes are a chewable digestive aid.
Peppermint Peppermint is antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and has decongestant properties. It is a good expectorant. Peppermint oil also contains numerous minerals and nutrients including manganese, iron, magnesium, calcium, folate, potassium, copper, omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin C and Vitamin A.
Rescue Remedy A flower remedy for everyday stress.
Rhus Tox Great poison ivy treatment
Slippery Elm Soothes sore throats and suppresses coughs.
Tea Tree Oil Antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial, antiseptic and has powerful antifungal properties. For stings, burns, athlete’s foot, ringworm, warts, and acne, dilute a few drops in a tablespoon of base oil and rub on affected area. For vaginal thrush, mix a couple of drops with a teaspoon of olive oil and rub onto a tampon. Insert tampon for two to three hours at a time.
Valerian Works as a tranquilizer to relieve insomnia and anxiety.
Vitex for PMS The ancient Greeks called vitex “chaste tree” and its berries balance levels of estrogen and progesterone, which minimizes the mood swings, breast tenderness and bloating of PMS. It may take up to three months of daily use to experience benefit.
Willow Bark The active ingredient in aspirin comes from willow bark. In its natural form, willow bark or white willow tablets can be taken to soothe arthritis pain, sore muscles and joints, headaches, high fevers, and even reduce night sweats and hot flashes related to menopause.
Witch Hazel Witch Hazel is one of the most widely used first aid remedies, both for its astringent and blood clotting actions. Use distilled Witch Hazel as a compress for minor burns and sprains, or apply directly to the skin for insect bites, nosebleeds and cuts.