One of the steps in my wellness journey was to start looking at the ‘medicines’ I was using for my family. I started to learn not only that some of the things we were taking for basic ailments and illnesses had negative side effects but also that there ARE other, better options out there. I began to learn about the immune system and how to improve it naturally. It all eventually came together for me and now I’m a firm believer that God provided us with many of the things that we need for health and healing right here on earth. It’s simply a matter of educating ourselves and utilizing those things. I began incorporating natural and herbal remedies and thus, created my natural medicine cabinet.
Now is the perfect time for YOU to start prepping your own holistic medicine cabinet by cleaning out the old, expired, possibly chemical-laden bottles of medicines and replace them with more natural and holistic options that are effective without the extra yuck. I’m sharing my top picks for a clean and natural medicine cabinet that will cover the basics. All of are items I have used myself or are currently in my own holistic medicine cabinet.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.
But first, I want to make it clear that I’m not opposed to Western medicine or pharmaceuticals when needed. There is a definitely a time and place for them. The difference is that we choose to use natural preventatives and remedies as the first line of defense to most injuries or illnesses. When we need to bring in Western medicine, we do.
3 Tips To Creating Your Holistic Medicine Cabinet
1. Learn
It’s important to learn for yourself why the products you’re currently using aren’t ideal. It’s also important to learn the ways of natural healing such as homeopathy and herbal tinctures. This way you can be confident in the choices you are making for your family. When you know better, you do better.
2. Prioritize & Go Slow
Make it easy on yourself and prioritize in a way that makes sense for you. It’s a financial investment, so I started with preventatives and then picked up everything else as needed. I’ve also picked up a few things when they were on sale. I would just suggest doing what makes sense for you and prioritize how you feel is best.
3. Don’t Get Overwhelmed
It can be extremely overwhelming when you start learning more and realize many of the items in your medicine cabinet are toxic. You may feel like you don’t know where to begin and overwhelmed at the thought of getting rid of everything you have and replacing it. Believe me, I understand and that’s where I come in to share tried and true things that work for me and my family.
What’s In MY Holistic Medicine Cabinet
Preventative Immune Support
Basic daily habits such as exercise, sunlight every day, good sleep, eating nutritional whole foods and limiting sugar intake are all going to strengthen your immune system. However, there are some supplements you can give your family to help, especially during cold and flu season.
You’ve probably heard of elderberry syrup by now, but do you know why it’s so great? Elderberries are packed full of vitamin c and powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. If you’re feeling brave, you can also make your own elderberry syrup/gummies which I find to be the most impactful way to take it.
Fish are known for their omega-3 fatty acids, so cod liver oil or fish oil is an easy way to get the benefits daily without having to eat fish. Omega-3 fatty acids can help increase vitamin and mineral absorption and boost the immune system.
Bee propolis extract has antimicrobial properties that fight bacteria and viruses. We use this spray as a preventative but also as needed if we are sick. They also have vitamin C packets which are very convenient and inexpensive as well as a nose spray that works wonders.
This is a great preventative herbal tincture I give my family weekly. My kids are in school as well as sports and are exposed constantly so they take every Monday to begin the school week.
If you DO sick, there are certain items you may want on hand to take for your particular ailment.
Cold & Flu
Homeopathic options are great, and Boiron is a reputable and trusted brand. The key to homeopathy is that you have to start taking it pretty quickly at the onset of symptoms for it to be the most effective. The nice thing is they also have an infant version if your baby gets a cold.
This is a very effective homeopathic option for the flu. From my personal experience, taking this at the onset of the flu symptoms minimized the duration and experience of the flu from beginning to end, specifically the body aches.
Oil of oregano (not to be confused with oregano essential oil) is a natural antibiotic and contains anti-viral properties. this is something I take at the onset of a cold or flu and take throughout the duration of the illness to assist in healing from a virus.
Cough/Respiratory Issues
This herbal tincture is a cough expectorant that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It supports lung and respiratory health and helps to relieve congestion and sore throat. It’s a must-have if you have any respiratory issues at all!
This cough syrup is the only one that we’ve had a truly great experience with. It really helps calm your cough when you have a irritation and it can be taken day or night. It’s clean and has a kid version as well.
This is natural equivalent to Vick’s VapoRub that I remember from childhood. The best part though is that it’s free of any of the ‘bad’ ingredients like petroleum and artificial fragrance. Maty’s brand even makes one for baby that I have used on my kids.
Traditional Medicinals Throat Coat Herbal Tea
This brand is one of my very favorites for herbal teas and this tea is an absolute necessity when you have any sort of throat or bronchial issues.
Stomach/Digestive Issues
Activated charcoal has been used medicinally since the 1800’s for poison treatment. Today, it’s used for basically the same thing. At the onset of any stomach issue, a bug or food poisoning, take activated charcoal and it will act as a binder to rid your body of any toxins.
This is great to have on hand to help with gas, bloating, diarrhea and other issues causing intestinal discomfort.
The benefits of apple cider vinegar range from lowering blood sugar to having antibacterial properties and so much in between. One of its most potent benefits is in regard to digestive issues. It can help reduce both acid reflux and indigestion. It can also help improve gut health in general. Take a tablespoon a day and be sure to dilute it in glass of water. It’s acidic so it can cause erosion to the enamel of your teeth if you ingest it undiluted often.
Cuts/Scrapes/Bites/Burns
This is staple that basically anyone can use. As a mom, I like to have on hand for cleaning cuts and ear issues, but it can be used for other things like cleaning and stain removal.
First Honey Manuka Honey Ointment
I prefer this natural antibacterial ointment that contains no toxic chemicals. It does include Manuka Honey which is another amazing addition to your holistic medicine cabinet because of it’s multiple uses. It’s well known for it’s antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and many cultures have been using it for wound healing for centuries.
Bentonite clay is known as a detoxifier so it’s good to have on hand for a myriad of things. One of the reasons I keep it in my natural medicine cabinet is for splinters. You can make a paste with it and witch hazel and put it on the splinter to draw it out. I also use it as a baby powder to soothe diaper rash because most common brands have toxic ingredients. Lastly, bentonite clay is great for skin issues and can help relieve dermatitis. There’s tons of other uses, but this is just a few.
Bruise, Aches and Pains
Boiron brand carries a ton of options for any sort of physical ache, bruise or pain you may have that all contain Arnica. Arnica is a plant from the sunflower family that has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show that when it is applied to the skin, it stimulates circulation which helps the body’s own healing system react. Take your pick of gel, cream or ointment. They have a plethora of varieties addressing many ailments from leg cramps to arthritis or bruises.
Sleep Support
When my kids (or I) need support with calming down and relaxing before bed, this herbal tincture is a safe and clean option.
This is a staple in my home. Magnesium is one of the greatest natural things to use to assist with sleep. I’ve been using it for about 5 years now and this lotion is my go to for my kids. When they’ve had a long day of physical activity and their little legs have walked a ton, this will help alleviate any restless legs they may feel. I also use it as needed. For more sleep tips, read this blog.
Bonus Items!
This is a great tincture to take during the duration of any illness. It’s something we use at the onset of symptoms, so if my kids tell me they aren’t feeling well, its my first go-to. It contains herbs like elderflower, astragalus root, echinacea root, cinnamon and fennel seed.
Colloidal silver has both antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It was used as an antibiotic prior to the development of modern medicine. You want to look for a brand with nano-sized silver particles because those are better absorbed in the body and therefore, more effective. Silver can also be used as an antibiotic ointment and clean wounds. It can help with healing burns and can be used in a nebulizer to ease respiratory issues, which I can personally attest to.
If you’re looking for a replacement for OTC pain meds, look no further. This is my go-to for headaches and other body pains such as muscle tension and post-injury pain. It contains 5 potent herbs that combine to ease the pain so your body to heal.
Final Thoughts
This list is not comprehensive at all, but there are many options here for you to choose from to begin your own holistic medicine cabinet. And don’t forget, I’m just a mom who has went through a cancer experience that completely changed my perspective on many things. I started to research and educate myself as much as I could and then took the steps to create a healthier home for my family, one step at a time. I would encourage you to do your own research as well and make the choices that are best for your family.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or medical professional. This is based on my own personal use. None of this post is considered medical advice.
Great list!
We have a lot of these at home too- great list!