How to Stock Your Natural Medicine Cabinet
Updated: Oct. 04, 2018
Want to take the natural route for pain relief and the treatment of minor lumps and bumps? From peppermint oil to cramp bark, here’s our ultimate herbal remedy shopping list.
What is a Natural Medicine Cabinet?
While most households have a medicine cabinet stocked with ibuprofen, aspirin, Tylenol, bandages and a topical antibiotic, how many also contain peppermint oil and cramp bark? That’s what we thought! You can pick up these items at your local drugstore, health food store, or, if necessary, purchase online. You’ll also want to stock specific remedies for the conditions you experience most often.
1. Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies can treat a wide variety of ailments from skin conditions to memory problems. They are taken in a range of formats (teas, extracts, capsules, creams and more). To set yourself up to begin using herbal medicine, stock your cabinet with the following:
• Peppermint, green and chamomile teas
• Valerian extract
• Aloe vera gel
• Ginger in some form (tea, fresh gingerroot, capsules or ginger candy)
• Andrographis pills or echinacea tincture
2. Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements
Vitamins and supplements can go a long way in helping your overall health. But to get the most out of them, it’s not as simple as taking a daily vitamin. The most commonly recommended vitamins and supplements—for a range of conditions—are the following:
• Multivitamin/mineral
• Vitamin C with flavonoids
• Vitamin B complex supplements
• Calcium/magnesium/vitamin D supplements
• Fish oil and/or flaxseed oil supplements
• Probiotic supplements such as Lactobacillus (beneficial bacteria)
3. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can help with physical and cognitive issues, including sleep, mood and stuffiness. The oils below are what you’ll want to have on-hand to get you started:
• Lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree and ginger essential oils
• Castor oil as a carrier oil to dilute the essential oils
4. Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic remedies are meant to target specific ailments. These are the best two to stock your natural medicine cabinet with to start:
• Arnica for pain and inflammation
• Anas barbariae (a flu remedy sold under various brand names, including Oscillococcinum)
5. Other Essential Items
To finish stocking your natural medicine cabinet, consider the following natural remedies:
• Capsaicin cream for pain
• Willow bark tablets for pain
• Aveeno oatmeal or Domeboro for soothing baths
• Bromelain for swelling and bruisin
