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10 Natural Remedies That Should Be In Every Medicine Cabinet

Author:

mbg Contributor

Katerina Baratta, MS, LAc, is a holistic mental health and wellness practitioner and writer dedicated to helping you heal the root causes of stress and anxiety. Katerina received a BA in psychology from the University of Vermont and holds a master's degree in Chinese medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine, where she later taught as an adjunct professor.

Photo by Shutterstock.com

It's getting to be that time of year when everyone seems to have the sniffles, and the weather begins to bite at the tip of your nose. In other words, it's the perfect time of year to have some immune system backup at the ready to protect you as the seasons change.

Here are my 10 favorite all-natural remedies. If you don't have these in your medicine cabinet (or kitchen, or bedroom), you may pay the price!

Raw honey

Raw honey not only tastes delicious, but it actually contains antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties. It can also help regulate blood sugar and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, in addition to numerous other benefits. Raw honey can be used both internally as a preventative remedy, as well as externally on burns or other skin conditions.

Oscillococcinum

If you can catch that first tickle in your throat, oscillococcinum is an essential remedy to have in your medicine cabinet. As a homeopathic medicine, it is best used before you feel completely sick.

Neti Pot

Neti pots are derived from Ayurvedic medicine, and are used as an irrigation system for the nasal passages. They're especially useful in situations like sinusitis, allergies, and common cold and for flus, but a neti pot can also be used preventatively as a part of daily hygiene routine.

The first time you use a neti pot can feel a little awkward, and figuring out the angle to tilt your head can be a challenge, but overall it’s a very simple process. Just be sure to follow the directions, don’t use too much salt, and make sure the water is at a comfortable temperature.

Zinc lozenges

Like vitamin C, zinc is essential for a properly functioning immune system. Next time you’re feeling ill, mix some zinc lozenges in with your cough drops to give yourself an extra boost.

Activated charcoal

If you think you’ve had food poisoning, activated charcoal is your best bet as an at-home remedy. It can also prevent a hangover, lower cholestasis in pregnant women, and reduce gassiness after a heavy meal.

*If you think you’ve had food poisoning please call your doctor or go to the ER immediately for additional treatment.

Probiotics

There are plenty of bad bacteria out there, but to function optimally we also need a healthy number of good bacteria. The medical community is starting to recognize the importance of having diverse gut microbes, but unfortunately many of our internal ecosystems are lacking. Repopulate your gut with probiotics if you suffer from constipation, diarrhea, vaginitis, indigestion, obesity, ADHD, gassiness, fatigue, and numerous other ailments.

Elderberry syrup

Elderberries are superstars when it comes to warding off viruses and reducing inflammation. Though you can find elderberry tinctures, the syrup maintains the most beneficial constituents, and tends to be the yummier option anyway.

Peppermint tea

Peppermint tea is often used to help digestion and insomnia. It can be very helpful for upset stomach in children and adults alike.

I like to drink a cup of peppermint tea after dinner to help me wind down, and it tastes really great with a spoonful of raw honey!

Arnica oil

Arnica is great to have handy any time you experience muscle strain, joint sprains, or bruising. Applying arnica oil regularly to an injured area can significantly speed up recovery time.

Vitamin C

By now everyone knows that vitamin C is essential for a properly functioning immune system. Popping a vitamin C pill whenever you feel a little under the weather is a good way to prevent getting really sick, and when you’re already sick, taking extra vitamin C can help you get better faster.