What's in your medicine cabinet?

Staying healthy during seasonal changes and the onslaught of flu season is a priority in my house.  Friends and colleagues often ask me what I reach for at the first sign of the sniffles, or flu or even cuts and bruises.  In this post I will begin exploring the top ten items (in no particular order) in my medicine cabinet.  

1.Essential Oils: Lavender, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Rosemary & Tea Tree Oil

These oils are so powerful in there healing abilities.  They have antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiviral properties to name a few.  If I’m feeling a head-cold coming on I’ll steam with lavender & eucalyptus.  If the throat is sore or involved in anyway I’ll add lemon to the bowl.  For sinuses be sure to add rosemary.  Its a simple yet very effective way to open up nasal & sinus passages as well as boost your immune system.  Tea tree oil has antiseptic characteristics and its great for cuts and bruises and even acne.  Essential Oils are great and don’t take up that much space either.

2.Castor Oil: This powerful oil strongly stimulates lymph and circulation.  It can be used topically to ease menstrual cramps, assist digestion and bowel movements and assist healing of scar tissue and adhesions.  It can also be used to help heal musculo-skeletal injuries and reduce inflammation.  I recommend castor oil packs to the majority of my patients.

3.Arnica...topical gel/cream & internal homeopathic  Arnica is great for supporting musculo-skeletal health.  

4.Salve: Salve is what people used before antibacterial ointment came along.  I personally make my own, which is fairly simple and easy to do.  There are many great salves on the market these days.  A general salve may contain comfrey and calendula as well as other healing herbs and essential oils for cuts, scrapes, bruises, burns and bites.

5.Chinese Teapills: Gan Mao Ling, Curing Pills/Po Chai Pills

    Gan Mao Ling is a great remedy for cold & flu.  Begin taking it at the first signs of cold or flu.  Po Chai Pills aka Curing Pills are great for stomach issues from food poisoning to upset stomach.  These are a must have when traveling and are great to have around the house too.

6.Clay: Topically clay is a great base for a poultice to draw out toxins or even as part of a beauty mask.  For internal use, clay can also help draw out toxins out of the body.  Internally it can have very strong effects so its important to stay hydrated as well.

7.Rescue Remedy: Is a flower essence remedy.  Helps reset the nervous system whether you’ve had a traumatic experience or accident, to a public performance to an emotional breakdown or had way too much coffee.  During times of stress our immune 

8.Magnesium: Great for sore muscles, muscle cramps.  Can also help with sleep and anxiety.

9.Vit C & bioflavanoids: This will help boost the immune system.  If possible buying a non-citrus version is best to help reduce adding to any mucus issues.

        Tied for 9. Is Elderberry.  I prefer a tincture form, syrup also works great.  Add a dose of this to boiling hot water to create a soothing tea for colds and flu or take it straight.  Elderberry helps boost the immune system and is great and clearing pathogens.

       

10.Probiotics: Help establish beneficial gut flora which in turn keeps us healthy and our immune system at top notch.

Hope you have enjoyed seeing some great natural remedy essentials to assist in maintaining optimal health.  Acupuncture is another great way to boost the immune system.  Call today for an appointment 808-870-2732