Tips For Stocking Your Natural Medicine Cabinet
Having natural remedies on hand for dealing with common issues that you and your family experience can help to get on top of things quickly and effectively. As well as common ailments, having remedies for first aid situations that don’t need emergency care can also be very useful, effective and empowering to utilise.
1. Decide what kind of health conditions you want to be prepared for
Deciding what natural remedies to keep on hand will be completely unique to you and your family’s health needs.
You are probably quite clear on the ups and downs of your own health, so stocking herbs or supplements that can support you in your times of acute illness, burnt out or simply being run down can help you to manage better and get on top of it without having to run out to the health food shop or wait for an online order to arrive.
For example, if you experience episodes of acute stress where you may also experience anxiety and find it hard to manage day-to-day tasks, then having remedies on hand that are effective at relaxing your nervous system as soon as you start to feel off can be a tremendous support.
The same goes for your family's common ups and downs.
If you have noticed that your children experience recurrent infections or struggle with certain changes in life, then having remedies on hand can help support them through these challenging times.
If you are unsure of what remedies will work for you and/or your family's health, then seeking help from a knowledgeable practitioner or community member with experience in using natural medicine can help guide you in how to start stocking your home natural medicine apothecary.
2. Stock multi-use natural remedies
Many herbs and nutritional supplements are multifaceted and can work on multiple different organs and body systems.
Knowing which herbs and nutrients will cover a few of your common ailments is a great way to start building your natural medicine cabinet without spending a fortune.
Some examples include aromatic herbs such as chamomile, lemon balm and lavender.
These can be used internally for digestive upset and when sick, but can also be used topical in oil infusions, as washes or baths for skin irritations or infections.
3. Get clear on preparation and dosage.
No matter what remedies you choose to stock in your home, if you are not confident in the dosage, preparation and length of time to use it, then you won’t get the maximum effectiveness out of those remedies.
The dosage of natural medicine can vary greatly depending on what the label says, or what Google says.
For the most efficient dosage, I suggest doing thorough research on the chosen herb or nutrient or consulting with a knowledgeable practitioner and they can give you the limits of dosage and the best advice to ensure the remedies work.
This is the same for the preparation.
Some remedies work best in alcohol extracts, some in water and some it doesn't matter.
Depending on whether you are choosing to use a liquid form such as a tincture, tea, or a tablet will also affect the dosage requirements.
The strength of your alcoholic or water-based extract will also determine the dosage.
Conclusion
Having clearly defined goals for your home natural medicine cabinet can help you to get clear on what remedies to stock, and will give you guidance in learning how to effectively use the remedies.
Being clear on the preparations and dosage of your chosen remedies will give you confidence when ill health does strike, and you will be grateful for the preparation.
Not only does applying your remedies early reduce the chances of the condition developing further, it can also help to reduce the need for using public health services by reducing the severity and duration of the condition—a win-win for all.
Hi, I’m Meg, a naturopathic herbalist helping people reconnect with their health through the power of plant medicine. I offer personalized herbal consultations Australia-wide, combining traditional wisdom with modern naturopathic principles to create tailored herbal support for your unique needs.
The information provided on this website is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns or conditions you may have. Please see my full disclaimer here.
