Natural Medicine Cabinet
by Ronnee Ruselle
Natural remedies and medicines are making a comeback. Today's modern medications were originally based upon the traditional herbal remedies that local villagers used for thousands of years. They are wonderful and very handy to keep in the cupboard, but like with chemical medicines, they can cause allergic reactions and side effects so ensure that you do your research and are fully aware of their proper uses and effects. Below are a small range of wonderfully handy remedies that you could keep in your medicine cabinet.
Arnica - Arnica is known to stimulate blood circulation and can raise blood pressure, especially in the coronary arteries. The plant is used externally for arthritis, burns, ulcers, eczema and acne. It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that can reduce pain and swelling, improving wound healing. It is typically rubbed on the skin to soothe and heal bruises, sprains, and relieve irritations from trauma, arthritis and muscle or cartilage pain. Applied as a salve, arnica is also good for chapped lips, irritated nostrils and acne.
Chamomile - It is considered a preventive and the sole certain remedy for nightmare. Helps relieve normal doses of indigestion, such as flatulent colic, heartburn, loss of appetite, gout and periodic headache. It is an appetizing tonic, especially for aged persons, taken an hour or more before a principal meal. It can be used in a lotion, for external application in toothache, earache, neuralgia, etc. An infusion of chamomile tea bags which have been steeped in boiling water is helpful in a bath for children with mild skin irritations or itching.
Colloidal Silver - Silver is not a herb, but it is a natural element. Thanks to research, silver is emerging as a wonder of modern medicine. An antibiotic kills perhaps a half-dozen different disease organisms, but silver kills some 650 and silver is virtually non-toxic. Colloidal silver is made by a process where minute silver particles and water have been colloided, i.e., dispersed within and bound to each other by an electric current. The super-fine silver particles are suspended indefinitely in demineralized water. Colloidal silver is good for killing single celled organisms and viruses. All Non-airborne viruses, fungi and bacteria simply cannot live in this liquid so it's perfect for cuts and burns, cold sores, and skin conditions. A couple of drops in the eyes are good for eye irritations and soreness. It can be used for acne, dandruff, ear infection, sinus infection, warts, rashes, fungal infections and it can be inhaled to help with respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia. Make sure you buy a good quality pure clear liquid, not a murky or milky looking colloidal. It should be made without protein so check before purchasing.
Echinacea - People worldwide use Echinacea preparations against colds and flu, minor infections, and a host of other major and minor ailments. Thousands of doctors currently use Echinacea for treating infectious diseases. Colds, coughs and flu and other upper respiratory conditions, Enlarged lymph glands, sore throat, Urinary tract infections, minor infections. Used externally, Echinacea has been known to help with wounds, skin regeneration and skin infections, psoriasis, eczema and inflammatory skin conditions.
Lavender - Originally, the oil from the flower was used to protect cloths and stored linens from moths. Lavender oil from the flower has applications as a stimulant, tonic, headache relief, and for relief of intestinal gas. It is also used to quiet coughs and disinfect wounds. It can be applied as a compress to provide relief from neuralgic pains, rheumatism, sprains, and sore joints.
White Willow Bark - Willows have been used for centuries to relieve pain and reduce fever. Aspirin is the chemically created version of salicylic acid. The Natural salicylic acid in white willow bark is nearly as potent as aspirin, however, where aspirin can cause gastric or intestinal upset or bleeding, willow does not. It has the ability to alleviate pain, reduce fevers, deal effectively with arthritis, rheumatism, diarrhea, pain, inflammation, heart disease, and delays cataract formation.
St Johns Wort - It has a 2,400-year history of safe and effective usage in many folk and herbal remedies. It is now widely used as a mild antidepressant. It is a potent antiviral and antibacterial. It has been proven to improve symptoms of sadness, helplessness, hopelessness, anxiety, headache and exhaustion with no reported side effects. It's great for assisting with the moods that accompany hormones.
Tea Tree Oil - Infections, minor burns, cuts, sore throats, ingrown or infected toenails, sunburn, tinea, ulcers, golden staph, cold sores, pimples and acne, bad breath, foot odour, thrush, and rashes. Added to hair products, tea tree oil can help to repel lice.