Has this been an exceptionally sickly season, or is it just me? I feel like every time I turn around someone is talking about how sick they’ve been: whether it be strep throat, colds, stomach bugs, or even pinkeye, it seems this season has been rough for many. When myself or someone in my family begins to feel a little off, I turn to my natural medicine cabinet and for many, many ailments, we are able to avoid the doctor and prescription medications!
My five favorite remedies for my natural medicine cabinet.
1. Garlic
This stuff is potent and not just to your nasal passages. Garlic is both antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial. I use this at the first sign of a sore throat, runny nose, or general dreariness. It is also known as an effective remedy for hand, foot, and mouth disease, e. coli and salmonella! Garlic is most effective when consumed in a raw state, after it has been minced and left to sit for 10 minutes. An easy way to consume it is to mix a clove or two with some grass-fed butter and slather it on a piece of sourdough. Additionally, you can crush up a clove or two and mix it with coconut oil, spread on the bottoms of your feet (for quick absorption) and put socks on. Children and adults can use garlic and you’ll be surprised how well it works!
2. Raw Honey
(Not to be confused with the processed honey that you can find at any local grocery store. It needs to be raw and if possible, local.) Raw honey, in addition to being delicious, is antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial and is loaded with powerful antioxidants. It can be used for sore throats, indigestion, colds, seasonal allergies, and topically for skin abrasions and burns. Administering raw honey (available even on Amazon) is a breeze: just add a spoonful to hot tea or…eat it straight from the spoon (I have been know to hide pieces of garlic in the honey and easily consume both).
3. Probiotics
What kills bad bacteria? Good bacteria! Ok, maybe that isn’t exactly how it all works. But. When I don’t feel well, particularly if I am having a stomach issue, loading up on my probiotics helps every time. I take probiotics in a pill form, but I also consume it via kombucha, milk kefir, and the occasional fermented vegetable.
4. Ginger
This is another one that is great for various tummy ailments. Ginger has been used for centuries to help soothe an upset stomach and is a well-known remedy for nausea (during pregnancy and otherwise). An anti-inflammatory, ginger has also been shown to be helpful for respiratory virus and pain relief. My favorite way to consumer ginger is in a simple ginger tea, an immune boosting tea, or a homemade electrolyte drink.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
A great remedy for the common cold, cough, or sore throat, apple cider vinegar is an anti-fungal and antibacterial. Add a teaspoon to the ginger tea listed above for an extra boost. Many people simply take a tablespoon in a shot glass, diluting with water if needed.
I always have those five items stocked year round n my natural medicine cabinet. Illness can hit quickly and the last thing I want to do when I’m sick is run to the store! Other natural items that keep my family away from the doctor’s office this time of year are essential oils, epsom salts and bentonite clay (for detox baths), elderberry syrup, mullein, bone broth, and cod liver oil.
What do you use to prevent illness this time of year?
Jill
Engaging those who question our choices
I love these lists on ways to prepare for illness. There is nothing worse than getting sick and having to run to the store to prepare.