Back to Basics: Stocking the Herbal Medicine Cabinet
Arnica: Highly valued in herbalism and homeopathy for sprains and bruises when the skin is not broken. Also available in several other forms, as a tincture and in ointments, it makes an excellent treatment for rheumatism and some skin irritations as well.
Slippery Elm: Until the 1960's, Slippery Elm was a common prescription for sore throat and upset stomach. It disappeared from stores only after disease killed off so many of our Elm trees in North America. Externally, you can use the powder as a poultice to help bring boils to a head.
Clove: Clove oil is a traditional remedy for toothache. Because of its antiseptic property, it is also useful in treatment of cuts and small scrapes.
Eucalyptus Oil: Eucalyptus oil is highly antiseptic, and can be used externally to treat cuts and boils. My preferred method of use, however, is as an inhalant for colds and flu. This is another herb that, although it is sold in some places as a 'tea', should NEVER be used internally! Do buy the bulk tea to use for an antibiotic inhalant, though, or find remedies that use Eucalyptus Oil with steam vaporizers, a wonderful relief during colds and flu.
Rescue Remedy: Bach flower remedy. Composite of five of the flower remedies discovered by Dr. Edward Bach. Rescue Remedy calms the nerves, eases tension, buffers emotional shock, and combats stress. You can use this on your pets as well, but please, only under the guidance of a holistic veterinarian.
Ginger: Ginger's wonderful effects as a treatment for nausea have led it to be highly recommended for sea sickness or motion sickness as well, many report it works more effectively than Dramamine, and with far fewer side effects. You don't have to be moving, however, for Ginger to ease nausea...a cup of Ginger tea is always settling.
Nettles: I discovered Nettles as a treatment for allergies. If you suffer from pollen related allergies, treat yourself to a cup of Nettle tea a few times a day during allergy season. For added benefit, use local honey to sweeten the tea...the natural pollens from the local flowers - via the bees - will build up your tolerance levels for pollens in your area. This must be done preventatively, however, not to provide immediate relief.
Echinacea: There are many good articles on Echinacea right here on Suite101, so I won't go into too much detail. Use to boost your immunity
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