5 Must-Haves for your Natural Medicine Cabinet

Whether you’re battling flu symptoms or soothing burns, you can ask mother nature to soothe your wounds. When minor accidents and illnesses strike, it's good to have some tried-and-tested natural remedies on hand. Not only will they save you a trip to the drug store, natural remedies often come with fewer side-effects and adverse reactions than conventional treatments.

Taking the time to create your own natural remedy first-aid kit is a must for your family's health, but it can be tough to know where to start. Following the tips below will get you going, providing a blueprint that you can add to and customize over time.

1. Oregano 

You might only know it from your favourite pasta, but oregano is much more than a tasty aromatic. This powerful herb is all the antis – anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory – and had a prized place in the natural medicine cabinets of Ancient Greece. In fact, the Greeks loved it so much they gave it a backstory—the goddess Aphrodite apparently grew oregano in her garden on Mount Olympus.

What is it good for?

Colds & flu – Oregano helps fight off upper respiratory infections and the bacteria that cause sinus infections. It's an immune system booster, and is full of antioxidants. Taking a few drops of oregano oil at the onset of the sniffles could prevent that cold turning into a week-long flu.

Minor infections – A 2018 study discovered oregano’s potential for eradicating drug-resistant microbes. You're unlikely to encounter super-bugs in your home, but it's just as effective on E. coli.

Stomach upsets – Oregano oil can help treat norovirus, according to researchers at the University of Arizona. In a study pitting oregano oil against allspice and garlic, oregano came out on top  by destroying stomach-upsetting nasties salmonella, and listeria.

Repelling critters – Oregano is highly effective at discouraging pests and parasites – repelling bed bugs, ticks and mosquitos. You might smell like lasagna, but you'll be bite-free! 

How do I use it?

If you've got oregano in the house it's probably the fresh or dried variety, which is great for cooking.  When taken medicinally, this herb is most commonly consumed as an oil.

The oil has a strong taste, but don't worry if you're not a fan of the distinct flavour – oregano oil is widely available in capsules. According to a 2017 study, the leaf-flower oil is most potent while stem oils are the least.

Oregano oil is generally safe, but if you're concerned or wondering about how to incorporate it into your healthcare regime, consult a herbalist or naturopath for more details on dosage and possible interactions. As with all meds, remember to read the label. 

2. Baking soda

Another pantry staple, baking soda, is a classic remedy for complaints ranging from indigestion to bug bites.

What is it good for?

Indigestion and heartburn – Baking soda is alkaline which makes it the perfect treatment for acid reflux. Next time you feel that burn bubbling up from your stomach try drinking a teaspoon in a glass of water for immediate relief. If you've over-indulged in a big meal, baking soda can help neutralize stomach acid to prevent after-dinner bloat and gurgling.

Bites and stings – The soothing action of baking soda can also give relief when you're plagued with itchy insect bites or stings. 

Allergies, eczema, rashes and sunburn – If your skin is acting up or you've had too much sun, try dissolving some baking soda in a warm bath and having a long soak. It will dull the itch and reduce irritation on the skin.

How do I use it?

Baking soda is very safe to take, both internally and topically. If using for skin complaints, try mixing the powder with a little water and applying the paste directly to the skin. 

3. Tea tree oil

Tea tree, also known as melaleuca, is native to Australia and was a staple of Australian Aboriginal healing. Nowadays you're likely to find it in the first aid aisle of most pharmacies as its therapeutic properties have attracted a large following. 

What is it good for?

Wound care – Tea tree is a strong natural antiseptic which makes it great for emergency scrapes and cuts. Just clean the wound and dab it on to prevent bacteria getting into the abrasion.

Acne – Research shows that tea tree oil works as well, if not better, than conventional acne products, and with fewer side effects. It acts as an anti-inflammatory on the skin, reducing pimples and red spots, as well as removing bacteria that can lead to pustules and infected pores.

Lice – Did the kids come home with lice, again? The good news is that lice are repelled by the scent so adding a few drops to your shampoo bottle can prevent future outbreaks.

How do I use it?

Tea tree is most commonly available as an essential oil and is applied topically. Around 3.5 percent of people using it have an allergic reaction so it's best to try it on a small area of skin at first. As with most essential oils, dilute before use and consider mixing with a neutral carrier oil such as olive or almond oil when applying directly to skin.

4. Activated charcoal

Not to be confused with the stuff you use for the BBQ, activated charcoal is a fine black powder that's safe to ingest in small doses.

What is it good for?

Poisoning – Charcoal soaks up toxins so it's commonly used to treat overdoses and poisoning, but time is a factor — the sooner you get charcoal into your system after consuming toxins, the better. Within an hour of ingestion is recommended. In the case of an overdose or serious poisoning, seek medical attention immediately.

Gassy stomach – Charcoal doesn't just flush out toxins, it can also absorb intestinal gases to help alleviate bloating and flatulence.

Hangovers – Sometimes a good night is followed by a bad morning. It happens. But there are things you can do to lessen the effects of an alcohol binge, and charcoal is one of them. While research in this area is scarce, one study suggests that taking charcoal just before or during a drinking session can prevent blood alcohol levels from rising as steeply. There's anecdotal evidence claiming charcoal the night before leads to more bearable hangovers.

Dental care – Thanks to its antibacterial properties, charcoal can help fight tooth decay, according to a study looking at the effectiveness of charcoal toothbrushes. Not only can it improve oral health, it might just make your teeth look better too. Although it seems counter-intuitive to apply this grimy powder to your teeth, charcoal is actually known as an effective natural tooth whitener as it absorbs stains.

How do I use it?

Activated charcoal comes in a variety of forms including powders, supplements, and pastes. If you're using it after ingesting something harmful, the quickest way to get it into your system is stirring a spoonful of powder into a glass of water (per the instructions on the packet). For a heavy drinking night, capsules are a handy method of delivery while the paste is generally preferred for whitening and treating teeth. A note of caution — dentists advise finding a form of charcoal that isn't too grainy or abrasive, as this can damage tooth enamel over time.

5. Epsom salts

Cheap, widely available, and very effective for a number of complaints, Epsom salts are a natural medicine stalwart. The salts are actually magnesium sulphate, and are known for their soothing and relaxing properties.

What is it good for?

Splinters – To draw out a stubborn splinter, soak the affected part in a solution of warm water and a few spoonfuls of epsom salts. The salts will draw any deep splinters to the surface of the skin so you can easily remove them with tweezers.

Bee stings – Epsom salts reduce minor inflammation and are really helpful in reducing the redness and soreness of bee, or other insect, stings. They'll also help draw out the stinger left behind.

Muscle aches and pains – Sore, aching feet from standing all day? Burning muscles after an intense workout? Backache from sitting hunched at work? Epsom salts are a quick and relaxing remedy for all aches and pains when added to a warm bath. It'll also help you sleep better by boosting your magnesium levels.

How do I use it?

Epsom salts are always used externally as they can cause diarrhea if ingested. Simply throw a few cupfuls into a warm bath and enjoy a long soak. If treating a more localised area, you can make a paste using salts and water to leave on the skin.

The above are recommendations for non-serious and non-urgent complaints. It is not intended, nor should be used, as medical advice. In case of serious accident or illness, always seek medical help. 

For more recommendations on natural remedies and healing herbs, consult one of Which Doctor's many naturopathic practitioners, herbalists or dieticians – available now for in-person or online sessions at discounted rates.

Catherine Morris

Writer

Catherine Morris is an award-winning journalist with a bad case of wanderlust and a passion for all things health and wellness. Originally from Northern Ireland, she worked as a news and feature writer for media outlets in the UK, South Africa, France and the Caribbean before settling in Canada. Catherine now lives in Alberta with her husband and rescue mutt and spends her time happily exploring the great outdoors with both.