Raine’s Medicine Cabinet

Sandrine’s Notes

This is the first of two posts we’ll publish on the topic. I will also post about items that are in my own so-called “medicine cabinet” that Raine didn’t mention in hers. We would love to read about the medicinals and therapeutics that you use in your home in the comments section below. Sneak peak – Fermented Garlic is in my pantry, and I consume it as I would medicine.

Author Raine Saunders

I’ve spent a lot of years building my knowledge of natural remedies – and I’m still learning, but I am so glad I made the effort to acquire a basic understanding of how to apply natural substances to the goal of helping people in my family to feel well again when they are not feeling good.

It is a good idea to replace items every so often to make certain the contents have not spoiled or gone rancid (such as olive oil or sesame oil), or lost their potency. But for the most part, many of these items stay in my cupboard for months or years, and I don’t have to replace them very often.

Activated Charcoal

a natural detoxifier and remover of waste, charcoal is a substance that is used to carry out undesirable substances from the digestive tract. Make certain you find a variety that does not use petroleum as a base for the charcoal preparation and is considered “food grade” and comes from a source such as coconut or bamboo. Excellent to use when experiencing abdominal cramping, bloating, gas, upset stomach, or diarrhea. This supplement is normally effective when taken one to three times in a row, depending on the severity of the symptom. Baths – can also be used as poultice, compress or bath treatment for pain, infection, swelling, or detoxification purposes. We use Nature’s Way activated charcoal. Safe for children. Also recommended via our Amazon affiliation is Marine Land Black Diamond Activated Carbon and Multivita.

Aloe Vera

aloe vera juice is great for digestion and immune system function and support, and can be taken daily between (at least two hours after) or ahead of meals. Take 1 to 2 ounces daily. It is also great for the skin (both externally and internally used) and is a good base in making homemade cosmetics (think deodorant, tooth cleaners, soaps, shampoos, etc.) A good brand available from the health food store is George’s liquid.  Other recommended options are: Aubrey Organics and Jason Organic Oil. You can add your aloe vera juice to water (it basically tastes like water), juice, smoothies, or just drink it straight.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Besides a great natural cleaning agent (dilute with water and use anywhere in your home), ACV is great as a daily supplement added to salads, water, or juice. When you are ill or have a cold or flu, it can be taken several times a day to add essential amino acid compounds and good bacteria to support your body and immune system. It is best to drink it with a straw, as repeated use of ACV can wear away the enamel on your teeth. I recommend raw apple cider vinegar that has not been processed nor pasteurized. Bragg’s is an excellent brand and contains the “mother”, a gelatinous substance formed during the final step of fermentation containing valuable minerals, enzymes, and nutrients. Also recommended: Dynamic Health, and Life Tree.

Arnica

A perennial species belonging to the sunflower family, can be used for pain and bruising. It is a plant that has been shown in clinical settings to reduce inflammation by dilating blood vessels and capillaries to assist in transporting fluids and blood accumulations. In the cream form, apply it full strength topically (to the skin) to heal wounds and cuts, and reduce swelling. Its use internally should be avoided unless used in an official homeopathic herbal preparation where it is diluted down with guidance from a knowledgeable practitioner. Recommended products: Hyland Homeopathics tablets, Sanar Arnica White Ointment and Herb Farm Arnica Extract.

Castor oil

Useful for detoxification (for liver and other organs), sore muscles, strains, sprains, or bruising, and PMS. It is a versatile, natural oil used for many different needs. Castor oil packs are widely recommended by practitioners for patients, and especially for complimentary care in cancer treatment. Castor oil packs are also used to shrink tumors and cysts, as applied directly to the affected area. Keep castor oil in the refrigerator when not in use. If it becomes cloudy or discolored, discard.
Use a small piece of fabric (wool or cotton flannel is best); cut a square, tripled or quadrupled over – can be as small as 4 x 4 inches or larger, depending on the area you are treating. Get a small dish (such as a casserole dish) and pour castor oil over the fabric and saturate, taking care not to get oil on other fabrics, upholstery, and clothing.

Get a water bottle and fill with hot water (not over 120 degrees). Apply fabric pack directly to skin and place the water bottle over the pack. You can use an old towel or t-shirt to make sure castor oil does not spread to your furniture or bed. The best time to do castor oil packs is in the evening before bed, and you should leave the pack on for 30 minutes to an hour. Try to remain quiet and in a resting state, without interruption.

Recommended castor oil: Dr. Adorable, H&B Oils Center Co and Heritage Store. Recommend fabric: Heritage Wool Flannel and Home Health Wool Flannel.

Cayenne Pepper

A great remedy for sore throats, colds, flus, and respiratory infections. It is rich in minerals and vitamins, and also a good digestive and cardiovascular aid. Great for digestive woes like bloating, gas, constipation, stomach cramping, and also allergies, poor circulation, chronic pain, the onset of sore throat/colds/flus, headaches, and toothaches. It actually works to expand blood vessels to aid in carrying nutrients contained in pepper and other foods to the cells in your body. Cayenne can help stabilize blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and has been reported to prevent and stop heart attacks from occurring. It is also a powerful, natural detoxificant agent for the whole body. Dr. John R. Christopher’s (well-known herbalist) School of Natural Healing (book) and web site discusses many effective herbal remedies, including cayenne pepper.
To use cayenne pepper internally, add 1/4 to a 1/2 teaspoon to a cup of about 6 ounces or more of warm water. The mixture will be spicy, so use caution. Sip or drink as able until gone. For added detoxification benefit and taste, you can add some Grade B maple syrup and lemon juice. It can also be used topically to wounds or cuts. You can apply the pepper directly to the wound or use 1/4 cayenne in a home-made solution with salt water. Use a small amount of water and salt to make a paste and apply. If necessary, cover with bandages or gauze.

Recommended brands: Simply Organic, Starwest Botanicals and Indus Organic.

Coconut Oil

A natural antifungal and antiviral oil that can kill yeast (useful for those experiencing candida), use on skin for body moisturizing, abrasions, sunburn, chapping or chaffing, cuts, bruises, scrapes, conditioner for hair, diaper rash, use in cooking as a healthy, medium chain triglyceride fat, and is also a great digestive aid and because of its caprylic acid content, can be used to help control candida issues – for use alone or with any meal. I don’t use much deodorant at all anymore, but if I do, I usually just dab on some coconut oil and it takes care of body odor very well. Amongst our recommended brands are: Artisana, Tropical Traditions, Spectrum and Garden of Life.

Colloidal silver

This substance has many uses and can be taken internally as well as applied topically. We use silver mostly for cuts and wounds. It heals very fast. Just apply a small amount and cover with a bandage or gauze strip. Some people use it successfully as a nasal spray or in a neti pot preparation for sinus and respiratory issues and allergies. I have found it works best on cuts and wounds. We use Natural -Immunogenics Sovereign Silver. Other recommended brands are: “Bio Silver”, Silver Mountain Minerals and Meso Silver Purest Colloids.

Cranberry Juice – Unsweetened, Concentrated

This is a great juice to take every day for lymphatic health and detoxification. I use about 8 ounces to 64 ounces of filtered water and drink daily. If desired, you can add fresh squeezed lemon or orange juice to the mixture, and Stevia or raw honey if the natural tartness is too much. It’s great for kidney health and contains many trace minerals and vitamins. I enjoy mine straight! This is a recommended brand: Lakewood Organic.

Dental/Tooth/Gum

Tooth and Gums Tonic – an all-natural, highly concentrated preparation made from ecologically-produced and sustainably harvested wild herbs echinacea and gotu kola, and oils of peppermint, red thyme, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus and lavender. This is one of the only substances I have ever found that works on canker sores (even over lysine), and is great for a mouthwash or substitute for brushing your teeth if you find yourself without a toothbrush. As it is highly concentrated, only small amounts are needed for use at a time, and depending on how much you use it, a bottle could last for months. Tastes amazing!

Kombucha

I had had a sore gum problem a few years ago, and by massaging the area several times daily and rinsing with a bit of kombucha in my mouth for as long as I can (I rinsed for at least 3 minutes or longer), it really helps the pain and tenderness subside. Learn more about kombucha from Hannah Crum of Kombucha Kamp in her free educational materials and her book The Big Book of Kombucha. Here is another book with kombucha recipes.

Bone broth

This home-made food is good for almost anything that might ail you – colds, flus, sore throats, headaches, and for general health maintenance. Fantastic source of minerals and amino acids. Drink some every day! Here’s a post about the benefits of broth and how to make it.

Fermented Cod Liver Oil

Ramiel Nagel advises to load up on cod liver oil for dental and skeletal health and issues. The dosage for most adults should be 1 1/4 teaspoons (which is really the size of a silverwear drawer tablespoon in millileters). I normally spread out my dosage into 2-3 times daily, and I switch between capsules and the emulsified.  My son hates the taste of cod liver oil, so we do the capsules for him. A good trick if you have the oil and your kids won’t eat it but can take capsules is: buy a bag of vegetable glycerine tablets, a dropper bottle or a synringe. Put some CLO into either of these apparatuses to deposit into the empty capsules, and give it to them that way.

Cod liver oil is so good for many health remedies, increasing your dosage and amount if some health issues is occurring would be highly beneficial – especially for auto-immune disorders, infections, bone or teeth problems such as bone loss or cavities, or even crooked teeth. Read Ramiel Nagel’s book Cure Tooth Decay to find out more about this topic.

Green Pasture Products is the only brand I recommend because it is raw and produced by fermenting cod livers, which causes “deepening and broadening” of the nutrients such as Vitamins D, Omega 3s, and others in a manner that other cod liver and fish oils don’t. Green Pasture sells plain fermented and flavored, and also with high vitamin butter oil to enable proper absorption of Vitamins A and D.

David Wetzel, owner of Green Pasture Products, follows the research of Dr. Weston A. Price, who documented in his book, Nutrition and Physical Degeneration – an account of his travels around the world to discover the cause of degenerative disease in his patients – the profoundly positive health effects of consuming cod liver oil when combined with high vitamin butter oil from healthy cows grazing on rapidly growing green pastures. This was the fabled “Activator X” component that Dr. Price discovered and he observed was missing from the diets of modern populations, the absence of which contributed to many modern health issues.

One of the best preventative measures I can think of for dental health for our family is to avoid grains. Some people question this (my parents insist on feeding my son grains when he is with them), but without fail when my son eats a lot of grains, he is sure to have plaque build-up and gets frequent canker sores. We don’t eat a lot of processed grains in our home; most of what we consume is the soaked and sprouted grains, and they are eaten sparingly. On weekends we might have sprouted pancakes and during the week sometimes we eat sourdough. Rarely do I make hot cereals, even, anymore. But when we do, I soak them overnight, cook, and serve with lots of butter, milk or yogurt, homemade granola with sprouted nuts, and fruit. For more information on this topic, read Cure Tooth Decay by Ramiel Nagel.

Carrier oils

Pressed from the fatty portion of a plant or food (such as nuts, kernels, and seeds) and are used with essential oils (see below). These oils do not impart their scent as strongly as essential oils. Used to carry and dilute stronger oils which alone can cause irritation or burning. Here are some examples of carrier oils people use: sweet almond, avocado, borage, apricot kernel, jojoba, hemp seed, sunflower, sesame, pecan, macadamia, olive, or coconut oil.

In the past I recommended using these oils. However, these go rancid fairly quickly as they contain Omega 6s and typically have a short shelf life. As well, some of these may be processed through high heat pressure and extraction.  Because of this, I now only recommend using oils such as fractionated coconut oil or olive oil. Both are in liquid form and are easy for topical use. You can use approximately a 5 to 1 ratio of carrier to essential oil mixture for topical use on the skin, or follow the directions on the package.  Recommend fractionated coconut oil: Dr. Adorable and H&B Oils Center Co. Olive oils: Bariani Olive Oil Company and Wilderness Family Naturals.

Essential oils – are distilled from the bark, roots, and other aromatic components of botanicals, herbs, and plants. We recommend essential oils from Mountain Rose Herbs, Vibrant Blue Oils, as well as Simplers Botanicals and those made by Aura Cacia.

Here are some essential oil combos I use:

Digestion: ginger, peppermint, tarragon, fennel, anise, caraway, and coriander. When someone has an upset stomach, use a carrier oil and a few drops of these oils to massage gently into abdominal area and on the bottoms of the feet. You can also add a few drops to hot water and sip.

Respiratory/Allergies: eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, melaleuca, laurel leaf, and tea tree oil. Use a few drops in hot steam as aromatherapy (breathing preparation) or in a neti pot or saline spray wash with a home-made saline solution and/or add some of the contents of a probiotics capsule as well.

Headache/stress/tension: lavender, lemon, peppermint, or melaleuca are all good oils to use – combined or alone. Use 2 – 3 drops essential oil to 3-4 drops carrier on a cotton ball and apply to affected area. We use essential oils on our foreheads and temples for headaches, which works quite well. Also make certain you are getting enough minerals with bone broth, nettles infusions, fermented foods and beverages, or filtered water with sea salt or liquid minerals, or add some unsweetened cranberry juice or lemon to your water. Minerals are essential in staying hydrated. Nettles infusions and bone broths are effective for eliminating headaches and re-hydrating as well.

Immune Boosting/Prevention of flus/colds, and other illnesses: wild orange, clove bud, rosemary, eucalyptus, and cinnamon. Dilute and use as a gargle for prevention or when you feel a cold, flu, or sore throat coming on. Dilute in spray bottles with purified water to clean doorknobs, floors, countertops, and other public-use surfaces. Use a few drops in an empty gelatin capsule for immune support.

Respiratory/sinus: Oil of oregano, one of the most powerful, natural antibiotics can be used for various issues like stomach upset, diarrhea, colds, flus, and respiratory or sinus infections. You can buy good quality wild, Mediterranean oregano from most health food stores. The preparation is often contained in a carrier mix such as olive oil. You can also mix your own saline at home with sea salt and filtered water and mix oil of oregano along with clove bud oil, bay leaf, and sage for use in a neti pot or a nasal spray in a bottle.

Another effective way to clear congestion and mucous out of sinus and nasal passages is to put a few drops of eucalyptus and tea tree oil on a cotton ball. Put the cotton ball in a clean, empty bottle such as an old vitamin or mineral supplement container. Plug one nostril at a time and breathe deeply from the bottle multiple times. Tea tree oil is a natural antifungal, antiseptic, and disinfectant and its fumes are powerful enough to ward off an infection in your respiratory tract if started quickly enough.

Taken orally, I just add the Oil of Oreganol P73 by North American Herb & Spice to filtered water (read bottle directions, usually no more than 3 -5 drops) and drink it down. It has a strong, spicy flavor. Use a slice of lemon to remove the taste in your mouth, if desired, afterward.

I have also used liquid trace minerals to eliminate sinus infections. The brand I have used with success is Best Process by Dr. Morter’s. Another recommended brands is Fulvic Ionic Minerals.

Instructions:

1. Obtain a clean dropper bottle (1-2 ounce bottle), add some warm filtered water (I usually fill about halfway), and drop in 3-5 drops (more if desired and using more water).
2. Lie with your head back on a bed or couch (using a pillow for comfort) and drop the mineral/water solution directly into your nasal passages. I usually do about 10 drops per nostril at a time. If you use this for a child, use considerably less until you know how much can be tolerated.  My son doesn’t tolerate this as well so I use less, maybe 4-5 drops for him. This procedure is safe for children, but some may be more sensitive to or unable to complete the process.

You may or may not feel a burning sensation, depending on the severity of your problem.  This is an indication that the minerals are working to move things out. If you feel the urge to sniff the solution up into your sinuses, go ahead and do this. Distributing the minerals up into your sinus passages is actually a good thing and will facilitate moving bacteria out. If you also feel the urge to expel anything from your sinuses by blowing your nose or spitting in the sink, go ahead and do this as well. This is a sign that the bacteria in your sinuses is starting to move out. When you stand up, you will likely feel noticeable relief from the material being expelled out of your sinus cavity.

If you catch a sinus problem early rather than wait until it has been around for days or weeks and is severe, you will have more success in eliminating the problem. I use this procedure at least several times a day, and continue until I am certain the infection or pressure is gone (sometimes this is necessary for days or a couple of weeks, depending). If you need more support, you can also use a buckwheat or rice pack heated in the microwave and put it over your sinuses to help alleviate sinus pain both while you are doing the drops or alone. I find this very soothing and effective at helping to move pressure and infection out.

Fermented cod liver oil – this is a food as well as a great remedy for colds, flus, and other illness. Although we take FCLO everyday, if someone in my family is sick, we load up on this important food which is packed with nutrients like Vitamins A and D. We use Green Pastures Products Fermented Cod Liver Oil.

Garlic

A great, natural antifungal, immune booster, and detoxifier. Eat raw (if you can stand it). Or, crush a few cloves of garlic and add to 4 cups water, bring to a boil and then sip. Garlic is good for infections – bacterial and viral. Also good for sinus infections and is good for digestion. Garlic oil is great mixed with other essential oils like eucalyptus, tea tree, and echinacea and a carrier oil (see above) for ear infections and stopped up ear canals. Recommendations: Dr. Christopher’s Formula and Now Foods.

Goldenseal Root

This herb is a bitter tasting potent and used for aiding digestion, curing infections and inflammation, and can be purchased in powder form from the health food store. Although I have never used it for this purpose, it is apparently useful for canker sores and as an earwash as well, when added to warm water as a gargle or washing agent. It can also be applied topically to cuts, bruises, and infected areas of the skin.  Because it is expensive and concentrated, you only need small amounts at a time when purchasing from the store, and it is wise to remember that a little goes a long way.

I have used it successfully for conjunctivitis. The preparation you can make for multiple uses (see above) is about a 1/4 teaspoon to about 16 ounces (half a quart) of boiling water, and then drained the powder out with a cheesecloth. The remaining “tea” can be used as a wash for the eyes, ears or skin, or to sip several times a day. The “tea” can develop mold sometimes within a day or two, and should be kept in the refrigerator and until discarded and then remade until the infection is gone.

Recommended products: Nature’s Answer, Now and Solaray.

Olive Oil

Use on your skin and body for moisturizing, eat on salads and light cooking (low temperature heat), and for oil pulling. Oil pulling is a useful way to detoxify your body and remove dangerous substances. Use 2 tablespoons of oil, first thing in the morning before eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. Swish the oil in your mouth for 10 minutes and then spit out into a garbage can. Oil pulling should be done multiple times for maximum effect. Improves mouth or gum disease, chronic infections and many other health issues. Recommended: Olive oils: Bariani Olive Oil Company, Wilderness Family Naturals and Sistema Organa.

Probiotics

If you are a person who regularly eats fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, lacto-fermented vegetables, etc. you are probably getting a good supply of friendly bacteria from real food in your diet, which is essential to health. Sometimes though, we all need a boost. I keep therapeutic-grade probiotics in our house at all times, which we take daily, but also for when anyone is not feeling well – whether it’s a common cold, sore throat, flu, upset stomach, diarrhea, or anything else. Here are the brands we use: Biokult, Prescript-Assist, and HMF Forte. It is a good idea to switch brands every few months to ensure diversity of bacteria in the gut.

Good quality probiotics are essential to your health; it’s not a good idea to skimp on quality because the majority of products on the market do not actually contain the strains nor the numbers of bacteria shown on the label, contain genetically-modified material, fillers, and preservatives.

For sinus and upper respiratory infections or issues, break open a capsule and add some of the powder to your neti pot or to a sinus spray bottle. I cured a serious sinus infection with probiotics in my neti pot.

Probiotics are safe for children to take. My son takes them every day of his life, and when he’s sick, I give him more. I can’t think of any instance where he has had an upset stomach or diarrhea and probiotics didn’t improve his condition.

Raw Honey

Honey is a natural as a dietary supplement and as a topical application for infections, flus, and colds and supports digestion and immune function. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of raw honey in warm water with 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon or take straight several times daily for coughs, colds, and related ailments. You can also take raw honey and cinnamon with lemon in water as well for health. It is also really effective for putting topically on burns and wounds. Combine with garlic for a “garlic tonic” by chopping up garlic into minced pieces, pour honey over it and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. After it has infused, remove the garlic and eat the honey. Great for colds, flus, infections, and general immune boosting needs.

Sandrine’s note: we recommend locally sourced, raw, unfiltered honey, however if it isn’t available in your area here are some options: Y.S. Eco Bee Farms Raw Honey. Additionally, we recommend Manuka Honey.

Sesame Oil

It is useful for massaging into the skin and for oil pulling (see olive oil above) to remove impurities and toxins from the body. Recommended: Foods Alive and Wilderness Family Naturals.

Last but not least, my home medicine cabinet wouldn’t be nearly as effective without the fact that our kitchen is always stocked with plenty of nourishing, real food.

What’s in your home medicine cabinet?

Photo Credits: 
Garlic SunChild, Lavender Elizabeth Weller. Cayenne Pepper Maja Dumat, Aloe Vera Olaf Pokomy, Cranberry Juice Stephanie and Goldenseal Root Forest Farming

Disclosures