When a fever strikes, it never phones ahead for a reservation. A concussion doesn’t check the calendar for convenience. Midwives and Doulas can attest that babies born without induction, do so on their own schedule and are oblivious to the existence of a due date. When illness makes a visit, most are unprepared. We start scrambling to make it go away immediately, but with no real confidence or direction. Whether it is you or your child who needs healing, in the moment of distress is a challenging time to make decisions.
Why Knowing Now Matters
Natural wellness has a large population of fair weather fans. As long as we feel great, why not root for it. If a fever or rash or sudden bout of anxiety shows up, it takes someone confident in both the human immune system and the cooperative power of nature to stay to course. We always encourage individual research to find your own path and the right answers for you.
By investing the time in educating yourself in the ways of sustainable wellness and natural remedies; you will gain the confidence to apply that information when someone is sick and the environment is stressed. Being prepared removes much of the pressure when the time arrives to take action.
Our Ideal Home Apothecary (Click on herb title for a list of products that contain the herbs)
#1 – Goldenrod
Goldenrod is an herbal Goliath. It functions like a broad spectrum antibiotic, without the drawback of changing microbial dna to form superbugs. It has shown especially useful in afflictions of the kidneys, bladder and urinary tract. Also unlike synthetic antibiotics, Goldenrod won’t negatively affect your gut microbiome. This allows your immune system to be nurtured and supported to gain the advantage over intruders. This incredible herb, mislabeled an intrusive weed, also has effective cancer killing properties.
#2 – Vitamin C
Just about everyone knows to reach for some vitamin C when you feel a sniffle coming on. It is time tested advice. Vitamin C boosts the immune system, shortens the severity and duration of colds, improves cataracts, helps wounds heal, is great for skin, hair and nails, is a cancer fighting antioxidant, increases bone density and reduces your risk for stroke.
#3 – Elderberry
Elderberries are a powerful immune system booster. They are proven to ease colds and the flu, speed recovery, and fight infections. This is because they not only give a jolt to the immune system but also balance and support its regulation.
#4 – Dandelion
Dandelion leaf and root are both powerful parts of this common “weed.” The leaf can be used in bitters, while the root is a hepatic herb for detoxifying. They purify the body and liver by flushing out toxins and excess water. Dandelion can improve bone health and promote weight loss. It also has diuretic and laxative properties. Additionally, studies have shown it lowers cholesterol, reduces inflammation, fights anemia, prevents liver damage, and lowers oxidative stress. Others even suggest that it could
lower blood sugar levels, fight cancer, and even treat jaundice.
#5 – Skullcap
One of my personal favorite herbs! This beauty has anti inflammatory and antioxidant abilities. It calms anxiety and an overstimulated nervous system. Skullcap is helpful in reducing fever, as a sleep aid and hormone balancing measure. It can also reduce heart disease and even treat epilepsy and muscle spasms.
#6 – Chamomile
Chamomile is a calming herb for many different ailments. It is antispasmodic, helping to prevent and ease spasms in the stomach and body. It fits into most of the essential medicinal categories: digestive health, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and sedative. This little flower does it all.
#7 – Peppermint
Who doesn’t love the smell and taste of peppermint? It isn’t just pleasant to the senses. Peppermint boasts an array of benefits including: relaxes the digestive system and improves stomach discomfort, eases headaches, opens sinus and lung passageways, is a powerful antimicrobial, reduces depression and improves mood, is effective against parasites and is amazing for oral hygiene and health.
#8 – Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is both adaptogenic and a superfood. This means it is nutrient dense, boasting a host of vitamins and minerals and has the ability to adapt to our particular cellular needs. This amazing plant enhances immunity, normalizes digestion, soothes and heals skin disorders and improves heart health. Aloe is also antimicrobial, antifungal and can slow the aging process.
#9 – Medicinal Mushrooms
The properties contained in these wonders of nature are formidable and vast. So much so, we dedicated an entire entry to them here. Some balance hormones, most are adaptogenic, many are effective in cancer treatments. We love mushrooms for wellness and feel you will too!
#10 – Ginger
For over 2000 years, Chinese medicine has recommended the use of ginger to help cure and prevent several health problems including; morning sickness and nausea, respiratory issues, cold and flu, colon and ovarian cancer, pain and inflammation and swelling. It is known to strengthen immunity, promote energy circulation in the body and increase our body’s metabolic rate.
#11 – Nettle
Another adaptogen, Stinging Nettle is also categorized as being anti-tumor, anti-spasmodic, astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, hemostatic, hypotensive (calming), nutritive, kidney/ and adrenal restorative. Used in natural medicine, Nettle has been observed to improve allergies, hemorrhoids, arthritis, asthma, blood deficiency, eczema, fatigue, hypothyroidism, menstrual cramps, sluggish metabolism, urinary tract infections, as well as strengthen hair, teeth and bones.
#12 – Cinnamon
The aroma of cinnamon is identifiable the world over. In every country, cinnamon is used for flavor and for health. Cinnamon is a warming spice which fends off high blood sugar and lowers blood pressure. It has broad spectrum antimicrobial activity, making it an excellent ingredient in dental care. It fights infections and viruses, while also tempering inflammation. Cinnamon is believed to improve mental function and is a strong antioxidant.
Making Empowered Choices
This is a solid place to start. Having these items on hand makes implementing them much more likely when they are needed most. No worried partner or parent wants to venture out in the middle of the night to a 24 hour drugstore in search of comfort. Create your place of comfort ahead of time so when you or they are sick, the focus can be on the patient’s recovery, rather than what needs to be gathered to even collect your thoughts. Preparedness breeds confidence.
Be Bold 💚 – Roots to Remedies
