Many people are interested in the natural and holistic method to help aid in ailments. Did you know that there are natural remedies for everyday problems as well. There are natural remedies for health conditions, skin conditions, as well as for pet care and your home and garden.

I will be starting this series on natural remedies and will begin with the the introduction of the natural medicine cabinet. The goal for all of us is to stay healthy and improve our overall well being and alternative methods are very helpful in achieving this state.

Natural remedies include herbs, essential oils, nutritional supplements, teas, as well as some commonly found items in your home such as salt, ice and garlic. Many of these items can be found in natural health food stores, but many are now being carried in your local grocery store.

It is important to note that natural remedies although will help with many ailments are not a cure all. If you have more serious conditions such as fractured, broken or dislocated bones, fevers that escalate to 105 degrees in adults and 103 in children, injury to head or spinal cord, third degree burns, unconsciousness or recurrent dizziness, vomiting of blood or vomiting that persists for more than 2 days—please see your doctor.

First I will begin with the Natural Medicine Cabinet. The following suggestions are those that are indispensable for a basic natural medicine cabinet for your home:

• Chamomile – dried flowers used for stress and upset stomachs
• Echinacea – this comes in both capsule and oil forms, used for colds, flu, cuts, scrapes and infections
• Eucalyptus – a wonderful essential oil for respiratory congestions and muscle soreness
• Ginger – a fresh root for colds, respiratory congestion, nausea and stomach upsets
• Lavender – a great essential oil for stress, insomnia and headaches
• Tea tree – an essential oil for skin infections and insect bites
• Valerian – extract for mild pain relief, insomnia and great for PMS
• Sea salt – great for sore throats gargles and for bath salts
• Calendula – used as a gel, cream or salve for burns, scrapes, insect bites and cuts
• Arnica – used as a gel or cream for muscle strains and bruises
• Elderberry – an extract for colds and flu
• Epsom salts – a family favorite for muscle soreness, relaxing and relieving tension

Be sure to come back as I will discuss more on natural remedies for health, natural beauty, your home and your pets.

Until next time,