3 Natural Items To Keep On Hand In The Medicine Cabinet

In recent years, natural cleaners and gentle household disinfectants have grown incredibly popular. The rise of antibiotic resistant bacteria has forced Americans to reconsider how they combat everything from disease in the body to mold and mildew in the bathroom. Natural, homemade cleaning solutions with bases of baking soda or vinegar can be just as effective as bleach and ammonia, but they remain gentle on both household surfaces and the environment; likewise, natural medicine is often a viable alternative for treating the body and its many ailments.

Unlike pharmaceuticals, which often treat symptoms and not much else, natural medicine can help alleviate the root cause of illness. Be sure to speak with your doctor before treating anything at home with natural medicine, though, and read on for three items worth keeping in the medicine cabinet when disease strikes.

1. Witch Hazel According to HowStuffWorks, witch hazel has many applications in the realm of holistic care. This shrub can help treat countless skin conditions, including inflammation, cuts and bruising. Its leaves, bark and twigs contain tannins, which gives the plant astringent properties. Astringents help harden, tighten or dry out tissue. They’re especially effective at minimizing pores and draining excess oil from the skin. Many women use witch hazel to temporarily reduce inflammation, as well as to tighten and soothe throbbing varicose veins.

2. Ginger Ginger is an incredibly potent spice that has many uses both on the body and in the kitchen. It’s a wonderful spice to use in many dishes. Candied ginger is a sweet treat, and many people enjoy the crisp taste of ginger ale. What they may not know is there are many benefits to consuming ginger on a regular basis. Ginger tea can help treat nausea, indigestion and dizziness. It also improves the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients, and it can act as a natural inflammatory for many internal issues.

3. Peppermint Oil Most Americans keep some kind of pain reliever in their medicine cabinet for when the occasional headache strikes. Though acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be incredibly effective at soothing pain, they sometimes have negative side effects, especially over long-term use. Peppermint oil, on the other hand, can be a great natural remedy for headaches. To feel the full effects, many natural medicine practitioners recommend rubbing some on the temples, as well as behind the neck and inside the wrists. Peppermint has a soothing scent and can also help relieve stress and anxiety.

A Natural Remedy for a Natural Cause Some illnesses have direct causes and are fairly easy to prevent; others may seem as though they have no obvious cause at all. Regardless, there are natural ways to treat many ailments that can be just as effective as their pharmaceutical counterparts. Holistic care also tends to be cheaper, and rising healthcare costs have forced more Americans than ever before to seek a natural remedy for their ailments; however, be sure to speak with your doctor before treating anything yourself.