I have not been one to give into holistic medicine until recently. I was one of those folks that would scream, “Those things never work as good as western medicine and are only for hippies!” I took any medication that was thrown at me, suffered for years with side effects (I seem to get them all no matter what) and sometimes found very little or no relief at all from what was ailing me.

I was wrong, and I completely admit it now. I wasted many foolish years taking over the counter and prescription medications for my ailments. Now, I don’t necessarily think the only way to go is natural and homeopathic, and I do think western medicine has a definite time and place, but I have learned that doing things naturally first is often the most gentle and useful way to try to heal myself.

Here are some things I keep in my medicine cabinet that I have found to be most useful as well as cost effective for healing common health troubles. As always, you should consult a Dr. (preferably a western medicine M.D. and a Naturopath) before taking my word for it.

What to Stock in Your Natural Medicine Cabinet

• Vitamins C, D and B complex. I am a big believer in these three for preventing illness. Vitamin C helps your immune system stay strong. Vitamin D can help prevent depression and B Complex is good for energy, easing anxiety and can even help lessen the severity of cramps.
• As a diabetic, I also take cinnamon (in tablet form). It has been shown to help possibly help to regulate blood sugar.
• A neti pot is great for sinus issues. It takes some getting used to, but it can be amazing if you are someone like me that suffers from many sinus infections throughout the year. I find it works better than most over the counter cold medicines without the sleepiness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar. I have talked about the many uses of white vinegar before, but apple cider vinegar really is great for a myriad of health issues such as dry skin on feet (as a soak), a toner for skin, and even for tummy troubles.
• Honey. Did you know honey can work as a cough suppressant? I have found that it is also very soothing for sore throats. Just swallow a tablespoon of it when the coughing attacks. You can take it as often as needed and kids won’t mind the taste, either.
• Coconut oil. Coconut oil has so many uses, I can’t even begin to list them here, but it can be used as an antimicrobial ointment for cuts and scrapes, as a diaper cream and even as a great after-shave or face moisturizer.
• Tea Tree Oil. This is also another miracle product that can be used for everything from nail fungus to head lice. It is also amazing for using as a decongestant when applied with a little coconut oil to your chest as you would Vick’s. I also use Tea Tree Oil in my sinus bombs.

What natural products do you keep in your medicine cabinet that you swear by?

* Please note that the information contained in this post and others is for education purposes only and not meant to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent and illness. I am not a medical professional, so please don’t take this information as medical advice but for it’s intended purpose, to educate. Please check with your Doctor before trying any of the remedies or soothers contained here.