The Holistic Medicine Cabinet - Brief Article

Vegetarian Times, Nov, 1999 by Norine Dworkin

Stock your home pharmacy with nature's healers

There's no shortage of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to treat a stuffy nose, premenstrual syndrome or insomnia. But most conventional medications merely mask symptoms and may inhibit the body's natural ability to heal itself. Herbs and vitamins, on the other hand, tend to be gentler on the body and often support the body's own recovery process.

If you'd like to swap your OTC treatments for holistic remedies, there are a few basic guidelines. Essential oils and creams should never be taken internally. Follow label instructions for dosage information (herbal formulas, in particular, vary in quality and potency from one manufacturer to the next). If your condition doesn't improve after a few days, consult your doctor. Note: If you're pregnant, nursing or on prescription medicine, never take any medicine (natural or synthetic) or apply creams or essential oils without consulting your health care professional first.

The following creams, tinctures, capsules and oils address the minor conditions that you would normally treat yourself.

ALOE VERA GEL (ALOE VERA)

Soothes cuts, scrapes and minor burns, including sunburn. Apply topically to wound site. Look for preparations that contain at least 98 percent aloe vera.

ARNICA CREAM (ARNICA MONTANA)

Offers pain relief, heals bruises and reduces inflammation, easing muscle aches, strains and sprains. Rub into injured area as needed. Look for preparations that contain at least 15 percent arnica tincture.

BACH FLOWER REMEDIES' RESCUE REMEDY

Quells anxiety and nervousness. Place 4 drops in drinking water as needed throughout the day.

BLACK COHOSH TINCTURE (CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA)

Relieves abdomen, lower back and leg cramps associated with premenstrual syndrome.

CAYENNE POWDER (CAPSICUM FRUTESCENS)

Stops pain immediately and bleeding from minor cuts and scrapes. Sprinkle wound with cayenne powder (it will probably sting) and apply pressure until bleeding stops. Then wash it out, disinfect the wound and bandage it. Kitchen variety is OK; also available in cream preparations.

CRYSTALLIZED GINGER CUBES (ZINGIBER OFFICINALIS)

Contains antispasmodic components to relieve nausea. Anti-inflammatory components may bring relief for migraine headaches.

ECHINACEA TINCTURE (ECHINACEA ANGUSTIFOLIA; E. PURPUREA)

Fights upper respiratory, urogenital, fungal and parasitic infections.

EYEBRIGHT (EUPHRASIA OFFICINALIS)

Clears eye infections and soothes red, tired eyes from allergies or pollution. Make an infusion with capsule contents or loose herb and apply as a compress. If you can't find eyebright, substitute chamomile tea bags. Fennel also works well (see below for making an infusion).

FENNEL SEEDS (FOENICULUM VULGARE)

Alleviates gas and stomach upset. Chew several seeds. Make a tea by steeping a teaspoon of seeds in boiling water for about 10 minutes; strain and drink.

GOLDENSEAL TINCTURE (HYDRASTIS CANADENSIS)

Eliminates traveler's diarrhea caused 'by exposure to unfamiliar bacteria in food and water. Also works well with echinacea to fight colds or flu.

LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL (LAVANDULA OFFICINALIS)

Disinfects cuts and scrapes, works as an analgesic to relieve pain. Relaxes muscles and restless or anxious mind. Apply topically. Rub on temples to relieve headache.

MELATONIN CAPSULES

Helps adjust the body's internal clock to beat jet lag and insomnia.

NUX VOMICA CAPSULES (POISON NUT)

Calms headaches, stomachaches and even hangovers.

PEPPERMINT/WATER SOLUTION (MENTHA PIPERITA)

Provides an energy boost when used as a face mist. Fill a 4-oz. spray bottle with water and 4 drops of peppermint essential oil. Close eyes and lightly spray.

ST. JOHN'S WORT SALVE (HYPERICUM PEFORATUM)

Relieves the discomfort of hemorrhoids. Apply topically.

SLIPPERY ELM LOZENGES (ULMUS RUBRA)

Soothes sore throats and suppresses coughs.

TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL (MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA)

Disinfects cuts and scrapes, dries acne and eliminates nail fungus and athlete's foot Apply to wounds, acne, nails and feet straight from the bottle. If tea tree oil is too drying, make a topical solution with 4 parts tea tree to 6 parts water.

VALERIAN TINCTURE (VALERIANA OFFICINALIS)

Works as a tranquilizer to relieve insomnia and anxiety.

VITAMIN C

Stimulates immune system to fight infections ranging from the common cold to urinary tract infections. Available in capsules, tablets and powders. Don't exceed 3,000 milligrams per day.

ZINC LOZENGES (GLUCONATE OR ACETATE FORMS)

Reduces duration of cold or flu. Take with food to avoid nausea.

Resources

Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art, by Kathi Keville and Mindy Green (The Crossing Press, 1995). Explains how to enhance health and well-being with essential oils.

Bach Flower Therapy, by Gotz Blome, M.D. (Healing Arts Press, 1999). Promotes the use of floral essences for treating ailments.

The Consumer's Guide to Homeopathy, Dana Ullman, M.P.H. (Putnam, 1995). Offers well-organized explanations of appropriate remedies for various medical conditions.