Creating An Alternative Medicine Chest

[Guest guest]

Good Morning!

 

Creating An Alternative Medicine Chest

 

1. The first step to building your natural medicine chest is to write down

exactly what you need on a regular basis and what you need on an occasional

basis. A multivitamin, calcium supplement (if you're a woman over 35), extra

folic acid (if you are hoping to get pregnant), valerian root, if you have

occasional trouble sleeping, white willow bark if you need something for

headaches on occasion arnica for those times when you need a natural pain

reliever. This is how you stock your natural medicine chest.

 

2. Write down your needs based on conditions or symptoms, what has worked for

you, what you need to look into or ask your doctor about, and anything else you

can think of. Remember you can include tinctures, capsules, pills both herbal

and homeopathic.

 

3. You can also base your decisions on the seasonal calendar. Herbs for seasonal

healing are an important element in deciding just what is necessary at the time.

Each season has it's own particular beneficial herbs for healing particular

conditions during that time period. Remember, this is also geared towards the

region of the world you live in. For a reference of current seasonal herbs to

use, see this page.

 

4. If you're trying to " go herbal " with your medicine, chest, discuss any

conditions you have with your acupuncturist, naturopath or holistic

practitioner. Be advised that asking your allopathic doctor probably does not

have the knowledge about herbs that a holistic practitioner has. Some physicians

dislike the idea of herbal remedies, primarily because of patients who use them

without the proper information or precautions. A healer of any kind, be them

holistic or allopathic should be searching for the power in the greater good.

Many doctors now try to include those options for their patients. And if a

doctor who is open to natural remedies advises against it, trust that judgment.

Work with the practitioner on contraindications for the herb when you are

considering taking them with allopathic medicine. There could very well be side

effects. So when you've decided what your needs are, see your doctor, then

decide which remedies you will need to take on a daily basis for an extended

period of time.

 

5. Doses are always a question and what herbal remedies are good for which

conditions, but another step in the natural health process is to decide exactly

how much of each item you need. Check our Western Materia Medica (below) for the

safe and trustworthy information you need.

 

 

Herbs for Seasonal Healing

 

Herbal medicine is the best alternative therapy when it comes to finding a

substitute for allopathic drugs. The benefits are tremendous. Side effects are

minimal.

 

Caution should be used when taking herbal medicine with allopathic drugs.

 

Certain herbs can be very beneficial during particular seasons based on their

mechanism of action and their healing properties. As the seasons change, it is a

great idea to create a seasonal medicine chest with herbs that you can really

utilize during that period. You will find that herbs in many forms can be both

practical and versatile. Below are considerations for each season.

 

Spring is the season of new beginnings and rebirth. Using herbs to tonify and

detox the liver and gallbladder are recommended. Consider making a Spring Herbal

Medicine Chest with milk thistle, dandelion and nettle. You can benefit by

having Spring Essential Oils such as jasmine, neroli and patchouli.

 

Summer is the high season of greatest Yang and activity is complemented by the

hot fun-filled days at the beach and warm, delightful nights enjoyed outdoors.

We tend to overdue in summer..too much sun, physical activities and food. Using

herbs to tonify the heart, intestines and stomach are recommended. Consider

making a Summer Herbal Medicine Chest with basil, elderflower and chamomile. You

can benefit by having Summer Essential Oils such as tea tree, lavender and

eucalyptus.

 

Fall is the time of gathering and harvesting in preparation for the next season.

Using herbs to tonify the lungs and large intestines is recommended. With the

changing of light and the dropping of temperatures, consider making a Fall

Herbal Medicine Chest with astragalus, calendula and ginseng. You can benefit by

having Fall Essential Oils such as bergamont, cedarwood and clove.

 

Winter is the time for rest and replenishing. It is the season of greatest Yin

and should be observed with peaceful tranquility. Using herbs to tonify the

kidneys and urinary bladder is recommended. Consider making a Winter Herbal

Medicine Chest with sage, mullein and garlic. You can benefit by having Winter

Essential Oils such as cinnamon, ginger and peppermint.

 

 

 

Top 10 Homeopathic Remedies For Your Medicine Chest

 

Your Homeopathic First Aid Kit is very useful to have around the house, in the

car or on vacation. Make sure your kit is readily available when you need it!

This kit contains the top ten homeopathic remedies that would normally be enough

to treat most first aid situations including:

 

Arnica suave all pain, bruises, sprains, strains, headaches, jet lag, sunburn

 

Arnica all pain issues, bruising, sprains, strains, headaches (taken internally)

 

Apis Mel bites, stings, fluid retention, swelling of legs and feet during travel

 

Argentum gastroenteritis, sore throat, hurriedness, stress

 

Cocculus sleep pattern disturbances, tetanus, seasickness

 

Gelsemium sore throats, cough, colds, influenza with shivering

 

Ignatia Amara irritability, hypersensitivity, hysteria, nervousness

 

Mezereum burning pain, bone pain, sensitivity to cold, headaches

 

Nux Vomica food poisoning, travel sickness, upset stomach, jet lag, hangovers,

indigestion

 

Rhus Tox muscular aches, pain, stiffness, overexertion

 

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS L.Ac

http://www.peacefulmind.com/herbology.htm

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit