What is a medicine cabinet makeover and why would you want to do it? We are so programmed to take OTC medicine for EVERYTHING and we rarely stop to think before we do it. So let’s think about it.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medication uses synthetic ingredients and the intention is to stop the symptoms from occurring, not actually doing anything about what actually caused the issue in the first place. In addition, there are common side effects to using OTC meds such as gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, constipation and diarrhea, because most drugs go through the digestive system to be absorbed. Other common side effects include drowsiness, pain and skin reactions. And last, often times OTC medication creates resistance to the bacteria so that overtime “superbugs” develop and make it harder and harder to treat. You can read more about that here.
Are you convinced that it may be beneficial to consider more natural, less invasive strategies for what’s stocked in your medicine cabinet? If so, here’s my current go-to list and please post a common on anything you like to use as well!
For cold and flu:
- Elderberry syrup-this is super high in anthocyanins which can soothe the throat or you can use honey instead of cough syrup.
- Colloidal silver-this has a reputation as far back as the Bubonic Plague where it is rumored it kept the royalty alive because they were eating with real silver(ware). I actually love this for pink eye as well as in doesn’t sting at all.
- Homemade chicken soup with garlic & red pepper flakes-I love this recipe because it naturally thins mucus, the garlic boosts immunity and the red pepper is a decongestant.
- Blow dryer-by blow drying your nose for a few minutes on warm, the heat can kill viruses in your nasal cavity.
- Chest rub-this is a DIY blend of eucalyptus and peppermint in coconut oil (get the recipe here!).
Read my blog post on Natural Remedies for Fevers or Natural Remedies for a Runny Nose
Ear Infections:
- Mullein/Garlic oil-I’m a firm believer in this one because if we would have followed conventional medicine, Addison would have tubes in her ears by now! Instead she’s only had a few ear infections and has gotten over all of them easily with this oil.
- Other remedies-since the Mullein/Garlic oil has worked so well for me, I don’t have any others to personally suggest, but here are some other resources.
Upset Stomach:
- Ginger-I typically like to make a ginger tea with 1/2″ peeled ginger root boiled in water for 5 minutes or just chew on one piece of candied ginger.
- Peppermint-this is another option in a tea form, otherwise I put a couple of drops of peppermint essential oil in a glass of room temp water and drink that.
Now head on over to Part 2: Sleep, Anxiety & Allergies!
Like this post? Click here to see how you can get my 30 Day Meal Plan and four SuperFit Kitchen Cookbooks to skyrocket your results!
*The information on this site is designed for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor.
*In addition, there are affiliate links throughout this site and I may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you!