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Starting a Herbal Medicine Cabinet
Author: Susan Anderson


Many traditional medicines have their origins in herbal remedies. As studies continue to validate the 
benefits of herbal medicine, more and more people are choosing to augment or even substitute herbal 
remedies for traditional medicines when it comes to minor aches and pains.

Here is some of the items you should consider keeping in a well-stocked herbal medicine cabinet.


Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is applied topically for relieving sunburn, minor burns and other skin inflammations. It is obtained
from the fresh leaves of plants or is available as a commercially prepared gel or lotion. If commercially 
prepared, the percent of aloe vera should be relatively high in order to be effective.


Arinca
Derived from the flowers of the arnica plant, it is available as an oil, ointment or tincture. For topical use 
only, it should never be taken internally (it is toxic) or used over an open wound. Arnica provides relief for 
redness and minor pain associated with skin irritations, bruises, acne, and hemorrhoids.


Calendula
Calendula has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat skin irritations, diaper rash, 
eczema, and minor abrasions such as razor nicks. It is available in tinctures, oil, lotions, and creams. 
Lotions and creams should contain at least 10% calendula to be effective. It is for topical use only and is 
made from the flowers of the calendula plant.


Chamomile
When taken internally in the form of tea or a tincture, chamomile promotes relaxation and decreases 
stress. It is also an anti-spasmodic for the gastrointestinal system. When applied topically, it is an anti-
inflammatory for minor skin irritations.


Echinacea
Available in extract, tincture or capsules, Echinacea is made from the roots and leaves of the plant. Taken 
internally, it works by stimulating the immune system to prevent upper respiratory infections such as cold. 
Of note, is that fresh Echinacea extract or tincture, when applied to the tongue, will make it feel numb. It 
can also be used topically to treat eczema and psoriasis.


Eucalyptus
Derived from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, it is used topically to relieve chest congestion and coughs 
due to colds. Oils should contain 100% eucalyptus. It is also available in many over the counter products 
and is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.


Fennel
Fennel seeds are used to relieve gas and bloating in the gastrointestinal tract. The seeds can be chewed 
or crushed to make tea and it is also available as a tincture, extract, oil, or capsules.


Garlic
Garlic has anti-biotic and anti-viral properties and is used to treat colds and other infections. It is available 
in capsule form, tinctures or fresh. When using raw garlic cloves, garlic breath can be avoided by 
chopping the cloves into small pieces swallowing.


Ginger
The medicinal properties of ginger come from the rhizome (similar to a root) of the plant. Ginger alleviates 
nausea and motion sickness, and relieves chest congestion caused by colds. Use 100% pure ginger only 
in the form of fresh rhizome, crystallized, extract, ginger syrup, or capsules.


Lavender
Essential oil of lavender is distilled from the flowers of the plant and promotes emotional well being and 
relaxation primarily through the sense of smell.


Nettle
The leaves and roots of nettle reduce symptoms caused by allergies such as hay fever. Nettle when used 
topically, also has astringent properties and helps reduce swelling associated with minor sunburn and 
hemorrhoids.


St. John’s Wort
The medicinal properties of St. John’s Wort are found in the leaves and flowers. Available as standardized 
tinctures, extracts, capsules, powder and oils, it possess anti-inflammatory properties and relieves minor 
skin irritations, when applied topically. When taken internally, it helps to alleviate minor depression, for 
example, a case of the winter blahs.


Slippery Elm
Slippery elm in the form of lozenges, powder, capsules, and extracts, is made from the inner bark of the 
tree. It is used to alleviate coughs, and soothe a sore throat due to colds or bronchitis.


Tea Tree Oil

The leaves of the tea tree are distilled into oil and contain anti-fungal properties effective in getting rid of 
athlete’s foot or yeast infections. It also has anti-bacterial properties and can used to treat acne, and 
relieve irritation from insect bites or mild sunburn. Use 100% pure tea tree oil full strength or dilute with 
water. Do not use tea tree oil internally.


Valerian

The root of the valerian plant contains medicinal properties that promote relaxation and sleep, as well as 
alleviating anxiety and stomachache due to nervousness. It is available as a tincture, extract, or in 
capsules and should be standardized to 1% valerenic acid.


Witch Hazel

The leaves, twigs, and bark of witch hazel are distilled to produce an herbal medicinal water that is applied
topically to provide relief from insect stings, poison ivy, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids. It is also used 
cosmetically as an astringent and toner for the skin. It is available over the counter and is approved by the 
US Food and Drug Administration.
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