This time of year, I’m all about reorganizing, taking stock, and prepping the supplies we need for the year ahead. Right now, I’m really charged up with that nesting energy, so I’m ordering everything I need for my natural remedies and even getting a head start by making some remedies and beauty products before the baby arrives.
Someone recently asked me what I always keep on hand for natural remedies and DIY projects. Since I’ve just reorganized and restocked my cabinet, I thought I’d share my list.
I’ve broken down the list into categories: bulk ingredients and supplies, herbs and spices, and a few other essentials, and I’ve linked to where I get my items:
These are my go-to ingredients for natural remedies and DIY projects, which I buy in bulk to save money over time. I’ve listed two sources for each ingredient, so you can pick the best deal for you. If you have Amazon Prime Pantry, you might find some good deals there too.
I’ve accumulated these ingredients over time, so don’t think you need to buy them all at once. Having them on hand helps me save money while using natural products.
Mountain Rose Herbs offers up to 25% discounts on bulk orders of herbs and spices, so I typically order in bulk once a year to take advantage of these savings. Even after factoring in shipping, it’s often cheaper than other options. You can also find many of these bulk herbs on Amazon. I’ve bought organic herbs from Frontier and Starwest Botanicals before.
This is also when I make many of my natural remedies in bulk and restock anything I’ve run out of over the past year. Most of the infused oils, salves, and lotions I make are oil-based, so they last for years if kept in a cool, dry place, meaning I don’t need to remake all of them every year. Doing everything at once also saves money on bulk ingredients and cuts down on cleanup since I can often use the same pans and containers.
Here’s what I’m making this week with the ingredients I’ve ordered:
I also prepare most tinctures in bulk, so they’re ready when needed. Properly made tinctures last for years, so I usually have some leftovers, but I still make new batches since good tinctures can take weeks or months to prepare. There are some tinctures, liniments, and infused vinegars I’m making this week, and you can make any of these tinctures alcohol-free with the right steps.
Note: You can make a tincture from any herb, but be sure to consult a qualified professional or herbalist before using any herb as a remedy.
In just a few hours, I can whip up our lotions, lip balms, soaps, and beauty products for the year with minimal mess, saving money over the long run.
I typically make big batches of laundry detergent during my bulk-prep days too, ensuring we have enough for a few months at a time.
When you bring everything home, here’s how to store and organize your natural remedies.
Do you have a natural remedies shopping list to prepare your DIY health items ahead of time?
