I’ve shared details about my natural remedies cabinet before, but I often get asked which ones I favor most and which are worth the investment when money is tight. Fortunately, many effective remedies are pieces you likely already have in your kitchen!
If I had to pick my top natural remedies while being stranded on a deserted island, the choice would be straightforward—these are the remedies my family uses regularly.
Always consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns, especially when using home remedies during pregnancy, while nursing, or with children.
Although it’s technically a supplement, my top home remedy would be magnesium. Good sleep is crucial for my well-being, and magnesium promotes relaxation and sleep, making it invaluable for us. Many people lack this important mineral, which is vital for over 300 bodily processes and essential for survival.
My family and I take magnesium supplements daily, and we also incorporate it into our homemade recipes since it can be absorbed through the skin. We use a homemade magnesium oil spray on my children’s feet each night for better sleep and utilize a magnesium body butter for skincare needs. Additionally, magnesium citrate is great for managing constipation, and adequate magnesium intake helps relieve back and joint pain, addresses high blood pressure, and even helped me avoid morning sickness.
Magnesium helped with my morning sickness, but other remedies work well against nausea too. For instance, peppermint or ginger tea aids digestion and soothes an upset stomach. Mixing peppermint essential oil with a carrier oil, then applying it to specific areas, can alleviate motion sickness or general nausea. Peppermint essential oil is versatile, useful for treating headaches, migraines, or as a summer refreshment spray. Always dilute it before use on the skin to prevent irritation.
Premium peppermint products can be easily found online. While peppermint oil may lower fevers, remember that fevers often signify the body fighting an infection. Instead of rushing to lower it, understanding the circumstances, especially in children, is critical—although a high fever in certain individuals could indicate severe illness.
For ear infections, a common childhood ailment where antibiotics might not help, our family trusts hydrogen peroxide as a home remedy to clear up the issue naturally.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is another miracle item that serves multiple purposes, from household chores to health benefits. Ensure you use raw, unfiltered ACV with “the mother” when consumed for health purposes. Few uses include alleviating indigestion with a teaspoon of ACV in water, soothing skin conditions, or forming the base of an herbal hair rinse.
Insect bites and stings are inevitable in summer, and while ACV helps, baking soda paste, lavender oil, and fresh plantain leaves are also excellent remedies. Activated charcoal is our go-to for many ailments, thanks to its binding properties, serving as a toxin filter and helpful item in emergencies.
For cuts and wounds, cayenne pepper powder helps with clotting, and yarrow is both antiseptic and antimicrobial. For general wellness, elderberry syrup is my lifetime standby, boosting the immune system and warding off colds and flu. Homemade elderberry syrup, gummies, and other treats make it an effective, child-friendly option.
Congestion from colds and flu can be troubling, particularly for infants, so we rely on vitamin C and other natural practices. Chamomile is favored for relaxation and mild pain relief with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties making it a versatile household herb.
With so many natural remedies available, you don’t need all at once to get started. Over time, as you try new solutions, you’ll build a well-rounded selection for your family’s health needs.
Note: This article was reviewed by Dr. Madiha Saeed, a certified family physician. Always consult your doctor for personal medical advice.
