Top 10 Natural Helps

You’re interested in taking steps towards wellness and wondering what are the best vitamins, herbs, and essential oils for you and your family? Walk into any natural foods shop and you’re bombarded by a plethora of choices. What’s a mama to do?

When I began studying herbs, I created a list of recommendations, according to Dr. Weil’s Guide to Optimum Health. While the list grew, as I became more confident in using natural remedies, these basic must-haves continue to be my base.

A small sampling of what’s in my own “medicine cabinet.”

1. Echinacea: may be helpful for shortening the duration of colds and simple infections. We keep Echinacea in our home in a tincture form and find it helpful during cold and allergy season. As soon as I hear a sniffle, he or she gets about a dropper full.
2. Chamomile may be used as a stomach soother, helpful with colic and for relaxation. I drank a cup in the evenings when I had morning sickness.
3. Peppermint is referred to as a stomach soother, possibly helpful for Upper GI distress and IBS. When I was pregnant with my third baby, I naturally wanted peppermint when I had morning sickness.
4. Garlic, preferably fresh. Garlic is considered helpful for blood pressure, cholesterol, and possibly even as a blood thinner. According to Dr. Weil, garlic is considered the only true nutritional anti-biotic.
5. Ginseng includes a warning that it can interfere with sleep. It’s believed to increase longevity and energy. Dr. Weil notes that it’s good for the elderly.
6. Ginkgo Dr Weil states that this increases blood circulation and mental stimulation, but only if the person’s lack of mental clarity is a result of poor circulation.
7. Ginger and Tumeric are both considered anti-inflammatories. Ginger is known as a stomach soother which helps motion sickness and nausea. Dr. Weil states that tumeric is a good partner with ginger and helps to support immunity. During my fifth pregnancy, I found candied ginger (NOT to be confused with ginger flavored candy) very useful.
8. Gentian is believed to stimulate the digestive system.
9. Tea Tree Oil is a staple in our home. In several sources, I’ve seen it listed as a disinfectant, anti-fungal, and an anti-bacterial.
10. Milk Thistle is popularly called a liver tonic. Dr. Weil said that it may help with Hepatitis viruses and strengthening and protecting the liver. It’s also a galactagogue and may help support lactation.

Do you have additional info for any of the items listed above? If so, please share in the comments below.