I recently completed a 21 day health reset sponsored by the Marion Institute of Massachusetts. Each day provided valuable information on maintaining or improving health. As you might imagine, topics covered included nourishment, movement, sleep, meditation, supplements, hydrotherapy and sauna. On the last day a list of recommended medicinals was included, which I’d like to share with you.
From MARION INSTITUTE: Here are just a few of the remedies and natural medicines that may even replace your over-the-counter pharmaceutical versions!
Arnica montana (homeopathic remedy): For bruises and muscle aches.
Peppermint oil (essential oil remedy): A headache reliever.
Calendula (herbal remedy): A natural first-aid cream for wounds and burns.
Echinacea Flower (herbal remedy): To combat colds and infections.
Elderberry Syrup (herbal remedy): To stave off colds.
Baking Soda (natural remedy): To manage acid reflux and heartburn.
Bach Rescue Remedy (floral essence remedy): Use as a stress reducer.
As you look at this list, know always that prevention is the best approach. Thank of any medication, herbal or pharmaceutical, as a last resort. For instance, you want to prevent bruises and muscles aches, but when they are unavoidable, arnica is a gentle remedy.
The peppermint may help soothe a headache, something I’m prone to, but I’d rather prevent a headache by avoiding trigger foods and treating trigger points with acupressure massage.
Calendula is a gentle cream for wounds and burns. Aloe is also known to be very effective. I keep a plant on my kitchen counter.
Echinachea is great for warding off a cold if you take it when you know you’ve been exposed, or at the first sign of a sore throat or stuffy nose.
Elderberry syrup can also prevent colds, and is effective in treating them without side effects,
Baking soda has so many uses, one of them being a treatment for heartburn, But it’s always best to identify foods that cause heartburn and stay away from them. Also, no lying down after eating.
Bach Rescue Remedy is inhaled and works as a good stress buster. So does regular self care.
Additional Remedies
You might also stock your spice rack with some medicinals. Here are a few that I like and use regularly: :
Cinnamon 1 tsp 2 times daily helps lower blood sugar; improves insulin resistance
Turmeric affects an excellent seasoning or supplement for reducing joint pan
Ginger settles stomach, may be consumed as tea, fresh, or added to food
Sometimes taking a pharmaceutical is unavoidable, but they should never be a replacement for a healthy lifestyle. There are many side effects with medications and they should be viewed as a last resort. Popping an advil or tylenol most days as part of your lifestyle will cause more problems than it solves. Side effects of acetaminophen may include nausea, vomiting, constipation, itching, and stomach discomfort. Other possible side effects include skin rash and liver damage. Ibuprofen can also cause gastrointestinal side effects, including constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, nausea, heartburn, and indigestion. This hardly seems like a remedy.