The Healthy, Holistic Medicine Chest
Years ago, before my personal “enlightenment”, my medicine chest (a skinny kitchen cabinet), was filled with all kinds of over- the-counter pharmaceuticals. If you know my story about my health and transformation, those were rough years, sadly, and grasping for over the counter fixes was about all I had the energy for.
Many years later, my medicine chest looks very different. Gone are the bright false marketing claims on cardboard boxes, and instead you’d most likely find the following, go-to holistic remedies.
Take a peek inside, you know you want to.
Some of My Favorite Holistic Remedies *
Elderberry: comes in a syrup, lozenge, or capsule, for immune support. I use this as a preventive if I am feeling run down, or at the first sign of a cold or virus. This is wonderful and tasty for kids too.
Astragalus: capsules, an herb for immunity, especially for an oncoming cold.
Oscillococcinum: for kids and adults. Homeopathic remedy for the flu, and works if taken at the first sign of symptoms.
Probiotics: an ongoing treatment for the immune system, taken for 3 months minimum prior to and during the cold and flu season or following the use of antibiotics.
Vita D3 drops: for Immune Support, especially during the Winter months, this helps keep your immunity strong without having the help of summer sunshine.
Acacia fiber: for constipation and to help with regularity.
Camu Camu Powder: for extra Vita C and fighting off colds and flu. I add this to a smoothie, or to an organic juice for kids.
Aloe capsules: for regularity
Aloe Juice: for overall digestive health, soothing and healing.
Neti Pot or Saline spray: for clearing nasal passages and general sinus health, this is a wonderful way to deal with seasonal allergies, dry and heated environments, and chronic sinus issues.
Natural Calm by Peter Gillham: a magnesium powder that can heal headaches, including migraines, and relaxes you before sleep. I love a cup of Calm each night before bedtime.
Essential Oils: I keep a “doctor” kit of essential oils and use them regularly, ex: peppermint for head/neck tension, oregano for germs/to purify, lavender for calming and sleep issues.
*the remedies mentioned in this article are not meant to replace advice or prescriptions from your Medical Doctor. For amounts and usage, see your personal Nutrition Coach or Doctor.
Joan / 10.18.2012
Peppermint oil is also great for stomach aches.
Holli / 10.18.2012
Hi Joan,
Agree! Peppermint is wonderful for stomach aches. Thanks for sharing.
Holli
Kitty / 10.18.2012
Thanks for sharing your top holistic preventatives for fall, and for gearing up for the school and office germ pools we all encounter when we spend more time indoors during winter.
In the Chinese culture of old–some 4 to 5,000 years ago–physicians’ number one value to their patients was to sustain good health by preventing illness. The addition of an Institute of Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) signals that over the last 20 years, Western medical practice proves the strides we’ve made in understanding “what’s old is new!”
Today, we hear Dr. Andrew Weil, Dr. Mahmet OZ, and others championing an informed awareness of healing herbs, less sugar and refined grains, multiple servings of fresh fruit and vegetables per day, as well as support for the benefits of exercise, massage, and accupuncture in their conversations with patients.
When my internist diagnosed me with depleted adrenal glands, or “adrenal fatigue,” a condition many doctors do not acknowledge, he prescribed a combination of medication, non-prescription natural supports, as well as behavioral changes such as meditation and exercise. That was a year ago. Having followed his advice, I feel better, have dropped dropped 15 pounds–without a diet–through portion control, more exercise, and better choices. Thank you for your help in promoting better health issues!
Holli / 10.18.2012
Kitty,
I appreciate you sharing that with us, and I’m so happy to hear about your success. It’s almost never as simple as one pill.
We need to look at our lifestyle, the foods we eat, how we’re supporting our immunity, controlling stress, increasing movement, and eating foods that nourish us well, for our own nutritional style. It’s a process, and it takes time.
Keep on going, Kitty!
Much love,
Holli
Lorri Weisen / 10.19.2012
Great advice Holli!
I use several of the same immune support ideas you mentioned and haven’t been sick in several years. If I notice I am feeling a little run down and on the verge of catching something I double up on my Probiotics and take 3 drops of Oreganol in a full glass of water 3 X’s a day for several days. The help of an essential oil blend such as Theives is great to rub on my neck and breath in deeply too!
This routine has kept me well throughout the long Minnesota winters:)
Thanks for keeping us informed and healthy!!
XXOO
Lorri
Greenbody Greenplanet Company
Holli / 10.19.2012
Lorri,
Thank you for sharing that! I’m a big believer in oregano oil myself, it kept my family healthy on a trip through India, when everyone was down.
XOX to you too, and keep in touch!
Love,
Holli
Sandra / 10.20.2012
Dear Holli,
Thanks for the great tips, I take vitamin D and C,
and faithfully use the neti pot-(my daughter is an oto, and she got me the kit to get started)it is great for people prone to sinus headaches or congestion. Keep up your good work-
Best regards,
Sandra
Holli / 10.20.2012
Thanks, Sandra! The neti pot is really a game changer if you have sinus issues. 🙂 I’m really glad you’ve discovered it too.
Much love,
Holli xx
Alicyn Basse / 9.16.2013
This morning I ate Today's my juicing day so first things this morning I had 8oz room temp water & lemon and cantaloupe.
Hi Holli,
I really enjoyed reading this post! I’m a big believer in holistic remedies and proper diet and nutrition as the best medicine for our bodies.
I saw your recommendation for Natural Calm as a relaxer prior to sleep and I was wondering if you ever recommend that your patients try supplements to help with stress and anxiety.
With so many competing demands, adults and children are experiencing increased levels of stress, anxiety, and mood disorders. I recently stumbled upon an all-natural mood stabilizing micronutrient that has been transformational for my husband who has suffered from generalized anxiety disorder for most of his life. I have also experienced significant benefits – as someone who is a bit reactionary and easy to frustrate when stressed. The supplement contains vitamins, minerals and amino acids essential for mood stability.
I’d like the opportunity to share our experience with you – and the experiences of so many who have benefited – in the hope that it could help your clients and/or readership. Please drop me an email if you’re interested in connecting. I also have clinical abstracts, testimonials that I’d be happy to share.
Sincerely,
Alicyn
Holli / 9.16.2013
Hi Alicyn,
I’d always love to hear more. You can email us at admin@hollithompson.com and we’ll take a look at it, ok?
Thanks so much for sharing.
Holli