Updating Your Herbal Medicine Cupboard

I update my herbs every year, adding new fresh or dried herbs to my collection. Some tinctures will last indefinitely, while others need to be replenished occasionally. I always have 'something' on hand for everything from bites, to sore muscles, to boosting your immune system, or some kind of infection.

This list of herbal preparations can easily be made in your kitchen. Improvise on combinations of ingredients as available. Most health food stores or food co-ops have essential oils and bulk herbs.

This year my main focus in Master Herbalism studies has been using herbs with pets. Use common sense and adjust dosages depending on size. Obviously, do not use oils or salve on cats (they'll lick it off everytime). Some dogs will as well. However, I have used natural worming remedies for my horses, as well as herb supplementation with my dog with great success.

I've listed my favorite websites for herbs and oils at the end of this article.

Healing Salve

For burns, scrapes, dry chapped skin, sunburn, windburn

(Almond Oil, Grape seed Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Vitamin E, Hemp Seed Oil, Aloe Vera Oil, essential oil of Lavender, Beeswax)

Penetrating Salve

Analgesic for bruises, joint & muscle aches & pains

(Almond Oil, Castor Oil, Vitamin E, Arnica oil,

St. Johnswort oil, Essential oil of Cayenne, Helichrysum, Wintergreen, Ginger, Birch, Calendula, Beeswax)

Breathe EZ Salve

Sinus & Congestion, Chest Rub

(Almond Oil, Castor Oil, Eucalyptus, Wintergreen,

Peppermint, Lemongrass, Cypress, Rosemary, Lavender, Beeswax)

Basic Salve recipe:

In a saucepan add (1/2 to 2/3 full of water), large glass measuring cup, plastic stirring utensils, eye droppers, beeswax, carrier oils, other additives,(i.e. Vitamin E oil), essential oils, containers. You can adjust this recipe to fill as many containers as you want. I use 1 oz tins, but have used plastic or glass jars as well.

1 oz (by wgt) Beeswax (or just a little more)

8 oz (liquid measure) oil or oil infusion

10-20 drops (or more) essential oils

A few drops of Vitamin E oil or Grapefruit seed oil (preservative)

Place measuring cup with carrier oils into saucepan of water. Heat water on low, add grated beeswax, stir until melted, add essential oils, pour into clean, dry containers, cool, label.

For Earaches, infection, or pain

¼ Cup Sweet Almond Oil

10 drops Garlic oil

10 drops Mullein flower oil

Mix in a measuring cup and pour into ½ oz dropper bottle. This goes a long way and if you need more, it’s easy to make another batch. You can make your own oil infusions with the mullein flowers in summer. Garlic can be infused in oil easily any time of year.

Most health food stores and many websites sell this blend already made if you prefer. See list below.

Blue Green Algae (Aphanizomenon flos aqua) is on the top of my list as a whole food, immune system booster. It adds micronutrients, has 63% protein, all of the B vitamins, many other vitamins, minerals, plant enzymes and chlorophyll. These are in a whole food source as nature intended. The best AFA grows in Klamath Lake, Oregon. Klamath Lake is fed by several aquifers high up in the mountains near Crater Lake. For thousands of years, volcanic soil has been washing into the lake, creating 30 to 40 foot deep sediment, rich in minerals. The AFA feeds on the minerals, and rises to the top for sunlight. This process continues over and over; you can clearly see that the algae is a 'live' plant.

It is wild crafted in its original form and is freeze dried (to retain enzymes) before packaging.

Probiotics: Lactobacillus Acidophilus is an important ‘friendly bacteria’ that lives in our small intestines. Friendly bacteria enhances absorption of nutrients, producing vitamins, supporting immunity, promotes healthy peristalsis and elimination, and maintains a proper acid/alkaline (pH) intestinal balance. Our intestinal flora can become out of balance because of antibiotics, alcohol, coffee, yeast overgrowth (Candida), and chlorinated water. Acidophilus is a natural antibiotic.

Digestive Enzymes: amylase, cellulase, lipase, protease, and lactase are needed to digest our basic food groups. Enzymes are ‘catalysts’.

Vitamin C Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and immune system booster. It is beneficial when you suspect you have a virus (cold/flu) and is also used as a preventative therapy. I use Emergen C powder as it dissolves immediately and gets into your system quickly.

Aloe Vera Keep an Aloe Vera plant in you kitchen for burns and abrasions. The fresh juice of the leaf blades can be applied directly to ulcers, burns, sunburn, and fungal infection. My dog had problems with a yeast infection inside his ears so I mixed Tea Tree essential oil with aloe vera juice and cleaned them out daily. The yeast subsided in just a day or two.

Food grade aloe vera juice is one of the safest laxatives and bowel cleanser. It is a detoxifier and healer for arthritis, allergies, digestive disorders, liver and kidney disease, overweight or underweight, yeast infections, gum disease, any infectious diseases, skin problems both internally and externally.

Astragalus: It increases the number of stem cells in bone marrow, and encourages their maturity into active white blood cells. Astragalus as a whole herb eases chronic respiratory infections. Astragalus is best used for prevention.

Echinacea root stimulates white blood cells, increasing their ability to attack foreign invaders such as cold or flu viruses. It stimulates the immune system to deal effectively with viruses and accelerates healing. Goldenseal is commonly combined with Echinacea in tinctures for immunity.

Bee Pollen, Royal Jelly

The antioxidants in bee pollen are compounds chemists call flavonoids. A key fact about bee pollen is that it is a source of complete nutrition. Bee pollen is richer in protein than any meats. Gram for gram, bee pollen supplements contain more amino acids than fish, beef, or eggs. Bee pollen contains Myricetin, which helps white blood cells soak up the "bad" LDL cholesterol out of the bloodstream. It also contains Quercetin, a natural antihistamine". Bee pollen can be beneficial for your allergies. If you have severe allergies to ANY pollen, avoid bee pollen.

Honey: Honey is an Ayurvedic Anupana to help enhance herbs, acts as catalyst, is a natural antibiotic, & also to sweeten. In Ayurvedic medicine it reduces Kapha.

6 Garlic Cloves crushed and chopped

½ Cup grated Ginger Root

½ Cup Onion chopped

¼ Cup Horseradish grated

¼ Cup Cayenne or Chili peppers chopped

One quart jar filled two inches from top with apple cider vinegar. Cover, label and date, place in cupboard for 2 weeks, then strain herbs. This is pretty concentrated, dilute with water to taste. This is a natural antibiotic, take to boost immune system or for colds and flu.

This is actually quite tasty and I've been known to cook with it!

Olive Leaf (Olea europea) has strong antibacterial and antifungal activity. A liquid extract made directly from fresh olive leaves gained international attention when it was shown to have the antioxidant capacity almost double of green tea extract and 400% higher than Vitamin C! Olive leaf has been shown to scavenge free radicals, boost the immune system and energy, detoxify, fight infections, help chronic fatigue, CFS, viruses, shingles, herpes, cholesterol, and more. It is safely used for H1N1 and other new strains of Swine Flu. Olive Leaf does not create a Cytokine Storm (over-stimulation of immune system).

Sage Leaf (Antiseptic) A gargle made of strong sage tea is beneficial for sore throat, inflammations of the mouth and mucous membranes and gingivitis. Sage can also be combined with rosemary and plantain for a sore throat gargle). As a tea it has confirmed antibacterial, antifungal and astringent activities.

For medicinal purposes sage should be used as needed in small amounts, rather than taken over a long period of time.

Wild Cherry Bark The healing activity of wild cherry bark is an analgesic, antiarrhythmic, antibacterial, anticonstrictive (in the bronchial tubes), antihepatotoxic, anti-inflammatory, fungicide, lowering blood pressure, lowering blood sugars, relaxing the muscles. The bark is also about 1/2% hydrogen cyanide, just enough to stop coughing and to relax the bronchial tubes, but not to cause any other side effects. (Not recommended for small children, or if pregnant or nursing, or severe kidney or liver disease. Not for long term use)

Slippery Elm: Healing and Soothing for sore throats. Available as lozenges, sometimes with Zinc.

Elderberry : Elder berries are known to be effective against eight strains of influenza. When using berries it must be from the nigra species as others are known to be poisonous. Elderberries can be made into syrup or tincture.This is one of the best flu remedies I have found!

Skullcap has temperature regulatory effects. As far back 1935, scientists have confirmed that skullcap can lower fevers.

Astragalus: It increases the number of stem cells in bone marrow, and encourages their maturity into active white blood cells. Astragalus as a whole herb eases chronic respiratory infections. Astragalus is best used for prevention.

Goldenseal root is considered to be an effective broad spectrum antibiotic.

Garlic: is antibacterial, antifungal, and cholesterol-lowering. Juice with carrots raw, chew slices for sore throat, and/or cook with it.

Ginseng Root: Ginseng has been used to reduce fatigue, increase memory and even fighting off colds, flu and other infections

A typical tincture is prepared by infusing 1 part herbs, berries, or bark to 2 parts alcohol, (I use Brandy, but sometimes apple cider vinegar), in a jar for ten to fourteen days. Shake this mixture lightly a few times to keep the herbs saturated. The resulting mixture is strained, poured into a sealed jar, and stored in a dark place. Be sure to label and date each mixture.

For more information on making Tinctures, see my article on Creating Your Own Herbal Tinctures.

Clove Bud oil: Clove is the active ingredient in many over the counter toothache remedies because it has both anesthetic and antiseptic properties. (this is strong so be careful not to get into your eyes) Clove oil and clove preparations are generally considered safe in the United States, though people who are allergic to balsam may also be allergic to cloves. Use externally on gums or teeth.

Peppermint essential oil used as antiseptic mouth wash. The oil is used as flavoring in toothpaste, dental creams, mouthwash, cough candies, chewing gum, and baked goods. Essential oil of peppermint can be applied to the skin or mouth to relieve pain. Mix a few drops in some water and rinse.

White Willow bark is a proven painkiller appropriate for colds, fevers, minor infections, headache, arthritis, and pain caused by inflammation. White Willow Bark is the original aspirin. White Willow bark was converted to aspirin in 1828 when a German chemist isolated the active ingredient and named it salicin. In 1899, the Bayer company began manufacturing and selling a modified form of the willow bark chemical acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin.

Valerian Root

Valerian root is a calmative and tranquilizer. It has been used since the time of Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.E.) for treating headaches.

Skullcap treats the symptoms of emotional excess "rising" in the body to cause blushing, flushing, irritability, or headache. Skullcap contains compounds that inhibit the release of enzymes by mast cells, effectively acting as an antihistamine. Temperature regulatory effects. As far back 1935, scientists have confirmed that skullcap can lower fevers.

Lavender essential oil: The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia lists lavender as a treatment for flatulence, colic, and depressive headaches, and many modern herbal practitioners use the herb to treat migraines in PMS and menopause. (rub oil on temples)

Lobelia: Lobelia is an emetic, and one of the fastest knowing antispasmodics known. It can be given to help relax bronchial spasms during an asthma attack. It also helps take the cravings away during smoking cessation. Excessive use will cause nausea and vomiting. Not recommended for use by pregnant women.

Valerian has greatest effect in treating chronic insomnia, rather than short-term sleeplessness.

 Women’s Tea/Menopausal:

(Horsetail, Oat straw, Red Clover) Tea or Tincture

Horsetail: The primary use of the herb is as a diuretic. Gently stimulating increased urinary flow, horsetail helps "flush" infectious bacteria out of the bladder without altering the body's balance of electrolytes.

Oatstraw: is used as a nervous system restorative and to strengthen a weakened constitution.

Red Clover: For reproductive functions and menopause. Scientists have isolated isoflavones from red clover plants that are similar in shape and action to estrogen. Among its common uses are to relieve the symptoms of PMS in premenopausal women, and in place of hormone replacement therapy.

Studies have suggested that Red Clover isoflavones are more effective in reducing hot flashes than pharmaceutical preparations, and can delay bone loss associated with osteoporosis. Red clover should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women.  

Valerian Root is a calmative and tranquilizer. Do not use if pregnant or nursing.

 Kava Kava is a mild sedative with relaxant properties and has been administered for nervousness, tension, cramping, and stress. Do not use if pregnant or nursing.

 Rescue Remedy Flower Essence (trauma, emotional & physical)

Flower essences work on the Vibrational level. Contains Impatiens, Star of Bethlehem, Cherry Plum, Rock Rose & Clematis.

I keep this remedy on hand for panic attacks, anxiety, trauma, accidents, fear, and stress. This definitely is part of my medicine cupboard!

For Skin infections, scratches, poison ivy/oak, and bee stings

Pascalite Clay: Pascalite is a rare, calcium-based clay, which has natural antibiotic as well as analgesic qualities. Pascalite is’live’ clay which is solar-dried, retaining the enzymes in it. Most other clays are heat-processed.

Blue green algae (AFA): I have used this as a poultice many times with great success. Use the powder form and mix with water to form a paste. Apply to burns, scratches, poison ivy/oak, bee stings, or skin infections.

Slippery Elm: Native Americans used soaked slippery elm bark as a natural bandage, allowing it to dry over wounds.

I use the powdered slippery elm, mix a little algae and/or clay, add a little water to make a paste, and apply. If you don’t want the mess, wrap a gauze bandage lightly around it and leave on for a few hours.

Here's a list of some extra things you might want to get together:

Adhesive tape, elastic wraps for sprains, bandaids, gauze, sterile pads, feminine napkins (these work great for severe cuts that won't stop bleeding until you can get to a doctor), cotton balls, Q tips, safety pins, matches, needles, eye droppers, tweezers, small scissors.

I placed these items, as well as some of the above herbal medicines and salves, in a small plastic container (approx 12"x18") with a cover. I make a label with everything that is supposed to be in there. (Now I feel like Martha) Keep it in a safe place that everyone in your household is aware of so you can grab it when you need it. (Like up in your top cupboard or upper closet shelf) and be sure to keep away from small children.

This article is for information only and is not intended to replace traditional medical care. Always seek the advice of your health care professional.