A Home-Based and Natural Medicine Cabinet (What I Keep Now)

I used to keep a drawer full of over-the-counter medications “just in case.” Tylenol, Advil, Claritin, Pepto-Bismol, Aleve, Benadryl, hydrocortisone cream, Polysporin (and the eye drops), Tums, Imodium—you name it, I had it.

Over time, my views on conventional medicine and Big Pharma shifted, and I made a conscious decision to stop actively stocking most of those products in my home. I didn’t do this overnight, and this isn’t about fear or perfection—it’s simply the direction I chose to move toward.

What follows reflects what I personally keep on hand now and use in my own household. These are options for anyone curious about exploring a more natural, home-based approach.

If you prefer conventional over-the-counter medications, my original list is still available here → [link here]

As always, this post reflects personal choices, not medical advice. Everyone’s health needs, comfort levels, and situations are different, and it’s important to do what feels right for you.

How I think about “natural medicine” now

When I think about natural medicine now, I see it as a way to support the body rather than immediately suppress symptoms. I see symptoms as a sign, rather than as a problem. I use these remedies for minor, everyday issues and general wellness, not as a replacement for medical care. It’s important to understand that the benefit-to-risk ratio is sometimes in favor of conventional medicine.

Natural medicine cabinet categories

🌿 For fevers & inflammation

Examples:

• Cold/warm compresses, depending on the case

• Rest, hydration

• Sauna

• Gentle herbs traditionally used for inflammation: peppermint, ginger, echinacea, yarrow

• Homeopathic remedies (Do your own research. It is based on detailed symptoms): Belladonna, Arnica Montana, Bryonia Alba, Gelsemium Sempervirens, Ferrum Phosphoricum, Chamomilla, Oscillococcinum

• Tissue salts

🌿 For digestion & stomach upset

• Fresh ginger tea or tablets

• Peppermint or Chamomile tea

• Homeopathic remedies: Nux vomica, Pulsatilla

🌿 For colds, congestion & immunity

• Steam inhalation (Can add essential oils such as eucalyptus or peppermint)

• Adding honey to warm (not hot!) teas

• Echinacea tea

• Elderberry syrup

• Broths for minerals and a good warm drink option

• Vitamin C + Zinc

• Homeopathic remedies: Bryonia, Pulsatilla, Gelsemium, Nux vomica, Oscillococcinum. I also keep on hand Boiron's Stodal cough syrups (one multi-symptom syrup & one cough syrup)

🌿 For minor cuts, burns & skin issues

• Calendula salve

• Honey

• Colloidal silver

• Clean bandaging

🌿 For stress, sleep & nervous system support

• Chamomile tea

• Tissue salt Kali Phos (No. 6)

• Homeopathic Boiron Quietude

• Keeping things simple - less on my plate

• Reduced stimulation

• Simple breathing or fresh air

• Meditation

• Working out/physical activity to move the energy out

What I don’t rely on natural remedies for

There are situations where I still believe conventional medical care is essential—serious infections, injuries, breathing issues, and anything that feels beyond basic home care.

Once I’ve ruled out what I can safely manage on my own, I prefer to have a doctor assess the situation. This includes things like internal bacterial infections (such as UTIs), deep cuts that may require stitching, or any symptoms that feel concerning or unusual.

How this fits into grocery planning

As you can see, many of these natural remedies are pantry-based or don’t require anything elaborate. I focus on dual-purpose items—like honey—that can be used both as food and for everyday care. Most are shelf-stable, budget-friendly, and last a long time. Homeopathic remedies are relatively inexpensive, herbs can be grown at home or purchased in bulk, and keeping things simple helps reduce clutter and impulse buying.