Reduce the time spent sick and give your immune system the boost it needs.

I keep these ingredients in my herbal medicine cabinet so when I need to make a tea, syrup, tincture, or soup. I have everything ready to go.

The common cold is nothing more than a coronavirus as is the flu. When you get sick, it’s usually because of a virus. Secondary bacterial infections are the result of mucus build-up within the sinuses, ear canals, and respiratory system. Oftentimes bacterial infections are a result of not staying hydrated enough to flush out the virus while sick.

11 must-haves for the herbal medicine cabinet.

1. Garlic is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral root vegetable. It has been used for centuries as a healing agent. Everything from respiratory illness to parasite infections. Garlic has had a place in the medicine cabinet. The NIH has done studies proving Garlic’s effectiveness in treating and preventing various health problems. Garlic is a great immune booster, a virus, bacteria, and fungal killer.

2. Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, and anti-hyperlipidemic properties. Contrary to what many health sites tell you. ACV is very beneficial in boosting the immune system via gut health. It is also very helpful in shortening colds. ACV has been used for centuries as an energy-boosting drink and a healing agent. When diluted in warm water, it can be throat-soothing. It helps to remove mucus and phlegm from the throat and kills bacteria in the throat. 

3. Raw unfiltered honey is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. It has been used for centuries for a variety of health benefits and medical uses. It’s excellent at soothing sore throats, coughs, and upper respiratory infections. It helps with allergies, digestive discomfort, and inflammation in the body. However, it is not recommended for children under a year old due to the bacteria clostridium that can be found in all honey filtered and raw.

4. Lemon Juice is anti-bacterial. It aids in digestive issues, helps to prevent kidney stones, and soothes sore throats and congestion. Lemon Juice is effective in killing antibiotic-resistant bacteria known to cause pneumonia. It inhibits the growth of salmonella, staphylococcus, and candida. It can be used as a cleaner and stain remover.

We make an anti-bacterial/ antibiotic, immune-boosting tea using garlic, ACV, raw honey, and lemon juice. The moment someone feels sick. Get the recipe here.

5. Onions are nutrient-dense vegetables. They are high in fiber and prebiotics, vitamins C and B, and potassium. They are anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, and contain high levels of antioxidants. Ancient Olympians used to eat raw onions to cleanse their blood and give them energy before a tournament. They are easy to add to your diet and when combined with raw honey make an excellent cough syrup alternative.

We make a homemade cough syrup and immune booster out of onions and honey. It helps with chronic coughs and weakened respiratory systems.

6. Oregano oil is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, Anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial. It is a potent anti-bacterial agent. Studies have shown it to be very effective against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. When used topically, it has killed off MRSA. It can help with digestive problems due to overgrowth of bacteria. Warning- The oregano oil can be toxic if taken in large doses because it is a powerful Anti-microbial agent.

We make our own oregano oil and use it before we turn to antibiotics. It has been very beneficial in helping with upper respiratory infections and sinusitis infections.

7. Elderberries are rich in antioxidants and are an anti-bacterial anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and strong anti-viral agent. Studies have shown that it can reduce cold and Flu duration by half the time when taken before or at the onset of symptoms. Elderberry blocks the ability of viruses to reproduce, allowing the immune system to take care of the rest.

We make an anti-viral, anti-bacterial syrup using dried elderberries and honey. It is excellent at reducing and preventing the flu. It works wonders on the common cold and helps keep the spread of the virus within the house low. Get the recipe for Elderberry Syrup here.

8. Tea tree oil is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory. It comes from steaming the leaves of the Australian Tea Tree. It has been used for centuries to treat skin infections, as a disinfectant, and as a bug repellent. It can also be used to relieve chronic sinusitis, sinus infections, ear infections, and throat infections. It is excellent in preventing ringworm and other skin infections. It’s great for preventing flea and mite infestations in pets and can be used to kill fleas and mites if an infestation has occurred. When used in aroma therapy, it cleanses the air and opens up the nasal and brocoal passages. 

We make a tea tree saline solution to help clear nasal passageways and kill bacteria in the throat. It works well with strep throat.

9. Bone Broth has a high mineral and vitamin content. The health benefits are extensive, but immune boosting and hydration are why they make our must-have list. Unfortunately, not all bone broth is created equally. The boxes and cans you buy in the store are loaded with salt, emulsifiers, stabilizers, and preservatives. Most of them are very diluted. A quality bone broth should be gelatinous due to the high levels of collagen. My kids call it meat jello, and it should look like that. 

We make our own bone broth and store it in the freezer. So it’s ready to use when we need it.

10. Coconut water has a high mineral content and is better than any electrolyte drink. It is a super hydrator and will help shorten your cold’s duration. Be sure to get pure coconut water without added sugars or other unnecessary ingredients.

We make our own electrolyte drink using coconut water, lemon juice, and Himalayan pink salt.

11. Cold weather defense tea by Budda Teas uses elderberry, eucalyptus, and ginger. The tea helps to soothe sore throats, open nasal passageways, and hydrate the body.

“The most powerful force to maintaining a good immune system is the power of positive thinking and not allowing yourself to be unnecessarily drained emotionally by worries and fears.” –Frederick Lenz

As always, Thanks for stopping by for some Salty Inspirations!