What’s In My Medicine Cabinet?
Injury or illness got you down?
These are my favorite natural remedies to have on hand to help support and heal your body!
When illness hits your home (especially with kids), it’s easy to feel unprepared or overwhelmed. Over the years, I’ve built a small but intentional “natural medicine cabinet” filled with remedies I trust and reach for regularly. As a registered nurse and holistic health coach, I love finding that sweet spot between evidence-based medicine and gentle, supportive natural options that work with the body instead of against it.
These are the remedies we keep on hand for common illnesses and injuries in our family—not because they’re trendy, but because they’ve been well-studied, widely used, and genuinely helpful for us. I’ll also share how I personally balance natural remedies with conventional medicine, because holistic health isn’t about choosing one or the other, but about using the right tool at the right time.
elderberry immune elixir
Elderberries have been used medicinally for centuries. But do they actually work? Studies have shown that is can help to shorten the length of illness (specifically upper respiratory illnesses like colds and flus) as well as lessen the severity of symptoms.
This study showed an average illness duration that was 4 days shorter than those taking a placebo. Another meta-analysis found that “supplementation with elderberry was found to substantially reduce upper respiratory symptoms”.
We have this Elderberry Elixir on hand at all times. I love that it is made without any added sugar or alcohol- meaning it’s safe for mom, dad, and the kiddos. I’m all about choosing products that support the whole family, so I don’t need ten different versions of the same remedy.
2. bee propolis
We are big fans of the BeeKeeper’s Naturals brand. I’ve always known about the benefits of local honey for sore throats and seasonal allergies, but a few years ago I learned more about other bee products—specifically propolis and bee pollen.
Propolis is a resin-like substance bees use to protect their hive, and it’s naturally rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds, making it especially supportive during cold and flu season.
propolis throat spray (they have a kid’s version too!) for sore throats, colds, flus, and extra immune support during cold and flu season
Liposmal vitamin c— honestly does not taste the best IMO, but this formulation is easier for your body to absorb
4. Acerola powder
Vitamin C has long been recognized for its role in immune support, and acerola cherry powder is one of my favorite whole-food sources.
I purchase mine through Perfect Supplements, and I love that it provides vitamin C alongside naturally occurring phytonutrients.
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5. Genexa Homeopathic Remedies
I really love this brand. They bridge a unique gap by offering products that use either homeopathic ingredients or common pharmaceuticals—without artificial dyes, sweeteners, or unnecessary fillers.
We have used their Genexa pain, which is a chewable tablet that includes arnica, calendula, and homeopathic ingredients to help with pain, bruising, and swelling.
We have also used Genexa Flu Fix (homeopathic ingredients targeted at common flu symptoms) and their Allergy Care for seasonal allergy symptoms.
6. Bone Broth Powder
While I love having bone broth on hand for drinking and cooking, sometimes I find myself feeling under the weather without any made! I love the Perfect Supplements Bone Broth Powder for exactly these times. All you do is add a scoop to hot water, along with your favorite seasonings, and you get all the benefits of bone broth without cooking a pot all day! It is perfect for those times you don’t necessarily feel like cooking, but still want all the health benefits of gelatin.
(P.S. You can find my favorite bone broth recipe here!)
A few other things we have on hand for illness:
air humidifier - I love the look and design of this one and that it doesn’t make a bubbling, gurgling sound like ones we have had in the past
homemade ginger shots- this study showed that in cases of allergic rhinitis (or in more basic terms- a stuffy, runny nose) was improved by ginger extract as much as when taking loratadine without the unwanted side effects of medication! And no need to spend $6 on a tiny shot of ginger at the grocery store… I share my favorite (and simple!) way to DIY a ginger shot at home!
rectal and oral thermometer- did you know that the most accurate way to get a temperature on a baby under two is rectally?? When I first told my husband this with out first baby, he was nervous about taking her temperature in fear of hurting her. But this Frida baby thermometer really makes it a foolproof process.
We simply put some coconut oil on the tip, insert it the appropriate length and a few short seconds later it beeps and gives you the reading. The best part is with this thermometer, you physically cannot enter it further than the appropriate amount. Once babies are over two, you are good to use an oral of temporal thermometer :)
Injury Remedies
So we talked about what I keep on hand for common illness, but what about injuries? Here are some of my favorite natural options for relief of pain, swelling, and bruising!
arnica salve
Arnica is a herbal remedy for bumps and bruises! And I swear it is one of the best things to have on hand if you have toddlers in the house. I can’t tell you how many times my little ones have bumped their head, or fallen on their knee, and this arnica has helped with the pain, swelling, and bruising!
A 2007 study on arnica found it to be as effective as NSAIDS for pain relief. Earthley carries both a easy-to-use stick for application, as well as a larger jar. To be honest.. we have both 😅 I love keeping the salve stick in the diaper bag or to take while traveling, and jar stays at home!
Use code CHOOSENATURAL for 10% off your first Earthley order!
Not only is this the main ingredient for acne face masks, and armpit detoxes, but it can help with bug bites! It can help soothe the uncomfortable itching and swelling, as well as help to draw out a stinger if still present after a bug bite. Simply make a thick paste with water and powdered clay and apply over the bite. Repeat several times throughout the day until symptoms have resolved.
I love these magnesium flakes to help soothe muscles, increase relaxation, and support mineral levels in the body.
I have a blog post here all about my favorite magnesium lotions and how I use them! But this is a great way to help support your magnesium intake, help with muscles soreness, and improve sleep quality!
gel ice and heat pack - Simple, effective, and always worth having on hand for injuries, swelling, or muscle pain.
There you have it! Some of my favorite go to’s for illness and injuries in my own family. While I prefer to use more natural products, sometimes I reach for some ibuprofen- and that is a-okay! It is all about balance and finding what works best for your body holistically- that means providing the relief or support you are looking for, fitting your family’s budget and values, and working into your lifestyle.
But as always, don’t forget good nutrition, quality sleep, and stress reduction when trying to prevent and heal from illness.
If you have any questions, I always love to hear from you!
Kaelyn
