Top 5 Medicine Cabinet Products & Ingredients (Your “Holistic Toolbox”)

Years ago when I was an active writer for several national blogs, I loved a good run-down post, so I could share different aspects around a specific subject. So as a way to go back to my roots (I first started blogging back in 2008), here’s my Top 5 Medicine Cabinet Items. These should be especially helpful as you are working on getting your home prepared for winter sickies that tend to come around.

Black Cumin Seed Oil (Nigella sativa)

I think I’m gagging just recommending this one, because it really is the most icky flavor ever, especially because I use it when we’re under the weather from a virus or bacteria. You can mix it with something better tasting, but we just typically get it down and chase it with some local or Manuka honey. The capsules can work, but it really is helpful to line the throat with it, and it also absorbs better into the body when it doesn’t have to conflict with stomach acid.

This is a great one to have on hand because is can be used for headaches, back pain, blood pressure, blood sugar, infections, inflammation, acne, wounds, hair shine and strength, and acute liver issues. The Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College in India even found that it is highly effective against drug-resistant superbugs! The key is because of three phytonutrients: thymoquinone (TQ), thymohydroquinone (THQ) and thymol.

Brand recommendation: Onyx by Theon Global

Brand recommendation: Mother Nature Organics

Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Essential Oil

Tea Tree is the anti-everything oil: antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal. It’s so powerful because of the constituent terpinen-4-ol, which has been shown to kill certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi and increase the activity of your white blood cells, which help fight germs and other foreign invaders. This makes it a really great one to keep on hand, as well as to take with you if you only have space for a few oils.

There are many great places to get true, pure tea tree oil (and many places where the oil is adulterated and poor quality). I have recently been interviewing several essential oil companies to understand their sourcing, testing, and other specifics that relate to having a great-quality essential oil. You can see the questions and answers that I have asked to these companies on my website.

Essential Oil Comparison: https://dorydoyle.com/essential-oil-company-comparison/ 

Nasal Irrigator

The nose is a first line for defense against irritants. But sometimes the nasal passages get inflamed and things get through. That’s when I love to clean it out. I personally prefer a ceramic Neti Pot, but if you truly cannot do a proper nasal irrigation this way, then get a plain saline spray. Of course, if you’re dealing with inflammation, you need to also work with the root cause (see my #4)

Brands I like for nasal sprays:

Acemannan

Many consider this to be a hero ingredient. Most of us know about how stellar Aloe Vera is for skin troubles and how moisturizing and soothing it can be after a little too much sun. But 99% of all aloe-based products actually contain little or no Acemannan, which is a spectacular molecule that is really what make Aloe Vera such a “wow” plant.

Acemannan is the molecule that has such huge benefits for the immune function and autoimmune issues. It all stems from an immune system that may not recognize your own cells as healthy “self cells” because of missing sugars in the structure. Essentially, Acemannan can bridge the gap with all sorts of immune, skin, gut, thyroid, vascular, bone, inflammation, kidney, and allergy health:

  • Promotes a healthy immune response
  • Supports absorption of nutrients in the GI tract
  • Helps maintain heart health
  • Promotes digestive health
  • Helps maintain already healthy blood sugar levels

Read more research: https://dorydoyle.com/acemannan 

Brand recommendation:

Colloidal Silver

For many years, I bought overpriced colloidal silver, but recently we purchased a silver generator so we can make our own.

Essentially, colloidal silver is tiny particles of silver suspended in a liquid. This has been used historically for a number of medical treatments, both internally or topically. It is often used for wounds, skin issues, and illnesses.

Brand recommendations:

Bonus: A big water bottle!

It’s always a good idea to stay hydrated, so having a big water bottle helps you to make sure you get enough water in a day!

Water alone is great, but you may need to add in extra minerals into your water (especially if you are like us and have a whole home filtration and reverse osmosis). I really like adding in Trace Minerals or Buoy Hydration Drops.

Water bottles I like: