If you go back through the centuries, you’ll discover that almost every person had some form of a natural first aid kit. This kit was filled with homeopathic and natural items used to treat small injuries which would often occur, such as children bruising their knees, or someone nicking themselves with a knife.

After extensive research, we’re proud to bring you a short list of remedies* found right in your kitchen cupboard. These will be useful if your medicine cabinet is looking a bit bare, or perhaps when the world ends at the end of 2012!

Raw honey by Wirawat Lian-udom (flickr)

Honey
For thousands of years honey has been used to treat all kinds of ailments, from burns to cuts and more. It is revered for its amazing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Apply a thin layer of honey to a wound that has been washed to help seal and disinfect it; or add some to warm water along with a teaspoon of cinnamon and gargle to help relieve a sore throat.

It also works well added to warm milk for those who have stomach ulcers. When buying honey, avoid everything that isn’t labelled “raw” or “unpasteurized”, as this has been heated (irradiated) which destroys the natural healing properties. Unfortunately this does include many store-bought honeys.

Ginger by The Greatist (flickr)

Ginger
For treating sore stomachs, motion sickness, and nausea, you can’t beat ginger. Grate some fresh ginger into hot water and add lemon and honey to combat colds and flu. A few fresh slices eaten can help expelling gas, improve digestive issues, and ease menstrual cramps. In its dry powdered state, a teaspoon a day helps those who suffer from the pain of arthritis; and in whatever state you ingest it, it will help absorb other vitamins as well as deter intestinal worms.

If you have the patience to create a topical cream, it can be used to help open the airways by applying the ointment to the chest. If applied to the hands and feet, it will aid circulation and have a warming effect.

When cooked garlic has a very sweet taste by Mick & Wout (flickr).

Garlic
Apart from warding off vampires and causing rather potent breath, garlic is a natural antibiotic. It helps protects the body from bacteria, helps to control cholesterol, and is great for promoting good blood circulation and protecting the body from cardiac problems. For those who suffer from allergies, a capsule of garlic will help the body fight off allergies. Start taking garlic in your preferred form at least a month before allergy season starts.

We all know that a clove on a sore tooth will help relieve the pain, but did you know that a clove of crushed garlic will do the same. Please note that those who are prepping for surgery or are taking anti-coagulant drugs should avoid garlic, due to its anti-clotting and blood thinning properties.

Some fragrent mint leaves by Eira Monstad (flickr).

Peppermint
This wonderful herb has been in use since ancient times and has many different uses in its various forms. In a tincture or tea, peppermint can be used for any gastrointestinal problems, such as stomach ache or cramps, colic in babies, and can also help relieve indigestion and heartburn. This works well, especially after a big spicy meal.

In an oil or vapour rub form, it can be used to ease muscle stiffness and pain, or give temporary relief from the pain of spasms. If applied on the chest as a rub it can help open the airways as it has wonderful decongestant and expectorant properties. Last but not least, as a tea it can be used to freshen the breath, much like mouthwash.

Soon the yellow flowers will turn into soft whispy dandelion clocks.

Dandelion
Dandelion in almost every country Dandelion is considered a weed, so it may surprise you to learn that this looked down upon plant has some surprising benefits when consumed. It has even been registered as a drug in good old Canada!

This little plant is a wonderful source of Vitamin C, Potassium, and antioxidants. Throw some leaves into your salad along with the lettuce and spinach to help keep your skin looking young, or consume it in a capsule form to help boost the liver during a detox. Dandelion can also used as a diuretic and because of its nutrient-rich potassium composition it is a lot safer to use than other brand names on the market.

Elderberry syrup can be made by boiling a cup of Elderberries with three cups water and reducing it. Remove from boiling once reduced, and mash them with a cup of honey. Cool in fridge and enjoy. Keeps for 6 months.

Other herbs worth a mention on this list include Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Echinacea, Elderberry, Feverfew, and Green Tea.  As with many things in life, the use of herbs as opposed to pills as a medicine is a highly contentious issue. Many common medicinal items, such as aspirin, started out being produced with exclusively natural ingredients, such as willow bark. This was before scientists began producing pharmaceutically manufactured versions, and herbalism started to disappear.

Let us know your thoughts. What herbal remedies have you used in the past, and which ones would you recommend.

* Please note that this article is in no way suggesting that you attempt to replace prescription medication with herbal remedies. Whichever school of medicine you favour personally, remember that your health is of paramount importance and you should always be willing to use the recommended treatment. Consult your doctor before beginning any kind of herbal treatment.