Herbal Remedies May Renovate Medicine Cabinet

PHOENIX -- Is your medicine cabinet crammed with over-the-counter drugs? Here's a medicine cabinet makeover that can keep you healthy with what some call "Mother Nature's drugs."

Jeanni Houser hasn't shopped at a pharmacy in more than 15 years. Her medicine cabinet is filled with herbal health remedies for her family's aches and pains.

"Whenever AJ has a tummy ache, we use Aloe vera," she said.

Carol Keppler helps her customers convert their medicine cabinets from mini-pharmacies to herbal healing havens.

"People are seeing that the medical doesn't work all the time, and so they are looking for another way," said Keppler, who is educational director of Intuitive Health Institute in Phoenix.

Here's Keppler's list for a medicine cabinet makeover:

aloe vera for burns or an upset stomach;
lobelia for coughs and congestion;
goldenseal for infections;
echinacea to fight colds and flu;
rose hips for allergies;
papaya or ginger for nausea;
valerian tea for sleep and
willow bark or slippery elm for pain.

The Houser family converted their medicine cabinet because of concerns about side effects and drug interactions. Houser said the switch makes her feel safer.

"Once in a while, they don't like the taste. But for the most part, there's never any side effects," she said. "Once in a while, it'll take a little longer, but it's a lot safer, and it lasts a lot longer. The effects are a lot longer."

Natural remedies are not risk-free. People with plant-based allergies may have a reaction. You should consult your health care provider before taking anything.

Herbal remedies also vary in potency. Keppler said liquid form works best, followed by capsules and pills. Some herbal supplements can interact dangerously with prescription or over-the-counter medications, so be sure to talk with your doctor before taking anything.

If you would like more information, please contact:

Carol Keppler, B.S., M.A.
Educational Director,
Intuitive Health Institute
(888) 280-4711
carol@ihimail.com

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