posted 30th July 2025
The Holistic Herbal Medicine Kit
I have always been fascinated by natures medicine and have instinctually opted for the natural approach to wellbeing throughout my life, but especially when the modern medicine approach didn't serve me.
You may or may not be aware that I'm studying on my second herbal medicine doctorate diploma, with the aim of opening a herbal medicine clinic next year.
So many beautiful remedies to learn about and how nature is so giving!
This week I therefore thought I’d do a blog focusing on essential herbal items that I always carry around with me (as I’m a currently a nomad at present).
Each one can be used to store at home if you have a base, or take with you on your travels.
Below is a list of what’s in my “Holistic Herbal Medicine Kit”, explaining the properties, uses, sources and cautions (where necessary) for the 4 essential items within it.
Oregano Oil
Properties
• Extremely high in antioxidants - limonene, thymol, carvacrol and terpinene
• High antibacterial properties that are stated to be as, or even more effective, than antibiotics for some strains of bacteria, such as e-coli.
• Antiviral due to the components of carvacrol in it.
• Anti-inflammatory
Uses
• For Adults: Three drops under the tongue or diluted in water, three times per day (away from food), for stomach upset …this can include diarrhoea, cramps, vomiting. Keep taking until the symptoms subside. Can be taken orally for two weeks at one time. Increase dose up to 6 drops / 3 x a day if symptoms are severe. For children: start with 1 drop three times a day and increase as necessary.
• For warts or fungal infections on the skin. Place a few drops onto a plaster and leave overnight on the affected area, then change plaster in the morning. If the fungal infection is over a large area rub the drops into the affected area with some coconut oil and repeat three times a day. Repeat until infection has gone. Can take up to a few weeks to a few months to clear.
• Insect bites and facial spots. Place a few drops on the affected area. Repeat as needed. You can add a little carrier oil if your skin is dry or you find any burning sensation when directly applying the oregano oil.
• Can be used to clear ear wax and minor ear infections – a few drops in the ear, then lay on the opposite side to let the drops absorb in. Repeat every evening until clear.
• Can be used for minor tooth infections. Rub two drops together with coconut oil and massage into the infected area as near as possible, after cleaning and flossing teeth. Repeat 3 times a day until clear.
Good Quality Sources
• Homemade products such as this brand: Agora Market (I do find the potency to be lower than other brands though.)
• Garden of Life Oil Of Oregano seasonal drops
Precautions:
• If you are allergic to the Lamiaceae (mint) family of herbs, you may be allergic to oregano
• Can tend to stop the absorption of copper, iron and zinc if taken over long periods of time
• If you are having surgery, make sure to stop taking at least two weeks beforehand as it can increase bleeding
Turmeric
Properties
• The curcumin within turmeric has been shown to reduce blood clots, and a good remedy for those with a DVT likelihood.
• Has one of the most ant inflammatory compounds in the world – helps to reverse neurotoxicity
• Curcumin is anti-cancerous
Uses
• Has been shown to be equally as effective as Prozac for use for depression. Take one tablet twice a day, or one teaspoon powered turmeric in soya or preferred milk, twice a day. (Morning and evening)
• Has been shown to help with the prevention neurological inflammatory disease such as Alzheimer’s. For general prevention take one tablet a day, or one teaspoon powered turmeric in soya or preferred milk, once a day.
• A brilliant instant remedy for sprains, joint pain or inflammatory swelling. This could be due to an injury, or an illness, such as flu like symptoms. Take one tablet twice a day, or one teaspoon of powered turmeric in soya or preferred milk, twice a day. (Morning and evening).
• For tooth pain - take one tablet a day, or one teaspoon powered turmeric in soya or preferred milk, once a day.
• For those with high blood pressure- thins the blood. Take one tablet twice a day, or one teaspoon of powered turmeric in soya or preferred milk, twice a day. (Morning and evening).
• An excellent remedy to calm the inflammatory symptoms of chronic inflammatory diseases in the gut, like IBS, Crohn’s, or ulcerates colitis. Take one tablet twice a day, or one teaspoon powered turmeric in soya or preferred milk, twice a day. (Morning and evening away from food)
• Good as a natural antihistamine. Take one tablet twice a day, or one teaspoon powered turmeric in soya or preferred milk, twice a day. (Morning and evening away from food)
• Can stop bloating and gas
•. A good alternative to paracetamol for tension headaches due to its anti inflammatory properties
Good Quality Sources
• Solgar Turmeric Root Capsules
• Viridian Turmeric capsules
• Fresh turmeric from your local supermarket, grated and used as needed.
Cautions
• Due to its blood thinning properties, it must be stopped at least a month before surgery.
• Due to its blood thinning properties, those with low blood pressure should take with caution – trial it for a few days – if you seem lightheaded, dizzy or nauseas, that’s your answer to stop or lower the dosage.
• Those on statins should consult with your doctor before taking.
Vitamin C – ascorbic acid
Properties
• High in antioxidants that fight free radicals and in turn, preventing disease and cell damage.
• Helps prevent cells from oxidative stress
• Overall supports the immune system – protecting the body from general illness
• Has the ability to break down LDL cholesterol and triglycerides
• Has anti-inflammatory properties and known to help lower uric levels in the body which contribute to gout and arthritic/rheumatoid issues
• Supports the metabolism of protein in the body
• Supports the synthesis of collagen in the body
Uses
• Speeds up healing – this can include, cuts, bruises, sprains, illness
• Slows down cognitive delay
• Lowers the risk of gout and arthritic issues
• Assists in better heart health
• Helps the absorption of iron within the body
• If you’re trying to build muscle, you want to make sure you are taking enough vitamin c with your protein intake, to support the protein metabolism process
• Helps in the synthesis of collagen… want more supple/more youthful looking skin? I would make sure you are getting enough vitamin C. (Obviously age and food have a role to play in this also)
• Helps to prevent cataracts and glaucoma
• Helps to lower blood pressure
• Helps to lower bad cholesterol levels
• Good to assist in speeding up respiratory infections in particular
• Can stop bleeding gums
• Can increase energy levels
• Supports bone health
• Strengthens blood vessels
• Number one vitamin for immune support and cell protection
RDA
• Adult men = 90 milligrams
• Adult women = 75 milligrams
• Pregnant women approx 85 milligrams
• Breastfeeding women need approx 120 milligrams
Good Quality Sources
• Make sure wherever you buy it it does not contain aspartame, or other chemical sweetners
• I prefer to take it as a drink in this form like this one from Higher Nature
Cautions
• As a water-soluble vitamin your body ill just excrete it out in your urine if you overdose.
• Can cause stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting if you take more than your body needs
• As with any medicines it’s best to ask your doctor if it’s ok to take with any medicine you may be taking, and if there is a better time to take it (before or after the prescribed medicine), if allowed.
Aloe vera
Properties
• Anti-inflammatory
• Analgesic (a pain reliever)
• Antiviral
• Antibacterial and antiseptic
• High in antioxidants
• High in vitamins and minerals
Uses
• For minor cuts and burns (applied topically)
• For skin irritations such as bites, rashes, sores (applied topically)
• For sunburn (applied topically)
• For eczema (applied topically)
• For psoriasis (applied topically)
• Can heal inflammatory bowel issues. For instance - IBS, colitis, Crohn’s, allergic reaction, for after an infection, for ulcers. As it helps to restore the lining of the stomach back to its natural state and has antiviral and antibacterial properties that fight any infection, when taken orally.
• Can be used as a facial mask/general moisturiser to generally hydrate your skin (applied topically)
• Can be used as a hair mask for dry skin and scalp, good also for those with dandruff (applied topically)
• As a natural laxative, it is a great constipation remedy (taken orally)
• Can be used as a gentle remedy for worms (taken orally)
• Can be used to speed up healing of cold sores on the mouth, and herpes outbreaks down below. (applied topically)
• Has been studied and found to be good in lowering blood glucose and serum triglyceride levels, in those with hypoglycaemia and those who are pre diabetic.
• Can help with zinc deficiency.
Good Quality Sources
• For the topical gel, I choose Aloe Pura
• For the aloe vera juice drink. I choose Fushi Aloe Vera
*Would you like to know more about herbal home remedies?*
