Natural remedies have been around for centuries, and they’re not just for hippies and tree-huggers! They’re a great way to treat health issues without breaking the bank or suffering from harsh side effects commonly associated with prescription drugs. In times of crisis such as a natural disaster or a pandemic, natural remedies can be a lifesaver when traditional medical supplies are hard to come by.
This is why it’s essential to stock up on supplies to make natural remedies at home. So, what do you need to get started? Let’s talk supplies! We’ll cover the basic and advanced supplies you’ll need to get started, as well as some steps on how to store your supplies and where to buy them.
With a little knowledge and preparation, you’ll be able to care for yourself and your loved ones in a natural, sustainable, and oh-so-fun way!
What are natural remedies?
Looking for a natural way to treat your aches and pains? Look no further than natural remedies! These home remedies are made from the goodness of herbs, spices, fruits, vegetables, and other natural ingredients. These remedies have been used for centuries to treat everything from minor ailments such as headaches and colds to serious conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
The use of natural remedies dates back thousands of years and is still popular today. Many cultures around the world use natural remedies as a primary form of healthcare. These remedies can be used in various forms, such as teas, tinctures, salves, and poultices. And while some people swear by their effectiveness based on traditional knowledge and anecdotal evidence, others have been scientifically proven to work wonders.
Natural remedies can be used alone or in conjunction with conventional medicine, depending on the individual’s needs and the severity of the condition. It’s important to note that while natural remedies can be beneficial, you should always check with your healthcare provider to make sure you’re using the right remedy for your specific condition. For many serious conditions, you’ll still need professional medical advice and treatment.
What are the benefits of using natural remedies?
Natural remedies offer several benefits, including:
Fewer side effects
Unlike many prescription medications and commercial products, natural remedies have fewer side effects. This is because they don’t contain harsh chemicals, preservatives, or synthetic ingredients that can cause adverse reactions.
Readily available
Natural remedies are made from natural ingredients that are often grown at home. This makes them easy to access and use, as long as you have the right supplies.
Cost-effective
Natural remedies are often much cheaper than over-the-counter or prescription medications. By making your own remedies, you can save money on healthcare costs.
Customizable
With natural remedies, you have the flexibility to create personalized treatments that work for your unique needs. You can adjust the ingredients and dosages to create a treatment that is tailored to your specific health concerns.
Holistic approach
Natural remedies take a holistic approach to health and wellness, focusing on the whole person rather than just treating specific symptoms. They can help to promote overall health and well-being, not just treat a single condition.
Sustainable and eco-friendly
Many natural remedies can be made from ingredients that are grown sustainably and are eco-friendly. By using natural remedies, you can reduce your impact on the environment and support sustainable practices.
Importance of stocking up on natural remedy supplies
Stocking up on natural remedy supplies is important for several reasons:
Preparedness
Having a well-stocked supply of natural remedies and the ingredients to make them can help you be prepared for unexpected illnesses or emergencies. Instead of having to rush to the store or pharmacy to purchase remedies, you have what you need on hand to make herbal medicines at home.
Convenience
Making your own home remedies can be more convenient than having to purchase commercial products. You can create remedies when you need them, and you can adjust the ingredients to fit your specific health concerns.
Cost savings
Buying natural remedy supplies in bulk can be more cost-effective than purchasing individual products. By stocking up on supplies, you can save money in the long run and reduce your healthcare costs.
Quality control
By making your own natural remedies, you have control over the quality and purity of the ingredients. You can ensure that the ingredients are fresh and that they are free from additives or preservatives.
Sustainability
Homemade remedies are sustainable so making them is an eco-friendly practice. You can reduce your reliance on commercial products, which often come with excess packaging and contribute to waste.
Basic Supplies for Making Natural Remedies
Making your own natural remedies at home is relatively easy, as long as you have the right supplies. Here are some essential items to stock up on for making herbal medicines:
Herbs and spices
Herbs and spices are like the superhero of natural remedies – they have the power to heal and make us feel good! It’s like having a little piece of nature’s medicine cabinet right at our fingertips. Whether you prefer to use dried herbs for their convenience and long shelf life or fresh herbs for their potency, they both pack a powerful punch.
Herbs are readily available in grocery stores, health food stores, and online. But the better option is to start your own herb garden at home. You can start your medicinal garden in your yard or grow herbs in small containers if you have limited space. Aside from having fresh herbs at your disposal, gardening is also a great way to reduce stress and connect with nature.
Carrier oils
Carrier oils are fatty extracts from plants used to dilute essential oils and make them safe for topical use. They’ve been around for centuries and used for different purposes. Ancient Egyptians used them for beauty and medicinal purposes, while the Chinese and Greeks utilized them in massage therapy.
Popular carrier oils include jojoba oil, which is an excellent moisturizer, almond oil, rich in vitamin E and helpful in reducing scars and stretch marks, and coconut oil, which is antimicrobial and great for soothing skin irritation.
To get the best quality carrier oil, it’s important to choose ones that are cold-pressed and organic. Cold-pressed oils are extracted without heat, preserving the beneficial compounds, while organic oils are free from harmful chemicals. Carrier oils have been used for centuries in various cultures for beauty and medicinal purposes, and they remain an essential tool for using essential oils safely and enjoying their many benefits.
Essential oils
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that can be used for a variety of purposes, from aromatherapy to topical applications. They are derived from leaves, flowers, bark, or other parts of a plant through the process of steam distillation. Some common essential oils to have on hand include tea tree oil, lavender oil, and eucalyptus oil.
Essential oils offer plenty of health benefits, which is why they’re the most common ingredients in making natural remedies. Some of the benefits of essential oils include reducing stress, promoting relaxation and sleep, fighting inflammation, supporting a healthy immune system, and treating skin conditions.
When using essential oils for health purposes, be sure to purchase only pure therapeutic-grade oils that are free from synthetic compounds or additives. It’s also important to dilute them properly when applying topically as some essential oils can cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Containers and bottles
Having the right containers and bottles is important for storing and dispensing your natural remedies. Choose glass bottles and jars, as plastic can leach harmful chemicals into your remedies. You’ll also want to have different sizes and shapes of containers to accommodate different recipes.
Labels and markers
Labeling your natural remedies is important for safety and organization. Using the wrong home remedy for a particular condition can be dangerous due to ineffective treatment, allergic reactions, drug interactions, misdiagnosis, and delaying proper treatment.
Be sure to label each container with the name of the remedy, the date it was made, and any other relevant information. You’ll also want to have markers on hand that can write on glass and other surfaces.
Other basic supplies
Other basic supplies that can come in handy include cheesecloth, strainers, measuring cups and spoons, and a mortar and pestle for grinding herbs.
Advanced Supplies for Making Natural Remedies
Although the basic supplies, tools, and equipment are all you need to get started, there are some advanced items that can make your life a bit easier and help you create more complex remedies.
Distiller
A distiller is used to extract essential oils from plants using steam distillation. This process involves passing vaporized water through plant material and then collecting the essential oil-laden vapor.
Lab equipment
Let your inner Walter White out with some basic lab equipment such as beakers, pipettes, and graduated cylinders. These items can help you measure precisely when making natural remedies. Having a digital scale on hand is also helpful for accurately measuring herbs and carrier oils.
Herbal press
An herbal press is used to make herbal tinctures or extracts. It works by pressing out the liquid from herbs, resulting in a concentrated extract that can be used to make natural remedies.
Infuser
An infuser is used to steep herbs and spices in hot or cold water, creating an herbal tea or decoction. This type of infusion creates a much stronger concentration than simple steeping and can be used to make natural remedies that are more potent.
Beeswax
Beeswax is a natural wax that can be used to thicken and emulsify natural remedies, such as salves and balms. This byproduct of honey production has many beneficial properties. Beeswax has moisturizing properties that create a barrier on the skin, helping to lock in moisture and prevent dryness. It’s often used in natural remedies for dry skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Beeswax also has anti-inflammatory properties that are believed to help reduce inflammation by blocking the production of certain enzymes.
Moreover, beeswax is used as a thickening agent in natural remedies such as balms, salves, and ointments. Its ability to solidify at room temperature makes it a popular ingredient for creating a smooth texture that’s easy to apply. While beeswax is generally considered safe, some people may be allergic to it, so it’s important to do a patch test before using any products containing this ingredient.
Emulsifying wax
Emulsifying wax is a type of natural or synthetic wax used in making home remedies and skin care products like creams and lotions. It acts as an emulsifier, which means it helps to bind together oil and water-based ingredients that wouldn’t normally mix.
When making a homemade remedy that contains both oil and water-based ingredients, emulsifying wax is necessary to create a smooth and stable mixture. Without it, the ingredients would quickly separate and the remedy wouldn’t be effective.
Emulsifying wax also helps improve the texture and consistency of the remedy, making it easier to apply and absorb into the skin. It can be used in a variety of home remedies such as lotions, creams, balms, and hair conditioners.
Shea butter and other butters
Shea butter, cocoa butter, mango butter, and other butters are also used as an ingredient in making home remedies like body butters and lip balms. Shea butter, for one, is often used in homemade remedies and skincare products due to its moisturizing and healing properties.
Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree. It’s rich in fatty acids and vitamins, including vitamins A and E, which help to nourish and protect the skin. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it effective in treating a variety of skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
In addition to its skincare benefits, shea butter is also commonly used in homemade hair care products. It can help to moisturize and strengthen hair, improve elasticity, and reduce frizz.
When used in home remedies, shea butter is typically melted and mixed with other ingredients such as oils, herbs, and essential oils to create a variety of skincare and hair care products such as lotions, creams, balms, and hair masks.
Cosmetic-grade clays
Cosmetic-grade clays, such as bentonite clay and kaolin clay, are natural minerals often used in making home remedies for various purposes such as skincare, hair care, and digestive health. Bentonite clay, for example, is an effective natural remedy for treating acne, oily skin, diaper rash, and poison ivy rash. It also aids in weight loss, removes toxins in the body, and helps alleviate digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
Cosmetic-grade clays can be used in a variety of homemade remedies, such as face masks, scrubs, soaps, hair masks, and even toothpaste. It’s important to note that while cosmetic-grade clay is generally safe to use for home remedies, it’s essential to purchase clay from a reputable source and follow the recommended usage instructions to avoid any adverse effects.
Tincture-making supplies
When you’re into home remedies, you’ll find that tinctures are an essential part of the process. Tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts made by soaking herbs in alcohol, glycerin, or vinegar. They can be used to make home remedies such as teas, salves, ointments, and capsules.
When making tinctures at home, you’ll need supplies such as glass jars or amber glass bottles with tight-fitting lids, a strainer or cheesecloth, and a funnel for dispensing. You’ll also need dried organic herbs and high-proof alcohol like ethanol.
With these supplies, you’ll be able to create your own tinctures at home, customized to your individual needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking to boost your immune system, reduce stress, or improve digestion, tincture-making supplies are the first step in creating your own natural remedies.
Other advanced supplies
Other advanced supplies that can come in handy include natural preservatives, such as vitamin E oil, and emollients, such as lanolin. Natural preservatives help to extend the shelf life of homemade remedies, while emollients can help to lock in moisture and create a barrier against environmental stressors.
Stocking Up on Supplies
Now that you know which supplies are essential for making natural remedies, it’s time to start stocking up. Here’s what you need to do:
Calculate the amount of supplies needed
Before you start buying supplies for your natural remedies, it’s important to calculate how much of each ingredient you’ll need. This will help you avoid overstocking and wasting supplies. Figuring out the amount required based on the recipes you plan to make will also prevent understocking and will ensure that you have enough supplies to make your remedies when you need them.
Set a budget
Once you have calculated the amount of supplies you need, it’s time to set a budget. You don’t want to overspend on supplies, so it’s important to decide how much you are willing to spend before you start shopping.
Choose high-quality supplies
When it comes to natural remedies, the quality of your supplies can make a big difference in the effectiveness of your remedies. Look for suppliers that offer high-quality, organic ingredients that are free of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
Know where to buy supplies
You can buy natural remedy supplies from a variety of sources, including health food stores, online retailers, and even your local farmers’ market. Do your research and compare prices to find the best deals.
Grow your own herbs
If you’re looking to save money, consider growing your own herbs. Many herbs are easy to grow in the garden or in a container on a windowsill and can be used in a variety of natural remedies.
Storing Natural Remedy Supplies
Proper storage of equipment, tools, and supplies for making home remedies is important to ensure they remain in good condition and free from contamination. Here are some tips on how to store these items:
Choose the right storage containers
Once you have your supplies, it’s important to store them properly to ensure their potency and longevity. Choose storage containers that are made from materials that won’t react with the ingredients, such as glass or stainless steel. Use airtight containers for storing dried herbs, carrier oils, and other ingredients. This will prevent moisture and air from getting in and ruining your ingredients. Dark glass jars with tight-fitting lids are a good option.
Label and organize supplies
To make it easy to find the supplies you need, label and organize them in a way that makes sense to you. You can use labels, bins, or shelves to keep everything organized and easily accessible. Be sure to label all your containers with the contents and the date they were stored. This will help you keep track of what you have and when it needs to be used or replaced.
Store supplies in the right conditions
Natural remedy supplies can be sensitive to light, heat, and moisture, so it’s important to store them in the right conditions. Most herbal remedies require cool and dry conditions to maintain their potency. Keep them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat sources.
Keep everything clean
Before storing your equipment, tools, and supplies, make sure they’re clean and dry. Any residual moisture can lead to the growth of mold or other harmful organisms.
Organize your working space
Make sure your working space is organized to make it easier to find the tools and equipment you need for making natural remedies. Have a designated area for all your tools and equipment as well as for your supplies, including herbs, containers, bottles, and essential oils.
Keep out of reach of children and pets
Some of the supplies used for making home remedies can be dangerous if ingested. The glass bottles can also be hazardous if they break. And you also don’t want to keep replacing broken tools and equipment. Make sure all the supplies are stored in a safe place, away from children and pets.
Making your own home remedies is a great way to take control of your health and wellness. By stocking up on supplies to make natural remedies, you can ensure that you always have what you need to make your own remedies at home.
If you haven’t already started stocking up on natural remedy supplies, now is a great time to start. With a little planning and research, you can build a well-stocked natural remedy pantry that will serve you and your family for years to come.
So go ahead and spice up your life with some natural remedies! Your body will thank you for it. And don’t forget to check out Gentleman Pirate Club for more homesteading tips!
Just a disclaimer – We have partnered with these companies because we use their products and/or proudly trust and endorse them – so we do receive a commission if you make a purchase or sign up for services. Often, we are able to negotiate special discounts and/or bonuses, which we will pass on to you via our links. We often get short notice on sale items available for 24-48 hours as we will pass these savings on to you.
