Top Five Home Remedies To Keep On Hand Year Round

 Written by: Traci Baker from The Fae Imagination

I am going to be completely honest. I am learning right along with you guys! So if you can ever add to my posts or can direct me or the other readers in the direction of more information, feel free to do so in the comments!!



The herb that I have been obsessed with this spring is Dandelion! But since it is specific to spring, I need to learn more about how to store it and then use the stored items. But there are some herbs that you can buy year round, and of those, there are 5 that I recommend you keep on hand! So onto our list of herbs!!!


5. DILL
This one made the list because it is the Muse's favorite herb! And dill is very versatile! You can use it to make pickles, which is, of course, the most commonly known use, but you can also use it to flavor hamburgers or other food items. (The Muse likes to use it liberally on almost all dishes.) And while it boosts flavor, it also has many other benefits. According to Dr. Axe, "Dill weed is a good source of calcium, manganese, and iron, and as an antioxidant food, its flavonoids provide anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that give it a whole host of incredible health benefits." It may also help reduce menstrual cramps, depression, and cholesterol, as well as boosting energy, acting as a natural bug repellant and is a possible treatment for epilepsy and even free radicals!


4. PEPPERMINT
Peppermint is one of the most commonly found herbal additives from what I have seen. It can be found in soaps, foods, drinks, personal hygiene products, as well as many other items. It can be used dried, fresh or turned into an oil. (One note of caution, if you should choose to grow it yourself, mint in all forms are an aggressive plant that will spread. This is from personal experience.) One of my favorite uses for Peppermint is in tea. Peppermint tea is my go-to for upset stomachs and morning sickness! I have been cautioned recently that it can reduce milk supply, however, so be sure to consult a physician before using if you are nursing or pregnant.


3. CLOVE
Clove is most well known for helping with toothaches and I can attest to its effectiveness. When I had an abscessed tooth, I held a whole clove against it to stop the pain. Occasionally it took 2 or 3, but it did work. Clove oil is also a well-known toothache remedy. But did you know it is also a digestive aid and has been known to reduce nausea? Clove extract is also been found to be effective against cholera. They have also been found to imitate insulin in certain ways and can be used to help control blood sugar. Read more here.

2. ALOE VERA
We all know that aloe is great for a sunburn. But did you know that it has lots of other great uses too?!? Consuming the gel of the plant during mealtimes has been suggested to help with symptoms of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn, and other digestive disorders. Coating fruits and vegetables with aloe gel before storage was found to make the items stay fresher longer. According to HealthLine aloe vera juice can even cause blood sugar levels to drop in those with Type 2 Diabetes. 


1. LAVENDER
Lavender is my number one to keep on hand because I have 4 children as well as my own mental health issues. I use lavender in the dream satchets that I make to put inside our pillowcases. The satchets help us to relax in the evenings when we lay down and to help us have good dreams once we are asleep. Lavender is known for its ability to relax and calm. I also use lavender hand balm from FairyTale Polish & Body on myself and my kids to help us relax and to sleep better.

Excerpt from Garden Design Magazine "A member of the mint family, lavender has been used for centuries as a versatile, unexpected flavoring in both sweet and savory foods. English lavenders are the best varieties for culinary purposes, and both the buds and leaves can be used fresh or dried. Because the flavor of lavender is strong, use it sparingly so it won't overpower your dishes. The buds are best harvested right before they fully open when the essential oils are most potent.

• Immerse a few dried lavender buds in a jar of sugar to give it a sweet aroma. Use the sugar for baking and in desserts.
• Chop the fresh buds and add to a cake batter or sweet pastry dough before baking.
• Add flower buds to preserves or fruit compotes to give them subtle spicy notes.
• Sprinkle fresh lavender on a salad as a garnish.
• Use fresh lavender to infuse teas, cocktails, and other beverages.
• Use chopped buds and leaves to flavor roast lamb, chicken, or rabbit."

What are your Top 5 go to's?? Tell us in the comments below!!!