Preparing Your Medicine Cabinets for Winter: Embracing Holistic Wellness
- Nov 16
- 5 min read
How to Stock Both Allopathic and Herbal Remedies for the Colder Months
Casual conversation:
Me: The official first day of winter is just around the corner. Are you prepared for the colder months? Have you checked both of your medicine cabinets?
You: Both medicine cabinets? What do you mean?
Me: Yes, I’m talking about having two separate medicine cabinets—one for allopathic (conventional) medicines and one for herbal remedies. Let’s chat for a minute! Good health isn’t one-dimensional. The goal is to support your Holistic Self-image so you can truly thrive this winter.
What I Mean by Both Medicine Cabinets
In your home, the dried herbs and spices you keep in your pantry, spice cabinet, and fresh ones in your refrigerator; together, these are the basis of your Herbal Medicine Cabinet. Which will grow as your knowledge of herbs grows and will vary with the time of year.
The other medicine cabinet by general understanding, is the cabinet traditionally located in a bathroom but doesn’t have to be. It contains allopathic(conventional) medicines like over-the-counter(OTC) or prescription pharmaceutical medications.
The key question for both is whether you know how to safely use the products in your medicine cabinets. If you're unsure, there's no need to fret—discussions like this help address those concerns. That’s also the mission of August Sisters Homespun Emporium LLC: to support your holistic self-image as you grow.
Disclaimer: Always consult with your healthcare professional team before starting new herbal remedies or supplements, especially if you have existing health conditions, are pregnant, or are taking other medications.
Do You Have What You Need in Them for Winter?
HERBAL MEDICINE CABINET
Is your Herbal Medicine Cabinet stocked up on herbs and spices to help combat common winter illnesses?
Common kitchen spices—ginger, turmeric, garlic, and cinnamon—are backed by science for managing winter illnesses due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. Herbs like thyme, cloves, and peppermint may also soothe sore throats and help reduce inflammation.
Ginger: Supports immunity, aids digestion, and promotes detoxification.
Turmeric: Reduces inflammation and congestion.
Garlic: Fights bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Cinnamon: Offers antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Cloves: Antioxidant-rich and supports immune health.
Thyme: Soothes sore throats and helps clear mucus.
Peppermint: Protects cells and calms the throat.
Holy Basil: Aids digestion and respiratory health.
Rosemary: Supports the immune system.
Sage: May help with respiratory issues.
Fenugreek: Eases congestion by loosening mucus.
These herbs may be incorporated into meals or prepared as herbal teas. ASHEmporium LLC will soon offer educational sessions on the safe use of herbs. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before using concentrated forms or dietary supplements.
Essential Oils and Is Your Diffuser Clean?
Is your herbal medicine cabinet stocked with winter essential oils useful for antiviral, antibacterial, and immune-boosting properties during the winter season?
Essential oils such as eucalyptus, tea tree, lemon, peppermint, cinnamon, clove, ginger, oregano, frankincense, and ravintsara are valued in winter for their antiviral, antibacterial, and immune-boosting properties.
Essential Oil | Key Benefit |
Eucalyptus | Clears congestion; supports respiratory health |
Tea Tree | Antimicrobial: helps fight bacteria, fungi, and viruses |
Lemon | Purifies air and surfaces; boosts immunity |
Peppermint | Opens airways and relieves congestion |
Cinnamon | Strong antiviral properties |
Clove Bud | Antiseptic; effective against bacterial and viral illnesses |
Ginger | Strengthens immunity; relieves cough and congestion |
Oregano | Potent antiviral; good preventative |
Frankincense | Supports immune system and respiratory health |
Ravintsara | Highly antiviral; useful for flu support |
Use essential oils via diffusion, steam inhalation, or diluted topical application. Lemon and tea tree oils can also be added to water for natural cleaning. Always dilute before skin use and consult a healthcare professional for special situations.
Clean your diffuser regularly to prevent mold, maintain performance, and preserve scent quality. This stops residue buildup, avoids clogs, and extends the device’s lifespan.
Prevents mold and bacteria: Removes leftover water that can lead to growth and air contamination.
Preserves scent: Stops old oil from mixing with new oils and keeps the aroma fresh.
Maintains function: Prevents residue from weakening mist or damaging components.
Extends life: Regular cleaning keeps your diffuser working properly longer.
ALLOPATHIC MEDICINE CABINET
Is your Allopathic medicine cabinet stocked with at least 1 each of age-appropriate reducers for fever & body aches, cough, congestion, and sore throat?
Fever and body aches
Acetaminophen: Commonly known by brand names such as Tylenol, FeverAll, and PediaCare Children’s Acetaminophen.
Ibuprofen: Commonly known by brand names such as Advil, Motrin, and PediaCare Children’s Ibuprofen.
Important: Avoid giving aspirin to children or teenagers due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
Cough and Congestion
Cough suppressants (Dextromethorphan): Can help with a dry cough. Commonly known by brand names such as Delsym, Robitussin and Vicks DayQuil.
Expectorants (Guaifenesin): Helps thin mucus to make coughs more productive. Commonly known by brand names such as Mucinex and Robitussin.
Many OTC allopathic cold and cough medicines contain a combination of ingredients for cough suppressant, expectorant, and decongestant for an all-in-one approach.
Saline nose drops: These can be used for infants to help with congestion. Common brands:
Brands | Products |
Ayr | Saline Nasal Drops, Saline Nasal Mist, Baby Saline Nasal Spray/Drops |
Ocean | Saline Nasal Spray, Saline Nasal Mist |
Simply Saline | Nasal Mist (e.g., Baby, Extra Strength, Daily Care), Moisturize & Soothe Nasal Mist |
Little Remedies | Saline Spray and Drops, Sterile Saline Nasal Mist |
Walgreens | Saline Nasal Moisturizing Spray, Saline Nasal Mist, Premium Saline Nasal Moisturizing Spray, Saline Nasal Spray with Aloe |
NeilMed | NasaMist Extra Strength Saline Spray, NasaMist All In One Saline Spray |
Vicks | VapoMist Saline, Vicks Sinex Saline Nasal Mist |
Other brands | Boogie (Micro-Mist Saline Inhaler), Zarbee's (Soothing Saline Nasal Mist), Xlear (Natural Saline Nasal Spray) |
Medicated rubs: Medicated chest rubs with menthol, camphor, or eucalyptus can help relieve a cough for children over two years old. Commonly known by brand names such as Vicks, Zarbee’s and Mentholatum.
Types of Rubs
Vaporizing rubs: These ointments are designed to emit medicated vapors that alleviate cough and congestion.
Roll-on rubs: This format provides a convenient, hands-free method for applying the product to areas such as the chest, neck, or back.
Balms: Solid balm options, such as Vicks VapoStick, offer an alternative application form.
Baby-specific formulas: Certain brands, including Vicks and Zarbee's, produce formulations specifically tailored for infants, providing milder options suitable for young children.
Sore throat
Pain relievers: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce throat pain.
Soothers: Lozenges and sprays can provide temporary relief. Medicated rubs applied to the chest and neck may also help provide a soothing effect. Common lozenge brand names such as Halls, Ricola, Cepacol, Chloraseptic, and store brands like Walgreens.
Important Age-Specific Considerations
Infants: It is essential to consult a healthcare provider prior to administering any medications to infants younger than three months. Saline nasal drops are considered a safe option for alleviating congestion.
Children: Adhere strictly to dosing instructions as specified on product packaging, ensuring doses correspond to the child's weight rather than age alone. Ibuprofen should not be administered to children under six months of age.
Teenagers: Aspirin use should be avoided, and selection of cough and cold medications should be discussed with a physician to ensure appropriateness.
Combination Products: Exercise caution when using combination medications to prevent unintentional duplication of active ingredients, such as acetaminophen, since many products target multiple symptoms simultaneously.
Keep in mind: Before giving any new medication to an infant or child, consult a doctor or pharmacist. Since a fever typically means the body is fighting an infection, your main goal should be to ensure the person feels comfortable.
It's beneficial to organize your medicine cabinets as the seasons shift. This practice helps you keep expired products off your shelves and prevents you from running out of essentials when you need them most. Managing cold and flu symptoms in infants, children, and teenagers requires careful consideration of age-specific guidelines and medication safety. Always consult with healthcare professionals before introducing any new treatments, and prioritize comfort while monitoring for signs that may require medical attention. Following these precautions helps ensure the well-being of your child during illness and supports a safe recovery process. Remember that simple comfort measures, like offering a soothing cup of tea(when appropriate for age), can also support healing and well-being.
Recommended Read
Albert, M. C. (2025). Winter Illness Guide | Johns Hopkins Medicine. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/winter-illness-guide
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