our {natural} medicine cabinet

I get asked pretty frequently about supplements and what we use at home so I thought I'd give you a glimpse into our medicine cabinet.  Grab a cup of tea, this is a long one....

My supplements:
Rainbow Light Prenatal Vitamins-they are 100% natural and vegan and as a bonus you only have to take one daily

Milk Thistle- detoxifies the liver, keeps my hormonal breakouts under control and is said to help with morning sickness even though it didn't phase mine. Here's a  link to a great article with lots of  info on this herb.

Nordic Natural's Prenatal DHA- this is the only brand of fish oil I will touch because it the purest form on the market.  They remove any potential toxins such as mercury through a patented enzymatic process. 

Vitamin D3- This could really a post all in itself.  I am constantly coming across new reasons why it's so important to take Vitamin D. Some of the reasons why I take it is to prevent the flu and I have also read that if taken during pregnancy it can possibly prevent Autism and Preeclampsia.  Dr. Mercola, whom I greatly respect, has done extensive research on all the benefits from Vitamin D and has some great info on his website about it.  You can even watch an hour long lecture on the subject if you're really interested or just bored.
Vitamin B6- I started taking this for morning sickness.  Even though it didn't help with the nausea it did keep my energy level up so I continued it.  I can notice a huge difference if I forget to take it!  I make sure to only take 50 mg of it because you can overdose on it.

Bishop's Supplements:
Nordic Naturals Children's DHA-  You would never guess that  I was giving him cod liver oil the way he gobbles these up.  The liquid didn't go over as well so we switched to the soft gels which he chews.  These are great for brain, eye and nervous system development, skin conditions and immunity.
Nature's Plus Animal Parade Chewables- Bishop is such a terrible eater but I feel good at least knowing that he is getting his vitamins and whole food concentrates from these.  They are free of artificial colorants, preservatives and common allergens like gluten.
Probiotics- I give him a chewable strawberry flavored kind that he thinks is a treat!  He has been on probiotics for almost his whole life.  We started them when he had some gastrointestinal issues and kept it up after discovering all their other benefits.  Here's some more info on them.
Vitamin D drops- We're starting these back up for prevention during the flu season.

Hubby's Supplements:
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega- This is the highest concentration of omegas in the whole line.  My sweet husband has back and nerve pain so we're trying these out. They are said to be anti-inflammatory as well as able to help with mobility.  Hopefully we'll see some results over the next couple of weeks.
Rainbow Light Men's Multivitamin-  I think he takes these just to indulge me.  I like knowing that my boys get their vitamins.

Cold &  Flu Supplements:
Elderberry- This is a must have for flu prevention. It's an immune builder and can be taken in a capsule or syrup form.  There are several recipes out there for how to make your own syrup at home too.
Garlic- I always have this on hand incase I get a virus.  Keep in mind that antibiotics kill bacteria not viruses so if you have a virus you have to take something antiviral like Garlic or Oil of Oregano. Don't worry you can get an odorless form of garlic and you will never taste or smell it!
Echinacea- immune supporter, has antiviral and antibacterial properties to really wipe out a cold
Slippery Elm Bark or Marshmallow Root-  When I mention these two people really think I've gone off the deep end  but I have never had a supplement or prescription med soothe a sore throat better these!  They coat the throat and reduce irritation.
Herbs for Kids Echinacea & GoldenRoot- I can't say enough about the Herbs for Kids line.  They have everything to help with teething, ear infections, temperatures and colds.  This particular one is what I got to have on hand incase Bishop gets a cold.  My sister has had great success with her three kids from it so I thought I'd better try it out.  It helps support the immune system and is antibacterial.

~I am a huge believer in natural medicine and the idea of prevention before prescription even though I do think  that western medicine has it's time and place, but please keep in mind that this is just a look at what my family uses and may not be right for you and your family. I've talked with my midwife and our doctor to make sure that everything we take is safe and right for us.  I encourage you to do the same and research on your own.  The Handbook of Vintage Remedies is a great place to start if you want to learn more about natural medicine.