Here’s some top herbs that should be included in your herbal medicine cabinet:

Aloe Vera is excellent for soothing burns, treating cuts and scratches, bites and even smoothing unsightly stretch marks.  Either grow an aloe vera plant or find a good quality cream or gel.

Arnica is available in creams, salves, tincture and in homeopathic tablet form. It is the bump and bruise remedy although it is only to be used topically were the skin is unbroken.  If you train and are prone to muscle aches again arnica is good for accelerating the recovery period and homeopathic arnica is also used for shock and emotional trauma.

Calendula is also a great all rounder.  Use it on bites, nappy rash, athlete’s foot and minor skin problems. 

Chamomile is much more than a tea – although in tea form it can ease insomnia and settle stomachs.  Chamomile aromatherapy oil is good for nappy rash and the cream can be used for itchy rashes, bits and stings, eczema and to sooth nipples sore after breastfeeding.

Clove is a must have to treat toothache.  Use clove essential oil and dab on the affected area. 

Echinacea is the herbal immune booster and is great for preventing colds and flu as well as soothing coughs and fever.