Open nature's pharmacy for 10 essentials to soothe your aches and pains.

Cuts, bruises, colds, fevers - every household has them. You go to the cupboard only to find a couple of sticking plasters and painkillers. But there are alternatives.

Herbal remedies, easy to use and ideal for life's common mishaps, can replace many over-the-counter medications, including cough mixtures, disinfectant and tomach-soothing solutions.

"There are some herbs you just shouldn't be without," says David Weir, a Queensland-based naturopath and herbalist. "They're gentler and help the body to heal itself. Herbal medicine really comes into its own when treating viral infections," Weir explains.

For centuries, people have used herbs in the form of extracts, infusions, inhalations,

teas and ointments. Now we're going back to basics, and with this increase

of interest comes a wealth of products.

Here are 10 key natural preparations to take the confusion out of starting your home herbal medicine chest.

GINGER CAPSULES

For travel sickness and nausea

Ancient Chinese mariners chewed ginger (Zingiber officinale) for seasickness, and Irishman John McLaughlin, who created ginger beer in 1851, claimed it relieved nausea and headache. Today, astronauts are given capsules of powdered ginger, the most potent and convenient form available.

For travel sickness, David Weir suggests taking two 500mg capsules of ginger one hour before travelling and repeat every three hours. If you love ginger, chew the fresh or candied variety or drink ginger beer in between doses.

Side effects: Don't take large amounts if you have a stomach ulcer as it can aggravate the condition.

Ivy leaf extract

For the lungs and throat

Considered a noxious weed by

some people, ivy leaf (Hedera helix) has strong antibacterial properties that can reduce fever. The liquid extract can be useful for bronchial and respiratory-tract infections, asthma, sore throat and congestion.

The recommended dose for a child is 25 drops of standardised ivy leaf extract per day (you can add water). Double the dose for adults.

Side effects: Ivy leaf is not recommended during pregnancy, as it can increase uterine contractions.

Slippery elm powder and capsules

For settling the stomach

Made from the bark of elm trees, slippery elm (Ulmus fulva) is a nutritious herb that can be used as a general tonic if you're feeling sick or weak. In the first century, Greek physician Dioscorides prescribed a bath of slippery elm for the quick healing of broken bones.

Today, slippery elm is used for a wide range of digestive and respiratory complaints due to the soothing effect it has on inflamed mucus membranes and the digestive tract, says Weir. It also stimulates healing in the throat, stomach and large intestines. Slippery elm is also an effective remedy for diarrhoea, irritable bowel and haemorrhoids. Add one teaspoon of powder to 750ml of water and drink twice a day or take one 200mg capsule twice a day. Just add one teaspoon of powder to a glass of water or juice to settle kids' tummies.

Side effects: This is a very safe herb. However, if you're allergic to it, you may develop a skin rash.

Echinacea capsules

For colds and flu

Echinacea angustifolia, another native American herb, helps to strengthen the immune system and fight infections, including urinary-tract infections and the common cold and flu. In fact, more than 30 clinical trials confirm that echinacea can prevent and reduce the length of a cold. It can also help relieve the symptoms of allergies, laryngitis and tonsillitis.

High doses are needed - up to 200mg five times a day. It's most effective when you start treating the cold in its early stages. For a sore throat, try echinacea and zinc lozenges.

Side effects: You shouldn't use echinacea continuously for more than eight weeks without a break. Evidence suggests it may lose some of its immune-boosting properties over time.

Tea-tree oil

For wounds and fungal conditions

The oil from Melaleuca alterniflora is the great Aussie cure-all. Aborigines used the plant's crushed leaves to treat skin infections, and in World War II, Australian soldiers had tea-tree oil in their first-aid kits. The oil has antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties and effectively treats cuts, abrasions, cold sores, insect bites and fungal skin infections. It's also a great gargle and mouthwash.

Side effects: Should be diluted before use as a mouthwash (five drops in a small glass of water). Externally, use it pure or diluted, though sensitive skin may feel a burning sensation if the solution is too strong.

Aloe vera gel

For burns

The aloe vera plant, Aloe barbadensis, can happily grow in a pot in the house as it's low maintenance and doesn't need much light. Aloe vera contains more than 30 vitamins and minerals that help heal skin cells. The gel squeezed from the spear of the plant is a soothing treatment for burns, sunburn, acne, nappy rash, bites, jellyfish stings and cuts. The gel dries into a natural "bandage" that protects the treated area.

The unused portion of the spear can be wrapped and kept in the fridge for several weeks. Alternatively, you can buy a tube of gel and keep it cool for handy use.

Side effects: Used externally, there are no adverse side effects. It can be ingested to ease constipation, but in high doses can cause vomiting.

Arnica ointment

For bruises and sprains

Arnica montana, found in the world's mountainous regions, is a useful first-aid herb, handy to use on children's sprains, aches and bruises, says Weir.

Arnica ointment, which is available from health-food shops and chemists, helps reduce initial swelling and trauma to the injured area and reduces healing time. Apply to the area four times a day.

Side effects: Arnica shouldn't be used on broken skin or internally as it can burn.

Goldenseal ointment

For healing wounds

Called Hydrastis canadensis, this traditional healing herb of native Americans can be used to treat indigestion and is said to ease whooping cough and heart problems. Goldenseal is also an ideal ointment to help heal cuts and grazes, says Weir. Apply gently but liberally to affected areas.

The extract can be used to assist the body's recovery from a cold and is found in numerous herbal cough and cold products.

Side effects: Used externally, goldenseal ointment is very safe; internally, it can cause nausea or diarrhoea in high doses.

Chamomile tea

For calm and sleep

Used medicinally, the two chamomiles, German (Matricaria recutita) and Roman (Chamaemelum nobile), have virtually the same properties. Chamomile tea is a great soothing drink for kids and adults. It can be used to ease sleeping difficulties or when you are nervous, overexcited or stressed.

It can also be helpful in relieving period pain. Cooled tea can be splashed on the face to relax weary or inflamed eyes or used as an eyewash for conjunctivitis.

Side effects: Avoid chamomile oil when pregnant, as it is a uterine stimulant.

Garlic cloves and capsules

A natural antibiotic

"Garlic [Allium sativum] is the great all-rounder," says Weir. "It's a natural antibiotic with many antibacterial and antiviral properties." Garlic can be eaten raw or cooked, inhaled, crushed, applied directly to the skin or taken in capsules. Good for the heart, garlic kills harmful bacteria but, unlike conventional antibiotics, doesn't kill beneficial bacteria.

The high garlic consumption in Mediterranean countries is thought to explain their low levels of heart disease and hypertension. At the onset of a cold, chew three to four raw cloves every day or take four 500mg odourless garlic capsules.

Side effects: Some people experience heartburn, gas and diarrhoea with high doses of garlic but this is not common. Nursing mothers should avoid eating too much garlic, as high doses can prompt the baby to develop colic.

From Healthy.net