What’s in my natural medicine cabinet?

I’m frequently asked about what products I use on a daily basis, so this is a first in a series that will cover:

• What’s in my natural first aid kit? Read it here
• What’s in my natural medicine cabinet?
• What’s in my natural makeup bag? Coming soon
• What’s my supplement routine? Coming soon

Many of these products are items that I’ve settled on after trying numerous brands. All of them fit my strict ingredient standards for purity and sustainability.

A few of these items, like the bentonite clay and tallow balm, are also considered part of my Natural First Aid Kit. That’s what I love about simple, natural remedies – they boast so many uses!

What I have in my natural medicine cabinet:

Castor oil – I use organic castor oil for oil cleansing in the evening. (Here are directions for oil cleansing, a method of deep-cleansing the face. It’s excellent for balancing oily and acne-prone skin). I also make a moisturizing body oil by mixing 1 part castor oil with 3 parts macadamia oil (discussed below). Feel free to add a few drops of your favorite essential oils for fragrance.

Bentonite Clay – I use Hydrated Redmond Clay as a face mask once a week. It is a staple in my Natural First Aid kit as well, and I use it on cuts and bug bites.

Earthpaste – Did you know that the glycerine found in many natural toothpastes (including Tom’s of Maine) can coat the teeth, preventing the healthy mineralization process of your teeth? I use Earthpaste, which is made with only clay, sea salt, essential oils and a bit of Xylitol for sweetness.

Enessa Clove Acne Control – Enessa Clove Acne control, a proprietary blend of essential oils in jojoba oil, is the only topical treatment I’ve found that drastically reduces the inflammation and redness of cystic acne overnight. I’ve used it for years and am never without a bottle. A little goes a long way (apply it only to the cyst) and a bottle lasts me at least 7 months. 

Enessa Rescue Oil – Enessa Rescue oil is formulated for non-cystic breakouts. Only apply it directly on blemishes, definitely not to the entire face. It is pricey, but the best thing I’ve found for blemishes. A teeny-tiny dab goes a long way and a bottle lasts me many months. I also use it for soothing bug bites.

Jojoba oil – I use organic jojoba oil mixed with macadamia oil as a daytime facial moisturizer. These are the only oils I can use on my face because they don’t break me out. Many people can use coconut oil, shea butter or other natural oils as a facial moisturizer, but these don’t work well for me. It’s important to find what works best for you.

Macadamia oil – Macadamia oil makes an amazing face, body and hair oil alone or mixed with jojoba oil. I love it because it absorbs quickly without a residue, and is lightweight and non-comedogenic for the face.

Morrocco Method products – I use only Morrocco Method shampoos and conditioners – which I discuss here in detail – as well as the ultra-lightweight Styling Pomade to help define the wavy texture of my hair. Bonus tip: any of the MM shampoos and conditioners also double as shaving cream or moisturizing body wash!

MyChelle Skin Clearing Pads – I use these willow bark pads to treat/prevent ingrown hairs after shaving. Works like a charm!

Primal Pit Paste – I love Primal Pit Paste deodorant because 1) it contains safe ingredients, 2) it actually works, and 3) it comes in a convenient tube.

Raw honey – I use raw honey to wash my face in the morning with The Honey Cleansing Method, explained here. Manuka honey is the best because it contains vastly higher levels of antibacterial properties, although it is more expensive. Feel free to whatever raw honey you have on hand!

Rose water – I use pure rose water as a luxurious and balancing facial toner. I put it in a glass spray bottle to spritz my face.

Tallow balm – Nothing beats tallow balm for soothing dry skin, chapped hands or ragged cuticles. It is also the best topical treatment for eczema (which can’t be truly treated topically, but it helps to have something soothing and anti-inflammatory to use on the skin). I love this handmade Tallow Balm, which has a beautiful and very light fragrance from a blend of pure essential oils. A tiny dab goes a long, long way. In the winter, I’ll use it as a body moisturizer.

I hope you enjoyed this peak into my medicine cabinet! Do you have any of the same things in your medicine cabinet?