38 Over The Counter Medications & Supplements You Should Have On Hand

Chances are, right this moment, you have a bottle of aspirin or acetaminophen, most commonly known as Tylenol, in your house. Most likely you even have some ibuprofen which sells under the name of Advil or Motrin, or if you are like me, a bottle of extra strength Excedrin, (which is great for migraines) or the generic of it. We all have these because from time to time we have all suffered some sort of ache, pain or headache.

Beyond The Basic Meds

Do you have something in the house to handle an allergic reaction? What about something to handle a sudden bout of diarrhea?

Over the counter (OTC) meds are important, but, having some nutritional supplements are just as important, for example, did you know that Sambucus Black Elder Berry Extract is a fantastic natural remedy for fighting off flu symptoms? Some even say it is better and safer than getting a flu shot, personally, I agree.

Natural Supplements Just As Important As OTC Meds

It is just as important to ensure you have a good stock of the following nutritional supplements, natural remedies as it is to have over the counter medications.  I  keep a lot of these with me at all times, especially Black Elder Berry Extract, Vitamin C, Zinc, aspirin and some extra strength Excedrin.

You Need Clean Water First

You are right, water is not a supplement, it is a necessity. None of the below medications or supplements are any good without having clean water for them, that is why first and foremost I always use a Berkey with Black water purifying filters. I have one in the house and I take and use a Go Berkey kit when I am on the go like I talked about in Unlimited Urban Clean Drinking Water Supply.

Supplements you should always have on hand:

If you know of some other supplements that would be good to have on hand, please leave a comment below.

• Slippery Elm – Natures Pepto-Bismol
• Vitamin C – Many believe may Vitamin C helps build up your immune system to help avoid colds.
• Vitamin D – Most people are deficient of Vitamin D, it produces a wide range of health benefits, read more from Dr. Mercola about all the benefits of Vitamin D.
• Vitamin E – WebMd denotes Vitamin E as the key for strong immunity and healthy skin and eyes.
• Garlic – Authority Nutrition has a fantastic article listing 11 benefits of Garlic, some include, fighting colds and reducing blood pressure, and more.
• Oregano – has natural antibacterial properties
• Multivitamin for Women – All around vitamin supplement for women
• Multivitamin for Men – All around vitamin supplement for men
• Turmeric – Been used by Chinese and Indian systems for hundreds of years as anti-inflammatory
• Cinnamon – Some research has found that a particular type of cinnamon, may lower blood sugar in people with diabetes
• Coconut – Benefits include skin care,  cholesterol level maintenance, weight loss, boosted immune system, proper digestion
• Grapefruit seed – Potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
• Echinacea – Fantastic for colds, yeast infections, ear infections.
• Sambucus Black Elder Berry Extract – Natural remedy for flu symptoms, my personal favorite and it works great!
• Raw Honey – Tastes great and a great anti-viral, anti-bacterial, helps promotes body and digestive health
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Kills many types of bacteria
• Magnesium – Helps with leg cramps, reduces anxiety, helps with constipation
• Zinc – Again great for a healthy immune system

Recommendations for OTC meds:

Now as you read this list as well as the above supplement list, you may be thinking “oh my, I can’t afford to buy all this stuff”. Well, the important thing about getting prepared is to do it a little bit at a time.  The good news is you may find, that you have a lot of the below in the house already.  If not, just buy one or two items every time you do your grocery shopping or when you see a sale.

• Aspirin – pain relief and fever reduction, some take it in small does for heart health
• Acetaminophen – pain relief and fever reduction, many times used for dental pain, menstrual cramps
• Ibuprofen – pain relief and fever reduction
• Naproxen sodium – long-acting for pain relief and fever reduction
• Extra Strength Excedrin – Great for migraine relief
• Diphenhydramine hydrochloride – commonly known as Benadryl, an antihistamine – helps allergic reactions, bee stings, etc.
• Loperamide HCl – Imodium anti-diarrhea medication
• Bismuth Subsalicylate – commonly known as Pepto-Bismol – good for stomach upset and anti-diarrhea medication
• Benzocaine – this one is for the ladies, commonly known as Vagisil, relieves feminine itching and burning
• VaporRub – such as Vicks. Vapors help relieve coughing due to common cold. Can also relieve minor muscles aches and pains when rubbed on sore spot.
• Antacid/Heartburn relief – such as Tums, Rolaids, Pepsid.
• Alka-Seltzer – good for upset stomach as well as heartburn, depending on the type could also be used to relieve cold symptoms
• Cold/Flu Remedies – these could include cough syrup, cough drops, Dayquil/Nyquil and the like.
• Liquid Bandage – also known as New Skin, handy for sealing up a cut in place of or in addition to band aids
• Antibacterial ointment – to protect cuts, scraps & burns, Also can help with chapped skin.
• Medicated First Aid Spray – to protect sooth cuts, scraps, sun burn.
• Hydrogen Peroxide – to clean out wounds
• Isopropyl Alcohol – to clean out wounds, but it will sting

What do you think? Did I miss anything?

Of course if you have children in the house you will want to ensure all these OTC meds and supplements are out of their reach plus ensure you have children doses in the house as well.

Disclaimer: This article is the opinion of the author, it is not meant to be used as medical advise. Always do your own research on any type of medication and/or supplements you have in the house or take to ensure you are not allergic to it or that it won’t conflict with any other medication you or anyone in your household are taking. Before taking any medication or supplement consult with your health care professional.