5 Reasons Your DIY Home Remedies May Not Work

Straining a homemade natural remedy into a jar

Have you ever made a home remedy, and then it didn’t work, or worse yet, it got all moldy? Then you had to throw it away, wasting those herbs, and your precious time and money? If so, you’re not alone! In this post, I want to discuss the most common reasons why natural remedies or at-home DIY remedies may not work for people. It is important to address these reasons so that you can create better quality herbal remedies for your family and save money in the long run. Let's dive in! Wanna check it out in the podcast version? I got you, just scroll to the bottom!

Good Medicine Starts With High Quality Herbs

Whether you make your own remedies or buy them pre-made, the quality of the plant material and solvents used significantly impacts their efficacy. Sourcing herbs from local organic farmers or trusted suppliers ensures superior quality. Organic herbs grown with care contain more beneficial nutrients and constituents, making them potent medicine. Avoid purchasing herbs from unknown sources or those that have been sitting on shelves for too long. One of my FAVORITE organic herb farms is Oshala Herb Farm in southern Oregon.

Herbs Aren’t Instant Fix Pills

Many people turn to natural remedies expecting them to work like instant fix pills. However, herbs are not magic bullets. While some herbs can provide relief in acute situations, true healing and major shifts in chronic illnesses often require lifestyle changes. This may involve reducing screen time, improving the diet, increasing physical activity, spending time in nature, and ensuring proper nutrition. Lifestyle changes play a crucial role in achieving long-term health.

Are You Choosing The Right Herbs For YOU?

Just because a herb is popular or recommended by someone doesn't mean it is the right herb for you. Each herb has specific affinities for different body systems. Understanding herbal actions and the energetic qualities of herbs is crucial. For example, turmeric is great for joints and ligaments but may not be suitable for respiratory issues. Balancing the art and science of herbal medicine involves knowing which herbs best address specific symptoms and systems.

Solubility Of Herbs, Medicinal Constituents, and the Solvent

The way a remedy is prepared can affect its effectiveness. While tinctures are currently popular, it's essential to consider the solubility of constituents in the chosen menstruum. Some herbs, like marshmallow root, are high in mucilage, which is not soluble in alcohol. If you're making a tincture to ease a sore throat, it's important to choose a different preparation method for marshmallow root. Understanding the solubility of constituents ensures you extract the desired qualities of the herb. We dive much deeper into this topic in Medicine Makin’ Mommas

Herbal Dosage Matters

Dosage plays a significant role in the effectiveness of herbal remedies. It's important to start with lower dosages and gradually increase if necessary. It's easier to add more herbs to the body than to remove them. Finding the right balance between providing enough herbs and avoiding harm is crucial. Understanding proper dosage ensures the herbs work optimally without adverse effects. If you’re wanting to be sure you’ve got the dosage right for your family, we’ve got a whole lesson on that inside the Kid Safe Herb Club here.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, natural remedies and DIY home remedies can be highly effective when used correctly. However, it's important to recognize that they are not instant fix pills. Investing in lifestyle changes, sourcing high-quality herbs, choosing the right herbs for specific needs, proper remedy preparation, and dosage considerations are key to achieving desired results. By taking these factors into account, you can create effective and personalized remedies for your family's health. Remember, herbs are a holistic approach to wellness that considers the body, mind, spirit, and lifestyle choices.

Thank you for reading this blog post.

If ready to take your medicine making skills to the next level, consider joining my FREE class, "How to Make Herbal Remedies That Actually Work." You can register for that here.

Stay healthy and take care of each other!!

Meet The Author

_{We Love the Mission and Sustainable Herbs available through Oshala Herb Farm, WishGarden Herbs & Mountain Rose Herbs and receive a small commission when you purchase through our affiliate links. Thank you for supporting our small business, and others on a mission to make this planet a better place to live!}

_{*Always remember to contact your healthcare provider when considering the use of botanical medicine as a possible treatment option and the medical considerations. While the information in this article is absolutely relevant, herbs work differently for each person and each condition.}

_{**I am a trained herbalist and not a licensed or registered healthcare practitioner. I cannot diagnose health conditions, nor prescribe medicines legally; I am not a medical doctor. However, I will recommend or suggest medicinal herbs for various health complaints, as I do believe in the safety and efficacy of botanical medicine.}

_{***The information I’ve provided is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbal medicine, particularly if you have a known medical condition or if you are pregnant or nursing.}

Ready To Learn More?

Check These Out These Programs, I Promise They're Fun & You'll Learn A Ton!

Kid Safe Herb Club

Each month we'll do a deep dive lesson on one herb and its many medicinal uses. Plus, you'll get lessons on the foundations of herbalism, plant identification skills, and sustainability in herbalism. Plus, every month we'll do a live Herbal Show & Tell in the community! All for $7!

Join The Club

Apothecary Momma Herbal Mentorship

Live weekly classes & Q & A, plus a growing library of lessons to help moms handle everything from cradle cap to acne covered skin, and everything in between. It's all about empowering you, so that you can take your family's health back into your own hands.

Tell Me More!

Medicine Makin' Mommas

Start making safe & effective herbal remedies that actually work, and taste great too, so that you don't have to worry the next time the store runs out of the other remedies. From tinctures to salves, to lotions, and potions galore, we'll cover it all!

I Need This!