With the change of seasons from Summer to Fall we need to change our supplies in our medicine cabinet. With cooler weather comes a different set of illnesses that can be nipped in the bud with the right medicinals.

Arnica (Arnica montana): This year round herb helps stop pain. Use this for arthritic aches, often set off by seasonal changes. Rub the tincture, cream, or gel on sore spots, Do not use on broken skin.

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous) : Take two capsules of this antiviral herb twice a day to prevent or treat colds and flu. Look for astragalus products standardized to 15-percent polysaccharides.

Calendula (calendula officinalis) : Use calendula tinctures, oil, lotions, or creams to soothe chapped skin and lips. Look for products with at least 10-percent extract of Calendula.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita): This soothing herb works great as a dust-irritant reliever. Brew a cup of tea and let it cool. Place the room temperature tea soaked in cotton on your eyes. Drink a cup of chamomile tea for upset stomachs, heartburn, indigestion, or to promote relaxation.

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea): Treat colds, flu, sore throat, and other common infections with this natural enhancer of immune system function. It’s sold as tinctures and extracts, as well as capsules and tablets. When you feel something coming on, take two capsules of freeze-dried extract four times a day or a dropperful of tincture, in water, four times a day.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba): Take ginkgo for low circulation or insufficient blood flow, mental fuzziness, memory loss, or vertigo. Take 120 milligrams per day in divided doses with food. Look for products with 24-percent flavonoid glycosides, or else 5- to 7- percent terpene lactones (including 3-percent ginkgolides) .

Siberian ginseng (Eleutheroccocus senticosus): This treatment for lethargy and fatigue also boosts resilience to environmental stresses. Take two capsules, or one dropperful of tincture, twice a day or as a tea 2-3 times a day — unless directed otherwise.

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) : This germicide and antibacterial oil is great for cleaning infected wounds or as a gargle for a sore throat — use a 10-percent solution but use pure 100-percent tea tree oil.

Triphala: An Ayurvedic Indian herbal mixture, triphala is a remedy for constipation and poor bowel tone. Take only the capsules and avoid triphala in powdered form.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) : An assistant to sound sleep and a treatment for insomnia, Valerian comes in tincture, extract, or tablet form. Use one teaspoon of the tincture in a quarter cup of water, or take one or two tablets at bedtime.

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac – http//www.peacefulmind.com/fall.htm – Therapies for healing mind, body, spirit