A look inside our natural "medicine" cabinet

Homegrown’s Natural "Medicine" Cabinet Essentials

*Please be advised this is not medical advice. These are resources we personally use & have seen benefits from. Always consult your healthcare provider first. 

Now, let's get into it! 

First and foremost, there is no magic pill to maintain a strong and highly functioning body. There are many facets to consider. A nourishing diet, lessening your toxic load, quality sleep, regular movement, proper hydration, emotional/mental health, and supplementation all work together in harmony. 

For this article, we will be focusing on supplementation. Keep reading to find out some our favorites!


It's important to understand there is a great difference between synthetic vitamins and whole food supplements. 

Synthetic vitamins are derived mostly from chemicals and additives. These brands will unfortunately not use high-quality ingredients and do not source the nutrients/vitamins from real food and plants. Also, most of these companies do not provide 3rd party testing to ensure ingredient potency or that there are no heavy metals, chemicals, mold, microbial contaminants, pathogens, GMOs, pesticides, etc.

Whole Food supplements are nutrient-dense and rich. They include all parts of the plant and herbs. They also utilize real whole fruits, vegetables, and even parts of animals. These brands have integrity when it comes to soil health, plant/animal health, harvesting, the manufacturing process, etc. 

For example, vitamin C has become a popular supplement to have on hand. To tell the difference between a synthetic brand and a whole food supplement, a synthetic bottle will list "vitamin C (ascorbic acid)." Synthetic ascorbic acid is often derived from GMO cornstarch or corn syrup processed with volatile acids. On a whole food supplement bottle, it will list “vitamin C (acerola cherries).”

Another quick tip is to look at the nutritional label when the specific vitamin is listed. Next to the nutrient, the bottle should say "from organic food blend" or name the exact food or plant source.

Be sure to also read under the nutritional label where it says "other ingredients." Many companies add in "hidden" ingredients, such as sugar (a lot of times, sourced from a GMO), dyes, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, etc.

Daily year-round supplementation: 
1. Desiccated Beef Liver: Liver is one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods. I would also consider this a "multivitamin." The key is to make sure you are sourcing solely from healthy, grass-fed cows. A great brand is Perfect Supplements. "Perfect cows are untouched by hormones and antibiotics, and they never come into contact with chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or any other chemical contaminants." They use beef liver in its purest form.

Benefits include: High-quality protein, naturally occurring iron, vitamin A and B12, supports the immune system, metabolism, and digestion, helps regulate blood sugar, increase energy levels, and much more!

2. Cod Liver Oil: Wild-caught, raw fish liver oils extracted from sustainably harvested sources from a fresh body of water. Rosita is a brand that honors just that and more. They source their fish from the Norwegian Fjords. "No chemicals, solvents or mechanical devices are ever used during extraction or production, completely unrefined and produced under the total absence of heat, and thoroughly tested."

Benefits include: Naturally occurring vitamins D3 & A, high-quality source of EPA & DHA (omega-3s), supports brain & neurological health, reproductive system, cardiovascular health, immune system, and bones, teeth, and hair health. 

3. Elderberry: The fruit, along with the actual flower and leaves, has been used medicinally for centuries. Today the most common source is in the form of a syrup (liquid extracted from the berry) and tea. There are many brands out there, but the one we love at Homegrown is from Above and Beyond. They source their certified organic elderberries from a small farm in Morrow, Ohio. They are never dehydrated so no nutrients are lost, and their "species are brewed whole, not ground for the highest quality end-product." They make monthly fresh, small batches that ship to your door. 

Benefits include: Supporting the immune system, rich in vitamins and minerals-vitamin C & A, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, zinc, and potassium, and an antioxidant containing flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids.

It's important to note—for supporting your immune system and to avoid getting sick often (or having a fast recovery), you must nurture it year-round, not just during the winter months or when you are sick. To get the most out of supplementing with elderberry syrup it is recommended to take ~1 tbsp daily (for an adult).

4. Magnesium: About 70-80% of people are not meeting the daily recommendation in general or with food alone. 

Benefits include: Providing energy on a cellular level, helping to reduce stress & anxiety, improving sleep quality, boosting mood, promoting healthy blood sugar and blood pressure, supporting heart & skin health, and can be beneficial for headaches, muscle pain, and cramps. 

Two great brands are Perfect Supplements & Truvani. 

5. Probiotic: As many know, it is essential to maintain and support a healthy gut and digestive system. Using food such as sauerkraut, kefir, raw milk, garlic, leafy greens, apple cider vinegar, etc., are great options for incorporating pre/probiotic foods. But sometimes, you need a little more support. This is why many choose to take a daily probiotic supplement. Three great brands are Truvani, Seed, and Ora Organics. 

Before moving on, this is a quick, basic, essential list of supplements I recommend to take daily. I personally (Ashley, here) take more but always remember, everyone's health is different and unique. Listen to your body and talk to a healthcare provider for further guidance. 

Immune Supporting Supplementation: 

Binder & Digestive Support:

Hormonal Support:

Additional brands & supplements we use & love:

A final note—These are just suggested brands and options that we prefer and personally use. There are many other great and trusted brands out there so feel free to purchase similar items elsewhere! We hope this can help you fill your “medicine” cabinets more efficiently to support your body’s natural rhythms and provide extra healing/solutions when needed!

Ashley Miele