How to Create a Natural Medicine Cabinet for Your Family

There is no experience more stressful for new moms than watching their babies get sick. We all know it has to happen, but that doesn’t make it any easier to endure…no matter how old they are, or how many times we’ve been through it before. And then there’s the added stress of figuring out what’s inside all those scary medicine bottles….not to mention wondering about side effects, drug interactions, and the fear of taking (or giving!) too much. Wouldn’t it be nice to know your medicine cabinet is stocked with the safest and healthiest medicines for the entire family to use?

Rather than wait for cold & flu season to hit, you should get your medicine cabinet in order now. We’ve partnered with Maty’s, a company that was started by a mom to create natural and organic whole food health remedies, to help share the benefits of whole food remedies in your medicine cabinet.

In case you need some inspiration to give your medicine cabinet a healthy makeover, we turned to natural mama and boss babe Desiree Verdejo of the niche beauty boutique Vivrant Beauty. Below, Desiree shares how her background in natural beauty and skincare has inspired her to create a healthy home for her 8-month-old daughter and how she’s incorporating natural and organic products into both her and baby’s routines — before, during and after sickness hits.

You’ve always been focused on natural beauty, but how did your skincare and nutrition routine change when Baby Corbin arrived?
Even though I’ve always been drawn to natural products, when I was pregnant I became much more aware of product labels and what ingredients were inside. I sought out home remedies, yoga for back pain, and natural medications like Maty’s All Natural Acid Indigestion Relief for heartburn (anyone who’s ever been pregnant can probably relate!). Now that she’s here I only want the best for my baby, and also for myself. Taking care of her starts with taking care of me.

How has motherhood transformed your work?
Becoming a mom made me intimately aware of the desires of another group of our supporters — fellow mothers. It’s given me a new appreciation for organic baby care products, and made me more dedicated to finding healthy, natural products for the family to fill our e-shelves.

It’s also been a major adjustment for my workflow! When I first launched the company, I was able to dedicate all of my free time to growing the company, catering to our customers and spreading the word about the brand. I’m now learning the hard task of setting blocks of time aside for work versus Corbin. I haven’t figured out the balance bit yet (doubt that I ever will). My first lesson has been to be focused on Corbin or business and to avoid trying to multitask the two.

How do you decide what products you want to bring into your home for both you and Corbin?
There is so much on the market today, so it can feel overwhelming to make buying decisions but I still trust my natural instincts of being drawn to stories, packaging and ingredients. That’s why I was so drawn to Maty’s. Maty was born with severe heart defects, and Maty’s Healthy Products is a result of her mom studying natural healing. I also have a dynamic group of in-the-know friends and mamas so despite the fact that I am always exploring products, I also ask them what they’re loving for guidance.

We’re coming up on winter and the ever dreaded flu season. How are you planning to combat colds for the family?
This is Corbin’s first fall, and she’s already been a bit congested. I’m trying not to get stressed about the likelihood of her actually getting sick. Personally, I’m a fan of preventative remedies like Vitamin C, ginger tea, turmeric and arnica montana when it gets colder. Growing up, I was slathered in a chest rub as soon as I coughed once. Now that I’ve found Maty’s All Natural Baby Chest Rub, I can continue with that tradition with my daughter because they only use pure, natural ingredients.

What are your top 3 favorite natural remedies for your baby?
I suffer from “congested winters” — basically, I’m stuffy from the first day of winter until the spring. I fear that Corbin might be like me in that sense. My natural go-tos for her are a nasal aspirator and saline spray, Maty’s All Natural Baby Chest Rub for nighttime rubdowns, and Maty’s All Natural Baby Ointment, which is petroleum-free so safe to slather on all over her body.

What advice would you offer new and expecting mamas wanting to make the transition to natural and organic care for the family?
I completely advise families to transition to natural and organic products, not only when it comes to food, but also over-the-counter remedies, house cleaners, and really anything they can. Thanks to the internet, information about what ingredients to avoid are readily accessible. As a niche beauty retailer, I may be biased, but I also think that it’s easier to get started by finding a retailer with a careful curation of cleaner personal care items.

Emily Edgar is a NYC-based makeup artist and mama to sweet new babe, Margaux. Typically you can find her on set with top models and actors alike, testing all the newest makeup/skincare products on the market and spreading beauty across the wide open expanses. Follow her on IG @EmilyEdgar.

Photography by Jonica Moore Studio for Well Rounded.

SHOP OUR FAVE MATYS PRODUCTS
Matys All Natural Baby Chest Rub
Grandma swears by it, and now that we have babies we know why. This one’s made from pure, natural and wholesome goodness that’s petroleum and menthol free.

Matys Organic Cough Syrup
Sure, this will calm your coughs and soothe your irritated throat. But start taking it before that first cold and benefit from the 10 immune boosters in its organic whole food ingredients.

Matys All Natural Children’s Cough Syrup
The kids version of our adult fave. Mom Hint: Skip the medicine cup and use it the same way you’d use honey or maple syrup… in oatmeal, smoothies, or even on pancakes!

Matys All Natural Acid Indigestion Relief
A pregnant mama’s best friend. This drug-free syrup relieves heartburn and indigestion with no side effects.

Matys All Natural Baby Ointment
Whether you’re battling dry skin from the winter air or plain ol’ diaper rash, slather on this safe and healthy petroleum free ointment.