What's in Dr. Oz's Medicine Cabinet? And What Should Be in Yours?

Dr. Mehmet Oz

Professor of surgery at Columbia University

Dr. Oz is vice-chair and professor of surgery at Columbia University. He directs the Cardiovascular Institute and Complementary Medicine Program at NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital. His research interests include heart replacementsurgery, minimally invasive cardiac surgery, complementary medicine and healthcare policy. He has authored more than 400 original publications, book chapters and medical books and has received several patents.

 

 It may not look as cluttered as your garage or basement, but of all the storage spaces in your home, your medicine cabinet probably needs a makeover the most. Once you've cleared out the expired bottles, restock with my medicine cabinet must-haves:

 

 

Tea Tree Oil

Applying this naturally antimicrobial oil straight to the skin can treat a range of fungal infections, including athlete's foot.

Tiger Balm

This nearly 100-year-old remedy contains active ingredients, including camphor, that create a heating effect and help ease pain.

Band-Aids

Protecting small wounds helps prevent infection—and discourages scabs from forming, which helps reduce the chance of scarring.

Ibuprofen

Take this drug a few days before menstrual cramps hit. It blocks the formation of compounds called prostaglandins, which cause your uterus to contract.

Aspirin

If you're over 40, ask your doctor about taking two low-dose aspirin daily to help prevent heart disease and reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer.

Pepto-Bismol

This pink medicine can treat all manner of GI ailments, from nausea to diarrhea, by fighting inflammation and acid buildup.

Toothbruth

Keep it inside your medicine cabinet, not on the counter. Flushing the toilet can send tiny bacteria everywhere—including onto your bristles.

Toothpaste

Check the label. Sodium lauryl sulfate creates foam when you brush, but you don't need it for a clean mouth—and it can cause canker sores.

Dental Floss

Flossing is essential to help prevent gingivitis, a chronic infection of the gums that increases your risk for heart attack and stroke.

Neti Pot
 
Using a neti pot to cleanse your sinus cavity can help fight congestion—without the side effects of allergy pills and nasal sprays.
 
Valerian Root

This ancient insomnia remedy may affect the neurotransmitter GABA, the chemical targeted by many prescription sleep medications.

By Dr. Mehmet Oz
O, The Oprah Magazine  |  From the September 2010 issue of O, The Oprah Magazin