Almost 52 million Americans use an acetaminophen-containing (coal tar-based) drug at least once a week. When most people get headaches, the first thing they usually do is reach for Tylenol (acetaminophen) or a Tylenol-containing OTC equivalent of it.
That’s how most of us have learned to cope with headaches and minor aches and inflammations, but the question is whether it’s helping or hurting us. Not only do many people overuse Tylenol and put themselves at risk of having liver problems —but even “recommended” doses of Tylenol have been found to be unsafe in various ways.
Consider making this herbal alternative —it is both easy, very effective, and far better for your health.
I came upon Dr. Nicole Apelian‘s recipe and immediately knew it’s worth.
I know, because when we made this very similar natural migraine tincture for my daughter, her headaches literally disappeared.
Why Is Natural Tylenol Better Than The Drug Version?
Acetaminophen is made of coal tar. (It is little-known, but quite true, that robber baron John D. Rockefeller, intent on monopolized his oil-based brand of products, set to work to drum out natural cures (including homeopathy) and create his own system of medicine – and today’s big pharma is the result.)
Tylenol brings with it various health risks:
Emotional Impact: it dulls pain-signaling brain regions, affecting emotional and social senses.
Liver Toxicity: its overdose is a leading cause of liver transplants. It depletes liver glutathione even when taken as prescribed.
Reproductive Concerns: it acts as an endocrine disruptor, impacting hormone production in both males and females.
Gut Issues: it harms the gut lining, increasing vulnerability to bacteria and causing ulcers.
Additional Risks: Linked to allergic reactions and neurological impairments, Tylenol’s “safe” status is under scrutiny.
Go Natural
Tylenol’s inflammation and pain reduction abilities stem from its alteration of pain receptors in the brain. While it serves as a fever reducer, numerous natural alternatives, such as Feverfew, Viola, and Catnip, can offer similar effects safely.
Here’s a brief overview of these herbs:
Feverfew, dried herb (Tanacetum parthenium L): A potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory, it helps with headaches, migraines, pain, nausea, allergies, and fever. It also possesses antimicrobial properties. I like to think of feverfew as having twin powers. It relieves both acute and chronic migraine headaches. When a migraine headache comes on, the blood vessels in your brain inflame. Feverfew contains an active compound called parthenolide which relaxes the tension in the brain’s blood vessels when a migraine begins to take center stage. Parthenolide does this by preventing certain substances which make the blood vessels tremor or go through a mini-seizure of sorts. It can also reduce the dizziness that comes along with migraines. When a person gets stomach sensitivity or the feeling of nausea and vomiting surfaces, this amazing herbal wonder is a soothing balm to relieve all that. (source)
Sweet Violet (genus Viola): Often overlooked, these flowers are rich in histamine-reducing, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties, particularly effective for migraines. You can pick from the many viola varieties in lightly-shaded backyards, hedgerows and along hiking trails throughout North America in the spring. It is a beautiful old tradition to add them to apple cider vinegar to boost the medicinal value.
Catnip, dried herb (Nepeta cataria): Beyond its playful reputation with cats, Catnip acts as an anti-fever, pain reliever, cough remedy, body relaxant, sleep aid, digestive aid, and virus and germ killer. It is versatile in treating cold and flu symptoms and serves as a digestive and nerve aid, acting as a diuretic to eliminate toxins.
Explore these natural herbs for anti-inflammatory, fever-reducing, and pain-relieving benefits without the potential risks associated with Tylenol.
The Herbal Tylenol Recipe
The following herbal glycerite tincture is a fantastic alternative to Tylenol and it’s even safe for children after the age of 2.
To make it child friendly, Dr. Apelian tinctured the herbs in glycerin; however, you can also use alcohol or apple cider vinegar.
You will need equal parts (approx. 1/3 cup of each dried herb):
• Dried violet flowers
• Scalding hot water
You will also need:
• A piece of cheesecloth (or a piece of clean old tee shirt that has not had fabric-softener use on it)
• Pint size jar with tight fitting lid
Making a glycerin tincture can be done in a couple of different ways. For this recipe, we are using a ratio method.
Step 1: Fill the jar about a third to half full of our dried herbs (1:1:1 ratio), then add just enough scalding water to make them float.
Step 2. Fill the jar the rest of the way with organic vegetable glycerin.
Step 3. Stir well.
Step 4. Place lid on the jar and place in a cool dark place for six weeks, shaking the jar regularly.
Step 5. Once your natural pain reliever is done, strain it through cheesecloth and pour it in a dark dropper bottle with a stainless funnel.
How To Use & Store
Adults can take up to 60-120 drops of this herbal Tylenol glycerite with a bit of water to relieve headaches, pain, inflammation, and fever. If you are pregnant, you would take far less.. see the section on ‘side effects’.
For children two years old and up, start with 10-15 drops and work your way up to find the correct dosage for their size. Allow at least 20 minutes between doses for it to work, though it should work almost immediately to relieve pain.
The quality of your tincture would be the highest if you stored the tincture in a dark container and in the refrigerator. The primary component that could make your product shelf stable (able to be stored at room temperature) would be to control the available water. This is accomplished with the glycerin. High levels of glycerin (greater than 55% of the total volume or higher) will keep the available water of your tincture low enough (water activity <0.75) that it will not mold. (See more conversation on this here).
Side Effects Including In Pregnancy
There are side-effects that can occur as a result of taking a feverfew migraine remedy in excess including muscle stiffness, nervousness, mouth ulcers and canker sores, temporary loss of taste, superfluous stimulation of menstruation, and for pregnant women, when taken in excess, contraction of the uterus which can lead to miscarriage. Again, please consult your doctor if you have any concerns about using feverfew herb before you start taking it regularly! (source)
Find additional recipes from Dr. Nicole Apelian here.
“Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.” ~Genesis 1:11-12
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Medical Disclaimer: I am no longer a practicing medical professional, and I am not doctor. I am a mother. I do seek scientific confirmation of the safety and effectiveness of the herbs and remedies I use. Using remedies is a personal decision. Nothing I say on this blog is intended to treat or prevent disease. Consult your own doctor.
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