Kids and Herbs~

Our children today face many health issues early in their life...due to all the same issues we, as adults are dealing with also.

Let me stress that I'm not a doctor, nor do I share this information with any intent to give medical advice to any person for any health issue. Even if we are opting for natural medicine, we all need the guidance of a health care provider. We are all different and need different attention to the same issues.

Now...that all being understood I would like to share some common sense points that can bring relief and leave your child/children in a better position without filling their bodies with drugs.

Nutritional and holistic therapies work well when used correctly.

This information is more than my personal choices, many ND's have spoken and written much on the same line of thought and experience.

School is back in session, germs are back in in the mix, they are a part of life and we can't isolate our children, so have to prepare them.

The first thing to make a priority is 'Washing The Hands'...often and with warm water and soap, for at least 20 seconds. Stress keeping the hands away from the face.

Supply your child with plenty tissue and teach them to use it and throw it away.

(Colds and Flu)

These are caused by viruses and are (Unresponsive to antibiotics )
Using herbal tea such as ginger and peppermint, Chicken broth soup with ginger, onions, and garlic will help to drain the sinuses.

Avoid simple sugars found in soda, white bread, white past, and candy, all of which suppress immunity.

Avoid or limit dairy which can cause or increase mucus.

For nasal congestion, use a humidifier and make sure your child gets at least eight hours of sleep every night. Keep pets out of the bedroom at all cost. Regardless how clean pets are they shed and put off dander that is super bad for a child's respitory system.

Supplements that fight cold and flu viruses include:

Echinacea...a review in the 'Lancet Infectious Diseases' found this herb decrease the odds of catching a cold/flu by 58%...and to shorten the duration by 1.4 days.
For a child-10 to 15 drops three times a day for a week when exposed to others with colds and/or during the flu season. You can easily find kid friendly versions that are free of alcohol.

Zinc Lozenges...Zinc acetate, gluconate, or gluconate-glycine lozenges have been shown to reduce duration of common cold.

Astragalus...is an herb long recommended for the prevention of the common cold and flu in children. It strengthens the immune system safely. 15 drops of the tincture or liquid extract twice a day during the fall and winter seasons is a must.

Eczema...Approximately 15 percent of all children have this condition ( my grandson did at one point in his baby years )eczema is characterized by red itchy patches on the skin. Most children who suffer with this is found to have undiagnosed food sensitivities, the most common of which include gluten ( in barley, wheat, rye, and other grains), citrus fruits, tomatoes, and soy and cow's milk.

A good way to test your own child is simply remove each item ( one at a time ) from the diet for two weeks. Notice if the skin starts to clear up.

Helpful supplements for this condition ( children and adults ) are, Probiotics...a healthy balance of good bacteria in the digestive tract helps reverse eczema.

Essential fatty acids...These helpful fats are also very important.

Give your child fish oil ...easy to take capsules that have no after taste are easy to find. Find one with a minimum of 500 mg of EPA and DHA combined . Whatever the dosage suggest decrease if the stool becomes too loose.

Chickweed cream...This little known cream is a wonderful alternative to steroidal and other prescription drugs for topical use.

One of the most important things we can do for our child is to have them tested by a Natural/Homeopathic doctor for allergies and food sensitivities.

Nut allergies are a major concern...severe nut allergies can make a child very ill and even cause death.

Happy, healthy childhoods are the best of our future....make it a priority~