In last week’s article I outlined the first steps to creating healthier children with whole foods. This week I give you tips on the best natural and holistic therapies for common childhood symptoms such as a sore throat, cough and tummy pain.
Anxiety, irritability, stress and insomnia: Try these lovely herbal teas – Lemon balm, Chamomile flower, Rosemary leaf, Lavender flower, Aniseed and Fennel seed. These delicious teas are also indicated for a tummy upset, common cold and headache. Tip: choose organic teas and make a tea by adding 1 teaspoon per cup of boiled water. Steep for 3-5 minutes. The following two products have been specifically formulated for kids with these symptoms: Kids Mineral Be Calm and Kiwi Herb Kids Calm.
Common cold: Echincaea root, because it is anti bacterial (best prescribed by your herbalist or Kiwi Herb creates beautiful children’s remedies that are available over the counter ). Kids Mineral Cough and Cold helps manage symptoms. Gubinge Powder by Loving Earth also known as Kakadu Plum is the richest source of vitamin C. Bolster up your immunity and hydrate by making this into a delicious drink with a cold infusion of Peppermint leaf and Lemon myrtle leaf. Peppermint cools the constitution and Lemon myrtle is antimicrobial. How to make a cold tea infusion? Simply make a tea by adding a teaspoon of dried herb per 1 cup of boiling water. Allow steeping for 5 minutes and then strain and keep in the fridge until cold. Add the Gubinge powder when the infusion is cold.
Sore throat and cough: A soothing tea infusion of Manuka honey, Lemon myrtle leaf, Marshmallow root, Licorice root and Thyme leaf. These herbs are antibacterial, antiseptic and coat the mucous membranes like a soothing balm. Add 1 teaspoon of each herb in a plunger plus 1 teaspoon of Manuka honey with 3 cups of boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes and give to your child to sip as needed.
Fever: In conjunction with your medicine of choice, a cold tea infusion of Peppermint leaf, Yarrow and Elderflower will help cool the constitution. It is important to keep your child well hydrated and this tea hydrates as well as offer therapy. Ferrum phos Mineral Salt is indicated for the first signs of fever and common cold.
Stuffy nose: A common symptom of a cold or allergy. Remove the allergenic source – food or environment toxin and treat the cold. To help clear the nasal passages, use herbs like Goldenrod, Echinacaea, Ribwort and Elderflower (best prescribed by your herbalist or try Kiwi Herbs De-Stuff for kids ) Eucalyptus oil on a tissue or hanky is very effective. Several sniffs as required will help decongest a blocked nose as well as disinfect. Choose a 100% Australian, pure Blue Mallee Eucalyptus oil.
Dry skin, dermatitis or eczema: When it comes to dermatitis and eczema, it is important to find out the underlying cause – food intolerance, reaction to laundry products, change in environment (damp, moldy or dusty rooms) or change in weather? To help soothe and manage symptoms try skin balms made from Chamomile flower, Nettle leaf, Calendula flower, Paw paw extract, Jojoba Oil, Olive oil and soothing Essential oils. Change the soap your child uses for a goat or sheep milk base soap or cleanser. Avoid products that contain parabens, petrochemicals, artificial colours, fragrances or perfumes that can irritate their young delicate skin.
Note:
If your child’s symptoms persist please seek medical advice.
If your child has a chronic illness, speak with a qualified natural therapist or health practitioner before treating them with natural medicine. They’ll be able to assess your child’s symptoms and devise a safe and suitable treatment plan.