Natural Medicine Cabinet Go-to's
Moms are on call 24/7! Scraped knees, stuffy noses, scratchy throats and tummy troubles - we all work so hard to ensure our littles are feeling their best. So on that note, we invite you into our natural medicine cabinets to show you a few of our favorite natural remedies. We keep these on hand at all times so we’re on point prepared!
Tummy Troubles - an upset stomach can be caused by a variety of reasons-- ranging from illness to disagreeable foods or an overindulgence of sweets.
When any significant underlying concern(s) is/are ruled out, we love to start with GINGER! Ginger helps fight viral infections, comfort digestive whoas, and can also help with general aches + pains. A warm cup of ginger tea (we love the brand Traditional Medicinals) is so simple and can soothe a sore belly.
We also keep a bottle of “Tummy Glycerite” handy – this formula is a botanical mixture including fennel, lemon balm, and chamomile. A few drops in water several times a day is a great remedy for kids & adults! And it actually tastes pretty good to most kiddos, too!
“Vital-Zymes Chewable” digestive enzymes are also fantastic at helping an unsettled tummy process whatever it may be that caused the tummy troubles in the first place. We like to use two chewables (that taste great!) on occasion/as needed if our kids go to a party or eat an inflammatory food that we typically do not have in our day-to-day diet.
Nasal Congestion
“XLear Nasal Spray”: this spray is gentle enough for infants + kids, and a great option whether suffering from seasonal allergies or a cold. The natural saline washes, cleans, soothes, and moistens nasal passages and helps improve airflow. A favorite of the entire household!
“Aromatic Chest Rub”: a natural, non-toxic option we love for extra relief of nasal + chest congestion, especially while sleeping! Essential oils of eucalyptus, rosemary, ravintsara, and tea tree in this rub help open the airway + calm the body to promote better rest. We’re all for improving sleep, especially while someone is under the weather!
Create a steam bath: a good old-fashioned steam bath can be a huge help in relieving congestion and is so simple to do! Turn on the shower fully with hot running water and close the door. Put up to 10-20 drops of Eucalyptus oil on a washcloth and throw in the shower under the hot running water. When the bathroom starts to fill with steam, sit in the bathroom for approximately 10 minutes with your child- they usually love to either just relax + snuggle or read a book.
Bumps + Bruises - whether your LO takes a tumble while learning to walk or gets a goose- bump playing sports, these are a few of our favorite remedies:
“Arnicare Ointment” - Arnica montana is a homeopathic remedy that has been used for many, many years and can be found in both topical and oral forms. We love to have a tube of the topical on-hand for everyday bumps + bruises.
Frankincense essential oil is also a great topical, particularly to heal bruising. Mix a few drops of the essential oil with a carrier oil (we love unrefined coconut oil in a glass jar) and apply topically a few times a day.
*** Friendly reminder to keep these products away from the eyes! And always dilute essential oils prior to application.***
Earaches -
Gentle, but firm, massage in the area of the ear (think above, below, in front of & behind the actual ear) can promote the movement/drainage of ear fluid + congestion. Massage with your fingertips in a downward direction behind the ear on the neck and apply gentle inward pressure in front of the ear toward the cheek. This procedure can be uncomfortable for your child so we only recommend doing this once or twice daily for only a short period of time.
“Ear Oil Relief” by NOW: when our kiddos need some extra relief from a pesky ear infection, we head right for Ear Oil Relief! Allicin (a compound in garlic) has been shown helpful in fighting bacterial + viral infections, while the herbs help cleanse + moisturize. Mullein is an analgesic, helping to relieve discomfort associated with earaches. We like to warm the oil just a tad (be careful it’s not too hot!), place 3-4 drops in the ear, cover with a cotton ball, and add a warm compress to the ear for extra relief. If there is any question as to whether or not the eardrum is perforated, do not add any drops or medicine to the ear.
Scratchy Throat - an irritated throat can accompany allergies, a cold, or even infection.
For children over 2yrs of age, a spoonful of local, organic honey can soothe beautifully or try Manuka honey for a powerful immune punch! For our older kiddos, we use the age-old trick of gargling warm salt water - it really helps! Warm 1 cup of filtered water and stir in a quarter to one-half tsp of salt. Gargle for 30-seconds and spit out. Repeat as often as needed, up to several times daily during irritation.
“Elderberry-zinc lozenges” are also great for a tickly throat. Studies show that elderberry and zinc pack an immune punch and act as wonderful anti-microbials. These lozenges actually taste great, so no complaints from the kiddos when we suggest having one. For our littles, we like to break the lozenge and have them suck on smaller pieces. (An easy trick for avoiding choking… while the lozenge is still in its wrapper, place it on a hard counter & smash w/ a metal spoon, wa-lah! Little tiny lozenge pieces to help decrease discomfort and fight infection.)
Headaches - as applies for the other symptoms above, causes of a headache can result from a variety of factors. Two very modifiable factors to consider for your child (and yourself!) with headaches are 1. hydration and 2. sleep. Dehydration + lack of sleep are both super common and easy for kids to get behind on, especially during the summer months.
When a headache creeps in, we first offer our kiddos a glass of water and reach for 2 of our favorite essential oils: lavender + peppermint. During summer months, we like to wet a washcloth with cool water, put in the freezer for a few minutes if possible, add the essential oils to the washcloth before applying to the forehead or around the neck.
If you don’t have these oils on hand for use, we like to rub “Headache Soother” on the temples, forehead, and a dab under the nose + a cool compress behind the neck and a quiet, relaxing space to rest.
Skin issues-
From bug bites to poison ivy to any type of rashes, we love to keep botanical salves on hand. One of our ultimate favorites is “All Purpose Salve” by Wise Woman Herbals. It’s great for any and all of the above, doesn’t sting when applied and wonderfully nourishes irritated, inflamed skin tissue.
“Wild Weed Salve” by the same company, Wise Woman Herbals, is great for poison ivy, poison oak and stinging nettles exposure. Did you know that in nature, wild jewelweed can usually be found growing near poison ivy… Nature always knows! So it only makes sense this would be the perfect antidote to itchy, poison ivy infected skin.
And if you find yourself without these, unrefined coconut oil in a glass jar can always be applied topically to calm + restore irritated skin.
In addition to our tips above… starting with rest, hydration and plenty of mommy snuggles will FOREVER be the best therapies. Be well, Blossoms!
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Please remember to err on the side of caution and visit your qualified healthcare provider prior to implementing any alternative therapies. This information is meant to educate and inform only, and not intended as a substitute for advice from your qualified healthcare provider.