All you need to keep your kids really healthy, the natural way. Stock up with these natural remedies:
- Arnica
- Bifidus Infantis
- Rescue Remedy
- Chamomilla
- Fennel Seeds
- Calendula Cream
- Elderflower Tea
- Lavender Oil
- Melissa Comp Drops
- Multivitamin
1. Arnica
This is the number one homeopathic remedy for kids, and it is worth investing in both the cream and tablet form. Arnica is used to help heal damaged or swollen tissues, and overcome emotional or physical shock, e.g. after visiting the dentist, having surgery or after an accident.
How to use
Apply the cream directly to bumps and bruises, sprains, strains and sore muscles. Do not use if the skin is broken as it could make the problem worse. For emergency problems such as stings, nosebleeds and burns, give the tablet in a 6c potency every 5 to 10 minutes for up to 10 doses. For problems that take longer to heal, such as sprains, cuts or a black eye, give every 2 hours for up to 6 doses.
2. Bifidus Infantis
If your child has had antibiotics, a supplement of probiotics may help replace the ‘friendly bacteria’ the antibiotics destroy. Studies have shown that probiotics can halve a child’s recovery time from a bout of diarrhea and improve immunity to other infections. Adult forms of probiotics can be too harsh for a child’s digestion, but Bifidus infantis, or Bifidus bifidum, can be given to babies on solids and children for up to a week.
How to use
Stir, as directed, into milk, live yogurt or juice. There is no need to give probiotic supplements to breast-fed babies. Live yogurt is a good alternative for young children and babies on solids.
3. Rescue Remedy
The remedy for all emergencies where panic, shock, numbness, anxiety or fear feature. If a child has recurrent nightmares, or irrational fears, the remedy can be given as a preventative.
How to use
Give 4 drops on the tongue or in a little water (2 drops for children under 5). Dab 1 or 2 drops (no more) on the lips of a child who faints, or one who screams hysterically with fright or shock. For a child who has nightmares, give one or two drops before bed.
4. Chamomilla Drops
This is the homeopathic remedy for colicky pain and teething problems in infants. It is also good for earache and recommended for sleeplessness, restlessness, temper tantrums and irritability. The remedy is best for children who are frantic, typically have one red cheek and may be feverish; they insist on being carried and scream when put down.
How to use
Use the 6c potency and give a dose for colic every 5 minutes for up to 10 doses. For sleeplessness give a dose an hour before bedtime. For temper tantrums give 1 dose twice a day for up to 10 days; for teething give a dose every hour, and for earache a dose every 30 minutes for up to 10 doses.
5. Fennel Seeds
Fennel tea is an excellent colic remedy, can help alleviate coughs and bronchitis, stimulate the appetite of picky eaters and soothe itchy and inflamed eyes and eyelids.
How to use
Make a tea using 1 to 2 tsp of slightly crushed fennel seeds in a cup of boiling water. Leave for 10 minutes and strain. When cool, give 1 tsp to babies as required. Sweetened with 1 tsp of honey, half a cup of fennel tea is also good for older children with wind and tummy pains. For coughs and bronchitis drink 3 times a day. As an appetite stimulant give 30 minutes before a meal. Bathe eyes affected by hayfever with cool tea. For conjunctivitis, make a compress using a piece of clean, cotton cloth soaked in the tea and place over the eyes. Leave for 10 to 15 minutes. Apply 3 times a day.
6. Calendula Cream
This gentle cream helps soothe and heal most sore or irritated skin conditions and has a gentle yet effective anti-inflammatory action. Use it for problems such as nappy rash, heat rash, chickenpox spots, sunburn, cuts, scratches, minor wounds, bums and scalds. It is especially good for cracked or scratched skin, and skin rashes such as eczema.
How to use
Apply to the affected area 2 or 3 times a day.
7. Elderflower Tea
This is excellent for childhood colds, upper respiratory infections, tonsillitis, laryngitis, sore throats, general malaise, hayfever, chills and restlessness. The tea stimulates the circulation which helps to optimize healing; causes sweating which helps bring down a temperature, and helps the body get rid of toxins. It also relaxes the nervous system and encourages sleep, so is ideal for anxious children at the start of an infection. In addition, elderflower is said to help bring out the rash and speed recovery from measles and chickenpox, and relieve catarrh congestion. You can use the cooled freshly-made tea to clean cuts and soothe sunburn or irritated skin.
How to use
Put 2 tsp of the dried herb into a cup, fill with boiling water and leave to stand for 10 minutes. Sweeten with honey and, once cooled, give a small cup to children 3 times a day. Give babies and toddlers 1 tsp of cooled tea every couple of hours throughout the day.
8. Lavender Oil
This is a must for the family natural first aid kit and can be used for everything from sleeping problems, minor cuts and burns, insect stings, earache, chesty coughs and sunburn, to hives, chickenpox, measles, athlete’s foot and viral infections.
How to use
Put 1 drop (2 drops for children over 3) pure essential oil on the sheet to aid restful sleep. Add 1 drop to 30 ml grapeseed or sweet almond oil and use to massage an overactive child an hour before bedtime. Add 1 to 2 drops to cold water for bathing minor burns, cuts and wounds. Or make a cold compress by soaking a flannel in the water and apply to sunburn, hives, chickenpox spots, measles or other rashes. Dab neat oil onto insect bites and stings, spots and athlete’s foot. For earache add 1 drop lavender to 5 ml lukewarm olive oil. Put a couple of drops into the child’s ear before bedtime, plug with a little cotton wool and leave overnight. Add 1 to 2 drops to an electric vaporizer to use for babies who are restless, snuffly, or have chesty coughs or viral infections.
9. Melissa Comp Drops
This gentle herbal compound can help with occasional diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach ache, travel sickness, holiday tummy and other occasional stomach upsets. It includes lemon balm, nutmeg, cinnamon and clove.
How to use
Use as directed, or add to blackcurrant juice or yogurt. For children under the age of 8, add 1 to 5 drops to hot water for 10 minutes to dispel the alcohol content.
10. Multivitamin Powder
Children who suffer from recurrent infections may benefit from supplements of immunity-boosting nutrients such as vitamin C, which protects against viruses and helps heal injured tissue; vitamins A, B and E which enhance immune function; and minerals such as selenium, zinc and iron.
How to use
Sprinkle 1 heaped teaspoon onto cereal, mix into yoghurt or stir into fruit juice for children aged 4 and over. For 2 to 3-year-old children use ½ tsp of powder.
Great post. I have a couple friends that will definitely love this post. It is always great to find natural ways especially with children. Looking forward to more of your thoughts
Josephs last blog post..You Are A Superhero
Two more great herbal remedies for children, especially for general colds and stomach problems are peppermint and lemon balm. Both are super gentle and amazing in balancing out children.
jen
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