1 cup raw honey or maple syrup for children under 1 year
Instructions
Pour water into a medium saucepan and add elderberries, ginger, and cinnamon. Do not add honey.
Bring to a boil and then cover and reduce to a simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour until the liquid has reduced by almost half.
At that point, remove from heat and let cool enough to be handled. Mash the berries carefully using a spoon or other flat utensil.
Pour through a strainer into a glass jar or bowl.
Discard the elderberries (or compost them!) and let the liquid cool to lukewarm. When it is no longer hot, add 1 cup of honey and stir well.
When honey is well mixed into the elderberry mixture, pour the syrup into a pint-sized mason jar or 16-ounce glass bottle of some kind.
Store in the refrigerator.
The standard dose is ½ tsp to 1 tsp for kids and ½ Tbsp to 1 Tbsp for adults. If the flu does strike, take the normal dose every 2-3 hours instead of once a day until symptoms disappear.
Have you ever wondered if homeopathy actually works?
Maybe you’ve tried those little sugar tablets with no relief.
My first experience using homeopathy is when I had the flu for the second time in my life. I had a liquid form of boneset from a herbal course I enrolled in with Peeka Trenkle.
I took one dose of the boneset and immediately felt relief and then.. I ran out!
The bottle was empty. I couldn’t believe it, I rushed to Nature’s Pantry to discover they didn’t have any boneset in stock.
The shift in symptoms was so dramatic, I knew it was from the homeopathic remedy.
What is homeopathy anyway?
“Homeopathy is a system of alternative medicine created in 1796 by Samuel Hahnemann, based on his doctrine of like cures like (similia similibus curentur), a claim that a substance that causes the symptoms of a disease in healthy people would cure similar symptoms in sick people.”
The remedies are so diluted that, based on chemistry, it is difficult to find any molecules of the original substance in the remedy YET, they are very mighty!
Safe enough for children and the elderly, yet potent enough you could create adverse effects if you do not know the principles.
What are homeopathic remedies made from?
Homeopathic medicine is made from minerals, plants, animals, poisons of animals, and bees and then diluted or successed {shaken.}
How is homeopathy made?
The first stage in preparing a homeopathic remedy is to create a tincture or “mother tincture” by diluting the material in vegetable alcohol. Then, the triturated mixture is repeatedly diluted and shaken or succussed for hours or days, depending on the potency or strength. This process of diluting and succussing is called potentization. The potentized homeopathic medicine is then added to lactose tablets or pills.
How does homeopathy work?
The Infinitesimal Dose
The more a remedy is diluted and succussed (vigorously shaken), the stronger it becomes a cure. For example, 1M is stronger than 6c. Always begin with 6 or 30c, unless working with a professional homeopath.
One theory is the succession creates an electrochemical pattern which is stored in the dilutant and spreads like a liquid crystal through the body’s own water.
A second thought is the dilution process triggers electromagnetic imprinting which directly affects the electromagnetic field of the body.
You can purchase homeopathic tablets as 6, 9, 12, 24 or 30 c or x. I feel comfortable with purchasing 6c or 30c tablets for acute remedies.
How do you take homeopathy?
Tip a tablet into the lid of the bottle and tip into your mouth without touching it
Or tip-in on the palm of the person taking the remedy; try not to touch the remedy if you are giving it to someone.
Never put back any tablets that have fallen out
Try not to eat, drink or brush teeth for 10-20 minutes before or after taking a remedy
You should feel a shift occur if it is negative in any way STOP and wait.
You may have an increase in symptoms and then it will resolve. If you are not seeing results don’t repeat. There should be a beginning, middle, and end to your symptoms.
Homeopathy medicine acts as a catalyst, the remedy stimulating the body’s own vital force to heal itself.
Do you use homeopathy with your family? Download my free cheat sheet to learn the mistakes we make when using homeopathy.
How to give homeopathy to children?
For Babies; Crush the tablet between two spoons and tipped dry on to the tongue. Or alternatively, dilute the small sugar pill in water and/or bottle. {clean any item with hot water so the next person doesn’t get the remedy}
Dilute in water and use a syringe to insert into their mouth
Dilute in milk, water or juice in a sippy cup
Place on a spoon to eat
Toddlers can put in their mouth with a spoon
Things that interfere with homeopathy?
Camphor (used as an ingredient in many cosmetics and salves, such as Tiger Balm, Blistex, Vick’s Vapor rub, Noxzema, Chapstick, Carmex, Sea Breeze, some shaving creams, liniments, and many other products which have a similar odor is a universal antidote and should be avoided.
Electric Blankets.
Certain Holistic therapies, such as acupuncture, craniosacral manipulation, polarity therapy, e.t.c. should not be used simultaneously with homeopathy.
Strong odors in the mouth or the environment at the time of taking the remedy can inactivate the homeopathic medicine. That’s why we recommend taking the remedy at least 30 minutes before or 1 hour after eating, drinking (water is allowed), chewing gum, brushing your teeth, and smoking.
Major dental work
Excessive, and in some cases even moderate consumption of coffee and stimulants
Street drugs, including marijuana
Tips for Homeopathic Dosing
Prescribe according to the urgency and unique symptoms- download your free cheat sheet
Use one remedy at a time
Avoid combined remedies
Stop if you see improvement
Start again if the same symptom returns; repeat as needed
If you have given 3-6 doses and have had no response, stop and reassess
Change the remedy if the symptoms change and/or get worse
Always seek professional help if your symptoms recur or do not improve
Homeopathy is really complex; use the Homeopathic Principles to guide you.
Law Of Similars-
“Let like be cured with like”
Any substance that makes you ill can also cure you.
By symptoms, the homeopathy means those changes that are felt by the patient or observer which may be associated with the disease.
The Single Remedy
The classical homeopathy gives one remedy at a time to gauge its effect more precisely than would be possible if two or more remedies were given together.
The Law of Cure
As someone becomes well, symptoms move from the innermost organs of the body to the outer organs
Cure moves from within to without
Cure takes place from above to below
Minimal Dose
Less is more, wait and see.
How little can I use and still produce a result?
Have you used homeopathy? Did it work for you? Tell us your story in the comments below!
Warmly~
Tara
P.S. Pin the image to save for later when you need it.
I use to stay up at night, wondering if my son was still breathing and worried with guilt.
“What was I doing wrong?”
Does this sound familiar?
You’ve tried everything for asthma, but have you considered your child’s gut health?
Here’s the thing – these asthma symptoms may have started when your child was young.Colic, eczema, and seasonal allergies are all contributors of “asthma-like” breathing.
But hang on…
**always use an inhaler as suggested by your doctor and see my precautions below as to when to call the doctor. Plus, you would never use these remedies with an acute asthma attack. *
So what can you do about asthma?
In this post, I’m going to share how we stopped all our medications for asthma-like breathing by addressing my child’s gut health.
First, what is asthma?
Asthma usually occurs when a substance, that the body sees is a foreign invader creates an overreaction of the body’s own immune system.
During an asthma attack, spasms in the muscles surround the bronchi (small airways in the lungs) constrict and impede the outward passage of air.
Typical symptoms are:
coughing
wheezing
shortness of breathing and chest tightening
it can last for a few minutes or several hours
always use the medicine suggested by your doctor for an asthma attack
70% of children with allergies also have asthma – Dr. Aviva Romm
What types of asthma are there?
Types of asthma are allergic and non-allergic; although the two often occur together.
Common asthma provoking allergens include:
animal dander
cockroach droppings – children in city living have higher incidents of asthma
pollens
mold
pet dander
chemicals
drugs
dust mites
environmental pollutants – The Amish environment provides protection against asthma. ²
feathers
food additives
seafood
dairy products
nuts
yeast-based foods
fumes
mold
tobacco smoke/fireplace
Factors that trigger nonallergic asthma attacks include:
adrenal disorders
anxiety
temperature changes – cold weather
exercise
extreme dryness or humidity
fear
laughing
low blood sugar
stress
viral infection
gut health ¹
Gut health & asthma
We know children born via C-section have lower levels of healthy gut bacteria like Escherichia coli, Bifidobacterium, and Bacteroides ¹
Which can create what’s called gut dysbiosis; the bacteria in your child’s gut becomes unbalanced
And.. some moms cannot breastfeed for the suggested 6-9 months and begin adding alternative milk, that does not provide the necessary fatty acids that protect against allergies and asthma
This imbalance continues into your child’s early life due to diet {or lack of probiotics} and increased antibiotic use.
This gut imbalance has also been connected to eczema
Asthma development is also associated with respiratory tract infections when children are young
Asthma Prevention Natural
**Please keep in mind, you should continue to use all medications until you and your pediatrician decide it is safe to come off all medications.**
Step #1 Remove all allergens
Has your child been tested for allergies? If so, have you removed all allergens big and small? For example, my son has a small allergy to wheat, dairy, red dye, and cockroaches. The allergist suggested not to remove these foods, but when he eats them his immune system is lower and he gets sick more often. PLUS, he has a nagging cough. When he is mostly gluten and dairy-free, he doesn’t have a nagging cough and he thrives with health. So even if the food sensitivity is small, try removing this form your child’s diet.
milk and dairy
eggs
chocolate
soy
nuts
wheat {gluten is linked to nagging cough, see source}
corn
Step #2 Reduce Toxins In Your Environment
Use a Hepa Air Purifier: A HEPA filter is a type of mechanical air filter; it works by forcing air through a fine mesh that traps harmful particles such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and tobacco smoke.
Use dust covers on pillows and bedding
Use natural cleaning products
Remove foods from plastic as soon as you get them home
Have your child drink out of a stainless steel water cup and clean any straws often
Consider a filter for your water system
Step #3 Reduce Stress
Encourage herbal teas and wind-down activities- like yoga- to reduce stress
Step #4 Improve Your Child’s Diet
Encourage a rainbow of foods or sneak them in with smoothies
To support detoxification look for foods with vitamins a, e and c
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin helps the heart, kidneys, and lungs work properly. Vitamin A can be found in:
cod liver oil {the #1 source}
eggs
orange and yellow vegetables
Vitamin E supports immune function and reduces inflammation
add foods with seeds like sunflower, almonds, peanuts, avocado, and spinach
Vitamin C
rose hips
broccoli, cauliflower and green and red peppers
or add 500mg of buffered Vitamin C to reduce exercise-induced asthma
Supplements to reduce asthma attack
B6 supplements
omega 3 anti-inflammatory reduce air inflammation
salmon, sardines, and herring
nordic naturals 2x day
zinc 5-15 mg day- helps prevent UR infections, higher risk for asthma
Did you know, eczema is linked to other respiratory illnesses like asthma later in life? Even when they outgrow the dry, itchy skin.
Just imagine.. soothing your child naturally and preventing a lifetime of health struggles with herbal remedies.
The interesting part?
These Atopic conditions; colic, seasonal allergies, asthma, and food sensitivities can change by addressing our children’s gut health.
Isn’t that amazing?
**But don’t forget. Read my precautions below for when to call the doctor and never stop any medical treatment without talking to your doctor first.
It all comes down to this.
We need to address our chid’s gut health to stop the Atopic triad: seasonal allergies, eczema, and asthma.
Are you ready?
Over 30 million Americans have eczema. ¹
Eczema: What causes it?
Children typically develop Eczema in their first year of life and it is triggered by top allergen foods like; milk, eggs, soy, and wheat.
In Chinese medicine, they suggest Eczema is due to the surface of toxic heat from the mother’s uterus.²
**When Eczema is triggered by consumption of peanuts, nuts, or shellfish this suggests a food allergy and you would want to get your child tested. You would NEVER reintroduce a true food allergy into your child’s diet.
There are two ways to address your child’s allergies:
#1 Have your child tested for allergies.
Even if it is a small food sensitivity, remove the food that is bothering your child. Typically, it would be gluten or dairy. If mom is breastfeeding, she can remove these foods from her diet as well.
#2 Try an elimination diet for 2-4 weeks.
Remove gluten and dairy and see if there is a change. {If there is no change, you’ll want to heal your child’s gut with the 4R approach} How do you heal your child’s gut? Read this.
Eczema Symptoms
Eczema is defined as dry or weeping skin; characterized by severe itchy and possibly burning, cracked, or red skin that can blister and ooze when scratched. Known as Atopic dermatitis, conventional medicine does not see a “cure” for this but, functional medicine doctors and alternative medicine practitioners and are teaching us otherwise.
Symptoms to look for:
Dry, sensitive skin
Areas of swelling
Oozing
Dark-colored patches of skin
Rough, leathery or scaly patches of skin
Bad itching
Eczema Home Remedies
External Remedies For Eczema
If breastfeeding; apply the hindmilk to your child’s itchy skin. {The hindmilk is the milk at the end of the feeding}
Use unscented soaps OR eliminated soap altogether
Use 100% cotton clothing
Chlorinated water can worsen eczema as well, try a water filter on the shower
Keep fingernails cut and clean
Make an herb paste out of aloe vera gel alone or with chickweed and calendula
Apply an emollient salve made with calendula, comfrey root or plantain topically. Not internally.
Step #4 Reduce medications and integrate natural remedies
Step #5 Reduce toxins in your environment
When to call the doctor
Always air on the side of caution and trust your momma instincts when your child does not feel well
If something doesn’t feel right, go to the ER right away
Always use your child’s inhaler; as directed by your doctor
TRUE food allergies; need medical care ALWAYS
Warning signs for allergic reactions:
blue lips
difficulty breathing or speaking
change in voice
swelling of lips and tongue
exposure to true food allergy
fainting, weakness, severe abdominal pain
as well as.. high fevers and screaming sore throats {sign of Strep}
Conclusion
Eczema in children is a result of poor gut health caused during pregnancy {moms gut health}, by birth {higher in C-section babies} and if your child has had medications in the first few months of their lives. Addressing your child’s gut health will get to the root cause of itchy, dry skin.
*Please don’t use a bleach bath with children. Bleach can suppress their immune system, irritate breathing and affect their hormones – even in small amounts.
Does your child have eczema? Read this post to learn more: https://taragregorio.com/gut-health-eczema-treatment-prevent-a-lifetime-of-allergic-disease/
As a new mom of twins, waking to the sound of croup was so terrifying. The classic ringing, barking cough creates fear throughout the home. It usually strikes children between the ages of two and four and startles your deep sleep between 12-2 am. Homeopathy has stopped the croup cough more than a handful of times. Croup is an inflammation of the larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), and sometimes the bronchi (the air passages between the throat and the lung). It usually accompanies a mild upper respiratory infection and the child’s wakes with a dry, barking, ringing cough. When this ringing, barking cough subsides, I would then give natural remedies for the common cold.
Homeopathy is safe and gentle when following these guidelines.
Here are some tips:
Take one dose of 30C when you first hear a croup cough. 30C is a safe potency for children. Please do not purchase anything higher unless suggested by a professional.
Wait 20 minutes and notice any changes.
If the child is not asleep, give a second dose.
At this point, the child should be sleeping.
If they are not sleeping, see the remedy for Spongia Tosta.
Whenever using homeopathic medicine follow the rules of “like cures like.” You are watching the child for any unusual symptoms, writing down anything you see or hear. You only give the treatment when you symptoms match the remedy. STOP giving doses when the child’s energy shifts, they look better, sound better or maybe they begin to drink water or eat something.
Homeopathic Remedies for Croup.
” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener” data-cke-saved-href=”“>Aconite (Aconitum Napellus)-30C Take Aconite 30c at the onset of croup. Here the cough is dry, loud and barking and the child is exceedingly restless and anxious- usually, awakes in the middle of the night between 12-2am. They are better off open air and often, thirsty. These symptoms are the very picture of Aconite. If, after an hour, symptoms persist, give a second dose of Aconite. This is usually all that is needed. The child should be sleeping by now. ” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener” data-cke-saved-href=”“>Spongia (Spongia Tosta)- 30C If, however, after another hour, your child’s breathing is harsh and hard and the barking, ringing cough continues, give Spongia 30c. The throat is sensitive to touch; a cough sounds like a saw driven through a board, and there is dryness of all air passages. Also, the child is warm and is worse for swallowing. The last potential solution you may need would be:” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener” data-cke-saved-href=”“>Hepar Sulph. (Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum)-30C If toward morning, the coughing continues and breathing is still not smooth and easy, give Hepar Sulphuris 30C. Here the cough is loose and rattling and deeper toned, and they have a dry, hoarse cough. The child is irritable and chilly. They feel like the wind is blowing on some part of their body and may want to wrap their head up or put on a hat. Rarely do we need more than Aconite in treating croup. When a cough has ceased, continue with tinctures for the common cold as an” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener” data-cke-saved-href=”“> Echinacea tincture. I’ve added Echinacea tincture to water and given it to small children with a needless syringe or a hallow-handled teaspoon for measuring medication. For the toddler years, I’ve added the tinctures to water and apple juice in their cup for them to sip on. Please note I am not a doctor and none of the information replaces the suggestions from your doctor. If you have any questions, please note below. Warmly~ Tara Gregorio
