Have you ever noticed the dark circles under their eyes?
Skin flare-ups?
Constipation or headaches?
It’s worrisome, I know.
Imagine if you could clear up these symptoms with diet and supplements. I know, I’m not a fan of supplements either, but the truth is our food is not what it use to be and you must admit – your child’s diet is not the best.
Here’s the thing. It all begins with their gut health. Hard to believe, right?
But don’t forget, we can reverse these symptoms and reduce further complications like occurrences of ear and sinus infections and even “asthma-life” symptoms – when we address their gut health. ¹
My son began his life with milk intolerance and as he grew, I noticed he had a gluten intolerance as well. When we addressed his gut health – his symptoms changed.
So what can you do about it? #1 Download the gut health questionnaire to see if your child is at risk.
Here’s my promise to you. By the end of this post, you’ll understand how to reduce your child’s allergic response – naturally.
But wait! Always check with your doctor before adding any supplements to your child’s diet.
What is an allergy anyway?
When your child’s immune system reacts to a foreign substance – like an insect bite, pets dander, or cockroaches, their immune system produces a substance called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals, causing an allergic reaction or inflammation.
This inflammation can be as little as red, rosy cheeks, or as severe as anaphylaxis – a potentially life-threatening emergency.
Why allergies are bad right now
*While most food allergies cannot be cured, you will see an enormous change in your child’s health and symptoms when you address these 7 things:
Your child’s gut health
Reducing inflammation naturally with herbs, diet & supplements
Boosting their immunity with supplements
Removing any food sensitivities to reduce inflammation*
Promoting healthy evacuation
Avoid medications and antibiotics – this affects their gut health
Reducing toxins in their environment and food
What are the 6 types of allergies?
Insect sting
Pet dander
Drug
Mold
Cockroach droppings- This is the #1 cause of breathing trouble with children in the city
Hay fever
What are the top food allergies in children?
A food allergy produces an increase in IgE and possible anaphylactic shock. **You would NEVER re-introduce these foods into your child’s diet if they have a true food allergy to them.
Food Sensitivity is when your child’s digestive system is triggered. An elimination diet is the gold standard way to discover which foods bother your child and may even be causing behavioral problems. But, it will not “fix” the symptoms.
By integrating the 4R approach to reduce inflammation, you may notice fewer allergic responses and asthma attacks. If your child has a food sensitivity (not a food allergy!), you could re-introduce the food into their diet again or may keep it out for good.
What are the top food allergens?
Wheat
Dairy
Eggs
Soy
Crustaceans
Fish
Tree Nuts
Peanuts
Food Allergy Symptoms
Tingling in the mouth
Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat
Hives
Anaphylaxis²
Food Sensitivity Symptoms
behavioral problems (dairy, wheat)
chronic belly aches, gas, bloating
dark circles under their eyes (dairy)
acne on the back of their arms (gluten)
bed-wetting
chronic sinus and ear infections (dairy)
hearing problems (occasionally accidentally diagnosed as ADHD)
headaches
sniffles
swollen lymph nodes & more
colic
chronic cough (gluten)
Take the gut health questionnaire below to see if your child is at risk.
Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, can cause:
Sneezing
Itching of the nose, eyes, or roof of the mouth
Runny, stuffy nose
Watery, red, or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis)
Remember food is always the best source of vitamins and minerals.
The top 9 foods to add to your child’s diet to reduce inflammation include:
green leafy vegetables
organic purple fruits
fiber
probiotics
Tumeric
B vitamins: eggs, poultry, and lentils
Chlorella: sea vegetables
Culinary herbs to support detox: garlic and onion
Quercetin: Cherries, strawberries, and broccoli
7 Supplements To Reduce The Allergic Response
#1 Freeze-Dried Stinging Nettles
You may know stinging nettles as those prickly greens that bite you in the springtime. Personally, I find the sting invigorating and as a sign of warm weather to come, but many hate the sting. The hairs – and the sting – on the nettles reduce when the greens are cooked.
“Mast cells are where histamine is formed, stored, and released. So by preventing their breakdown, they act as a natural antihistamine.”²
For children: you can break open one of the capsules and add it to a shake or drink. We like Planetary herbals: https://amzn.to/31T5xiF
#2 Quercetin
Quercetin is a plant pigment (flavonoid). It is found in many plants and foods, such as red wine, onions, green tea, apples, berries, Ginkgo biloba, St. John’s wort, American elder, and others.
Quercetin has been shown to reduce inflammation and inhibit histamine release; reducing allergic response. ³
Curcumin was reported to have an anti-allergic property with an inhibitory effect on histamine release from the mast cells. Naturally found in Turmeric, you can add this orange spice to your little one’s hot chocolate or orange juice.
In this post, they explain how digestive enzymes can help reduce the allergic response. The enzymes help break down protease, amylase, and lipase – aiding digestion and breaking down proteins, a common irritant. We love this product for my son.
Probiotics can help heal the gut, which can be the source of many inflammatory diseases – including allergies.
Look for ones with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species for healthy immunity. Download the gut health questionnaire to see if your child is experiencing the symptoms associated with Leaky Gut Syndrome.
My son was diagnosed with “asthma-like” symptoms and went home with over four prescription drugs. We love Little Davinci Migrashield. Please choose a supplement that is PA-free.
How did we clear up a nagging cough, allergies, and asthma?
Nasal rinses have been used for years to clean out the pollen in your nasal passages.
This blend uses grapefruit seed extract; which is known as a natural antibacterial to treat and prevent infections. This combined with the butterbur- has helped my son reduce his “asthma-like” nagging cough.
Conclusion:
When your child is struggling with a food sensitivity or allergy, you’ll want to address their gut health. By reducing inflammation and the inflammatory response, you can reduce the symptoms your child is experiencing and boost their health for years to come.
*Remember, you would never re-introduce a true food allergy to your child’s diet.
As a new mom of twins, waking to the sound of croup was so terrifying.
The classic ringing, barking cough created fear throughout the home and always at midnight!
You can stop the croup fast, with these homeopathic remedies.
Croup Symptoms
What is croup?
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 wakes with a dry, barking, ringing cough. When this ringing, barking cough subsides, the common cold usually follows.
Croup typically strikes children between the ages of two and four and startles your deep sleep between 12-2 am.
Croup Sound
I’ve found, homeopathy is the fastest way to stop a croup cough in the middle of the night.
You should only need the first remedy, Aconite, to stop the croup, but you may want to have the other remedies on hand in case the cough continues into the morning.
Watch this video to understand how to use homeopathy.
Homeopathic Remedies for a Croup Cough – See where to purchase below
Aconite (Aconitum Napellus)-30C
Take Aconite 30c at the onset of croup if your child has these symptoms.
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 12-2 am.
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.
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:
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.
Watch this video for the morning croup cough.
Rarely do we need more than Aconite in treating croup.
When the cough has ceased, continue with tinctures for the common cold such as an 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.
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.
Want to learn how to use homeopathy correctly? Watch this video:
Whenever using homeopathic medicine follow the rules of “like cures like.”
#1 You are watching the child for any unusual symptoms
#2 Your writing down anything you see or hear
#3 You only give the treatment when your symptoms match the remedy.
#4 STOP giving doses when the child’s energy shifts, they look better, sound better or maybe they begin to drink water or eat something.
What do I do after Croup?
Consider adding herbs to boost your child’s immunity. Download my favorite herbal recipes here ⤵️
Conclusion
Homeopathy is the fastest, safest way to stop a croup cough in 20-minutes. I know it may be scary at first, but with practice, you’ll see homeopathic medicine is the best medicine for our children.
Along with herbs to soothe their cold, your child will be better in no time.
As always, consult your doctor if the remedies do not work or your child has a high fever.
**Cow’s milk, wheat, egg white, peanut and soy being the top allergens. Sugar, chocolate, corn, and yeast follow.
Environmental sensitivities include Cigarette smoke, house dust, pollen, mold, volatile organic compounds, fungi, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, animal dander, and bacterial infection.
# 2 Mechanical obstruction
#3 Nutrient Insufficiency
Symptoms of an ear infection
One of the first changes you may notice with a middle ear problem is a change in behavior or sleep habits.
A child may pull or tug at the ear or poke their finger inside.
They may want to be held or just lay still.
Older children may tell you it feels blocked, plugged, buzzing, or ringing sounds in their ear.
5 Ear Infection Symptoms For Children
tugging on the ear
crying/screaming
wanting to be held
one cheek red
warm to touch
The truth is, you may have to change your child’s diet if they are always getting ear infections. The first thing I would do is try goat’s milk formula or take dairy out of your diet if you’re breastfeeding or out of your child’s diet.
It’s hard, I know. But, it is worth it.
Personally, I find homeopathy is the best remedy for ear infections.
8 Ear Infection Remedies
#1 Encourage your child to drink caffeine-free tea
Botanicals can reduce inflammation and “pull out” excessive mucous.
Make a cup of tea with Lemon Balm, Catnip, Elderflower, and maybe ginger. Add honey or apple juice to sweeten.
#2 Apply Lavender Essential Oil topically for pain
Apply DILUTED Lavender essential oil under the ear and at the cheeks. Dilute one drop of Essential oil in 1tsp. Of carrier oil like olive oil or almond oil. {Just 1 drop, no more!}
Caution: Only use this with children over 1 year of age.
Mullein is an analgesic, receiving the pain associated with earaches. Only use this if there is no perforation or leaking from the ear to reduce inflammation.
Heat the oil up a bit with a spoon and match to soothe their inflamed ear. Caution: Make sure it’s not too hot!
#4 Add herbs to their bath
Add chamomile, lavender or thyme infusion to their bath.
To make an infusion; Place 2tbs. of herb, or 4tbs. of fresh herb in a pint jar. Fill with boiling water and put on the lid. Let it sit for 1/2 hour to 8 hours. Strain and add to a warm tub.
Alternatively, you can use Essential oils BUT be very careful.
Use only 1 drop of E.O. DILUTED in milk before adding to the tub. Use only with children 3+ months. (Caution you always have to dilute essential oils. I like to dilute them in milk, so the E.O. does not aggravate the child)
**Children with low numbers of intestinal Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria are more likely to succumb to ear infections than children who harbor optimum levels of these microbes in their intestinal tracts.
Homeopathy is based on the unusual and peculiar symptoms of the child.
Take notes, write down what you see, and then contact your local homeopath for the perfect remedy.
If you choose to try it on your own; know that your child’s symptoms may get worse at first, BUT THEN they should improve by the second or third dose.
The first thing to change with homeopathy is their mental state. Instead of being carried, your child may want to go play. Instead of screaming, they may calm down and drink and eat. Each person is unique.
St. John’s Wort flower & bud (Hypericum perforatum)
Meadowsweet leaf & flower (Filipendula ulmaria)
Willow bark (Salix lucida)
Conclusion:
It is possible to reduce the amount of antibiotic use for ear infections with diet, homeopathy, and botanicals. Often, taking out dairy may be able the only change your child needs.
¹ Schmidt, Dr. Michael A., Healing Childhood Ear Infections. Prevention, Home Care, and Alternative Treatment
Obsessed with natural remedies, Tara Gregorio is a Certified Women’s Herbal Educator located in Cold Spring, NY. She loves helping women reduce their medications with botanicals. Her favorite herbal recipes can be found on Pinterest and Instagram. https://taragregorio.com/
Do you have little kids at home that love popsicles?
This recipe is great for kids who are:
teething
fever
hot summer day
and it soothes anxiety
The main ingredient Lemon Balm {melissa officianalis} is safe for kids and is known as the “gladdening herb”. You may notice after these pops that your kiddos are very happy:)
Lemon Balm Benefits
antiviral – known to reduce viral illnesses
calms the mind and promotes sleep
improves digestion
fights the herpes virus
soothes kids with ADD and ADHD
reduces PMS
Echinacea Benefits
It’s optional to add a tincture of Echinacea. I would do this in the winter months or for kids age 2-6, as they are most prone to catching viral infections.
Echinacea Benefits:
reduce cold & flu symptoms
controls blood sugar
increases number of white blood cells that fight infection
Certified women’s herbal educator, Tara Gregorio is helping moms all around the world build an apothecary of remedies to reduce medications all year. See her online courses: https://taragregorio.com/online-courses/
Did you know, the majority of moms are using homeopathic medicine incorrectly?
There are 8 simple steps to making it work.
If you’ve tried using those little sugar tablets with no results, keep reading.
But, first…
What is homeopathy and how does it work?
“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!
They are safe enough for children and the elderly, yet potent enough you could create adverse effects if you do not know the principles.
Homeopathy Meaning
How is homeopathy made?
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?
You want fast results.
You want something that is safe for your children.
Homeopathic medicine works when you use it correctly.
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.
It seems all sort of “woo woo” until you see the results.
What dosing should you purchase?
Ideally, you would need 1 dose, 1 time.
But often, we purchase blends of homeopathic medicine and it doesn’t “hit the spot” as it should
What is 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.
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.
Nothing will happen if you touch it, but you MAY absorb some of the “medicine”
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.
For babies? Add it to their bottle or toddlers to their sippy cup. Then wash the bottle or sippy cup with hot water.
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.
Homeopathy for babies & toddlers
For Babies; Crush the tablet between two spoons and tipped dry onto 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
7 Things that Interfere with homeopathy
#1 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.
#2 Electric Blankets.
#3 Certain Holistic therapies, such as acupuncture, craniosacral manipulation, polarity therapy, e.t.c. should not be used simultaneously with homeopathy.
#4 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.
#5 Major dental work
#6 Excessive, and in some cases even moderate consumption of coffee and stimulants
#7 Street drugs, including marijuana
8 Tips to Make Homeopathic Medicine work for you
Prescribe according to the urgency and unique symptoms
Use one remedy at a time
Avoid combined remedies
Stop if you see an 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
Use the Homeopathic Principles to guide you to ensure great results
Law Of Similars-
“Let like be cured with like”
Any substance that makes you ill can also cure you.
By symptoms, homeopathy means those changes that are felt by the patient or observer which may be associated with the disease.
The Single Remedy
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?
Conclusion
Homeopathic medicine works when you use it correctly. The symptoms may get worse at first AND then they should resolve. For example, your fever may spike— and then it should drop. This would be a good thing.
If the symptoms continue to get worse, stop the dosing.
It takes time and patience to learn how to use homeopathy and when you do learn the remedies, they will last you a lifetime.
Be honest. You’re wondering why everyone is gluten and/or dairy-free.
Why do some people have trouble digesting these foods or others have no problem.
What if your child was able to eat these foods again, without digestive pain?
And should this be a concern of yours?
Think about this for a moment. Your child is exposed to more chemicals and antibiotics than you ever were.
Do you ever wonder if it is affecting their health?
Here’s the thing, there are medications affecting your child’s gut health.
4 Medications that lead to Leaky Gut Syndrome In Kids:
#1 Antibiotics
#2 Steroids
#3 NSAIDs
#4 Acid reducing medication
What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?
“Leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, is a digestive condition in which bacteria and toxins are able to “leak” through the intestinal wall.”
But hang on, why is this a concern for us?
When you have Leaky Gut, you are at an increased risk for food sensitivity and food allergies.
What exactly is a food sensitivity?
A food sensitivity:
typically causes a less severe reaction
they may have an ongoing/undiagnosed cough
usually causes digestive problems
your child’s skin may break-out after they eat
dairy and gluten may be the top sensitive foods for them
A true food allergy causes:
an immune system reaction that affects numerous organs in the body
it can cause a range of symptoms
in some cases, an allergic food reaction can be severe or life-threatening
you would NEVER re-introduce this food into your child’s diet!!!
The 4R approach may reduce your child’s reaction to their allergy but you would never re-introduce the food to them again unless under a doctor’s supervision
But don’t forget, you can heal your child’s gut with the 4R approach below.
Does my child need to heal their gut? Do they have these symptoms?
Leaky Gut Syndrome Symptoms
Chronic diarrhea, constipation, gas or bloating
Nutritional deficiencies
Poor immune system
Headaches, brain fog, memory loss
Excessive fatigue
Skin rashes and problems such as acne, eczema or rosacea
Cravings for sugar or carbs
Joint pain
Depression, anxiety, ADD, ADHD, bad behavior at school
Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, celiac
Chronic cough
Allergies, Asthma, & Eczema
Cheeks get red easily
If your child has some of these symptoms, they may have Leaky Gut Syndrome and may need the 4R approach.
Leaky Gut Syndrome Test
How? Let me explain.
How to improve digestion in toddlers & big kids?
It’s a method that addresses the underlying causes of gut imbalances and restores harmony, helping to alleviate symptoms and maybe even disease for our children. The program suggests you: Remove> Reinoculate> Repair> Reintroduce
How do you heal your child’s gut?
Promote healthy evacuation daily with fiber, fruit, vegetables, and water
Try an elimination diet for 2-3 weeks if symptoms persist, you may want to try the 4R approach
Remove all triggers: i.e. all allergens and cross reactors like gluten and dairy
Get off medications (with Dr.’s approval and replace with natural remedies )
Reduce your child’s stress with reading, being outside, and adding herbal teas
Heal their gut lining with the 4R approach below
NEVER re-introduce foods that cause a true allergic reaction
Keep in mind.
This program is most successful when the whole family agrees to participate. So, what are the steps?
Leaky Gut Supplements
The 4R approach for children
1. Remove
Take out what ails them
Remove the top allergens for your child including wheat, corn, eggs, dairy, peanuts, and soybeans.
Add in whole grains (like quinoa and rice), organic vegetables, fruit, and healthy fats.
Remove all allergens for 4-6 weeks or it may take up to a year to heal their gut with an auto-immune disease.
Encourage whole, organic foods if able.
This is the hardest part to do with small kids. It helps if the whole house works together.
Plan ahead. Print recipes, go grocery shopping, be prepared for meltdowns:)
2. Replace
Add in a digestive enzyme like Vital Chewsor Kids Digest to help your child digest protein, dairy, and meat
If digestive enzymes produce bloating, your child may have SIBO. Ask for help.
Teenagers can have 350 HCL at the beginning of a meal to aid digestion or offer bitters to them.
Wait 2 weeks for the elimination diet or up to 6 weeks. Adding in a probiotic can give you gas and bloating if you do not remove the allergens first and start with digestive enzymes.
Look for probiotics with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria species.
For older kids, they can incorporate fermented foods such as miso, sauerkraut, and kimchee 3-4x week.
Although very delicious, kombucha can be high in sugar so consider using sparingly.
4. Repair
Include the following supplements for 6-weeks or more to repair your child’s gut. Dosing depends on your child’s age. The following supplements can be taken for up to 6 months to help to heal the intestinal lining:
DGL licorice (aloe and licorice are not for internal use during pregnancy; these are fine for children) are some of the most effective herbs for healing the gut lining.
In short, if your child is struggling with food sensitivities and you find you’re avoiding foods, there is hope. The 4R approach is more than an elimination diet. The 4R approach can heal your child’s digestive tract, reduce bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation for years to come, and reduce their risk of autoimmune disease as well.
Obsessed with natural remedies, Tara Gregorio is a Certified Women’s Herbal Educator located in Cold Spring, NY. She loves helping women reduce their medications with botanicals. Her favorite herbal recipes can be found on Pinterest and Instagram. https://taragregorio.com/
Welcome! I'm Tara Gregorio, certified women's herbal educator, Postpartum Pilates educator & momma of twins. I help women feel confident using herbal remedies so you can trust your "momma instincts".
