by Tara | Jun 14, 2019 | Immunity & Digestion Kids, Immunity & Digestion Women
You’ve heard the rumors… we are facing an epidemic of antibiotic resistance.
Wouldn’t it be great if your doctor had other suggestions when you visited them for your child’s symptoms?
Think about this for a moment, if antibiotics don’t always work and they are causing other health problems, what are we to do?
It all boils down to this.
- Was your child born via c-section?
- Have they had 1+ round of antibiotics?
- Are they struggling with their digestion?
- Do they have Atopic conditions like allergies, eczema, and asthma?
If you answered yes to one of the questions above, you may want to be concerned.
Reality is, our children may need a round or two of antibiotics while they build their immunity; especially if they are in daycare or the public school system.
But, what if you knew how to use natural remedies to reduce the amount of exposure your child is receiving from antibiotic use?
What if you knew how to heal your child’s gut, so they wouldn’t have these symptoms and fear of antibiotics not working?
Here’s my promise to you.
By the end of this post, you’ll understand why we need to rethink antibiotics and consider integrating natural remedies to boost your child’s immunity for years to come.
95% of clinicians prescribe antibiotics even when they are not absolutely sure they are needed. – Dr. Aviva Romm
7 Dangers Of Antibiotic Use
1. Antibiotic Resistance
One of the biggest threats to our global health today is antibiotic resistance, the World Health Organization suggests.
“Bacteria, not humans or animals, become antibiotic-resistant. These bacteria may infect humans and animals, and the infections they cause are harder to treat than those caused by non-resistant bacteria.” ¹
Bacterial infections need antibiotics and if you overuse them, they may not work when you need them most. According to the CDC, “Each year in the U.S., at least 2 million people get an antibiotic-resistant infection, and at least 23,000 people die.” Source
We have to consider reducing antibiotics and integrating natural remedies.
2. Food Intolerances (gluten/dairy)
If you haven’t heard the word microbiome yet, get ready to learn more. These communities of gut flora run from our mouth to our anus and affect our weight, mood, mental health, and even our immunity. One of the ways we damage this flora is through yup, you guessed it, antibiotics.
And, children born via c-section are already compromised due to the one dose of antibiotics mom gets before surgery.
If you’re planning a C-section, consider Vaginal seeding to protect your child’s gut flora.
When your child’s microbiome is affected, they may have difficulty digesting gluten and dairy – some of the top inflammatory foods we consume.
One way around this is to try Goat’s milk formula or for mom to take dairy out of her diet if breastfeeding. Also, mom may want to take a digestive enzyme to help her digest the milk.
4. 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 causing headaches, food intolerances, allergies and joint pain in our child’s health.
Medications that lead to Leaky Gut Syndrome In Kids:
- Antibiotics
- Steroids
- NSAIDS
- Acid reducing medication
If your child is taking these medications regularly, you may want to consider the 4R approach. Read more about Leaky Gut Syndrom in kids Here.
5. Clostridium difficile
The leading cause of deaths in the hospital, Clostridium difficile or C. diff. is a bacterium that is normally present in the body in small numbers. When they are out of balance with the rest of your gut bacteria – due to antibiotic use or a compromised immune system, they may cause an infection and result in diarrhea.
This bacteria produces a toxin that causes inflammation of the colon and results in varying degrees of diarrhea, sometimes a bloody stool, and could potentially lead to death. Often, children with a compromised immune system have the greatest risk of getting C. Diff. If your child has bloody stool, please have it checked immediately for C. Diff.
C. diff can go hand in hand with Celiac disease and Inflammatory Bowel Disease; please have your child checked if you suspect they have C. Diff.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may suggest an antibiotic or to take the probiotic Saccharomyces Boulardi daily to replenish your gut flora. Read more here.
6. Eczema
An inflammatory skin condition, Eczema, affects 1 in 5 children and is increasing each year. Known as ‘the itch that rashes’ typically begins with the itch and ends with red, scaly skin. You may also have rough bumps, thick patches or bumps that leak fluid and crust over.
Those with Atopic dermatitis typically have a food allergy to wheat, dairy, peanuts or nuts.
Why is this happening? 3 reasons.
- Their microbiome is out of balance – possibly due to medications either from mom or baby
- Child or Mom has an inflammatory diet or a food allergy
- Environmental toxins
What can you do about Eczema?
- Address any gut imbalances in mom or child’s diet.
- Consider healing you or your child’s gut with the 4R approach. Read more about the 4R approach.
- Cover the skin with a botanical cream like Calendula.
7. MRSA
MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infections generally begin as skin infections. The bacterium invades the skin through an open sore, cut, or scrape. For children, the most common source of infection is a simple cut or abrasion.
MRSA is different from other staph bacteria because it has built up a resistance to most of the antibiotics doctors usually use to treat staph infections.
What can you do about it antibiotic resistance?
- Encourage your children to wash their hands with just soap and water, NOT antibacterial soap.
- Eat grass-fed, antibiotic-free meat, and dairy to reduce exposure to antibiotics.
- Consider eating less meat throughout the week
- Use the Get Smart website to know when you need antibiotics
- Learn how to use botanicals and homeopathy to reduce antibiotics.
- Consider having a doula at your next birth to reduce your rate of a C-section
- If you have a C-section planned, consider Vaginal Seeding or adding an infant probiotic when breastfeeding.
- Express your want to avoid antibiotics
- Learn how to heal your child’s gut with the 4R approach if they are presenting with Leaky Gut symptoms
The first step is the hardest.
Begin with your FREE course: The Healthiest Kids On The Block
References:
¹ https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antibiotic-resistance
6 Ways to Avoid Unnecessary Antibiotics & Why You Should
by Tara | Jun 11, 2019 | Homeopathy For Kids, Natural Remedies for Children
Let me guess, your little one does not want to sleep.
It’s frustrating, I know. I’m raising twins!
Wouldn’t it be great if you could lull them to sleep with a natural remedy?
Think about this for a moment, if you could trust a product to soothe your child when they are sick, teething, or revved up on sugar – would you use it?
Let me show you my favorite natural remedies to help your little one sleep.
But don’t forget to check with your doctor before using any new herbal remedies.
First, why is your child not sleeping?
- Are they teething?
- Sick?
- Did they have too much sugar or caffeine?
It’s important to know why this is happening to determine the best remedy for your child.
So, What’s the magic formula?
Here are my nine steps to lull your little one to sleep.
- Try Homeopathy for teething children
- Encourage Chamomile tea at nighttime
- Integrate a Herbal Tinctures to soothe anxiety and pain
- Cut back on the chocolate and caffeine
- Add Epsom Salts to tubby time to increase magnesium levels
- Add magnesium to their diet if they have been stressed
- Encourage good sleep hygiene https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/children-and-sleep
- Shut off the TV and tablets an hour before bed
- Keep their bedroom dark
2 Homeopathic Remedies For Teething
I’ll never forget the one night my little girl stayed up until 5:00 am with two doses of Tylonal in her! Her teeth were clearing bothering her. I wish I had this remedy for that one night.
Coffea Cruda 30 c
Symptoms:
Sensitive to pain and noise. Worse at night and with touch. Shooting pain, better for cold application. A child cannot sleep due to teething.
Chamomilla 30 c
Symptoms: One cheek red, unbearable pains and better for uncovering. Worse in the evening. Screaming, crying and wants to be held and you’re thinking go the f**k to sleep:) Your energy and thoughts are a clear symptom for this remedy!
3 Botanicals To Help Your Child Sleep
Valerian
Known as a gentle sedative, Valerian can calm the nervous system and reduce your child’s stress. It’s one of the most useful relaxing nervines available to use. Due to its taste and strength, it’s best used it as a combined tincture to help promote sleep when your child is sick, feverish, anxious or diagnosed with ADHD.
Two products I love: Super calm and Herb Pharm, Relaxing Sleep
Please check the dosing on the product before administering to your child.
Passion Flower
As a nervine, passionflower can be used for insomnia, anxiety, ADHD, and to help relieve pain. Try Herb Pharm: Kids fast asleep for when your little one is sick, nervous, or anxious on Sunday night.
Feel comforted to know, that it’s made with glycerin and safe for children who weight 25#’s or more. Check the packaging for dosing.
Chamomile Tea
Just like the story of Peter Rabbit, his mom knew he needed rest and served him a cup of chamomile tea. Safe for children of all ages, one cup of tea can soothe inflammation, aid digestion and relax your child’s nervous system to lull them to sleep. Use as a single cup of tea or a blended recipe similar to the one below.
Additionally, you can use chamomile as a tincture in a little water, for a quick remedy in the middle of the night.
Ingredients
- One part Lemon Balm
- One part Chamomile
- One part Lavender buds
Instructions
- Put all the herbs together. For example, one cup of each.
- Then take, 1 tbs. per 1 cup of hot water.
- Cover and steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain and add honey if needed.
- Cool down before serving.
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https://taragregorio.com/9-simple-shortcuts-to-help-your-child-sleep/ 
What could be better than knowing you are giving your child a natural remedy to help them sleep?
Could this work for you? Comment below.
by Tara | Jun 7, 2019 | Natural Remedies for Children
I’ve heard this countless times… if your child goes to daycare they don’t get ‘that’ sick their first year of kindergarten.
It’s not true.
New people, new viruses, new foods, and new stressors will challenge your child’s immune system when they get to school (or daycare).
What if you could support your child’s immune system to prevent them from getting secondary infections; like pneumonia by boosting their immunity with diet and botanicals?
Imagine what it would be like with fewer doctor’s visits, missed days of school, and a full night’s sleep!
Let’s start with my favorite herbal remedies to boost your child’s immunity all year long.
5 Botanicals To Boost Your Child’s immunity
#1 Andrographis
Primarily used in Chinese medicine, Andrographis has been known to help reduce secondary infections; like pneumonia. The botanical is bitter and cold and I would use it during signs of heat; such as a fever. As an antimicrobial, it kills bacteria, reduces sore throats, coughs, and fevers. Source.
#2 Echinacea
Effective for both viral and bacterial infections, it is the prime remedy to support your child’s body. Great for upper respiratory tract illnesses such as laryngitis, tonsillitis, and congestion of the nose and sinuses. I’ll also use Echinacea at the first for a sign of cold or urinary tract infection.
We love Herb Pharm Echinacea and Immune Fortifier
#3 Elderberry – Sambucus nigra
Filled with Vitamins A, B, and C, Elderberries act as an antioxidant and has been proven to reduce flu symptoms by four days in this study.
Kids love the taste of Elderberry Syrup and we often make this one from Wellness Mama Or Purchase Gaia Elderberry Syrup
#4 Ginger
The fresh rootstock of ginger is used as a diaphoretic to heat the body and rid it of infection naturally by raising your body temperature. It’s also used as carminative aiding digestion and elimination soothing the gut wall and easing gripping pains. Keep in mind, the dried ginger root may be too strong for children.
Personally, I will make Fresh Ginger Root tea for myself or dried ginger tea. For the kids, I’ll make an herbal syrup with ginger or use Herb Pharm Immune Avenger so it’s not too spicy for them!
#5 Garlic
One of the most effective anti-microbial plants available would be garlic. A daily dose of garlic clove can reduce your risk of bacterial infection and viral infections. Probably the hardest to sneak into your child’s diet, they may enjoy the Kid Friendly Cider or Garlic toast to prevent infections of the lung.
Other tips to keep your kids healthy all year
- wash, wash, wash their hands every single day when they get home from school
- clean their sippy cup straws!
- encourage fruits and vegetables
- boost their immunity with Vitamin D., Vitamin C, and probiotics
- consider taking out dairy if they continue to get ear infections
- encourage sleep
- skip the sugar as it lower’s their immune system
What herbs do you use to boost your child’s immunity? Leave a comment below.
References:
- Hoffman, David; The herbal handbook, A user’s guide to medical herbalism
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4032030/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15080016
by Tara | Apr 18, 2019 | Immunity & Digestion Kids, Immunity & Digestion Women
Do you want to trust and believe herbs will work for you, but in the back of your mind you’re thinking “is this going to harm me?”
Do you feel like your practitioner is selling you snake oil? That cure-all elixir with false claims.
Or do you have bottles of supplements, you’ve never used for fear of what is in them?
It’s hard to believe some supplements may work for you when you’re not sure what to look for.
One concern is the increase in lead or mercury in our herbal products.
A study published in the August 27, 2008, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), demonstrated that one-fifth of U.S.-manufactured and Indian-manufactured Ayurvedic products bought on the Internet contained detectable lead, mercury, or arsenic.¹
Purchasing online from a reputable company is important to your health. You want to know exactly what is in the ingredients you are ingesting and if you can trust the company from which you are purchasing.
How to trust your herbal products
The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) was created in 1982 and is the voice for the herbal product industry.
When purchasing herbal products look for products that have full labeling. Look for the following on the label:
- The company notes the full name of botanical on the product.
- They have an expiration date. Keep in mind, herbal tinctures or tonics that have alcohol can be preserved for years beyond their expiration date. If your product smells bad or you have a gut feeling it is not good, throw it away.
- The company offers dosing suggestions on the bottle. Herb Pharm has a whole line of products dedicated to children’s health and has the dosing on the bottle.
- Watch for any ‘red flags’, companies claiming for weight loss or extreme health declarations that seem impossible.
- Even if they have perfect labeling, you want to look for these additional concerns when consuming botanicals.
Concerns when using herbal medicine
The company you purchase from:
- Ensures quality control in each product
- Three companies I love: Herb Pharm, Herbalist & Alchemist and Moutain Rose Herbs offer this information online to their consumers.
- They use certified organic or pesticide-free plant products that are sustainably harvested.
- The plant is vibrant, tasty, potent, and consistent
- The product is proven safe through laboratory analysis.
- Tests each product to ensure there are no molds or contamination
- Does not practice product substitution – using another botanical as a substitution
- Is considerate of temperature control, freshness, and monitor’s quality.
- Can provide you with an organic certificate, kosher certificate, certificates of analysis, pesticide residue tests, GCMS printouts, and MSDS forms documents to ensure your safety.
Consumer concerns when using herbal medicine:
- Watch for potential allergic or idiosyncratic reactions, this is an abnormal sensitivity to a drug which may result in:
- severe skin reactions – look for skin rashes, itching, or hives
- anaphylaxis – along with skin rashes, the throat will feel like it is closing up and you have trouble breathing. Take a deep breath, this rarely happens.
- blood dyscrasias – a disease or disorder of the blood.
- hepatotoxicity – liver damage.
- fever or joint pain
Who is at risk for idiosyncratic reactions?
- Women who are 50 or older
- Those who are currently using medications
- If you have:
- hepatic disease
- renal ideas
- If you are malnourished and/or decreased weight
- If you consume alcohol regularly
- If you have possible enzyme deficiencies
The most prevalent source of adverse effects is with clients who are currently taking medication. If you are taking the following medication, please check with your doctor and community herbalist before ingesting a new herbal product.
Are you taking these medications?
- anticoagulants
- barbiturates
- insulin
- cardiac medications
- NSAIDs
- oral contraceptives
- anti-depressants
Please check with your doctor before consuming a new herbal product.
Idiosyncratic reactions occur very infrequently and are independent of dose, and are highly unpredictable. Herb/drug interactions present a higher risk than allergic reactions. But, if you or your child’s partner has an allergy to the Asteraceae family, it would be important for you to keep this plant away from your child until they are older.
Other concerns when using botanicals:
- Watch for the timing of use – stop taking botanicals two weeks before surgery for fear of too much bleeding or a bad reaction.
- Dosage – always check for correct dosing when using any medication.
- Duration of use
Herbs to avoid with your children (and ages)
- Basil herb <2
- Coffee seeds <12
- Coltsfoot leaves <2
- Comfrey leaves and roots (externally)<2
- Eucalyptus <2
- Jamaica dogwood
- Lobelia plant
- Mate leaves <2
- Oregano leaf <2
- Peppermint leaves & E.O. <2
- Senna leaves <12 {ok for kids 2+ for 1x use}
- Tea leaves <6
- Uva ursi <12
- Valerian root <3
For a complete list see: Herbal Contradictions and drug interaction
Who are the 7 herbal companies you can know and trust?
To search for a company you love, head over to the American Herbal Products Association directory of members.
Who is your favorite company to use? Let us know in the comments below.
References:
¹ https://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm050798.htm
Additional resources:
by Tara | Apr 9, 2019 | Immunity & Digestion Kids
Imagine not having to stuff medicine into your child.
Imagine your child loving the taste of their medicine and wanting more!
This is what’s possible when you use herbal medicine and homeopathy. Herbs can taste great when you incorporate these simple tips.
What is a tincture?
Tinctures are a combination of herb, water, and alcohol used to preserve the botanicals in it. Tinctures are a safe, quick, and easy way to take herbal medicine and reduce our conventional medications for years to come.
Tinctures are typically created with alcohol or glycerine. When you purchase a tincture made with alcohol they are hydroethanolic extracts; which means they are made with a mixture of water and alcohol for the desired optimization of the final product. Read more about tinctures and dosing for children here.
What you really need to know, is that the amount of alcohol in a hydroethanolic tincture is minimal (less than what’s found in a ripe banana). But still, this is not the ideal medicine for diabetics or children due to the alcohol preservative.
What is a glycerite tincture?
Glycerin is used to prepare “alcohol-free” tinctures, and to preserve and sweeten the taste of liquid extracts called- glycerites. Glycerine is considered a weaker solvent, so it may not be as strong as using the other extracts but certainly safer for our children.
Children under 1 year of age may prefer glycerine tinctures for its sweet taste.
How do you take a tincture?
For an adult, you would take 30-60 drops into a 1/4 cup of water and drink it 2-3x day. For children, it’s a bit more challenging.
How to give tinctures to children?
- #1 Start with Herb Pharm tinctures, as they have a whole line of children’s tinctures made with glycerine and they give you the EXACT dosing on the labels
- #2 Always dilute the tincture in water or juice and check the dosing below
- #3 Always use the safest botanicals with your children
- #4 Check with your doctor before administrating any new medication
- #5 Always watch for allergic or idiosyncratic reactions
4 Tips for giving tinctures to children
- Babies can receive the tincture through the mother’s milk or in a bottle. (check to dose below)
- Toddlers love taking tinctures with a fun straw or a syringe. (see the picture of my daughter giving my son a tincture)
- For pregnancy and young children, you can pour boiling water over the tincture to dissipate the alcohol. Let cool completely and add juice for children to disguise the taste if needed.
- If you are using a full strength tincture or the taste is not great, add Elderberry or Lemon Balm Glycerite to sweeten the medicine.
What is the dosing of a tincture for a child?
Dosage depends on the weight and age of the person being treated. To treat an acute condition you can take a tincture 1-3x day.
Age — Dosage
- Younger than 3 months — 2 drops
- 3 to 6 months — 3 drops
- 6 to 9 months — 4 drops
- 9 to 12 months — 5 drops
- 12 to 18 months — 7 drops
- 18 to 24 months — 8 drops
- 2 to 3 years — 10 drops
- 3 to 4 years — 12 drops
- 4 to 6 years — 15 drops
- 6 to 9 years — 24 drops
- 9 to 12 years — 30 drops
- 12 and older —30-60 drops
Concerns when using botanicals with children
Always watch for an allergic or idiosyncratic reaction when using botanicals. If either parent has an allergy to a botanical, do not offer this herb to your child.
Signs of an allergic reaction include:
- redness of the skin and/or cheeks
- itchy skin
- blotching
If you see these signs, stop offering the tincture immediately.
Conclusion
Tinctures can be our children’s new medicine. When used properly, with correct dosing your child can reduce their medications by integrating natural remedies like tinctures into their diet.
Are you using tinctures? What are your favorites? Comment below.
by Tara | Apr 8, 2019 | Immunity & Digestion Kids, Immunity & Digestion Women
Be honest. You’re sick of using antibiotics for your sinus infection.
What if you could stop this inflammation naturally.
You’ve tried natural remedies before but they haven’t work for you.
I get it.
For years, I would call up the doctor and request medications for my sinus pressure. I knew I needed drugs to get rid of the pain. Little did I know overusing antibiotics would bite me in the butt years later.
I struggled with acne, digestive problems and then food sensitivities to gluten and dairy all due to using antibiotics frequently.
The truth?
When you learn how to reduce medications, heal your gut, and integrate natural remedies, you won’t have to worry about sinus infections anymore.
But don’t forget. Your diet is always first. The first food I would remove would be dairy if you struggle with consistent sinus infections.
What are the symptoms of a sinus infection?
- A headache or heavy feeling in the head (sometimes with difficulty concentrating)
- Nasal congestion or nasal discharge
- Post-nasal drip (mucus dripping down back of the throat)
- A sore throat (mucus dripping down can cause chronic irritation)
- A cough – wet or dry and usually all day
- Fatigue
- Bad breath
- Moderate to high fever
So what’s the answer?
In this post, I’ll share the 4 steps I use to stop a sinus infection in its tracts!
#1 Diet & Inflammation
- Gluten, dairy, and sugar are common allergens that cause sinus infections.
- Eliminate these foods from your diet if you experience frequent sinus infections. If I was to choose just one, I’d get rid of dairy ASAP.
- Encourage lots of green vegetables & soups when you are under the weather.
- Drink clear liquids and caffeine free tea.
- Consider adding a probiotic to your diet and healing your gut with The 4R approach.
- Put to action>>>Make garlic toast!
- Toast some gluten-free bread and top with Organic Olive oil and sliced raw garlic.
- Fresh garlic is known as an antimicrobial to aid with infections.
- Eat daily until you are better.
- Garlic is a great anti-microbial and can fight viral and bacterial infections. Eat garlic raw if able, or mix with hot water and lemon for a garlic lemonade
#2 Tinctures For A Sinus Infection
- Take Echinacea tincture For 7-10days. Take 30-40 drops 3-4x day in a little bit of water.
- Echinacea acts as an anti-microbial.
#3 Essential Oils For A Sinus Infection
- Add one drop of Thyme Essential Oil to a facecloth (for adults only), place in the shower and let the steam help open your sinuses.
- Alternatively, try herbal steam.
- Boil water and place one drop of Lavender or Thyme Essential oil in the bowl, cover your head and steam for 20 min. You can also use lavender dried buds or dried Thyme for less potent steam.
Apply Lavender Essential Oil topically
- Dab diluted Lavender Essential oil on your cheeks and under ears. Dilute when using with children. ONLY 1 drop of essential oil to 1 tbs. of carrier oil. Don’t use with children under 2 years of age.
#4 Homeopathic Remedy For A Sinus Infection
Take 30 C Kali Carbonicum if you have the following symptoms:
-
- Pressure, fullness, and pain at root of the nose. Discharge is thick, ropy green-ish yellow, post-nasal drip, violent sneezing; mucus tastes sticky, aching and fullness in global, worse with cold, 2-3am, suppressed catarrh.
- Take 2-3x day if symptoms are improving.
- STOP taking homeopathy if your symptoms get worse, you should feel your symptoms improving with each dose of homeopathy. For a sinus infection, you may have to take for 2 or 3 days, along with the tinctures and change of diet. Be patient and rest.
Conclusion
Even if you’ve struggled with sinus infections your whole life, you can stop a sinus infection in its track with diet, herbs, and homeopathy. I’m proof. It’s been 10 years since I’ve needed antibiotics for a sinus infection. A simple change in your diet, healing your gut and integrating natural remedies can reduce the number of antibiotics you need due to sinus infections.
There may be a time you’ll need antibiotics, but overall if you strive to improve your diet, you can stop the use of antibiotics for sinus infections.
Could this work for you? Comment below.
