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.
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
To learn more about Allergy-Free kids, Sign up for your free training. CLICK HERE.
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/
You’ve heard the rumors, a croup cough can be scary and keep you up all night long with worry.
What if you could be prepared for a croup cough? If you’re a momma of children between the ages 2-6 read on.
Picture this.
It’s 12:00 am and you here the classic ringing, barking cough. You jump out of bed and your heart is racing.
What do you do?
I always wished my twins came with a handbook of instructions!
The interesting part is a croup cough can settle within 20 minutes with the correct homeopathic remedy.
Let’s dive in.
What is a croup cough?
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.
The fear of not being able to breathe startles the child awake in the middle of the night.
Homeopathy works quickly and efficiently when you have the correct remedy.
But hang on, when using homeopathic medicine you want to follow the rules of “like cures like.” Basically, you are watching your child for any unusual symptoms, writing down anything you see or hear. You only give the suggested treatments when your symptoms match the remedy.
Here’s a quick warning.
STOP giving doses when the child’s energy shifts, they look better, sound better or maybe they begin to go to sleep.
Download your freebie to learn how to use homeopathy to get it right; each time.
So, what are the remedies?
3 Homeopathic Remedies for Croup
#1 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 in the 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.
#2 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:
#3 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. Click below to hear how I use homeopathy with croup.
5 Quick Ways To Resolve The Croup Cough
Step #1 – Give one dose of Aconite 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.}
Step #2 – Wait 20 minutes and notice any changes.
Step #3- If the child is not asleep, give a second dose. At this point, the child should be sleeping.
Step #4 – If they are not sleeping, see the remedy for Spongia Tosta.
Step #5 – When they awake the next morning, you may need another dose of homeopathy if they still present with symptoms. If they just have a cold, treat them with your home cold and flu remedies.
Conclusion
Homeopathy is safe and reliable when used correctly. Remember, if the symptoms continue to get worse over the course of the day, stop using that remedy. The symptoms may increase after the first dose, and then gradually improve. With time, your confidence in homeopathy will improve and bring you confidence in using natural remedies. {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.} Could this work for you? Want to learn more about simple, effective, natural remedies for your children?
Did you know by the age of 19, your child may have had between 10-20 rounds of antibiotics?
Do you know what this is doing to your child’s gut health?
I know, I know, it’s frustrating when your little one gets sick. All you want is for them to feel better – fast.
And.. you’re a busy momma and don’t have time to research botanicals.
I get it.
But, now is the time to integrate botanicals.
Why?
Our children’s health is suffering. Have you noticed how many kids are gluten and dairy-free? Yup. This is why.
Imagine knowing exactly what remedies to use when your kids get sick.
Imagine fewer medications.
Imagine your child knowing what remedies to use when they are sick.
So, what do I mean by natural remedies? I mean…
botanicals/herbs
homeopathy
food
and maybe some essential oils:)
The truth?
If we don’t learn how to use them now, I’ll children’s health will suffer for years to come. We are already seeing it happen.
In this post, I’m going to share the 5 reasons our children need to start using natural remedies.
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 and take a probiotic in your third trimester.
When your child’s microbiome is affected, they may have difficulty digesting gluten and dairy – some of the top inflammatory foods we consume.
3. Leaky Gut Syndrome In Children
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.
4. Clostridium Difficile In Children – C. diff
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.
5. 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. And, when they use antibiotics, this affects their gut health leading to allergies and “asthma-like” symptoms as they get older.
Why should our children use natural remedies?
They are generally safe and easy to use
We are teaching our children how to take care of themselves
Botanicals aid with digestion
They soothe the nervous system
They reduce antibiotic use
They are more affordable
Conclusion
Integrating botanicals into your child’s diet can reduce the number of medications they need for years to come. Saving you time in the doctor’s office and money on medications and ER visits.
