What if there was a better way to lower a fever? A safer way.
In this post, I’ll share my proven herbal and holistic methods for reducing a fever fast – naturally.
So, what is a fever?
Any temp over 100.4 is a fever to watch.
A moderate fever is 101-103.5 and is of concern.
A high fever is over 103.5.
But wait, always listen to your gut and call your child’s pediatrician with any fever of concern and especially with children under six months of age.
So, what is the secret to lowering a fever?
How to get rid of a fever fast at home
#1 Encourage your child to sleep
Encouraging your child to sleep may help them “burn” the fever off, and if you were up all night – this will give everyone a breath to relax.
Some well-known, safe botanicals for children to sleep are chamomile, and lemon balm, and you can even add a single drop of valerian root tincture to a cup of tea to encourage sleep for kids over two years of again.
Try a cup of chamomile tea with a drop of lemon balm tincture and/or valerian root tincture to encourage sleep.
Here are 9 botanicals to help your children get to sleep faster
#2 Alternate anti-viral herbal tinctures every hour
The antivirals will help “break the fever” and reduce the need for antibiotics.
Choose one antiviral and offer the correct tincture dosing to your child every hour. Keep a close eye on them and don’t overdose.
Anti-viral herbs for kids
Lemon Balm tea or tincture
Echinacea tincture
Elderberry syrup or tincture
Ginger tincture or tea {Best for older kids, the tea may increase a fever, keep that in mind for young children}
Garlic tincture {you can eat raw garlic for older kids and adults}
Of course, there are other anti-viral herbs, but these are my favorite for kids!
#3 Supplements
How to bring down a fever in a child naturally
Open the windows, change the sheets, make a pot of chicken soup and try the suggestions above.
You’ll also want to boost their immunity with vitamins. Consider adding in:
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Zinc {always offer with food or they may vomit!}
#4 Essential oils for a fever
I also like to pat them down with a diluted water of peppermint essential oil.
This is suggested for kids over two years of age.
Try 1 drop of oil per 1 cup of water and place the washcloth in the bowl. Wipe down their back, feet, and chest if they’ll let you!
#5 Homeopathic medicine for high fever in a child
I usually don’t use homeopathy for fever, unless it came on quickly after the cold weather begins {Usually Aconite 30c will help}, because it may spike the fever and with little children, you want to be careful.
You’ll also want to offer cooling teas to toddlers and big kids. My little girl loves peppermint tea, but only use it with kids two or older.
Make a cup of tea. Cover and steep for 5 min. Add honey for kids over one year of age. Then cool it down with ice and offer it to your child.
Some teas to consider are:
Spearmint
Lemon Balm
Elderflower
Chamomile
#7 Moxa to reduce a fever
If you love acupuncture, you can buy your own moxa sticks {I love these} and place on the point – BL2 Windgate – place the moxa on the left and right side of T2 of your child’s upper back. Make sure they don’t move, so they don’t get burned! Moxa is great for fast relief when you get the point correct.
Why am I picking on Tylenol?
Because just one dose of medication can affect your child’s gut health. Plus, Tylenol reduces glutathione, which is an antioxidant in your body and it helps you detoxify. With less glutathione, your body has a harder time detoxifying viruses and colds.
Conclusion
Herbs, homeopathy, moxa, and boosting immunity with diet and supplements can help lower your child’s fever fast and reduce secondary infections. Also, keep in mind a fever is a good thing when it’s not too high. Read that again 👈
Try to let it run its course and use herbal medicine to help soothe your child to sleep. Of course, if they are uncomfortable you can always offer conventional medication when needed.
So, do you think you’ll give these a try? Let me know in the comment area below.
Finding an herbal remedy for my son’s cough has been one of the more challenging events we’ve endured.
Coughs can be dry, or wet. Coughs also can accommodate the flu, ear infections, or a sore throat.
And… coughs can be from poor gut health.
Yes, read that again.
To address a cough, you’ll want to know why it is happening.
If it’s due to a cold, think of adding anti-viral botanicals plus, expectorants to support their immune system and release the mucus. ¹
So, what do we tackle first?
There are four ways I like to use natural remedies with children. I’ll give them teas, tinctures, decoctions, and homeopathy.
Plus, try your best to reduce their sugar intake and increase their fluids with chicken soups and pops, like our favorite herbal popsicle recipe here.
#1 Teas For Kids
Make a cup of tea with 1 tsp. of dried herbs to 1 cup of boiling water.
Cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
Strain and add honey for children over 1 year or you can add juice to their Sippy cup.
For babies, you can add cooled chamomile tea to their bottles, adding maple syrup to sweeten if needed.
Toddlers love Lemon Balm or Peppermint for kids 2+.
#2 Tinctures For Kids
Tinctures are an extract of a plant in alcohol. Because of the processing method, the amount of alcohol your child ingests is similar to a ripe banana.
If you’re concerned with the alcohol intake you can use a glycerine tincture. These tinctures are made with glycerine instead of alcohol and most moms feel more comfortable using them.
Studies show elderberry syrup can lower the duration of your flu and the need for medication.
Dose: When the adult dose is 2 dropperful (60 drops), the following is recommended for children:
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
Other ways to determine dosage:
Young’s Rule – Add 12 to the child’s age. Divide the child’s age by this total.
Example: dosage for a 4-year-old: 4 divided by 16 (4+12) = .25, or 1/4 of the adult dosage.
Cowling’s Rule – Divide the number of the child’s next birthday by 24.
For example, the dosage for a child who is 3, turning 4 would be: 4 divided by 24 = .16, or 1/6 of the adult dosage.²
#4 Decoctions For Kids
A Decoction is a method of extraction by boiling herbal or plant material to dissolve the chemicals of the material, which may include stems, roots, bark, and rhizomes.³
This works best when the herb doesn’t taste well or you want to make a syrup, like elderberry syrup.
#5 Homeopathy For Kids
Homeopathy is wonderful for kids. Please read my article:
Everything you need to know about homeopathy is HERE.
Home remedies for cold and cough kids
When a cough is dry with throat pain, you’ll want soothing herbs like licorice, slippery elm, and marshmallow root.
When it is mucous, you’ll want herbs that act as an expectorant, look for products with elecampane, hyssop, mullein, thyme, yerba santa, and ginger for warming.
Using botanicals with infants requires more caution. The tincture doses are much less due to their body weight. Please see the dosing above.
To administer a tincture to an infant, you can add tinctures to a bottle or place them in 1/3 cup of water. Use a syringe or straw to make sure your child gets the full amount.
I wouldn’t use essential oils with children until they are 3 months of age. If you choose to, please use caution.
Make sure you only use 1 drop per 1 tbs. of oil. They should be very diluted and avoid the eyes, ears, and any openings in the body. Never ingest essential oils with infants. (Unless advised by a professional as they are very estrogenic.)
Home remedies for a cough with toddlers
Toddlers are a little easier, as they love anything new and fun. I would add tinctures to their Sippy cup, use a syringe, or sip out of a fun cup with a straw.
When using botanicals and homeopathy with children it is very important you’re choosing the right herb (or homeopathic treatment) and the correct dosing for their symptoms. With a combined effort of diet, teas, and rest your child will be able to become resilient through the years.
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, and sometimes they feel like too much! But the truth is – these supplements fill the nutrient gaps.
Read that again 👆
If our diet, digestion, and gut health were “ideal”, we wouldn’t need so many supplements. This means, including herbs into our diet every single day.
But don’t forget, we can reverse these allergic symptoms and even “asthma-like” breathing – 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.
his energy increased
his skin cleared up
stomach pains went away
the nagging cough stopped
So what can you do about it?
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 – heal their gut with the 4R approach
Reducing inflammation naturally with herbs, diet & supplements
Boosting their immunity with herbs & supplements
Removing any food sensitivities to reduce inflammation*
Promoting healthy digestion and elimination {no more constipation}
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. == I teach this method within my course: Allergy-Free Kids
What are the top food allergens & food sensitivities?
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)
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)
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
>>Pro tip: Keep in mind, that when kids are young and cannot swallow pills – you’ll want to open the capsules and pour the powder into a juice or smoothie and stir well.
You’re making a sort of “concoction” for them. Try one herb at a time, to see if there are any adverse reactions, then add a second botanical.
Little DaVinci products and Herb Pharm for kids are great choices for young children.
#1 Freeze-Dried Stinging Nettles
Better than Claritin!
Stinging nettles, are a prickly green herb you’ll find outside on the outskirts of your yard in the summertime.
They have a mean bite, but this bite, these hairs are known as a natural antihistamine – helping to reduce allergies naturally.
And the sting? That goes away when the greens are cooked or dried.
IMPORTANT: When you purchase nettles, it has to be the “freeze-dried” version because this is where the antihistamine is located – with the sting!
For children 4 or older: you can break open one of the freeze-dried stinging nettle capsules and add it to a shake or drink.
Pro tip: Open the capsule for young children who cannot swallow the pills
#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
Add quercetin foods or supplements to your diet to reduce inflammation.
Pro tip: Look for liquid quercetin supplements if your child cannot swallow pills.
#3 Curcumin
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 or add a supplement.
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 FREE gut health questionnaire to see if your child is experiencing the symptoms associated with Leaky Gut Syndrome – in order to know if they need to heal their gut.
My clients and I have noticed quality matters when purchasing a probiotic. Klaire probiotics is a company I love.
#6 Butterbur
Butterbur is known to reduce migraines and seasonal allergies.
When purchasing Butterbur, choose one that is PA-free.
Here is the one we used with my son.
# 7 Grapefruit Seed Extract- Xlear
Nasal rinses have been used for years to clean out the pollen in your nasal passages.
As the neti pot is challenging for little kids, Xlear has worked well for us.
This is a great alternative to any nasal sprays your doctor has suggested.
This blend uses grapefruit seed extract, which is also known as a natural antibacterial to treat and prevent infections.
Conclusion:
When your child is struggling with allergies, you’ll want to address their gut health. Often, they’re not eating enough vitamins and minerals, or they’re consuming a food that they are sensitive to; causing an inflammatory response. Typically, gluten and dairy – are the top two foods kids love!
By reducing inflammation and the inflammatory response, you can reduce the seasonal allergy symptoms your child is experiencing and boost their health for years to come.
As a new mom of twins, waking up 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, that 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.
Then, watch this FREE training to understand how to use homeopathy correctly.
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 in all air passages.
Also, the child is warm and is worse at 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.
When the cough has ceased, continue with tinctures 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.” #1 You are watching the child for any unusual symptoms #2 Your write 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.
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 discover homeopathic medicine is the safest 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 ears.
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.
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’s needs.
References:
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/
Be honest. You’re wondering why everyone is gluten and/or dairy-free.
Why do some people have trouble digesting these foods and 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 a Leaky Gut, you are at an increased risk for food sensitivity and food allergies.
What exactly is 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
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 your child’s top allergens, 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.
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 it 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/
