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.
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
Yes, when we suppress Eczema and Allergies, your child may develop “Asthma-like” symptoms.
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?
Here’s my promise to you. By the end of this post, you’ll understand how to reduce your child’s allergic response – naturally.
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 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
#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
#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.
#4 Digestive Enzyme
My favorite supplement company is Enzymedica. 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.
#5 Probiotic
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.
#6 Butterbur
This one supplement was life-changing for us! 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.
Diet + Xlear + Butterbur helped him become symptom-free! I cover more of this in my online course Home Remedies For Children.
“In one study of 125 individuals with allergies, it has been found to be as effective in relieving allergic rhinitis as Zyrtec to relieve symptoms of tearing, itchy, and red eyes associated with seasonal allergies.”- Dr. Aviva Romm
What allergies are your children struggling with? Comment below or fill out this quick survey to tell me more.
# 7 Grapefruit Seed Extract- Xlear
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 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. Remember, you would never re-introduce a true food allergy to your child’s diet.
It’s frustrating and exhausting when your little one is teething.
Late nights. Crying. Screaming. Wanting to be held.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could support your child during the teething years, without all the Tylenol?
Imagine what it would be like if you knew the exact remedies to help your child go back faster without wasting money on products that don’t work.
Let me show you how.
But hang on.
The fastest remedies are homeopathic you’ll want to read this post and learn how to use homeopathy properly, so you don’t waste time and money on products you don’t need.
Want to get started? In this post, I’m going to share herbal and homeopathic remedies to keep your little one from overusing Tylonal and antibiotics during the teething years.
First…
How do you know when a baby is teething?
Look for these symptoms in your little one…
Green diarrhea
Screaming, crying
Drooling (which can cause a facial rash)
Swollen, sensitive gums
A tooth visible below the gum
Chewing everything.. nothing is off limits!
Irritability or fussiness, wanting to be held
Trouble sleeping
Refusing to eat
Rubbing face and ears
You either feel bad for them or want to kill them! (These are two key homeopathic remedies to watch for)
will not sleep – even if they’ve had 2 doses of Tylenol!
shooting pain feels better when holding ice water in the mouth
You can also combine Coffea Cruda with Chamomilla for relief.
#4 Camilia teething relief
Camilia teething relief is a popular teething product for children combining three homeopathic remedies for pain and inflammation. It would also help reduce recurring ear infections. Served in a liquid pouch, it’s easy for administrating.
Chamomile for teething
Alternatively, you can make a cup of chamomile tea or use a chamomile tincture to reduce the teething pain.
To make a cup of tea: Take 1 tsp. of dried Chamomile tea to 1 cup of boiling water. Cover and let steep 5-7 minutes. Sweeten with maple syrup for children under 1 year of age or raw honey for children over one year. Cool it down with an ice cube and add to their bottle or place a facecloth in the tea and put in the refrigerator for the baby to suck on.
Momma’s sleep deprivation usually begins when your little one starts teething. The homeopathic remedies should work to help your baby get to sleep faster. If they do not, you can try a glycerine tincture to help them relax.
Herb Pharm fast asleep works well with homeopathy to encourage a good night’s sleep. Double-check the dosing based on your child’s age and weight.
Using homeopathy is safe and easier than you think. Just remember, to stop if you don’t see any improvements such as the child going to sleep, they began drinking, or the crying stopped.
These remedies will also reduce fevers and ear infections often associated with the teething years.
Could this work for you? Have questions? Comment below.
**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 Ear Infection
# 3 Mechanical obstruction
#4 Nutrient Insufficiency
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. Download your freebie here to learn how to use those little sugar tablets.
Here Are 8 Steps You Can Try For Natural Ear Infection Treatment
I teach these steps within my course: Homeopathy Simplified & Home Remedies For Children.
#1 Encourage the 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.
Encourage soups and greens. Remove all dairy, sugar, juice, and all kinds of milk from the diet
#7 Use Homeopathy
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.
What’s stopping you from trying this out? Comment below.
References:
¹ Schmidt, Dr. Michael A., Healing Childhood Ear Infections. Prevention, Home Care, and Alternative Treatment
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
6 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
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.
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.
Cover the skin with a botanical cream like Calendula.
6. 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.
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 9 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 Tylenol in her! Her teeth were clearing bothering her. I wish I had this remedy for that one night.
#1 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.
#2 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 to go the f**k to sleep:) Your energy and thoughts are a clear symptom for this remedy!
Worried you’re not using homeopathy correctly? Download your freebie here.
3 Botanicals To Help Your Child Sleep
#1 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.
Please check the dosing on the product before administering to your child.
#2 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.
#3 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.
