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.
Warmly~ Tara
P.S. Are you ready to learn more? Join Home Remedies for Children for just $47 to learn the must-have herbal and homeopathic remedies for babies, toddlers, and big kids so you can feel confident using natural remedies. Join here:https://courses.taragregorio.com/p/homeremediesforchildren2
**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.
SWIPE my favorite herbs & homeopathic remedies so you can reduce medications with your children today
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.
P.S. Are you ready to learn more? Join Home Remedies for Children for just $47 to learn the must-have herbal and homeopathic remedies for babies, toddlers, and big kids so you can feel confident using natural remedies. Join here:https://courses.taragregorio.com/p/homeremediesforchildren2
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/
Do you have little kids at home that love popsicles?
This recipe is great for the hot summer months, but also if your little one gets sick this fall or winter because it’s made with Lemon Balm or Melissa Officinalis.
Lemon Balm Benefits
antiviral – known to reduce viral illnesses
calms the mind and promotes sleep
improves digestion
fights the herpes virus
soothes kids with ADD and ADHD
reduces PMS for mom!
Other benefits to the Lemon Balm pop. It’s great for …
teething
fever
hot summer day
and it soothes anxiety
The main ingredient Lemon Balm is safe for kids and is known as the “gladdening herb”. You may notice after these pops that your kiddos are very happy:)
Echinacea Benefits
It’s optional to add a tincture of Echinacea. I would do this in the winter months or for kids aged 2-6, as they are most prone to catching viral infections.
Echinacea Benefits:
reduce cold & flu symptoms
controls blood sugar
increases the number of white blood cells that fight infection
Certified women’s herbal educator, Tara Gregorio is helping moms all around the world build an apothecary of remedies to reduce medications all year. See her online courses: https://taragregorio.com/online-courses/
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
If your child has some of these symptoms, they may have Leaky Gut Syndrome and may need the 4R approach. Take this questionnaire to see if your child needs to heal their gut. 👇
Leaky Gut Syndrome Test
How? Let me explain.
How to improve digestion in toddlers & big kids?
It’s a method that addresses the underlying causes of gut imbalances and restores harmony, helping to alleviate symptoms and maybe even disease for our children. The program suggests you: Remove> Reinoculate> Repair> Reintroduce
How do you heal your child’s gut?
Promote healthy evacuation daily with fiber, fruit, vegetables, and water
Try an elimination diet for 2-3 weeks if symptoms persist, you may want to try the 4R approach
Remove all triggers: i.e. all allergens and cross reactors like gluten and dairy
Get off medications (with Dr.’s approval and replace with natural remedies )
Reduce your child’s stress with reading, being outside, and adding herbal teas
Heal their gut lining with the 4R approach below
NEVER re-introduce foods that cause a true allergic reaction
Keep in mind.
This program is most successful when the whole family agrees to participate. So, what are the steps?
Leaky Gut Supplements
The 4R approach for children
1. Remove
Take out what ails them
Remove 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.
P.S. Are you ready to learn more? Join Home Remedies for Children for just $47 to learn the must-have herbal and homeopathic remedies for babies, toddlers, and big kids so you can feel confident using natural remedies. Join here:https://courses.taragregorio.com/p/homeremediesforchildren2
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/
Strain and add honey ONLY if mom is drinking the tea
Drink the tea before breastfeeding
If you are offering the tea to your baby, strain and cool the tea. Add the cool tea by dropperful to the baby while feeding or add to bottle if bottle fed.
Matricaria recutita (German Chamomile) or Asteraceae Anthemis nobiles (Roman Chamomile)
Chamomile calms the spirit and is the number one botanical for both mom and baby. As a nervine, it will soothe anxiety and restlessness. It calms digestion and soothes nervous stomachs. It also can treat fevers, colds, flu, and headaches and relieve cramps from birth or menses. This botanical is safe and calming and one of the best herbs for crying, restless babies. Use it in the baby’s bathwater to clear up diaper rash, heal wounds or cuts.
Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel seeds are warming and a little spicy; aiding gas and bloating for both mom and baby. Mom can eat them directly, if feeling bloated, and make a cup of colic tea to feed to the baby by dropperful throughout the day. This after-meal tea can ease gas, indigestion, abdominal pain, and spasms.
Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
Known as the gladdening herb, Lemon balm lifts the spirits, and as a carminative; it aids digestion and relieves gas. The yummy lemony taste is well-loved by both women and children and when your little one is old; make a cup of Lemon balm tea with milk and honey. It is also antiviral, so it is very effective for breaking fevers and treating colds and flu.
The slight minty taste may lower the mom’s breastmilk, but will certainly do no harm to the baby. And, as a combined tea blend, it may relieve moms’ anxiety and restlessness and lift their spirits.
xo
Tara
P.S. Are you ready to learn more? Join Home Remedies for Children for just $47 to learn the must-have herbal and homeopathic remedies for babies, toddlers, and big kids so you can feel confident using natural remedies. Join here:https://courses.taragregorio.com/p/homeremediesforchildren2
What if we could reduce asthma attacks, by addressing our gut health?
I know it seems far-fetched, but if your child has been struggling with colic, eczema, seasonal allergies, and now asthma – this is called an Allergic Triad.
And, functional medicine doctors are teaching us how this is all connected to our child’s gut health.
**Always use an inhaler as suggested by your doctor and see my precautions below as to when to call the doctor. Plus, you would never use these remedies with an acute asthma attack. *
So what can you do about asthma?
In this post, I’m going to share how we stopped all our medications for asthma-like breathing by addressing my child’s gut health.
First, What is Asthma?
Asthma usually occurs when a substance, that the body sees as a foreign invader creates an overreaction of the body’s own immune system.
During an asthma attack, spasms in the muscles surrounding the bronchi (small airways in the lungs) constrict and impede the outward passage of air.
Symptoms of Asthma:
coughing
wheezing
shortness of breathing and chest tightening
it can last for a few minutes or several hours
***always use the medicine suggested by your doctor for an asthma attack
70% of children with allergies also have asthma – Dr. Aviva Romm
Two types of Asthma
Types of asthma are allergic and non-allergic; although the two often occur together.
Common asthma-provoking allergens include:
animal dander
cockroach droppings – children in city living have higher incidents of asthma
pollens
mold
pet dander
chemicals
drugs
dust mites
environmental pollutants – The Amish environment provides protection against asthma. ²
feathers
food additives
seafood
dairy products
nuts
yeast-based foods
fumes
mold
tobacco smoke/fireplace
Factors that trigger nonallergic asthma attacks include:
adrenal disorders
anxiety
temperature changes – cold weather
exercise
extreme dryness or humidity
fear
laughing
low blood sugar
stress
viral infection
gut health ¹
Gut Health & Asthma
We know children born via C-section have lower levels of healthy gut bacteria like Escherichia coli, Bifidobacterium, and Bacteroides ¹
Which can create what’s called gut dysbiosis; the bacteria in your child’s gut becomes unbalanced
And.. some moms cannot breastfeed for the suggested 6-9 months and begin adding alternative milk, that does not provide the necessary fatty acids that protect against allergies and asthma – This happened to us!
This imbalance continues into your child’s early life due to diet {or lack of probiotics} and increased antibiotic use.
This gut imbalance has also been connected to eczema²
Asthma development is also associated with respiratory tract infections when children are young
Natural Asthma Treatment
**Please keep in mind, that you should continue to use all medications until you and your pediatrician decide it is safe to come off all medications.**
Here are the 6 steps we took to reduce “asthma-like” breathing.
Step #1 Remove all allergens
Has your child been tested for allergies? If so, have you removed all allergens big and small?
For example, my son has a small allergy to wheat, dairy, red dye, and cockroaches. The allergist suggested not to remove these foods, but when he eats them his immune system is lower and he gets sick more often.
PLUS, he had a nagging cough.
When he is mostly gluten and dairy-free, he doesn’t have a nagging cough and he thrives with health. So even if the food sensitivity is small, try removing this from your child’s diet.
Here are the common food sensitivities your child may have:
milk and dairy
eggs
chocolate
soy
nuts
wheat {gluten is linked to nagging cough, see source}
corn
Step #2 Reduce Toxins In Your Environment
Use a Hepa Air Purifier: A HEPA filter is a type of mechanical air filter; it works by forcing air through a fine mesh that traps harmful particles such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and tobacco smoke.
Use dust covers on pillows and bedding
Use natural cleaning products as much as you can
Remove foods from plastic as soon as you get them home
Have your child drink out of a stainless steel water cup and clean any straws often
Consider a water filter for your water system
Step #3 Reduce Stress
Encourage herbal teas of Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Stinging nettles, and Elderflower
Encourage activities like yoga- to reduce stress
My kids love this video!
Step #4 Improve Your Child’s Diet
Encourage a rainbow of foods or sneak them in with smoothies
To support detoxification look for foods with vitamins A, E, and C
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps the heart, kidneys, and lungs work properly. Vitamin A can be found in:
cod liver oil {the #1 source}
eggs
orange and yellow vegetables
Vitamin E supports immune function and reduces inflammation
add foods with seeds like sunflower, almonds, peanuts, avocado, and spinach
Vitamin C reduces colds, flu, and asthma attacks. Vitamin C food sources include:
rose hips
broccoli, cauliflower, and green and red peppers
6 Supplements to reduce an Asthma Attack
B6 supplements
In one study, patients were given 50 mg of vitamin B6 twice daily and reported a dramatic decrease in the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
Omega 3
an anti-inflammatory to reduce inflammation
Food Sources: salmon, sardines, and herring
Dosing
Age 2-12: 1/2-1 tsp. day
We like nordic naturals
Vitamin D
Proven to boost immunity and reduce the common cold & flu. Reducing the risk of secondary infections.
Dosing
Age under 7: 400-800 IU
Age 7+: 800-1,000 IU
Age 12+ 2,000 IU
Zinc
Dosing
Age under 1 year: 2-3 mg
Age 4-8: 5mg/day {check with multi-vitamin}
Age 9-13: 10 mg
Age 14-18: 10-15 mg
Zinc helps prevent Upper Respiratory infections
Vitamin C
Dosing
Age 2-5: 200 mg
Age 6-11 250-500mg
Age 12+ 500-1,000 mg
Buffered Vitamin C to reduce exercise-induced asthma daily – given with food.
Probiotics
Look for a probiotic with Lactobacillus alone or with Bifidobacterium to reduce asthma attacks. Take regularly if your child is taking medication or has taken a probiotic.
Step #5 Reduce Medications
Your child’s gut health is connected to their overall health. When your child takes antibiotics, Tylenol, or Ibuprofen it affects their gut bacteria.
We also LOVE Little Davinci’s migrashield for migraines, allergies, and to reduce asthma attacks. :
Little Davinci’s, which has Butterbur in it. When purchasing Butterbur look for PA-free. Butterbur is known for reducing migraines and coughs.
Personalized tincture blend. I also created a custom tincture blend for my son, based on his inability to breathe in. The breathing in led me to add Ginseng to his tincture.
Personalized tincture blends included: Ginseng, Reishi, and Astragalus.
Book a health consultation to learn about your child’s unique needs for asthma.
Work on healing your child’s gut, removing triggers in the environment, and reduce medications can help reduce asthma symptoms for years to come.
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
I believe your child can overcome Asthma by healing their gut health and adding in the appropriate botanicals for their unique symptoms.
Begin by addressing your child’s gut health and adding probiotics and additional supplements they may need. Next work on healing their gut with the 4R approach, last add in the appropriate herbal remedies for your child’s health depending on their age and symptoms.
