Why you should hire an herbalist for women’s health

Why you should hire an herbalist for women’s health

Are you wondering what an herbalist really does?

And, can they really help you?

In this post, I’ll share how I learned herbal medicine, who I studied with, and what I specialize in so you can decide where to go when you’re seeking an alternative treatment.

Let’s get started.

So, how do you find an herbalist?

Herbalist near me

  • Google would be the first place to search. But, many herbalists take sessions virtually or even offer online education.
  • I would write down your symptoms, and what type of teacher you’re seeking and ask for a referral from friends.
  • If you meet with an acupuncturist, they may also be able to guide you toward herbal remedies.

Herbalist certification

How to become a herbalist

What is a women’s herbal educator?

  • It’s a certification through Dr. Aviva Romm covering all herbal remedies from menarche to menopause.
  • I’ve completed this certification and offer online education and virtual sessions.

—-

Tara, “what do you specialize in”?

I love getting to the root cause of your symptoms. Here are some of my specialties.

Natural remedies for anxiety

    • We dive into your gut health, daily diet, and herbs to support heart palpitations and sleep. I also incorporate breathing and meditative exercises from my eighteen years of teaching Pilates, yoga, and movement.

New treatment for fibroids without surgery

    • From personal experience, I’ve learned how to stop the flooding that comes with fibroids and reduce the pain naturally with herbal medicine. My private health consultations would be great for you if you’re struggling with pain from fibroids.

Your body has a great capacity to heal

\Natural remedies for PMS mood swings

    • PMS and PMDD stem from poor liver health. In my private health consultations, we’ll discuss how to support your liver with diet, supplements, and herbs to reduce your monthly symptoms.

Natural remedies for perimenopause

    • Hot flashes, insomnia, short or long cycles. This season of change can be very challenging, but herbs can support you immensely. In a health consultation, we can focus on your current symptoms and the EXACT herbs to help you transition into menopause with grace.

Herbs for bladder irritation and UTIs

    • UTIs or urinary tract infections can be very painful. And they all stem from your gut health. By “healing your gut”, improving your digestion and elimination you can reduce and stop UTIs for years to come.

Herbal remedies for a yeast infection

Why do you use herbal medicine?

Your medications are affecting your gut health. When your gut health is affected, your whole immune system can change. Even though this post is for children’s health, it explains why I love herbal and homeopathic medicine.

Why natural remedies are perfect for kids

What happens in a health consultation with Tara?

  • We discuss your sleep, any changes in your cycle, your diet, supplements, and any new stressors at home.
  • I inquire about your #1 symptoms and each week we look at different suggestions to get to the root cause of this.
    • I ask you to write down a 3-day diet. And, send me pictures of the supplements you are currently taking.
    • You may also want to have blood work done and get tested for the MTHFR gene. Many of my clients have one or two of the SNPs affecting their ability to detoxify.
  • I offer a 30-day transformational package. This includes 3 private, virtual sessions and 30 days of unlimited support.
    • After each session, you’ll receive a detailed email with my suggestions.
  • You can choose what herbs to purchase based on my suggestions.

Natural remedies for a cold

  • If you hate using conventional medication and need more support when you’re sick; book a 30-min call with Tara to get the EXACT remedies you need to help you feel better faster.
  • Book a 30-minute quick session here: https://taragregorio.com/workwithtara/

Conclusion

Herbalists take a “full picture” approach with their sessions. The body always works together. From a women’s health perspective, I inquire about your diet, supplements, sleep, cycle of your period, and any additional stressors you are having at home.

From my 18+ years in fitness, I always make suggestions for breathing exercises and inquire about your pelvic floor health, and offer tips to help soothe your nervous system. This is usually the crux of all illnesses.

If you’re curious about my sessions, book a complimentary 15 min. session here: https://taragregorio.com/workwithtara/

xo

Tara

P.S. Are you ready to get started? Book a session here: https://taragregorio.com/workwithtara/

Covid-19: 4 Brilliant ways functional medicine doctors are boosting immunity

Covid-19: 4 Brilliant ways functional medicine doctors are boosting immunity

Are you wondering how you can prevent and overcome some of your Covid-19 symptoms naturally?

In this post, I’ll share how we’re integrating supplements and herbs into my families diet to prevent and reduce symptoms of coronavirus.

>>Please note, I’m not claiming these herbs/supplements will prevent you from getting Covid-19, but they may, in fact, shorten your symptoms and boost your immunity for years to come.

By the end of this post, you’ll have my 13+ years of herbal medicine experience intertwined with master herbalists and functional medicine doctors who are helping our community get through and overcome Covid-19 with botanicals, supplements & diet.

The 4 little known ways you can boost your immunity during Covid-19:

Plus!! Consider Reducing your Oxidative stress to prevent Covdi-19- Read about it here: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324863#summary

Let’s dive in.

But first, these remedies and supplements NEVER take the place of your doctor. Please always see your doctor for ANY emergency and always consult them if you are taking medications.

What is Covid-19?

Stephen Buhner, Master Herbalist explains..

SARS-CoV-2 is an acronym, it is also known as Covid-19 (and sometimes as just the coronavirus or even SARS-2) which does make things confusing.

Regrettably, Covid-19 is also an acronym. It stands for COronaVIrus Disease of 2019, usually written COVID-19 (but also Covid-19). (It doesn’t mean that there were 18 Covids before this one.)

What are Covid-19 Symptoms?

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

-cdc.org

How is Covid-19 spread?

The virus is primarily spread through the air (inhalation) and transfers during touch between the infected and the non-infected areas.

What can you do to make yourself more resilient during Covid-19?

Consider these 4 simple steps to support your immune system.

#1 Reduce inflammation with diet

Diet is always first. Eating well, staying a healthy weight, and reducing medications will always be your best friend for fighting viruses.

Consider the following..

  • Focus on whole, unprocessed/unpackaged, organic foods as much as possible
  • Reduce sugar and starch as much as you can – to reduce inflammation
  • Stop drinking! Yes, I know this one is hard. But, alcohol suppresses the immune system and steals vital nutrients from your body. *
  • Drink herbal teas daily like fresh ginger, peppermint, and lemon balm to soothe your stress, improve digestion, and boost immunity.
  • Consider additional vitamins and supplements to reduce inflammation in your body. {See below}

*Many of us have turned to alcohol to soothe our stress. But, it is well-known alcohol is very inflammatory, depresses the immune system, and can disrupt your sleep – which is so important to your healing. Cut out the alcohol and replace it with a cup of herbal tea!

#2 Add in vitamins & supplements to boost your immune system.

Boosting Immunity with Vitamins during the Covid-19 pandemic can be beneficial to your health. Here are the vitamins functional medicine doctors are suggesting we integrate to reduce symptoms of Covid-19 and to boost immunity. Of course, always check with your doctor first!

Here are the vitamins and minerals that have proven to reduce cold and flu symptoms in years past.

a. Zinc Acetate {other forms are ok as well}

  • If you tend to get sick a lot or your children have signs of asthma, you’ll want to add zinc to your diet. (source)
  • One of the first indications of zinc deficiency may be the white spots on your nails. Do you have them?
    • Zinc food sources: oysters, pumpkins seeds – meat, shellfish, legumes
    • Supplement Dosing: 25-60mg/day
  • Pro Tip: give zinc with food to prevent nausea
  • My favorite: Pure Encapsulations is a great company

Zinc lozenges may help prevent viruses from replicating in the nasal passages, may help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, have been shown to shorten the length of a cold by 2 to 4 days, and some studies have found zinc to be specifically preventative against certain coronaviruses, reducing their virulence and preventing their entry into cells. – Dr. Aviva Romm {source}

b. Vitamin D₃

c. Quercitin

Quercetin has antioxidant properties, which have been shown to reduce inflammation, and helps prevent heart disease and even cancer. {source} It’s derived from turmeric and works best when combined with black pepper.

  • Food sources for Quercitine: dill, broccoli, onions, apples, onions, berries berries, capers, grapes, onions, shallots, tea, and tomatoes, as well as many seeds, nuts, flowers, barks, and leaves. Quercetin is also found in medicinal botanicals, including Ginkgo biloba, Hypericum perforatum, and Sambucus canadensis {elderberry}
    • Look for 8-12 servings every day
  • Supplemental Dosing: 500 mg 2x day
  • Children: Children over 5. Dosing: 150mg 1-2x day
  • Pro tip: Take Quercetin with zinc for full absorption, not to be taken during pregnancy.

After the 2003 SARS-CoV-1 coronavirus outbreak, researchers in China found quercetin and other small molecules bound to the spike protein of the virus, interfering with its ability to infect host cells. (source)

d. Glutathione

Glutathione is known as an antioxidant, detoxifier, increases natural killer cells, and anti-inflammatory. It also is known to increase the function of the immune system. Glutathione levels in the body may be reduced by a number of factors, including poor nutrition, environmental toxins, and stress. Its levels also decline with age.

  • Food sources for Glutathione: cruciferous vegetables, green tea, garlic, onions, and shallots
  • Supplemental Dosing: 600mg 2x day
  • Pro tip: NAC boosts glutathione

e. Green Tea

If you change one thing, it would be to replace your cup of coffee with green tea! Green tea is known as an antioxidant and it produces Glutathione.

If you don’t like the taste of green tea, try a daily supplement.

  • Dosing: 4 cups a day or 225 mg/day through a supplement

f. Vitamin C

Vitamin C may shorten the duration of a cold and prevent pneumonia.

  • Food sources: Think bright orange fruits Cantaloupe, Citrus fruits and juices, such as orange and grapefruit, Kiwi fruit, Mango, Papaya, and Pineapple.
  • Adult Dosing: 500-1,000 mg/day up to 4,500 mg/day during infection
  • Kids Dosing:
    • Age 2-5: 200mg
    • Age 6-11: 250-500mg
    • Age 12+: 500-1000

g. Probiotics

Good bacteria line our nasal system and gut lining and contribute to our overall health. Consider adding in a probiotic if you’ve had many doses of antibiotics throughout your lifetime and after every round of antibiotics going forward.

  • Food sources: yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, pickles, miso, tempeh, kimchi, sourdough bread, and some cheeses.
  • Dosing: follow the information on the package.

60% of our immune system is in our gut which is why it is critical to focus on gut health now. – Dr. Mark Hyman {source}

h. Melatonin

Melatonin has an antioxidant capacity and reduces oxidative stress. {source}

  • Dosing: 3-5 mg at night

3. Stress-Reducing herbs

Lowering your stress can be one of the best things you can do for your health today. When you have an increase in stress, you are more prone to illnesses.

Read this post, I wrote for ICON on how you can reduce your stress every day with herbal remedies.

7 Natural remedies for everyday stress & anxiety

#4 Incorporate herbs during an infection

87% of people have Post Covid Symptoms; including symptoms that are similar to Chronic Fatigue Symptoms- Dr. Mark Hyman

Read this post to see the herbs I would use during and after exposure to Covid-19. COMING SOON…

Conclusion

It’s well-known that many of us are lacking valuable nutrients causing us to be more susceptible to viruses of any kind; including Covid-19.

During the pandemic, is the most optimal time to take note of your health and begin taking steps to improve your health with diet and vitamins. These are the vitamins and supplements that have helped us reduce the flu most years and have helped my son overcome “asthma-like” breathing.

Let us know in the comment area below. Have you had Covid-19? What helped you? Thank you for sharing. 💕

xo, Tara

P.S. Are you experiencing post-Covid symptoms? Book a health consultation today!

References:

  • Stephen Buhner: https://www.stephenharrodbuhner.com/articles/
  • Dr. Mark Hyman: https://drhyman.com/blog/2020/04/01/a-functional-medicine-approach-to-covid-19/
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5178847/
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4463890/
  • https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/covid19/87373
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4808895/
COVID-19: How master herbalists are using herbs & homeopathy to decrease their symptoms

COVID-19: How master herbalists are using herbs & homeopathy to decrease their symptoms

Updated: 4.15.22

Are you wondering how you can reduce COVID-19 symptoms – naturally?

If you love using natural remedies and believe they can support you when you have an ever-changing virus like the Coronavirus – this post is for you!

Master herbalist Stephen Buhner has graciously shared these remedies in this handout and I have organized it into a more digestible blog post you can refer to for years to come!

But, before we begin, ALWAYS check with your doctor if you’re taking any medications as they may interact with these herbal remedies.

AND, always head to the ER for ANY high fevers and breathing concerns.

If you experience any adverse effects, always stop the remedy.

Stephen Buhner explains…

How is COVID-19 Spread?

  • Once in the nose, the virus looks for what is called ACE2 (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2) receptors.
  • There are about 40 trillion cells in the human body, many of which have these ACE2 receptors.
  • The spikes on the virus, are part of the virus that attaches to the ACE2 receptors on the cell.
  • To facilitate this, the spikes utilize an enzyme found on our cells – transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2).
  • This “primes” the virus’s spike protein so that it displays itself as a “fusion protein” to the cell via the ACE2 receptors.
  • This allows viral attachment to the ACE2 receptor and subsequent entry into the cell.
  • The primary herb which can be used to protect TMPRSS2 integrity, and stop the priming, is Salvia Miltiorrhiza- Dan Shen.
  • -Stephen Buhner {read the full report HERE}

Here are the 17 symptoms you may experience with the Coronavirus and some simple herbal remedies that can support you during this time.

30% percent of those infected have no fever, respiratory distress, or cough – Stephen Buhner

The following is from Stephen Buhner’s article:

Covid-19 is affecting the following organs:

  • lungs
  • kidneys
  • heart
  • brain
  • GI tract
  • skin
  • blood cells/circulatory systems are the main organs affected by the organism.

Covid-19 Statistics

  • 25% of people hospitalized for Covid-19 have some form of heart damage or arrhythmias
  • 20% have skin rashes
  • Significant blood clotting is occurring throughout the body for many people and this is probably the most serious common problem
  • Nearly all infected have high liver enzymes

The virus, in these cases, maybe sequester itself (as Lyme bacteria, and others, do) and then reemerge after treatment – or the organism may be generating a new form that the immune system does not recognize, or perhaps the immune system antibodies have become less effective over time.

Here are the major symptoms our community is experiencing and how you can integrate natural remedies to help reduce these symptoms faster.

Disclaimer: Below you’ll find the botanicals I use and the companies I trust. I’ve linked to the companies I have purchased from before, I did not link any herbs or companies I haven’t used before. For the full report, download Stephen Buhner’s vast document on COVID-19. I do receive a small commission if you purchase through this link.

Please note: Below is the dosing for Adults. I’ve noted the areas where I’m comfortable using herbs with kids. Always check with your doctor before adding in any new supplements.

Keep in mind… you’ll want to learn HOW to use herbs & homeopathy as well. Watch this video to learn how to use homeopathic medicine, then scroll down to see the remedies.

When you first notice you’ve tested positive and expressing symptoms, take one dose of Aconite 30c. Symptoms may spike and then resolve. Keep in mind, Aconite doesn’t work in stages 2 and 3.

Phosphorus, Arsenicum album, Kali muriaticum, and Bryonia are also first stage remedies to consider adding.

14 Common Covid-19 Symptoms and the herbal remedies to support you

#1 Air Hunger & Shortness of breath

  • Air hunger is described “as if every cell is gasping for breath at the same time”. For most people, it may be for just a few minutes at most. An inhaler is the most common use for acute shortness of breath.
  • Consider adding in these supplements if you experience shortness of breath or air hunger and over time, you may notice you don’t need the inhaler as much.
  • For kids? See the supplements we’ve used to help my son stop his asthma-like breathing.

How we cured “asthma-like” breathing naturally

For adult dosing for air hunger…

#2 Hypoxia- not enough oxygen

  • Rhodiola Rosea tincture
  • Known as an adaptogen, antidepressant, antioxidant, and cardio-protective. It’s used to nourish the lung and treat lung problems such as coughing blood and pneumonia. It’s also used to lower fevers, improve blood circulation, and enhance energy. ¹
      • Safety issues: Avoid using Rhodiola if you are bipolar, manic, or paranoid. It can cause insomnia in sensitive people.
      • Dosing: 10-40 drops 2-4x day

#3 Wheezing/Cough

  • Use the nebulizer as needed.
  • Look for expectorants to get the mucous out. You can also use Mucinex.
    • Fennel, fenugreek, Yerba santa (Eriodictyon), thyme, English ivy, coltsfoot, cayenne, osha, Pelargonium sidoides, myrtol
  • My sister suggested this herbal cough syrup. When they had Covid-19, she believes it helped her and her daughters.
  • Stephen lists this in great detail HERE.

#4 Brain fog/memory

Difficulty finding words.

  • Ginkgo Biloba – Traditionally used for a clear, sharp mind. Ginkgo has been shown to affect recall, recognition memory, reaction time, attention, concentration, mood, and energy levels.
    • Kids: Standardized extract has been used to treat asthma in children. ²
    • Dosing: 150mg, 2x day or 20-60 drops of the tincture OR…
  • Gotu Kola -In Ayurvedic medicine, Gotu Kolu is known as “Brahmi”, known as a rejuvenating nervine – it promotes mental alertness and sound memory.
    • Kids: Adverse effects are not expected. This dried herb has been used in India as a mental tonic for the mentally disabled and children. ²
    • Adult Dosing: 500 mg 2x day or 20-60 drops of the tincture

#5 Buzzing in nerves

  • Kava Kava-
    • This will make you sleepy; so take it at night or not when driving.
  • B-12
  • Medicinal marijuana

#6 Muscle twitching

  • Magnesium glycinate/citrate
    • Dosing: 200-400 mg 3x day
  • Vitamin B-12
    • Dosing: 1,000 micrograms daily {lower to 500 as symptoms resolve}

#7 Numbness

  • Ginkgo biloba
    • Dosing: 1tsp. 3-6x day
  • Fresh Ginger;
    • Dosing: 2 ounces fresh juice, squeeze of lime, a pinch of cayenne, and honey to taste in hot water 3-4x day

#8 Anxiety/panic attacks- I write about this on my youtube channel

  • Blue Vervain tincture
    • Dosing: 30 drops 6x day
With shock and uncontrollable anxiety add

#9 Insomnia

Inability to sleep.

  • Melatonin liquid
  • Ashwagandha tincture
    • Dosing: 1/2 tsp. one hour before bed
  • Scutellaria baicalensis {chinese skullcap}
    • Dosing: 1/2 to 1 tsp. 3x day
  • Motherwort
    • Dosing: 1/4 ounce of fresh tincture just before bed
Bolting awake at night
  • Ashwagandha 1/2 tsp. one hour before bed and/or
  • Cannabis various forms
  • Possibly add B vitamins to your diet as well

#8 Depression

  • Eleutherococcus: 1:1 formulation
    • Dosing: 1/4-1/2 tsp. 3x day with a break every 10 days {stop taking if it disrupts your sleep or causes anxiety}
  • Motherwort
    • Dosing: 1/4-1 tsp as often as needed
  • SAMe
    • Dosing: 200mg 1-2x day

#9 Headaches

    • Place 1 drop of peppermint essential oil in 1/4 cup of water. Drop a facecloth in the water and dab on your head.
  • Migraine-like
    • Vervain tincture 1/4-1 tsp. as needed
    • Scutellaria baicalensis 1/2 tsp. 6x day
  • Headache back of the head
    • Verbena Officinalis tincture 1/4-1tsp. as needed
  • Front of head
    • Milk thistle seed 1200 mg every 3 hours or
    • Yellow dock tincture 1tsp. in the water at bedtime

#10 Cardiovascular system

Caution: Check with your doctor if you’re taking anticoagulants. Botanicals can often raise or lower your blood pressure.

  • General health
    • Hawthorne berry 120-900 mg 3x day
  • Hypertension/tachycardia
    • Hawthorne berry 120-900 mg 3x day or
    • Motherwort 30 drops 6x day
  • Hypotension
    • Licorice tincture 1tsp to 6x daily {do not take more than 60 days in a row}
    • Caffeine
  • Palpitations
    • Scutellaria lateriflora 20-60 drops as needed
    • Passiflora incarnata 1/2-1.5 tsp. as needed
  • Angina
  • Poor circulation
    • Zingiber officinali {ginger root} 3-4xday

#11 Gastrointestinal tract

  • Nausea
    • Homeopathic nux vomica, 30x 4 pellets every hour and/or
    • Peppermint Essential oil, ONE drop on the tongue followed by 6 ounces of water.
      • Make sure you are using medicinal-grade essential oil! Not for use with children.
  • Cramping
    • Viburnum spp {cramp bark} 30-90 drops 4x day
    • Pulsatilla patens {pasque flower} 10 drops as needed
  • Diarrhea
    • Blackberry root infusion 1/4 ounce to 1 ounce in one quart of hot water, cover, and steep overnight. Rare to find, try Etsy.
    • Slippery elm or Marshmallow Root tea infusion

#12 Fever

  • Tea recipe for fever. Combine equal parts of:
    • Peppermint
    • Elderflower
    • Yarrow
    • Take 1 tbs. per 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Strain and add honey.
    • Safe for kids!
  • Tincture
    • Add Boneset tincture to tea as needed
  • Antiviral
    • Add 1 antiviral tincture every hour until the fever breaks.

#13 Pain

  • Homeopathic Bryonia
    • Dosing: 30c, 4 pellets, 4x day
  • Arnica
    • Dosing: 30c, 4 pellets 4x day – Stop if you experience adverse effects
  • Corydalis tincture
    • Dosing: 1/8-1/4 tsp. 3-4x day {contraindicated in liver disease}
  • Verbena Officinalis {vervain} tincture

#14 Muscle weakness

  • Panax quinquefolius {american ginseng}
    • Dosing: 3x day {stop if you cannot sleep or take just in the morning}
  • Homeopathic Lycopodium
    • Dosing: 30x, 4 pellets, 4x day

Anti-virals Covid-19 Symptoms

The most common botanicals being used for Coronavirus symptoms.

  • #1 Licorice root
  • #2 Japanese Knotweed
  • #3 Dan Shen {protective of heart issues}
  • #4 Gingko Bilboa
  • #5 Hawthorne Berry
  • #6 Astragalus*
  • #7 Rhodiola
  • #8 Goldenseal
  • #9 Andrographis
  • #10 Asian Ginseng – Panax Ginseng
  • #11 Reishi
  • #12 Echinacea
  • #13 Boneset
  • #14 Galium spp. Cleavers
  • #15 Eleutherococcus senticosus

During an active stage of Covid-19, you may consider…Hitting Pause on Vitamin D.

Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome

The community is noticing they are left very depleted after Covid-19 along with other adverse effects resembling CFS/ME symptomatology such as persistent fatigue, diffuse myalgia, depressive symptoms, and non-restorative sleep.

Consider this blend to boost your energy and reduce post-covid symptoms.

Recipe to Boost Adrenal Gland Fatigue- post-Covid-19

Take two parts (for example, 4 ounces) each of powdered herbs

  • spirulina
  • milk thistle seed
  • licorice
  • astragalus
  • turmeric
  • dandelion root
  • and nettle leaf
  • AND
  • One part each (for example, 2 ounces) each of :
    • chlorella, burdock root, Ashwagandha, Eleutherococcus, bladderwrack, and dried wheatgrass juice powder.
  • Blend with juice or water and take in the morning and evening to improve energy levels

Amazing grass is a great product with some of these ingredients: https://amzn.to/35DBLzA

Conclusion

Integrating natural remedies to reduce your viral symptoms, will help reduce your symptoms and boost your energy. As always, speak with your physician before adding in any new botanical; especially if you take medication.

What worked for my Covid-19 symptoms?

  • High doses of Liposomal Vitamin C – I took these 3x day {found here}
  • Echinacea tincture every hour
  • The best remedy was the homeopathic remedy for the flu! Learn more here: https://youtu.be/qOOlHAZ3nmE

xo, Tara

P.S. Most of these remedies will work with kids. If you are ready to learn more about herbs for kids, join my free challenge here 👇 Click the image below

Click here to subscribe

References:

6 Dangers of antibiotic use

6 Dangers of antibiotic use

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 the 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 a 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
  • The child or Mom has an inflammatory diet or a food allergy
  • Environmental toxins

What can you do about Eczema?

  1. Address any gut imbalances in the mom or child’s diet.
  2. Consider healing your or your child’s gut with the 4R approach. Read more about the 4R approach.
  3. 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?

  1. Encourage your children to wash their hands with just soap and water, NOT antibacterial soap.
  2. Eat grass-fed, antibiotic-free meat, and dairy to reduce exposure to antibiotics.
  3. Consider eating less meat throughout the week
  4. Use the Get Smart website to know when you need antibiotics
  5. Learn how to use botanicals and homeopathy to reduce antibiotics.
  6. Consider having a doula at your next birth to reduce your rate of a C-section
  7. If you have a C-section planned, consider Vaginal Seeding or adding an infant probiotic when breastfeeding.
  8. Express your want to avoid antibiotics
  9. Learn how to heal your child’s gut with the 4R approach if they are presenting with Leaky Gut symptoms

**>>>Ready to learn more? Join one of my mini-courses: https://taragregorio.com/shop/


References:

¹ https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antibiotic-resistance

https://avivaromm.com/avoid-unnecessary-antibiotics/

Don’t trust botanicals, here are 7+ companies to love

Don’t trust botanicals, here are 7+ companies to love

I know what you’re thinking, “is herbal medicine really safe?”

Wouldn’t it be great if you didn’t feel this way? even if you’re breastfeeding?

You’re afraid, they’ll do more harm than good or not work fast enough.

The truth?

I’ve used herbal medicine and homeopathy for over thirteen years now and time and time again – they work faster than conventional medications and we have fewer secondary symptoms.

But, don’t forget, always check with your doctor before adding in any new supplement.

Here’s my promise to you, by the end of this post, you’ll feel more confident in choosing herbal medicine for yourself and your children.

Let’s dive in.

Herbal medicine safety

How do we know they are safe?

6 things to look for when purchasing natural remedies

  • #1: When purchasing herbal products look for products that have full labeling.
    • Look for the following on the label:
      • The company notes the full name of the botanical on the product.
      • They have an expiration date.
      • Keep in mind, herbal tinctures or tonics that have alcohol can be preserved for years beyond their expiration date. If your product smells bad or you have a gut feeling it is not good, throw it away.
  • #2:The company offers dosing suggestions on the bottle.
    • Herb Pharm has a whole line of products dedicated to children’s health and has the dosing on the bottle.
  • #3: Watch for any ‘red flags’, companies claiming weight loss, or extreme health declarations that seem impossible.
  • #4: They ensure quality control in each product
    • The product is proven safe through laboratory analysis.
    • They test each product to ensure there are no molds or contamination
    • They can provide you with an organic certificate, kosher certificate, certificates of analysis, pesticide residue tests, GCMS printouts, and MSDS forms documents to ensure your safety.
  • #5: They use certified organic or pesticide-free plant products that are sustainably harvested.
    • The plant is vibrant, tasty, potent, and consistent
    • They do not practice product substitution – using another botanical as a substitution
  • #6 They are considerate of temperature control, freshness, and monitor quality. This is why I use Fulscript now, instead of other online companies.

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Herbal medicine guide

Who is at risk?

  • #1 If you have an allergy to a plant, you may experience an adverse reaction.
    • If you or your child’s partner has an allergy to the Asteraceae family, it would be important for you to keep this plant away from your child until they are older.
    • What is an adverse reaction?
      • this is an abnormal sensitivity to a drug that may result in:
        • severe skin reactions – look for skin rashes, itching, or hives
        • anaphylaxis – along with skin rashes, the throat will feel like it is closing up and you have trouble breathing. Take a deep breath, this rarely happens.
        • blood dyscrasias – a disease or disorder of the blood.
        • hepatotoxicity – liver damage.
        • fever or joint pain
  • #2 Women who are 50+ or older
  • #3 The most prevalent source of adverse effects is among clients who are currently taking medication. If you are taking the following medication, please check with your doctor and community herbalist before ingesting a new herbal product.
    • anticoagulants
    • barbiturates
    • insulin
    • cardiac medications
    • NSAIDs
    • oral contraceptives
    • anti-depressantsAlways check with your doctor when using herbal medicine, but especially if you’re taking these prescription medications.
  • Or, If you have:
    • Hepatic disease
    • Renal ideas
    • If you are malnourished and/or decreased weight
    • If you consume alcohol regularly
    • If you have possible enzyme deficiencies

Idiosyncratic reactions occur very infrequently and are independent of dose, and are highly unpredictable. Herb/drug interactions present a higher risk than allergic reactions.

Other concerns when using botanicals:

  • #1 Watch for the timing of use – stop taking botanicals two weeks before surgery for fear of too much bleeding or a bad reaction.
  • #2 Dosage – always check for correct dosing when using any medication.
  • #3 Duration of use

Who are the 7 herbal companies you can fall in love with and trust?

  1. mountainroseherbs.com
  2. frontiercoop.com
  3. gaiaherbs.com
  4. herbpharm.com – Great for kids!
  5. traditionalmedicinals.com – My favorite teas!
  6. herbalistandalchemist.com
  7. yogiproducts.com

To search for a company you love, head over to the American Herbal Products Association directory of members.

9 MORE HERBAL COMPANIES TO TRUST

Breastfeeding Safe Products

xo

Tara

P.S. What herbal companies do you love? I’d love to know. Please share in the comments below. Thank you!


References:

¹ https://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm050798.htm

Additional resources:

4 Steps To Stop A Sinus Infection Naturally

4 Steps To Stop A Sinus Infection Naturally

Be honest. You’re sick of using antibiotics for your sinus infection.

What if you could stop this inflammation naturally?

When I was young, I had about 10 rounds of antibiotics for a sinus infection.

Let’s stop the madness!

The truth?

When you learn how to heal your gut, and integrate natural remedies - you won't have to worry about sinus infections anymore. Click To Tweet

 

But don’t forget. Your diet is always first.

The first food I would remove would be dairy if you struggle with consistent sinus infections.

What are the symptoms of a sinus infection?

  • A headache or heavy feeling in the head (sometimes with difficulty concentrating)
  • Nasal congestion or nasal discharge
  • Post-nasal drip (mucus dripping down the back of the throat)
  • A sore throat (mucus dripping down can cause chronic irritation)
  • A cough – wet or dry and usually all-day
  • Fatigue
  • Bad breath
  • Moderate to high fever

So what’s the answer?

In this post, I’ll share the 4 steps I use to stop a sinus infection in its tracts!

#1 Diet & Inflammation

  • Gluten, dairy, and sugar are common allergens that cause sinus infections.
    • Eliminate these foods from your diet if you experience frequent sinus infections. If I was to choose just one, I’d get rid of dairy ASAP.
  • Encourage lots of green vegetables & soups when you are under the weather.
  • Drink clear liquids and caffeine-free tea.
  • Consider adding a probiotic to your diet and healing your gut with The 4R approach.
  • Add natural antibiotics. Garlic is the best antibiotic available.
    • Make garlic toast!
      • Toast some gluten-free bread and top with Organic Olive oil and sliced raw garlic.
      • Fresh garlic is known as an antimicrobial to aid with infections.
      • Eat daily until you are better.
      • Garlic is a great anti-microbial and can fight viral and bacterial infections. Eat garlic raw if able, or mix with hot water and lemon for a garlic lemonade
Recurring sinus infections could be due to your gut health. Click To Tweet
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#2 Tinctures For A Sinus Infection

  • Take Echinacea tincture For 7-10days.
    • Dosing: Take 30-40 drops 3-4x day in a little bit of water.
  • Echinacea acts as an anti-microbial.

#3 Essential Oils For A Sinus Infection

 

  • Alternatively, try herbal steam.
    • Boil water and place one drop of Lavender or Thyme Essential oil in the bowl, cover your head and steam for 20 min. You can also use lavender dried buds or dried Thyme for less potent steam.

Apply Lavender Essential Oil topically

  • Dab diluted Lavender Essential oil on your cheeks and under your ears.
  • Children:
    • Dilute when using with children. ONLY 1 drop of essential oil to 1 tbs. of carrier oil. Don’t use with children under 2 years of age.

#4 Homeopathic Remedy For A Sinus Infection

Take 30 C Kali Bichromicum if you have the following symptoms:

    • Pressure, fullness, and pain at the root of the nose. Discharge is thick, ropy green-ish yellow, post-nasal drip, violent sneezing; mucus tastes sticky, aching and fullness in global, worse with cold, 2-3 am, suppressed catarrh.
  • Take 2-3x day if symptoms are improving.
  • STOP taking homeopathy if your symptoms get worse, you should feel your symptoms improving with each dose of homeopathy. For a sinus infection, you may have to take it for 2 or 3 days, along with the tinctures and a change of diet. Be patient and rest
Read how Dr. Aviva Romm, Dr. Axe, and Dr. Jocker stop sinus infections naturally.
Conclusion

You can overcome recurring sinus infections when you address your gut health.

Moving your bowels would be the #1 suggestion I would make if you struggle with sinus infections. When you learn how to use herbs & homeopathy, you’ll notice you’ll save on doctor’s visits and sick days for years to come.

Could this work for you? Comment below.

xo Tara

P.S. Do you struggle with sinus infections? Book a health consultation with Tara to learn how to stop them naturally.