by Tara | Apr 22, 2019 | Immunity & Digestion Women
What if you never had PMS?
What would change in your life?
What does PMS mean?
PMS or pre-menstrual syndrome refers to the physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the one to two weeks before your period – days 14-28. Symptoms are cyclical and vary between women and often end 1-2 days after your period begins. Common symptoms include acne, tender breasts, bloating, feeling tired, irritability, and mood changes.
And, PMS can be worse after having children due to hormonal changes.
When PMS hits you
First, it’s important to note, there is a wide range of variations of women’s cycles including timing, bleeding, and symptoms. It’s essential you discover what is “normal” for YOU. {I LOVE the app My Flo, created by Alisa Vitti, to help you chart your cycle and get to the root of your symptoms.}
What is a ‘normal’ cycle?
Menstruation occurs between the ages of 12 and 50 years and lasts 3-6 days for most women, arising once in a 25-28 day cycle. More extended periods (>8days) are associated with anovulation or no ovulation.
The most substantial flow tends to be day 2 of the sequence; loosing about 30-80 ml of blood total.
And, If you are between 30-40 years of age…..
Due to a decline in ovarian function, women between the ages of 30-40 will experience a change in their irregularity, frequency, duration and amount of blood loss during their cycle. Women in their 30s experience a shortening of their cycle due to increased production of FSH.¹
Then 2-8 years before menopause, the period lengthens again in preparation for the change, the average age of menopause in the US is age 51.
Factors that affect your menstrual cycle
Stress, changes in light exposure, sleep patterns, diet, travel, amount of exercise and illness can all affect the endocrine glands (these glands include the pineal gland, pituitary gland, pancreas, ovaries, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, hypothalamus, and adrenal glands) which determines our cycle.
Other factors affecting our cycle include; a woman’s nutritional status, body weight, attitudes and beliefs about menstruation and environmental and workplace exposures.
PMS is real, here is how you can reduce your symptoms
#1 Track your cycle
Use a new app or the calendar on your phone to chart your period. The first day of bleeding is considered Day 1, Day 14 you may notice some cramping and change of cervical fluid during ovulation, Day 25-28 you may experience some premenstrual symptoms before your period arrives.
Your cycle is unique to you and by tracking it; you can see any changes that may occur and encourage some self-nurturing practices before your period to get back on track. This also can provide valuable detailed information for when you would like to explore a health consultation.
#2 Eat Whole Foods
Overall you want to consume fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, whole grains, and cold water fish. Add a good quality oil (like olive oil or walnuts) and essential fatty acids (think flaxseeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds to name a few) to each meal.
Stabilize your blood sugar throughout the day by eating often and adding good fats and proteins to each meal.
If you struggle with constipation, add 1 tbs. of flaxseeds daily from day 14-28. Also, consider removing dairy and meat during the last half of your cycle; especially if you struggle with breast pain as well.
I like to add mung beans to week 3 of my cycle, filled with B vitamins, they can decrease bloating and PMS symptoms. Alisa Vitti, creator of the Myflo app does a fantastic job of breaking down the foods we need each week during the month to reduce unwanted symptoms.
#3 Exercise
Moving your body most days of the week can improve your mood, reduce stress and encourage bone mineralization which supports a healthy cycle. As your mood changes weekly, your exercise should change too.
Day 14-28 you may have more energy and want to run, hike and bike.
Day 1-14 you may wish to do more yoga, dance or Pilates. Listening to your body will result in a healthy cycle.
#4 Reduce Stress
Reducing your stress can be very powerful and useful for women with irregular cycles. Cutting out caffeine, adequate rest, learning to say “no” to events on Day 1 and Day 2 of your period can encourage a positive experience each month.
Herbal adaptogens and botanicals that soothe the nervous system can improve your stress response, promote relaxation, reduce cramps, PMS and bloat each month. Say bye bye to Advil and hello to herbs to aid digestion, reduce pains and ease PMS anxiety.
#5 Your Attitudes & Beliefs
Our bodies pain creates unhealthy thoughts and poor self-image. By cultivating a sense of nourishment each month, you can begin to enjoy the rest that our cycle allows. On day one make yourself a cup of tea, journal, go for a walk or curl up in bed with a good book. One of the first books my mother gave me and I still own is; “Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom” by Christine Northrup, M.D. She says
“We can reclaim the wisdom of the menstrual cycle by tuning in to our cyclic nature and celebrating it as a source of our female power.”-Christine Northrup, M.D.
#6 Reduce Environmental Exposures
Chemicals in our environment can mimic as estrogen in our bodies, and they are known as exogenous estrogens. Many of these compounds are endocrine disruptors which affect our cycle and also may contribute to reproductive problems and cancers.
To reduce your exposure to these toxins avoid foods that readily absorb the leached material from plastics like dairy foods. By removing plastic from our foods (think plastic wrapped cheese) and reducing the number of water bottles that touch our lips; we reduce our overall exposure to these harmful chemicals.
You can also reduce your exposure to chemicals by purchasing organic tampons, pads, condoms and vaginal lube from companies like; organique or sustain.
Conclusion
PMS is common but not normal. You don’t have to suffer every month and suppress the pain. Getting to the root of your discomfort will help alleviate your monthly stress and possibly improve fertility.
Your diet, particularly removing dairy and meat, may decrease cramps and breast pain. By improving elimination with an increase in fiber, you can reduce bloating and constipation and help your body eliminate excessive estrogens.
Tired of suffering every month? Book a health consultation with Tara to learn how diet and natural remedies can change your monthly PMS.
References
¹Romm, A. Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health. Churchill Livingstone, 2010
by Tara | Apr 18, 2019 | Immunity & Digestion Kids, Immunity & Digestion Women
Do you want to trust and believe herbs will work for you, but in the back of your mind you’re thinking “is this going to harm me?”
Do you feel like your practitioner is selling you snake oil? That cure-all elixir with false claims.
Or do you have bottles of supplements, you’ve never used for fear of what is in them?
It’s hard to believe some supplements may work for you when you’re not sure what to look for.
One concern is the increase in lead or mercury in our herbal products.
A study published in the August 27, 2008, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), demonstrated that one-fifth of U.S.-manufactured and Indian-manufactured Ayurvedic products bought on the Internet contained detectable lead, mercury, or arsenic.¹
Purchasing online from a reputable company is important to your health. You want to know exactly what is in the ingredients you are ingesting and if you can trust the company from which you are purchasing.
How to trust your herbal products
The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) was created in 1982 and is the voice for the herbal product industry.
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 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.
- 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.
- Watch for any ‘red flags’, companies claiming for weight loss or extreme health declarations that seem impossible.
- Even if they have perfect labeling, you want to look for these additional concerns when consuming botanicals.
Concerns when using herbal medicine
The company you purchase from:
- Ensures quality control in each product
- Three companies I love: Herb Pharm, Herbalist & Alchemist and Moutain Rose Herbs offer this information online to their consumers.
- They use certified organic or pesticide-free plant products that are sustainably harvested.
- The plant is vibrant, tasty, potent, and consistent
- The product is proven safe through laboratory analysis.
- Tests each product to ensure there are no molds or contamination
- Does not practice product substitution – using another botanical as a substitution
- Is considerate of temperature control, freshness, and monitor’s quality.
- 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.
Consumer concerns when using herbal medicine:
- Watch for potential allergic or idiosyncratic reactions, this is an abnormal sensitivity to a drug which 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
Who is at risk for idiosyncratic reactions?
- Women who are 50 or older
- Those who are currently using medications
- 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
The most prevalent source of adverse effects is with 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.
Are you taking these medications?
- anticoagulants
- barbiturates
- insulin
- cardiac medications
- NSAIDs
- oral contraceptives
- anti-depressants
Please check with your doctor before consuming a new herbal product.
Idiosyncratic reactions occur very infrequently and are independent of dose, and are highly unpredictable. Herb/drug interactions present a higher risk than allergic reactions. But, 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.
Other concerns when using botanicals:
- Watch for the timing of use – stop taking botanicals two weeks before surgery for fear of too much bleeding or a bad reaction.
- Dosage – always check for correct dosing when using any medication.
- Duration of use
Herbs to avoid with your children (and ages)
- Basil herb <2
- Coffee seeds <12
- Coltsfoot leaves <2
- Comfrey leaves and roots (externally)<2
- Eucalyptus <2
- Jamaica dogwood
- Lobelia plant
- Mate leaves <2
- Oregano leaf <2
- Peppermint leaves & E.O. <2
- Senna leaves <12 {ok for kids 2+ for 1x use}
- Tea leaves <6
- Uva ursi <12
- Valerian root <3
For a complete list see: Herbal Contradictions and drug interaction
Who are the 7 herbal companies you can know and trust?
To search for a company you love, head over to the American Herbal Products Association directory of members.
Who is your favorite company to use? Let us know in the comments below.
References:
¹ https://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm050798.htm
Additional resources:
by Tara | Apr 8, 2019 | Immunity & Digestion Kids, Immunity & Digestion Women
You can stop sinus infections with diet, herbs, and homeopathy.
Imagine knowing the exact plan to reduce the use of antibiotics for decades to come.
For years, I would call up the doctor and request medications for my sinus pressure. I knew I needed drugs to get rid of the pain. Little did I know overusing antibiotics would bite me in the butt years later.
I struggled with acne, digestive problems and then food sensitivities to gluten and dairy all due to using antibiotics frequently.
When you learn how to reduce medications, heal your gut, and integrate natural remedies, you won’t have to worry about antibiotic resistance in the future.
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 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
The next time you feel a sinus infection brewing.. try these natural remedies.
Diet to stop a sinus infection
- 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.
- 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.
Tinctures to stop a sinus infection
- 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.
How to use essential oils to stop a sinus infection
- Add one drop of Thyme Essential Oil to a facecloth (for adults only), place in the shower and let the steam help open your sinuses.
- 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 ears. 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.
Homeopathic Remedy For A Sinus Infection
Take 30 C Kali Carbonicum if you have the following symptoms:
-
- Pressure, fullness, and pain at 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, 2-3am, 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 for 2 or 3 days, along with the tinctures and change of diet. Be patient and rest.
Conclusion
Even if you’ve struggled with sinus infections your whole life, you can stop a sinus infection in its track with diet, herbs, and homeopathy.
Even if you don’t know how to use herbs.
Even if you don’t know anything about natural remedies.
I’m proof. It’s been 10 years since I’ve needed antibiotics for a sinus infection. A simple change in your diet, healing your gut and integrating natural remedies can reduce the number of antibiotics you need due to sinus infections.
There may be a time you’ll need antibiotics, but overall if you strive to improve your diet, you can stop the use of antibiotics for sinus infections.
What do you do when you have sinus pressure? Share your tips below.
by Tara | Jan 24, 2019 | Immunity & Digestion Women
Everyone experiences anxiety at different points in life—stress, and worry are natural parts of being human. Even though it’s not unusual (anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S. today), anxiety can be isolating and hard to confront when it gets out of hand.
Most days we’re able to bounce back from stressful events, but for those who struggle with anxious feelings, daily life can feel like an uphill battle. Raising twins and running a Pilates studio taught me the true meaning of anxiety and burnout a few years back. After months of sleep-deprivation, I began studying to become a women’s herbal educator, hoping to get to the root of my struggle with anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
I quickly learned that nourishing my body with botanicals—specifically adaptogens and nervines— is key to keeping anxiety and burnout at bay.
Adaptogens are a category of herbs that help us “adapt around stress.” Their anti-fatigue effects make them particularly potent when you’re up against mental exhaustion, frequent illness, or chronic stress. If you’re burning the candle at both ends, treating yourself with any of these seven herbs will help you feel relaxed, balanced, and healthy again:
1. Ashwagandha (withania somnifera)
This is the first adaptogen I turned to when I was feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, and it’s still a personal favorite. Ashwagandha is “known to give you the strength and stamina of a stallion”, but still gentle enough for anyone coping with anxiety. When taken regularly, it can ease shot nerves and improve sleep.
My favorite Ashwagandha product is Adrena Soothe by Dr. Aviva Romm. Try 2 dropperfuls in¼ cup of water two times per day, to reduce your stress.
2. Reishi (ganoderma lucidum)
Do you find you get sick when you finally go on vacation? The relationship between stress and illness is complex. One study shows that chronic stress can raise the risk of viral infections, eventually manifesting in full-blown illness. Try reishi if you’re under the weather frequently, or just feel stressed out and run down. Taken regularly, reishi can reduce the likelihood that your stress will literally make you sick– so you can enjoy your vacations, rather than spending them out of commission.
Reishi has an earthy taste. I prefer Reishi Extract by Host Defense. Follow the directions on the label for dosing.
3. Milky Oat Tops (avena sativa)
Filled with vitamins and minerals, milky oat tops are a great herbal remedy that nourishes your nervous tissue and promotes relaxation. Pairing milky oat tops with stinging nettles is a perfect combination to boost your daily energy without spiking stress or anxiety. Due to cross contamination, you may want to avoid milky oats if you have celiac disease.
My favorite way to enjoy milky oats is in a cup of blended tea. Combine equal parts of dried milky oat tops and stinging nettles. Add 1 tablespoon of the blended herbs to 1 cup of boiling water. Cover and steep the herbs for 20 minutes for a medicinal infusion, then strain and add a little raw honey for flavor.
4. Chamomile (matricaria recutita)
Just one cup per day of this well-loved tea can reduce menstrual cramps, shift your mood, and ease digestion. Safe for children, our family enjoys a cup of chamomile tea most nights to reduce our collective stress.
My favorite recipe for the whole family: Blend dried chamomile, lemon balm and milky oat tops together. Then add 1 tablespoon of the mixed dried herbs to 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Add honey for flavor and double check the tea has cooled before serving to children.
5. Lemon Balm (melissa officinalis)
If you’re prone to ragweed allergies, skip chamomile and enjoy a cup of lemon balm tea. This delightful citrus-flavored tea is known as the “gladdening herb”. As a nervine and mild anti-depressant, lemon balm promotes relaxation and reduces nervous energy.
To enjoy: Add 1 tablespoon of the dried herb to 1 cup of boiling water and let steep for 10 minutes. Add milk and honey for flavor.
6. Motherwort (leonurus cardiaca)
From motherhood to menopause, Motherwort is a true gift for women. It shouldn’t be used during pregnancy but should be your first go-to-herb after birth. Motherwort’s calming qualities can help with everything from heart palpitations to extreme anxiety. Taking motherwort throughout the day can release tension and reduce panic attacks, and it’s a great solution for falling back to sleep if you wake up frequently during the night.
Motherwort has a bitter taste, so I find it’s best taken as a tincture. Follow the directions on the label for your dosing.
7. Lavender (lavandula officinalis)
My favorite way to use lavender is as an essential oil. Tap diluted lavender essential oil on your wrists or spray it in the air to soothe stress immediately. Lavender is known to help induce sleep, which makes it a perfect remedy for unwinding before bed.
To enjoy: Dilute lavender essential oil with water and add to your body products, spray on your pillow, or tap on your wrists as an organic, soothing perfume.
Have you used botanical remedies before? Which ones work for you? Share in the comments section!
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.
This article was featured in the Icon in March 2019. 
by Tara | Dec 29, 2018 | Immunity & Digestion Women, Postpartum Health
As I sat down for lunch with my very hungry five-year-old twins, I noticed they accidentally put mayo on my son’s turkey sandwich. I thought, “he is not going to eat this.” I kindly asked them to make another sandwich and I enjoyed the turkey sandwich with mayo on white bread.
I would have never imagined this would be me six years ago.
I’ve struggled with diet my whole entire life. When I was young, I would break out with acne on the back of my arms. My stomach would bloat out and my digestion was terrible.
In college, I would turn bright red after a few drinks and would never know what foods would upset my stomach.
As I got older, I began avoiding foods. I avoided meat, dairy, and then eventually discovered the gluten-free diet worked for me.
My stomach felt better, but I still never felt “right”, I was always confused with what are the best foods for me.
In 2009, I finally saw a light at the end of the tunnel. I met an Ayurvedic doctor who helped guide me toward an Ayurvedic Vata diet which consisted of eating warm, cooked foods, along with teas to aid digestion and soothe anxiety.
During my pregnancy, I was able to eat anything I wanted. I happily added gluten and dairy back into my life. I fondly remember sitting down to eat two pieces of pizza-alone-when I was seven months pregnant. I practically cried at how wonderful it tasted.
As the years passed and I was able to take care of my health again, I noticed I had to return to the gluten-free lifestyle I had before having children, but this time it was much harder to accommodate as I now had an instant family of four to feed.
When I began searching for courses to help me heal my postpartum depression, I found Dr. Aviva Romm’s Women’s Herbal Educator certification. With shaking hands, I enrolled in her online course hoping she could guide me out of this fog I entered after having twins.
What I received was so much more than I ever imagined.
Dr. Aviva Romm taught me why I was experiencing so much pain and anxiety. Too many doses of antibiotics as a child and young adult, along with my monthly Advil was taking a toll on my gut health and, in turn, my anxiety.
Antibiotics and medications change our gut microbiome, making it difficult to digest certain foods like dairy and gluten. When you heal your gut and reduce medications, you may be able to add gluten back into your life again. Or you may choose to never eat it again.
Are you struggling with what foods to eat as well?
The root of your problem may not be the environment, your genetics or all in your head, it may, in fact, be in your gut.
If that rings true to you. Read on.
Our “second brain, the gut, contains some 100 million neurons; when this system is compromised or “inflamed” disease sets in. As a women’s herbal educator, I always ask you to send me your diet first. What you are eating (or avoiding), can be an indication of what supplements you may need to heal your gut.
10 Signs You May Have “Leaky Gut Syndrome”
- Digestion problems-bloating, constipation, and/or diarrhea
- Food intolerance-avoid meat, dairy, and/or gluten
- Seasonal allergies
- Skin complaints; acne, skin rash etc.- your back, your tush, and the back of your arms included
- Autoimmune disorder
- Tired/ poor concentration
- Anxiety & depression
- Candida overgrowth
- Cannot lose weight
- Your joints ache
What is the 4R approach?
This method addresses the underlying causes of gut imbalances and restores harmony, helping to alleviate symptoms and maybe even disease.
The program suggests you: Remove> Reinoculate> Repair> Reintroduce
How do you heal your gut?
- 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 stress with meditation, exercise, and botanicals.
- Heal your gut lining with the 4R approach below.
1. Remove
Take out what ails you. The top allergens are 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 your gut with an auto-immune disease.
Encourage whole, organic foods if able and consider shopping the perimeter of the grocery store.
2. Replace
After 2-4 weeks on the Elimination diet, Introduce a good quality digestive enzyme containing protease, lipase, amylase, and pepsin. This is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, too. I like Enzymedica, you can buy it here.
Adding bitters, like Urban Moonshine Bitters will trigger the digestive system to produce digestive enzymes, secrete bile and balance HCI levels in the stomach. Take bitters 10-15 minutes before your meal.
If you have a lot of nausea with meals or when you take supplements, you might also need some additional stomach acid in the form of a supplement called Betaine HCl, or try 1 Tbs. of apple cider vinegar in water with your meals. {click on links above to see the companies I love}
3. Reinoculate
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.
Add a good quality probiotic to restore your gut flora. I like Klair probiotics.
You want it to have a minimum of 5 billion CFU in each dose, and a good range of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacter species.
Fermented foods such as miso, sauerkraut, and kimchee can also be a helpful advantage to your gut, add it into your diet 3-4x week. Although very delicious, kombucha can be high in sugar so consider using sparingly.
4. Repair
Include the following supplement for 6-weeks or more to repair your gut. The following supplements can be taken for up to 6 months to help to heal the intestinal lining:
- Tumeric- I personally like to take turmeric in a blended tincture like Adrena nourish
- Aloe vera
- Marshmallow root powder
- 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.
- They are best taken in capsule or extract form, though turmeric can also be added to foods.
Do you get heartburn?
- DGL or diglyceride licorice is a great alternative to tums and does not raise your blood pressure. DGL licorice is available as chewable lozenges and thus may be the simplest one to give to kids. Klair labs has one here or Pure encapsulation combines aloe, slippery elm, and marshmallow root together!
Zinc.
- 5-10 mg/day for children 4-7 years, 10-20 mg/day for children to age 12, 25-40 mg/day for older children and adults.
An antioxidant supplement
- Look for one containing vitamins A and carotenoids, C, E, and selenium.
- These are often found in a multivitamin.
- Pregnant women should get these from their prenatal vitamin only.
Fish oil:
I prefer Carlson’s Lemon fish oil.
- My kids like the Nordic Natural berries for kids.
- Fish oil is important for general health in pregnancy and breastfeeding, too.
- L-Glutamine Powder
5-10 gm of powder twice daily for one month. (Much less for kids but talk with your child’s doctor before using and don’t supplement in pregnancy).
Here are examples of other practitioners using the 4R approach for healing
Conclusion
If your struggling with digestive concerns and find you’re avoiding foods, there is hope. The 4R approach is more than an elimination diet. It can heal your digestive tract and reduce bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation for years to come.
Warmly~
Tara
{Keep in mind, I am not a doctor. Please consult your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet.}
References:
{1} https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/Pages/digestive-diseases-statistics-for-the-united-states.aspx
by Tara | Nov 13, 2018 | Immunity & Digestion Kids, Immunity & Digestion Women
What if you could decrease your flu symptoms naturally? If you prefer to use natural remedies during the cold and flu season, read on.
Influenza, otherwise known as the flu, can be debilitating and cause great suffering for you and your family. Botanicals and homeopathic remedies can decrease your symptoms and ease the pain of the flu.
The first time I had the flu, I swore I had malaria. I even drove myself to the ER, just for them to tell me it was the Flu. I called my mother at 5:00 am crying and begging her to help me. Over the next three days, she helped me change the sheets four times and nursed me back to health. I missed ten whole days of work and thought I was dying. I took the medication that I knew at the time and slept the days away. Little did I know there were an alternative way and natural remedies would ease my symptoms and decrease the pain the next time I had the flu.
In this post, you’ll discover the symptoms of the flu, when to call the doctor, the herbs, and homeopathy I use to shorten the duration of the flu and ease the achiness.
What Are The Symptoms Of The Flu
- High fever of 102-104
- Severe achiness-(in fact, it used to be called breakbone disease)
- A sore throat
- A cough
- Extreme fatigue
- Lack of appetite
When to call the doctor for the flu
- Signs of dehydration
- High fever persisting (103.5 and over)
- A severe headache
- Stiff neck or pain in the back of the neck
- Persistent vomiting
- Fever for more than 4 days
- A severe cough with chest pain and shortness of breath (could be pneumonia)
The achiness is usually what gives away the symptoms of the flu. If you feel like it may be something else, see a doctor right away.
In the United States, the flu usually hits between December and February. Adults 65 and older and children under 5 are at the greatest risk of developing flu-related illnesses. {read more here}
I realize the Flu is not to be taken lightly. If you are generally a healthy adult these remedies may be right for you.
Home Remedies For The Flu
- Tinctures for the flu
- A tincture is a concentrated liquid herbal extract taken 2-3x day in a 1/4 cup of water.
- Choose these tinctures as a single or blend.
- #1 Boneset Tincture/Extract {Eupatorium perfoliatum L.}-(herb pharm, moutainroseherbs.com)
- The #1 recommended remedy for the flu. I’ve used both the tincture and homeopathy. I prefer the homeopathic dose for quicker results.
- #2 Crampbark {Viburnum opulus}
- As suggested, crampbark is used for cramps and aches in the body.
- #3 Jamaican dogwood {Piscidia piscipula}
- As an analgesic, Jamaican dogwood can reduce pains in the body for cold and flu season and also works great for PMS.
- #4 Elderberry Syrup- In one study, Elderberry Syrup was used to treat 60 patients suffering from influenza. “Symptoms were relieved on average 4 days earlier and use of rescue medication was significantly less in those receiving elderberry extract compared with placebo. Elderberry extract seems to offer an efficient, safe and cost-effective treatment for influenza.”
Homeopathy For The Flu
Homeopathy is my preferred way to shorten the duration of the flu. Keep in mind, your symptoms may increase for a moment and then they should improve within 20 minutes. Homeopathy can be tricky to use: read my post Everything You Need To Know About Homeopathy Here.
Homeopathy is based on the person symptoms. It is best to seek out a homeopath for the best results.
Boneset 30C (Eupatorium perfoliatum)- Best Remedy For The Flu
{click here for a quick link to Amazon}
- How do you know if boneset is right for you? Your symptoms would include:
- Patient experiences a deep aching in the bones and even the eyeballs are sore.
- May feel totally wiped out and unable to exert the least effort.
- Is usually thirsty, especially as the chill begins to come on.
- How do you take it?
- Take Boneset 30c, wait 20 minutes take again and wait.. you should feel an improvement.
- You can use herbal remedies with homeopathy.
- Other homeopathic remedies are available as well if these symptoms do not match.
Teas For The Flu
Tea can be nourishing and hydrating when you are suffering from the flu. The following herbs can help reduce a fever and fill the body with vitamins and minerals during the cold and flu season.
Try these teas as a single cup or blend daily. Enjoy 3-4 cups if you’re able to sip on it.
- Lemon Balm
- Yarrow
- Linden Flower
- Elderflower
- Catnip
- Peppermint.
Conclusion
I agree the flu is not to be taken lightly. If your symptoms do not improve in 4 days or you feel uneasy, please contact your doctor. To be prepared, purchase Boneset 30c in preparation for when the flu hits your home this winter.
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Warmly~
Tara
