Five Herbs For Winter

Herbal medicine works on colds and flu in two ways: 1) by building the immune system, and 2) fighting the virus. Below are five herbs that can help boost your immune system's cold-fighting power this winter season according to Dr. Iman Bar. Dr. Bar recommends using organic herbs and boil the water (to make tea) in stainless steel pots and not aluminum. These are all great herbs to help you and your little one stay healthy naturally!

ELDERBERRY

The elderberry flower is prescribed in some countries to treat fevers and increase bronchial secretions associated with colds.





JUNIPER

Juniper contains a potent antiviral compound that seems to inhibit many different viruses. Many herbalists recommend it as a cure for flu.





LEMON BALM

Lemon balm is one of the most traditional herbal cures for flu and has been used for centuries. It relieves many of symptoms of flu, bringing relaxing sleep, relieving cramps and gas, stopping spasms, and relieving pain.




LICORICE

Licorice is a powerful antiviral. It is used for treating symptoms of flu, including sore throat, bronchitis, cough, and arthritis. Licorice is widely available but limit your intake. And do not take licorice if you are pregnant- it has been associated with premature births.






GINGER

Ginger contains ten antiviral compounds. It reduces pain and fever, acts as a cough suppressant and is "warming"- it can help heat the body up, helping you to "sweat it out".

To read more on this topic go here.

Relief from Mosquito Bites

On my recent trip to the midwest, summer nights were the most fun. However, campfires, hiking trails, and swimming in the lakes gave me and my children many mosquito bites. It was already hard for me to stop scratching, but to get my kids to stop scratching seemed impossible. My wise aunt suggested dipping a cotton ball in vinegar and applying it topically. It worked instantly! The itching went away and so did the swelling. I researched online home remedies for insect bites, and sure enough, vinegar was one of the top suggested!

Feel Better Fast

For mothers who catch a cold or flu-like symptoms and need a homeopathic remedy - Oscillococcinum by Boiron is a must! You can get it at Whole Foods and other organic grocery stores.

Other Great Remedies

None of us enjoys it when our little ones get sick. It means, sleepless nights, boogies everywhere, being hermits for a week, and worst of all.. watching our loved ones go through misery. Here are some of our favorite (they are our favorite because they work!) products/remedies that we think will significantly decrease your stress level. Get your pen and paper ready!!

-Hyland's Teething Tablets: to relieve pain during teething.

-Nosefrida the snotsucker: to get rid of the runny, slimy boogies from their little nostrils.

-Coconut Oil: to resolve constipation and for minor rashes caused by skin irritation. (This amazing oil has other health benefits too! Read all about it here.)

-Little Noses Saline Spray/Drops: for congestion.

-Pedialyte Pops: for diarrhea to keep hydrated with electrolytes and for fevers to keep temperature down and increase liquid intake.

-Organic Vapor Rub containing eucalyptus: for chest colds and sinus infections, to help relieve breathing problems.

-Antibacterial Soap, Hot Water and a Splash of Distilled Vinegar: for disinfecting toys and vinyl/board books after child recovers from illness.