Natural cold/flu remedies for toddlers (and adults!)

It started with a sore throat.  And then moved into sinus congestion and a cough.  The dreaded cold!  Both Sadie and I have been experiencing the beginnings of a cold but we drastically improved the intensity and duration by doing these five things.  

***I am not a doctor and do not intend for this to be used as medical advice.  These are simply remedies that I know have helped us.

1.) Honey - Number one on the list would most definitely be honey. It coats and soothes the throat but also has strong anti-bacterial properties (without having the risks associated with antibiotics.) The American Academy of Pediatrics has found honey to be a superior treatment for treating night time cough. I could go on and on about other various health benefits of honey but let's just say it is good stuff. And luckily it tastes great! I've read that equal parts honey and fresh lemon juice in warm water is good for a toddler – but I just give it to Sadie by the (baby) spoonful a few times a day when sick. For the full benefits be sure to get REAL honey – preferably local.

Note: Honey is not recommended for babies under the age of one.

2.) Ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora) Essential Oil - In our house this stuff gets used all winter long (all year actually) but especially when sick. It comes from an evergreen tree and that has been used as traditional folk medicine in Madagascar for years. Ravintsara oil is antibacterial, anticatarrhal, antifungal, anti-infectious, anti rheumatic, antiviral, decongestant, cicatrisant, expectorant, immune tonic and neurotonic. It is ideal for preventing and helping soothe the symptoms of cold, cough, flu and other respiratory ailments. Ravintsara is often mixed up with Ravensara oil (also from Madagascar and highly anti-viral.) Ravintsara is the gentler option and better for use with children and mothers who are nursing or pregnant.

How to use: I diffuse Ravintsara by either using a candle light or electric fan diffuser. Obviously keep open flame out of reach of toddler and never leave a flame burning while sleeping. Burning an essential oil is said to slightly change the chemical components of the oil but, oh well, I prefer it to using electricity all day long. But the electric fan diffuser is a great option to run in the bedroom at night. I also add a drop into a tablespoon of safflower oil and use as a chest & back rub (you can use any oil or lotion/cream as a base as long as it has plant-based ingredients so that it will be able to be absorbed by the skin.) The moment I start feeling sick, I mix a single drop of Ravintsara into a spoonful of honey for myself. For Sadie (age 2), I dip just the very end of a toothpick into the oil and swirl it into her spoonful of honey.

Note:  Essential oils are highly potent and should not be used internally unless under the supervision of an aromatherapist.  It is also important that you buy your essential oils from a trusted, reputable source because it is not a regulated industry.

3.) Hydration -  Water, water, water.  This is an obvious one.  Keep hydrated!  I am lucky that Sadie LOVES water.  She has to have her sippy full with water at all times.  (Now if she would only start to love her veggies...)   If your toddler doesn't like water try coconut water.  It is packed with nutrients and is naturally sweet.  It's high in electrolytes so it is perfect for preventing dehydration.  Also be sure to run a humidifier to keep moisture in the air.

4.) Elderberries - This powerful berry helps boost the immune system and it's anti-viral properties make it perfect for use while experiencing cold & flu symptoms.  I use this Black Elderberry Extract - it's alcohol-free and safe for all ages.  

Note: Dosage for children is usually a fraction of the recommended adult dosage. Be sure to check with your supplier if it's not indicated on the label.

5.) Soup -  This is a great way to keep hydrated (see #3) but it's also a great way to get the healing benefits of garlic (antibacterial, antiviral) and ginger (anti-inflammatory, immune boosting.)  I made Heidi Swanson's Immunity Soup (for myself) and was surprised that Sadie loved the broth.  I incorporate a lot of garlic and ginger in my diet, so my guess is that she is familiar with the flavor through drinking breast milk.  Maybe try a toned down version for your toddler if he/she isn't used to these flavors.  Do not serve to child steaming hot as the recipe suggests.

I hope you feel better soon! We do!

Oatmeal Applesauce Cookies for Toddlers

 Sadie helped me make "cookies" for the first time yesterday.  I put that in quotations because these are so healthy they barely qualify.  This is a great recipe to do with a toddler because it's super easy (just throw everything into a bowl) and it has no eggs, so you don't have to worry if she decides to start eating the dough (which she did.)

Oatmeal Applesauce Cookies
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup unbleached flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
2/3 cup brown sugar (or your preferred sweetener)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
1/2 cup dried currants (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

First combine all dry ingredients (oats, flour, cinnamon & nutmeg.)  Then stir in applesauce, brown sugar and vanilla until well blended.   At this point you can throw in any dried fruit, seeds, nuts, etc.  I put in coconut and currants because those are favorites around these parts.

Roll into 1 inch balls, place on cookie sheet and then push down to flatten the tops a bit.  Put in pre-heated oven for 15-20 minutes until lightly browned.

Makes around 36.

Make your own cloth diaper wipes and homemade wipe solution

When you are using cloth diapers it is actually easier to use cloth wipes as well.  That way everything dirty gets thrown into the same place.   You can buy cloth diaper wipes and solution but I've never tried either.  They are both easy and super cheap to make.

DIY Cloth Diaper Wipes

First thing I did was go to the thrift store and buy a bunch of super soft flannel baby blankets.  I brought them home and gave them a good wash on sterilize mode.

Cut up your baby blankets into squares.  Cut the squares to whatever size wipes you think would work well for you.  I did mostly 8x8 inch squares and also some that were 4x8 inches.

Place two of the squares together, pattern side facing out.  Do a tight zig-zag stitch around the entire border (I don't sew so I may not be using the right terms here!)

Ta-da!  A diaper wipe.  Simple right?   The first couple times you wash them you will get a little bit of a fringe.  Just trim that off and you are good to go.

I did 20 of the 8 x8 size and 10 of the 4 x 8.  I like having both sizes.  The large ones are great when you need a lot of coverage and the small ones are good for details and pee-only changes.

To wet the wipes I keep a small bowl and an old french press by my changing table and then just wet one or two in the bowl as needed.  The french press is insulated so if I fill it with hot water it will stay warm for a long time (no need for an electric wipe warmer over here.)

When Sadie was exclusively breastfed I wiped with just plain warm water and that worked great.  Around 6 months, when she started eating solids, I began making this wipe solution.

Homemade Wipe Solution
1/2 tablespoon safflower oil
1/2 tablespoon castile soap*
5 drops lavender essential oil
topped off with 16 oz hot tap water

*be sure to use unscented/baby castile soap

I put everything into the french press and push the plunger down so that it all gets mixed up.  The oil will tend to sink to the bottom so if it's been sitting around for a while I give it a shake or plunge the plunger to get it mixed again.  Don't want to use a french press?  You can also put it in a large plastic squeeze bottle or any other type of container that will work well for you.

What about cloth diaper changes on the go?  Originally I tried using cloth wipes but I prefer to just use disposables when I'm out and about.  I throw them into the wet bag with the dirty diaper and put it into the wash.  The disposable wipes will go through the wash and dryer fine.  Once they are dry I just throw them away or use them for something else.  They come out just as clean as your diapers, so why not?  One good use I've found is putting a stack of them into a ziploc bag with a little witchhazel water.  It makes great wipes for dirty hands when you are out and about.

Rosemary Agave Lemonade

Rosemary is one of my absolute favorite herbs.  I find my body craving it often.  When passing my garden I always reach down to rub its leaves between my fingers and lift my hands up to my face to breathe in deep.

Rosemary has been used traditionally to improve memory and concentration.  It also helps relieve muscle pain and improves circulation.  It has shown to help with indigestion and even prevents balding by stimulating hair growth.  Rosemary has antioxidant properties and studies have even shown that it has the potential to prevent and treat cancer!

As the summer is rounding to a close, I decided to celebrate by concocting this tasty and healthy Rosemary Agave Lemonade.

Rosemary Agave Lemonade Recipe
1/2 cup Organic Blue Agave
1/2 cup Lemon Juice (it took about 5 small lemons for mine)
3 cups Water
2 sprigs Rosemary (plus more for garnish)

In a small sauce pan add the Agave and 1/2 cup of the water.  Stir well until thoroughly combined.  Turn on medium for a couple minutes.  When it seems hot, turn it down to a simmer and add the 2 sprigs of Rosemary.   Simmer for 10-15 minutes.  And then let cool.   Discard the Rosemary.

Squeeze your lemons (straining out the seeds).   Combine with Agave mixture and the remaining 2 1/2 cups of cold water.   Taste and adjust the lemon/sweet/water ratio for your particular preference

Enjoy!

Heat Wave! - Cooling Peppermint Spray

Temperatures have been inching towards triple digits and it's been even more of a circus than usual over here with a hot and cranky 17 month old, hot and cranky husband, and hot and cranky self (and NO AC!!!)  This super simple recipe for cooling peppermint spray has been our saving grace.   I store it in the refrigerator and spritz myself with it several times a day.  I swear it instantly makes me feel a few degrees cooler!

Cooling Peppermint Spray
2 oz water (distilled if you have it)
20 d. peppermint essential oil
Combine into a spray bottle and store in refrigerator. Shake well before using and avoid spraying into eyes or mouth.

Warning:  Peppermint can be an irritant if sprayed into the eyes, nose, or mouth.  For small children I recommend spraying on to the soles of their feet to avoid this area all together.  Also recommend using half the amount of peppermint oil if you plan on using it on children.   If it does irritate any area, dab the area with a carrier oil to dilute it (safflower, sweet almond, olive oil -- whatever you have on hand) -  Do not use water.

Combating Acne

I've always struggled with occasional breakouts (usually one monster zit right around the time of my period.)  But for the last couple weeks it's been much worse.   I've had breakouts all around my mouth, chin and jawline.  According to the internet breaking out in those areas is usually caused by hormones.  Maybe my hormones are all mixed up due to breastfeeding?  Whatever the cause, it's been very embarrassing.  Especially since I work in a store that specializes in skin care!  So I came up with a plan of action and it's been working very well so I thought I would share.

The plan:  HERBAL STEAM (every day) + CLAY MASK (3 x a week)

Herbal Steam
1.) Throw a few handfuls of herbs and water into a pot on the stove.  Bring to a boil.  I used Comfrey Root & Lavender buds.  Both are indicated for their astringent properties and they also stimulate the skin and normalize the sebaceous glands.
2.) Pour the steaming herbal water into a glass or ceramic bowl or container.  I use a large glass measuring cup because it's easier to pour when I'm straining out the herbs.  At this step I usually add in a drop or two of Organic Tea Tree essential oil for it's anti-bacterial properties.
3.) Tent a towel over your head and lean your face in over the steam.  In the beginning when it's really hot keep your face at least 8 inches away from the water.  As it starts to cool down you can lower your face and blow into the water to try to shoot the steam towards problem areas.  Stay like this for 5-10 minutes.
4.) Strain out the herbs and reserve the herbal water for use in the facial mask

A few times a week I follow my facial steam with a clay mask to draw out toxins.  Post-steam is the perfect time for a mask because all of your pores are open wide.  I don't do the mask every day because it can be drying.  Even the oiliest of skin should be toned and lightly moisturized after a mask.

Clay Facial Mask
1.) Into a small bowl add a tablespoon of dry clay.  I have been using red clay because it pulls very tightly.  French Green clay would be another great option for all skin types.  Spoon small amounts of the herbal water and mix with the clay until it it makes a light paste consistency.
2.) Apply to dry or only slightly damp skin.  You can apply either to your whole face or just to problem areas.
3.) Wait 10-15 minutes until mask has completely dried.  Rinse thoroughly with warm water followed by a splash of cold water.
4.) Tone and moisturize.

Since I've started this routine my skin has been clearing up nicely and has had a wonderful glow.   I believe I will continue this routine even after my acne clears up.  The herbal steam is a great start to the day and allows me 10 minutes of meditation to clear my head and focus on my breathing.  I will probably only do the facial mask only once a week because, as I mentioned, it can be drying.

Homemade Teething Oil

Sadie has been taking her time in the teething department.  A couple weeks ago at 14 months she had four teeth on the top and only two on the bottom.  But now all of a sudden,  all four molars have decided to break through at the same time.  We have found much relief using this teething oil that I put together.

Sadie's Teething Oil Recipe
1/2 oz Grapeseed Oil (or any other carrier that your child has proven non-reactive to)
1 drop Clove Essential Oil
1 drop Organic Peppermint Essential Oil
1 drop Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
(Do not add more essential oils then recommended!)

Store in a glass dropper bottle.  Rub one drop onto the gums using a clean finger or cotton swab.  Apply as needed.