The Herbal Medicine Cabinet

As a mother I have gained so much from educating myself about the various home remedies that are effective in treating imbalances in my children's health. Not only does it bring peace of mind knowing that I can provide relief from common ailments like colds and flus, and bumps andbruises, but I've also really come to appreciate getting to know the delicate intricacies of each of my children's constitutions. There's an intimacy involved in treating your children's imbalances yourself - an opportunity to strengthen the mother-child bond. In addition, I feel like I'm setting the groundwork for my children to be responsible for their own health and well-being as they grow to maturity. Of course herbs can be a wonderful ally for preventing imbalances.

Here are some herbs to have on hand to treat the minor conditions that you would normally treat yourself:

ALOE VERA GEL (ALOE VERA)

Soothes cuts, scrapes and minor burns, including sunburn. Apply topically to wound site. Look for preparations that contain at least 98 percent aloe vera or better yet, keep a big aloe plant growing in your home so you'll always have plenty of fresh juicy leaves on hand!

ARNICA CREAM (ARNICA MONTANA)

Offers pain relief, heals bruises and reduces inflammation, easing muscle aches, strains and sprains. Rub into injured area as needed. Look for preparations that contain at least 15 percent arnica tincture.

HOMEOPATHIC ARNICA TABLETS

Good to have on hand to give to kids when they fall down or get bumped and bruised.

BACH FLOWER REMEDIES' RESCUE REMEDY

Quells anxiety and nervousness. Place 4 drops in drinking water as needed throughout the day.

BLACK COHOSH TINCTURE (CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA)

Relieves abdomen, lower back and leg cramps associated with premenstrual syndrome. (For adults only - never give to growing children.)

CAYENNE POWDER (CAPSICUM FRUTESCENS)

Stops pain immediately and bleeding from minor cuts and scrapes. Sprinkle wound with cayenne powder (it will probably sting) and apply pressure until bleeding stops. Then wash it out, disinfect the wound and bandage it. Kitchen variety is OK; also available in cream preparations.

CRYSTALLIZED GINGER CUBES (ZINGIBER OFFICINALIS)

Contains antispasmodic components to relieve nausea. Anti-inflammatory components may bring relief for migraine headaches.

FRESH GINGER

You can make a teat by boiling several cups of water and a few slices of ginger for about 10 minutes. Strain, sweeten with honey and drink to relieve nausea and coughs.

ECHINACEA TINCTURE (ECHINACEA ANGUSTIFOLIA; E. PURPUREA)

Fights upper respiratory, urogenital, fungal and parasitic infections. This is one herb I always have plenty of. It is very effective at stopping nasty bugs if given at the very first signs of imbalance. I've discovered that if I put a dropper full of tincture in a small glass with the juice of 1 freshly squeezed orange and 1/2 of a packet of Alacer's vitamin C powder, even small children will drink it down. We've had incredible results fighting off colds and flus with this mixture at our house! Making your own tinctures is very economical.

EYEBRIGHT (EUPHRASIA OFFICINALIS)

Clears eye infections and soothes red, tired eyes from allergies or pollution. Make an infusion with capsule contents or loose herb and apply as a compress. If you can't find eyebright, substitute chamomile tea bags. Fennel also works well.

FENNEL SEEDS (FOENICULUM VULGARE)

Alleviates gas and stomach upset. Chew several seeds. Make a tea by steeping a teaspoon of seeds in boiling water for about 10 minutes; strain and drink.

GOLDENSEAL TINCTURE (HYDRASTIS CANADENSIS)

Eliminates traveler's diarrhea caused 'by exposure to unfamiliar bacteria in food and water. Also works well with echinacea to fight colds or flu.

LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL (LAVANDULA OFFICINALIS)

Disinfects cuts and scrapes, works as an analgesic to relieve pain. Relaxes muscles and restless or anxious mind. Apply topically. Rub on temples to relieve headache. Put 10-15drops in a warm bath to soothe a cranky child (or mom!)

HOMEOPATHIC NUX VOMICA TABLETS

Calms headaches, stomachaches and even hangovers. Given at the first signs of nausea, this remedy can really calm an upset tummy fast.

ST. JOHN'S WORT SALVE (HYPERICUM PEFORATUM)

Relieves the discomfort of hemorrhoids. Apply topically.

SLIPPERY ELM LOZENGES (ULMUS RUBRA)

Soothes sore throats and suppresses coughs.

TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL (MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA)

Disinfects cuts and scrapes, dries acne and eliminates nail fungus and athlete's foot Apply to wounds, acne, nails and feet straight from the bottle. If tea tree oil is too drying, make a topical solution with 4 parts tea tree to 6 parts water.

VALERIAN TINCTURE OR CAPSULES (VALERIANA OFFICINALIS)

Works as a tranquilizer to relieve insomnia and anxiety.

VITAMIN C

Stimulates immune system to fight infections ranging from the common cold to urinary tract infections. Available in capsules, tablets and powders. I keep a box of Alacer's vitamin C powderon hand for mixing with nasty tasting tinctures.

ZINC LOZENGES (GLUCONATE OR ACETATE FORMS)

Reduces duration of cold or flu. Take with food to avoid nausea.

A WORD ABOUT HOMEOPATHY

As a mother, one of my most valued possessions is my homeopathy kit! (You can find great, affordable Homeopathy Kits Here.)

I use it all the time for acute conditions like colds, flus, coughs, upset tummies, and rashes. And it's an integral part of my first aid kit for bumps, bruises, bites, stings, etc.

With a bit of practice and a good book on homeopathy, you'll soon dial in on the appropriate remedies for your own child. It gives me such peace of mind to know that when a health issue arises I can turn to a safe, reliable remedy - and one that is easy and painless for a child to take!

Read more about homeopathy for kids.

Learn to Make Your Own Herbal Remedies!

Herbal Products Resource Guide

IMPORTANT GUIDELINES

~Essential oils and creams should not be taken internally.

~Follow label instructions for dosage information (herbal formulas, in particular, vary in quality and potency from one manufacturer to the next).

~If your condition doesn't improve after a few days, consult your health care practitioner.

~If you're pregnant, nursing or on prescription medicine, never take any medicine (natural or synthetic) or apply creams or essential oils without consulting your health care professional first.

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