SISTER WISDOM : build a better life

What is it that we call natural health? To me, it is two things:

1) it is an overall quality of life, of vitality, energy, and a general habitual freedom from sickness and

2) it is a way of dealing with injuries and sicknesses when they do occur.

Quality of Life

Let's talk about the overall quality of life, first, and I'll give my own background to explain what I mean. The most serious injuries/illnesses I've had probably all occurred in my early childhood: a couple of trips to the e.r. for stitches due to overzealous games with my sister. Past that, not much eventful in the line of health problems. And uneventful is the best adjective for health.

I'm not very athletic, but I was always active, outside playing, running, swinging, riding bikes, building forts, climbing trees. No broken bones, no serious illnesses. A cold or two every year or so, maybe. The occasional stomach bug which no one can escape.

As an adult, I have a pretty high energy level most of the daylight hours. My attention and energy go down and I'm ready for sleep around 9, though if I'm focused on something or interested I can be alert and awake for much later than I should.

The only recurring sickness or pain I deal with is muscle tension in my neck and shoulders, which is almost always a result of stress and improper posture, and which can result in pretty nasty tension headaches. I consider those pretty Read the rest of this entry »

Colds are the bane of our existence, in my humble opinion. You're not sick enough to stay in bed, whine, and be waited upon; but you sure don't feel good, and you have to do your normal life-stuff with all the cold symptoms hanging around, your new bff. Ick. When it's your baby who is fighting the cold, you still feel the pain. Stuffy noses, sinus pressure, congestion waking baby and you up at night. Runny noses getting sore during the day. Achiness and fatigue making everything more difficult. Coughing, wheezing, sneezing, and general no-fun components of the cold: we need to get rid of them. Read the rest of this entry »

Skin problems for babies can range from a little bit of baby acne to full-blown, painful cases of eczema. At the very least, you want to keep baby's skin clean and moisturized with something that isn't toxic. Babies normally have sensitive skin, and some will react to almost anything with fragrance or synthetic preservative in it. Babies also tend to get dry skin very quickly, sometimes with chapping and flaking. Using care in how you bathe and moisturize baby's skin can help a lot, both in keeping sensitive skin happy and in easing dry skin. And there are herbs which can help relieve skin problems like diaper rash, eczema, itchiness, and baby acne. Read the rest of this entry »

A general restlessness or irritability can keep baby from sleeping well, eating well, and can definitely interfere with the natural rhythm of your life. Actually, a rhythm is the first thing you should focus on, before you get to herbs and treatments. A regular, steady rhythm to your daily routine and normal life will help calm a lot of restlessness, in you and in your baby. Read the rest of this entry »

When you think of herbs, you think of a sprig of thyme or a big basil plant, or maybe a crushed mint leaf in your tea or a sachet of dried lavender. You think of plants which accompany food, perhaps, but you don't often think of food itself. The definition of an herb, however, is pretty wide. Houdret says that "a herb is now generally understood to mean a plant, some part of which, roots, stem, leaves, flowers or fruits, is used for food, medicine, flavouring or scent" (1).

Common foods, of course, we use as a source of nutrition. But many also have qualities which can help treat minor medical problems, improve appearance, and/or simply build up overall health. Read the rest of this entry »

It's so difficult to narrow down the list when you start looking over seeds and tiny plants ready to go into the ground. This is my top 15 list for herbs that I can grow easily and use effectively in home remedies for my babies. (They work great for me, too.)

1. Chamomile

Used for treating colic, gas, restlessness, anxiety; an effective relaxant, may induce drowsiness, helps calm before sleep.

How to grow: Start from seed easily, or buy seedlings at a nursery. Plant in an area with full sun, preferably, though it will grow in partial shade as well. Likes a well-drained soil. Give it plenty of room at the back of the garden/bed, as it gets rather tall and leggy.

2. Thyme

Used for tummy cramps, gas, and as an expectorant. Page calls it a "good children's all-purpose remedy." It has antioxidant and antiseptic properties, so it can be helpful in fighting infections, colds, and flu.

How to grow: perennial, may need protection in cold winter weather (cover with mulch); plant seeds in spring time in an area with full-sun and well-draining soil; thyme doesn't like wet feet. Add some pea gravel or sand to help soil stay gritty and drain well.

3. Sage

Used for digestive problems and for drying up excess mucus; helps fight colds and flu and relieve gas and indigestion.
How to grow: evergreen, though may not survive winter weather without some protection; plant in full sun in soil which drains well. Sage won't like a heavy soil like clay, so add additional topsoil, sand, or other material to lighten things up if needed.

4. Lavender

Used for skin problems, such as eczema, cradle cap, and rashes. Great in aromatherapeutic treatments, to induce calmness and relieve stress and tension headaches. Antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
How to grow: Plant seedlings in springtime in a well-drained soil with full sun. Lavender works great as part of a hedge or flower garden.

5. Lemon Balm

Used for restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia. Has a nice lemony flavor, so it's a great addition to an herbal infusion for kids. A nice lemon balm tea is great for colds and flus. Antispasmodic, antiviral, antibacterial, and helps repel insects. Good topical treatment for insect bites, minor scrapes and such.

How to grow: Lemon balm is a big, bushy perennial which will take as much room as you will give it. It has a great fragrance. Grow it in sun or partial shade, it's not very particular. I grew it successfully on my back porch, which only got morning sun. It's not particular about soil either, so put this plant where you can't grow anything else.

6. Echinacea (purpurea)

Used for building the immune system, fighting infection, and speeding up the healing process. A good topical treatment for cuts, sores, and the like. Antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral.

How to grow: Echinacea, or purple coneflower, is a nice flower for any garden bed. It's tall, so plant it near the back or along borders. Grow from seed in late spring; prefers well-drained, rich soil but will tolerate full sun or partial shade.

7. Violet (viola odorata)

Used for colds, as an expectorant with anti-inflammatory properties. It contains vitamins A and C. Used internally to help treat coughs and colds; used topically for ulcers and skin problems.

How to grow: The diminutive violet will grow well along the outer edge of a walkway, flower bed, or border. It will take sun to partial shade, and preers a soil that is rich and well-draining. Grow from seed or by division.

8. Rosemary

Used for digestive problems and to counteract coughs, colds, and flu. Has relaxing properties and can help relief headaches and tension. Antiseptic and antibacterial; can also be used topically for sore muscles and joints.

How to grow: Rosemary does not like to be wet; in fact, it will grow in pretty dry conditions, so a hillside or stony stop is perfect. It is an evergreen shrub but will need winter protection in cold weather. It likes full sun.

9. Mullein

Used for respiratory issues, allergy symptoms, congestion, and coughs. Mullein is an expectorant herb. Used topically to help remove ear wax or clear up ear infections (when drum is not perforated). Antispasmodic, astringent.

How to grow: Mullein is a tall biennial with spiked yellow flowers; grow toward the back of your flower bed or herb garden, in a dry stony spot with full sun. Note: mullein isn't considered safe for children under 2 years of age, but this is one I would grow for older children and adults.

10. Feverfew

Used for migraine/headache relief, contains vitamins and trace minerals. Can help relieve fevers and is anti-inflammatory.

How to grow: Feverfew can be started by seed in the spring, and will grow in any kind of soil that drains well. It prefers sun, self-seeds (so you might have to keep it contained), and will tolerate dry conditions.

11. Dill

Used for treating colic, gas, and upset tummies. Helps prevent constipation.

How to grow: An annual, dill grows to about 3 feet tall. Grow it with your vegetables or in a container on your porch so it's handy for herbal treatments and for cooking. Well-drained soil, rich, and full sun is preferred.

12. Calendula (pot marigold)

Used for treating skin problems and assisting in quick healing for skin abrasions. Internally taken for fighting colds, flus, inflammation. Antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal.

How to grow: Cute little annual flowers, so plant them anywhere you have a space. Start from seed in the spring. They'll grow in any soil, prefer full sun, and will self-seed. Deadhead to keep them blooming.

13. Catnip (catmint)

Used for respiratory issues, treating colds, flus, and fevers, helps relieve colic in babies; stimulates appetite, great for children. Mild sedative effect, great in combination with chamomile and lemon balm for a relaxing, before-bed tea. High in vitamins and trace minerals. Antibiotic, antispasmodic.

How to grow: Perennial, hardy, medium height. It's a member of the mint family and one of the few herbs which prefers moist soil. Likes full sun. Grow from seed or cuttings.

14. Coriander/cilantro

Coriander is the seed, cilantro is the leafy part of the plant. Use both in herbal preparations and  cooking.
Coriander used for digestive issues, relieving diarrhea, gas, and indigestion. Helps relieve colic. Cilantro used for loosening congestion/mucus, aiding digestion, and for its diuretic properties.

How to grow: An annual plant, grows about 2 feet tall. Needs full sun and rich, well-drained soil and does not like to be transplanted. Start it from seed where you want it to grow.

15. Fennel

Used for treating colic in babies, relieving gas pain and cramps, aiding digestion. Diuretic, anticonvulsive, anti-inflammatory.

How to grow: Fennel, a perennial, gets up to 6 feet tall so give it adequate space. It prefers full sun and soil that drains well, and is even on the sandy side of things. It may not survive without winter protection.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional or a certified herbalist. The information provided on this website and all related publications, whether print or digital, whether implied or explicit, are not intended to be taken as medical advice; it is for informational purposes. I assume no liability for what you choose to do with this information. You should always be cautious and use common sense, do research and consult professionals when it comes to medicine, both herbal and otherwise. Consult your medical care provider for persistent symptoms, illnesses, and injuries.

Sources

Page, Linda, N.D., Ph.D. How to Be Your Own Herbal Pharmacist: Herbal Traditions, Expert Formulations. Healthy Healing Publications, 1991, 1997.
Houdret, Jessica. Practical Herb Garden. London: Hermes House, 2003.

Image courtesy of LollyKnit on Flickr.

Colic in babies is difficult for the baby suffering and for the parents who feel helpless to do anything. Safe herbs can be gentle enough to use to help ease the symptoms and possibly the causes of colic, and the same treatments will also be effective on similar/related complaints such as gas, indigestion, upset tummy, and cramps.

A Note About Dosage for Infants

Wong recommends use for infants "six months and older." I'm not sure why six months is the magic age, and I tend to think that giving infants under six months a gentle herbal preparation is okay, in most cases. But I never needed to give an herbal treatment to my babies under six months, so I can't speak from experience.

Susan Perri, a clinical herbalist, has this to say about treating postpartum babies: "The appropriate dosage can be given to the baby in tea (infusion) form. The tea should be warm, to a temperature consistent with breast-milk, and can be administered with an eyedropper. If necessary, slide the eyedropper into baby's mouth alongside the nipple while nursing. Give the baby some tea in this way each time you nurse if colic is consistent, or use only at times of distress. These herbs can also be given at regular feedings as preventive care" (1). If you're breastfeeding, you can take the adult-strength dosage of these herbal cures and let the baby benefit via breast milk.

A Note About Colic in General

Remember that some gas, some fussiness, and some tummy trouble may be just part of the infant life, as the digestive system matures, and may also be more about stress than tummy upset. The best things you can do to combat restlessness and irritability is to nurse regularly and on a stable schedule, to sit down, be quiet, and relax while feeding baby, to be sure your baby is sleeping enough (so fatigue isn't a factor in the fussiness) and to be calm and relaxed yourself.

Sometimes infant massage can be helpful, as well as gentle exercises like bending baby's knees up to her chest to help that gas work its way out. If you're still dealing with colic, gas, upset tummy, and irritability/restlessness, you might try some of the remedies below.

Fennel Seed

Fennel Seeds were "traditionally used for centuries to soothe colic" (2). Two options for giving fennel seed to a colicky baby: you can either make a tea and give it by the teaspoon or make a very simple paste and swipe a bit inside baby's mouth.
For a fennel seed tea, simmer about 1 tablespoon of fennel seed in 1 1/2 cups of water (Wong's recommended proportions). Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, then strain and let cool. Give 1 to 2 teaspoons as needed but, says Wong, don't give more than twice an hour.

For the very simple fennel seed paste, crush up 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds into a powder. Use a mortar and pestle, or double-bag the seeds in zip-top storage bags and beat them with a rolling pin, or if you have an extra coffee bean grinder, use it. (If you use your regular coffee bean grinder, get the fennel residue out by grinding up a handful of white rice. If you don't, your morning cup o' joe might taste like cup o' fennel. Ick.) Once the seeds are to a powdered consistency, moisten the tip of your finger and swipe up just a bit of the powder so it mixes into a paste on your fingertip. Put this under the baby's tongue or along the gumline near the back of the mouth. Follow the same dosage by not giving more than twice an hour.

Dill Seed

Dr. Linda Page calls dill seed "the herb of choice" when it comes to dealing with "flatulence or colic in infants or children's upset stomach" (3). For infants, you can make a dill seed tea following the same proportions and directions as for fennel seed tea. You can also powder the dill seed and mix it with a bit of water to apply as a paste. Page recommends using honey to make the dill seed paste, but for infants under 1 year old you should avoid the honey method.

Angelica and Anise

Angelica is a "digestive agent" (4). Wong gives a recipe for a tummy soother with angelica, but it also contains peppermint and juniper berries, both of which I would hesitate to give to a baby. Instead, I would combine angelica with anise (aniseed). Anise has a sweet, licorice-like flavor and is antispasmodic, which means it helps the walls of the stomach relax so gas can be expelled and cramping relieved.
Colic Relief Infusion
1 tablespoon fresh angelica or 1 teaspoon dried angelica (find in an herb or natural/health food store)
1 tablespoon anise/aniseed, slightly crushed
1 teaspoon star anise pods (optional; find in the spice section of larger grocery stores or in an Asian or Indian market or health food store)
2 cups water
Simmer the angelica, anise, and star anise, if using, in the water for 15 minutes. Strain out the herbs and let the infusion cool. Dosage: 1 teaspoon per dose, no more than twice an hour. This is something you could also use as a preventative, before feeding or before a regular "colicky time."

Orange and Thyme

Orange peel is "a digestive stimulant" which is "helpful for food stagnation, abdominal pains with distention, indigestion, and gas" (5). Of course, it has loads of vitamin C, too, which is nice. Thyme is used for colic, gas, lack of appetite, and other digestive issues. It's an anti-spasmodic. Combine thyme and orange into a sweet-tasting
Tummy Relief Syrup
Peel of 1 orange (remove the white pith)
2 teaspoons thyme (dry) or 2 tablespoons fresh
Step 1: Simmer the orange peel and thyme in 2 cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain, then return to pan over heat.
Step 2: Add 1 cup raw or brown sugar to the orange-thyme infusion. Bring to a low boil, stirring constantly, and keep it there until it begins to get syrupy. Let cool, then pour it into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Dosage: 1/2 teaspoon of syrup, no more than 1 dose every hour.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional or a certified herbalist. The information provided on this website and all related publications, whether print or digital, whether implied or explicit, are not intended to be taken as medical advice; it is for informational purposes. I assume no liability for what you choose to do with this information. You should always be cautious and use common sense, do research and consult professionals when it comes to medicine, both herbal and otherwise. Consult your medical care provider for persistent symptoms, illnesses, and injuries.

Sources

1. Perri, Susan. HealthyChild.com. Herbs for Postpartum Baby, an excerpt from Perri's book The Complete Herbal for Pregnancy and Childbirth. See the article at the HealthyChild website.
2. Wong, James. Grow Your Own Drugs: Easy Recipes for Natural Remedies and Beauty Fixes. London: Collins, 2009.
3. Page, Linda, N.D., Ph.D. How to Be Your Own Herbal Pharmacist: Herbal Traditions, Expert Formulations. Healthy Healing Publications, 1991, 1997.
4. Page, Linda.
5. Page, Linda.
Other: Healthy.net has a nice listing of herbs and their medicinal uses, including a summary of pharmacological research, the primary constituents in the herbs and their effects.

Chamomile is one of the best herbs to use for babies, hence the entire post dedicated to telling you all about it. It's gentle, it's effective in a variety of ways, and it's easy to find or to grow yourself. It has a naturally mild, sweet taste. Read the rest of this entry »

You're wanting to go more natural in helping your baby maintain good health; you innocently grab an herbal medicine book and start browsing. And the words like a foreign language simply befuddle you. (Words like befuddle...) Tincture? Decoction? Eh... where does one purchase glycerin, and why would you do so? Read the rest of this entry »