Yesterday my inbox reminded me that whenever I post about an illness in our family, I hear lots of questions about how we treat such things, particularly with little ones. We don't really do a lot...when someone isn't feeling well, our focus is on Time, Water, and Love. Oftentimes, that's really all I think is needed. That, and the knowledge about and belief in our bodies. Understanding what a fever is, for example, and how the human body works can make it so much less scary for little ones when it's happening (do you have the book The Way We Work by David Macaulay - I wish everyone could have that book. It's so wonderfully done).
But other times, a little bit of professional or mama-made herbal or homeopathic boost for the symptoms is helpful too (and when things grow a bit bigger than the sniffles, we find craniosacral therapy works wonders, though mama prefers needles for herself). And of course, western medicine when it's called for too. But we're just talking about sniffles and such today...essential oil baths, healing herbal teas, a tincture here and there...
Sitting on my "wellness" bookshelf are these favorites (among others, but I'll spare you from a big long list!), where I've found such helpful guidance and ideas:
Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child by Janet Zand
The Family Guide to Homeopathy: Symptoms and Natural Solutions by Andrew Lockie
Walking the World in Wonder: A Children's Herbal by Ellen Evert Hopman
and though not specifically for children, always handy is Healing Wise by Susun Weed
Yesterday, I found myself making a second batch of pops for the day for my feeling better, but still-sore-throated, struggling with the humidity little ones. They are such a great way for kids to cool down, chill out, and get some helpful herbs into their bodies too (particularly if they aren't fond of drinking herbal teas).
Feelbetter Pops ~
Make your favorite healing herbal tea (this week, we've been using licorice, echinacea and lemon grass, but find what's best for you and your discomforts - and don't forget to steep your tea for 20 minutes or so when making medicinal tea!), mix with an equal amount of juice (a total treat around here), and freeze (we use this popsicle maker from Stonewall Kitchen). It cools a fever and soothes a sore throat and just feels good.
Ah, the magic of a popsicle.
Wishing you and yours well!
