Winter is a treacherous time for bugs and illness and there is nothing harder for a parent than to see their little poppets full up with the flu. So what can we do to help keep them calm and rested so their body can fight the bugs and build their immunity in the best way possible?
Well we are going to give you our top 3 home remedies for sick kiddies! They are simple, quick, effective and do not cost the earth! These are the things we use for our babes!
1. Aromatherapy - you cannot go wrong here! High quality, therapeutic essential oils are all antiseptic and antibacterial to a lesser or greater degree. Obviously oils like Eucalyptus, Lavender, Tea Tree, Cedarwood & Pine are the BEST ones to fight infections. Our Immune Boost blend has all of these oils in one bottle making it very easy to treat. Simply fill a vaporiser with water and then add 6-8 drops in total. Light the candle and you are away - protecting not only the environment, but you are keeping any more bugs at bay. You can also do wonderful inhalations with this blend by filling a bowl with hot water and adding 1-2 drops of the same blend (or Lavender on its own can work a treat too), place a towel over the head, close eyes and take nice deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth, and then change, for at least a few minutes. Care needs to be taken with littlies around the hot bowl. A drop of Lavender on their pillow can help induce sleep making it more restful for them. Dont forget a drop for you too!
2. Food for Medicine - if your little one can handle freshly squeezed orange juice with a teaspoon of Manuka Honey then this is a wonderful remedy to help boost their vitamin C levels. Manuka honey is also highly anti-microbial also helping to fight bugs and boost the immune system. You can add a little warm water to make it more like having a cuppa with mummy if that makes them feel more grown up. Olive Leaf Extract is another wonderful remedy to boost their health. Traditionally it has been used as an antioxidant, for its antibacterial properties and as a health tonic. If you can get your kids into taking this from a young age (there is a kiddy tonic available at all good health food stores) they will take it happily as they get older. Oleuropein is the compound responsible for the maintenance of a healthy or normal cardiovascular system.
3. The Humble Onion - Ok now here is your secret weapon! Onions contain a flavenoid called quercetin and sulphur making it a very powerful natural antioxidant, natural antihistamine and a natural anti-inflammatory. Cut an onion in half and have it beside their bed, particularly when sleeping and you will notice coughs subsiding. Extra onion in their meals is also thought to help ward off bugs and reduce vomiting. Ok so the room might not smell so great but that is why you have your vaporiser going with those yummy immune boosting oils!
