panies a fever,
seek medical help.)
Make sure to give your child plenty
of fluids to prevent dehydration in
the meantime, and try these herbal
treatments.
SOOTHE THE
STOMACH WITH MINT-RASPBERRY LEAF TEA.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) eases abdominal cramps,
while peppermint helps expel gas and calms intestinal spasms.
Raspberry leaf (Rubus ideaus) contains astringent compounds
called tannins, which soothe intestinal inflammation. Make
a tea by pouring 2 cups of boiling water over 2 teaspoons
each of catnip, peppermint, and raspberry leaf. Cover and
steep for 15 minutes. Strain, sweeten, and give 1/2 cup
of tea every 30 minutes.
STOP DIARRHEA
WITH BANANAS, CAROB, AND CINNAMON.
Most children love bananas as well as the chocolate-like
flavor of carob. Both are pectin-rich, helping to bind loose
stools. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum) relieves gas pains.
Mash a banana with 1 to 2 tablespoons carob powder and 1/2
teaspoon
of powdered cinnamon.
FEVER
As one of the body’s primary
defenses against infectious microorganisms,
a fever shouldn’t be artificially
lowered unless it rises dangerously
high. Herbal remedies can
help in cases of lower-level fevers
when coupled with plenty of liquids
to prevent dehydration.
EASE DISCOMFORT
WITH YARROW AND CHAMOMILE.
A tepid bath or sponge bath with yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
and chamomile (Matricaria recutita) relieves the
muscle aches and discomfort of a fever. Yarrow and chamomile
both have anti-inflammatory properties, and chamomile also
relaxes. Make a strong herbal tea by pouring 1 quart of
boiling water over 3 tablespoons each of dried yarrow and
chamomile flowers. Cover and steep for 20 minutes. Strain,
and sponge your child with the lukewarm tea.
LOWER THE FEVER
NATURALLY WITH ELDERFLOWER.
A tea made from peppermint, elderflower (Sambucus nigra),
and ginger helps to lower a fever by increasing perspiration.
Simmer 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh gingerroot in 2 cups
of water for 5 minutes in a covered pot. Add 1 teaspoon
each of dried peppermint and elderflower; cover, and steep
for an additional 10 minutes. Sweeten, and give the child
1/4 cup of tea every half hour, up to 4 cups a day.
BOOST IMMUNITY
WITH ECHINACEA.
Echinacea helps the immune
system fight off the invading
microorganisms causing the fever.
Give your child 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of
echinacea tincture 4 times a day.
MIDDLE
EAR INFECTION
When congestion prevents the middle ear from draining normally,
flu-
