After the great time with my DC Mops moms talking about Real Food for Real Families, we entered into the winter season ready for some remedies.

TRADITIONAL REMEDIES FOR HEALTHY HOMES 

“Let your food be your medicine and medicine be your food.”

– Hippocrates (460-377 BC, Greek Physician and founding father of medicine)

DISCLAIMER – I am not a medical practitioner, but I have been reading, thinking about, and practicing natural healing alternatives for over 7 years.  I have 3 children with no cavities, antibiotics, or emergency room runs.  We’re all responsible for our healthcare choices.  Check with doctor if pregnant/nursing. This is not an exhaustive list (homeopathy, herbs, essential oils, etc.).  I’m going with “food as medicine” with a few other interesting goodies thrown in.

My purpose is to breathe new life into our God-given intuition about how He has designed our bodies to heal and created natural things to heal them.  Just a reminder that we have options…

Healing Philosophy

• Conventional medicine has an important place but is overused & abused – treating symptoms of sickness instead of preventing sickness by promoting wellness.
• Prevent sickness through good nutrition, rest, hydration, environment, etc.
• Don’t suppress symptoms (cough, mucous, fever, etc.)!  They are immune responses designed to help your body fight disease, viruses, bacteria, etc. and expel toxins from the body.
• When sick, let your body do the fighting and choose natural remedies that help enhance immune function, not replace it.  You can reduce the severity of symptoms but don’t get rid of them.
• Get lots of rest and water (Nature’s anti-inflamatory, detoxifying, lubricating) http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/water-education/water-health.htm  And avoid sugar!  (It feeds infection and depresses the immune system.) http://www.healingdaily.com/detoxification-diet/sugar.htm.
• PRAY for healing, wisdom, discernment, etc.  What a blessing for our kids to grow up with memories of mom and dad praying for them when they are sick instead of just taking them to the doctor.  Plus, it gives a chance for the parents to discern the best course of action.

TOP 10 REMEDY SUPPLIES

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) – vitamins, minerals, fiber, etc. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/health-benefits-apple-cider-vinegar.html

Breast milk – http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/top-3-breast-milk-cures-for-babies-552527.html

Cod Liver Oil  – best and most complete source of two vital vitamins – A & D http://www.westonaprice.org/cod-liver-oil.html

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil – antimicrobial http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html

Garlic – antibacterial, antiviral http://www.homeremediesweb.com/garlic-health-benefits.php

Grapefruit Seed Extract – alkalizing, hypoallergenic, veggie wash, water purification http://www.pureliquidgold.com/benefits-of-grapefruit-seed-extract.htm

Homemade Chicken Broth – minerals, gelatin, amino acids, digestion http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2009/01/part-1-health-benefits-of-bone-broth-homemade-stock-beef-chicken-turkey-etc.html

Probiotic rich foods (Yogurt/Kefir/Sauerkraut/Pickle Juice) – http://theconsciouslife.com/top-probiotic-foods.htm

Raw Honey – antiseptic, antibiotic, antifungal, and antibacterial

http://www.reallyrawhoney.com/healthfacts.php

Tea Tree Oil – antiseptic, antifungal, antimicrobial (first aid kit in a bottle)

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herbsupplementguide/a/TeaTreeOil.htm

COMMON CONDITIONS

Allergies – Local raw honey, boost immune system

Colic – chiropractic, tummy massage, gripe water

Constipation – water with ACV & honey, probiotic rich foods

Cough – raw honey, tea with lemon, CLO, fire water

Diarrhea – homemade chicken broth (gelatin binds liquid)

Ear Infections – garlic infused olive oil, lymphatic massage, warm rice bag, breast milk

Fever – cuddles, water/breast milk, cold bath if it gets too high (over 103 degrees)

Lice – tea tree oil in coconut oil

Pink Eye – breastmilk or coconut oil

Skin burns/rashes – tea tree oil (diluted) or coconut oil

Sinus infection – neti pot, massage, probiotic rich foods

Sore Throat – fire water, raw honey, two drops of tea tree oil in water (gargle)

Thrush – coconut oil topically and internally, fast from sugar, grapefruit seed extract in water

Vomiting – homemade chicken broth, warm compress or ACV on tummy

Yeast infection – garlic suppository, eating plain yogurt, fast from sugar, grapefruit seed extract in water

RESOURCES

Books

Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon and Dr. Mary Enig

Child Health Guide by Dr. Randall Neustaedter

No More Antibiotics: Preventing & Treating Ear/Respiratory Infections the Natural Way by Dr. Mary Ann Block   (ADHD, Ritalin, etc.)

Internet

http://heal-thyself.ning.com/ (home remedy central with videos and membership options)

http://www.askdrsears.com/ (naturally-minded pediatrician’s website with lots of information)

http://www.westonaprice.org/childrens-health/ (scroll down for list of children’s health articles)

Traditional Remedies for Childhood Illnesses (article)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dana-ullman/epidemic-of-fever-phobia_b_305615.html

www.vintageremedies.com Family Herbalist program from a Christian point of view

www.curetoothdecay.com Repair and re-mineralize teeth naturally with good food

http://www.nvic.org/ National Vaccine Information Center – independent watch dog group

RECIPES

Diaper rash cream – 1 Tablespoon raw honey and 2-3 drops tea tree oil http://www.marigoldlane.com/naturalparenting/diaperrash.html

Soothing ear drops – Cook 3 Tablespoons of olive oil and 5 cloves of  garlic.  Cool, strain and use if infection is starting. http://herbs.lovetoknow.com/Olive_Oil_Drops_in_the_Ear

Fire Water (AKA Master Tonic, Missionary Medicine, Natural Antibiotic)

QUESTIONS

How do you feel about taking more responsibility for your family’s health?

What two items would you like to add to your family’s home remedy kit?

Readers, do you have any memories of home remedies being used in your family growing up?