Hmmmm, does the very thought make your heart beat a little faster?
None of us relish the thought of our little lovebuds getting sick, but knowing exactly what to do really helps. I have found since we are high-raw for 8 years now, this isn’t even an issue. It is soooo rare to see my kids less than bubbling little energy balls! Both my sons have only been sick a couple of times in their entire lives, and judging by friends and family, they are experiencing unprecedented health. It is not all about the food, but the food is the foundation and actually helps to create other little changes here and there which also add to the increased quality of health in a big way. This is a fundamental drive of mine- to just allow them a childhood of freedom from pain and illness as much as possible so they can always remember what real health feels like, as most people no longer know for themselves…

I myself was always sick as a kid, became a very sick teenager, and had bottomed-out before I was 30. Now, in my mid-forties, I feel so strong and healthy, and its an incredible feeling to have never worrying about my health anymore.

Here are my tried and true tips for preventing issues, or maintaining superb health.

AT FIRST SIGNS

Whether you notice a runny nose, little cough, or just red eyes, these are all signs that your angel might be coming down with something. I have never taken my children’s temperature other than with the palm of my hand on their face, yet as soon as I feel a fever coming on, or any sign that they might be run-down, I stop everything for a moment and think about the last few days, what has been happening in their reality. Have they been staying up late, getting behind in sleep? Has there been celebrations and other functions where they have been eating differently than usual? Has there been any emotional stresses for them lately? Maybe ther is something going onthat they are anxious about…Just reflecting about their SLEEP, DIET and EMOTIONS gives me just about everything I need to know to understand what has been the catalyst for their physical symptoms.

I do not give any fever medication as I know the fever is ‘burning off’ any little critters and is actually a sign their immune system is functional. To thwart this natural response by giving ‘fever medication’ only serves to reduce the SYMPTOMS and their discomfort, but doesn’t strengthen the body. I like the discomfort! Otherwise, they are still running around when what they obviously need is rest. There are natural ways to keep a fever in check, and still allow the body to let Nature take its course; a cool cloth to the forehead, a cool bath in the tub or sponge bath, wearing wet woollen socks that have some lemon juice or lemon essential oil in the water wrapped in a towel while lying in bed, all these methods work to help the fever stay in safe range while it is doing its work.

TAKE ACTION

Step 1:
The next thing I do is create a space with my child for some mama-and-me time, where we can sit and ‘chat’. I ask them how they are feeling, and let them tell me all about what is going on with them, how it all feels for them. I just be there and just create a cozy moment with them, gathering essential details before rushing in with any talk or solutions. They feel heard and met, and their healing has already begun.

Step 2:

I know the body needs rest when it is unwell- illness is Nature’s command for silence and stillness, gentleness and peace. I create an environment either in the living room or their bedroom where they can rest which is tranquil and beautiful- clean and clutter-free, aired out, fresh flowers or even a little vase with a pretty little branch of leaves or tall grasses, and/or a candle. I always keep essential oils on hand for my cleaning, skin-care and even raw culinary preparations, and my favourite is always Lavender for an anxious or sick child. It is so soothing and relaxing and healing. Another I love is Clary Sage as it is ultra soothing when one is not feeling well. Just find one you like that is not over stimulating. However, if there is flem or infected sinuses or congestion, then Rosemary or Eucalyptus or Ravensara are great. The main idea here is to create an atmosphere of calm and comfort.

Step 3:

Serve only water, lemon/ginger tea, or fresh juices- usually cucumber with some fresh orange juice or apple- something simple and sweet so they will drink some. They may not want any, but to avoid dehydration, especially with fevers or flu, getting regular sips into them is important.

Avoid eating food as it takes a lot of energy needed for healing. Unless they are really hungry, then fruit, fresh or mashed up is great, or a healing broth of veggies and garlic and onions and herbs. The main thing here is not to clog up the system and forestall healing.

Step 4:

Avoid over-stimulation- which is one of the reasons they may be under-the-weather already. This means, no media TV/video games/computer time. Lots of rest, eyes closed, laying down, will help rally their vital forces and speed up healing. With really young kids I would suggest you take little naps with them or create lots of opportunity for ‘cuddle time’ with a book or story just to get them still, and that will often induce peaceful sleep, or at least rest. A little Classical music, or just humming/singing quietly to our little lams, is soothing and healing. Short walks to get some fresh air is really good as long as it doesn’t over-tax them, or at least, keep a window open. Offering to massage their feet or rub their back, or stroke their hair may be really appreciated.

SORE THROATS

Could be Strep Throat which is caused by bacteria called Streptococcus or a sign that chicken pox or the measles might be on the way. If you do feel it is worth taking an anti-biotic for, ensure to give the child plenty of Probiotic capsules in his food or drinks to replace his good bacteria that will be killed off.
A scratchy, sore throat is soothed with the following:

- warm drinks: lemon/ginger and honey tea

- fresh juices: a simple mixture of ¼ greens and the rest fresh orange, apple,   pear or pineapple juice

- chewable zinc lozenges with Vit C

- Slippery Elm Bark powder- take 1T and dissolve into hot water with some honey for a really soothing tea to the inflamed throat

- Keep a little pot of boiling water in the room if you don’t have a humidifier to add steam into the air (maybe with a few drops of Eucalyptus) and help moisten the dry tissues of throat and nose

- Herbal Honey- by the teaspoon or in teas: add a drop of essential oils (must be organic, pure and food grade) SAGE, EUCALYPTUS, MINT to a couple teaspoons of honey and mix thoroughly before giving to your child

COLDS

The main thing here is to avoid further congestion of the liver or bowels as the system is already clogged up, so avoid:

- eating and especially over-eating

- cooked starches, flesh foods, sugar, dairy

- keep a little pot of boiling water in the room if you don’t have a humidifier to add steam into the air (maybe with a few drops of Eucalyptus) and help moisten the dry tissues of throat and nose

- Get lots of fluids into kids, and maybe some nice warm garlic laden vegetable broths

- Gargle with warm salt water with a drop of Oregeno Oil

- use a Netti Pot (most children won’t do this)

- put a little cocnut butter or sesame oil in the inside of the nostrils

- Homeopathics: Belladonna; Arsenicum; Aconite; Antimonium tartaricum.

EARACHES

I have had the experience when I was a nanny for a house with 6 kids of being woken in the middle of the night to screams from little ones suffering from intense ear pain. Here is what works like a charm and its best if you have this on hand so you don’t have to keep your child waiting while you make it:

Garlic Oil - put a few cloves of peeled garlic into a few ounces of Olive Oil and let infuse for a week. Then remove the cloves and place the oil into fridge. All you need to do is warm up the whole jar by placing it into hot water for a couple minutes and then when it is liquid again and warm (not hot! Make sure to test before putting into your child’s ear) take a teaspoon full of the oil and have the child lie down on her side with a towel under her head, and slowly tip the oil into her ear. Have a cotton ball ready to catch the excess.

If you haven’t this on hand and an earache strikes, do this:

Peel a clove of garlic and juice it then put into a few Ounces of Olive oil and stir around. Put about ½ a teaspoon into your child’s ear as above.

You can buy in the Health Food store a little dropper bottle of a preparation already made up with garlic, oil and Lobelia herb which works too and is convenient.

- Homeopathics include Aconite, Hepar Sulph

STOMACH UPSET

It seems obvious that the body is trying to tell us not to eat right now. It needs a rest. Simple, easily digested nourishment and calm is mostly needed here. Replenish fluids if vomiting or diarrhea.

MOST IMPORTANTLY

Whatever ails your child, what helps them the very most is if you are calm and centered, content and secure. This will set a mood and will reassure them that everything will soon be back to normal again and before they know it they will be all better. Walk and talk gently and calm, and keep your voice hushed and relaxed. It’s a time of quietude and healing and your presence will support that more than anything else.

Let’s teach our kids how our bodies speak to us…and that any pain, illness or discomfort is our body’s way of getting our attention and letting us know what we need. Sometimes, getting sick is our way of creating a time of rest, or a space of love for ourselves. (ILL=I lack love) Sometimes it is a simple reaction to foods that aren’t healthy, or perhaps an unsettled emotional conflict.

This is just what I do, and I hope it might offer some insight, and is not meant to be medical advice. If you are worried, and you know your child better than anyone, then by all means seek advice from your Naturopathic or medical health practitioner. Whatever the issue, keeping a little medicine chest of Homeopathic Remedies, Bach Flower Remedies, healing Herbals like Echinacea, garlic, slippery Elm Bark, etc., and Essential Oils with a companion guide is so helpful here. The better informed we are, the more empowered we feel.

Shannon Shakaya Breeze Leone