Packing a Vitamin Punch With Herbs & Spices

Chances are you have at least one, if not more, picky eater in your family. Sound familiar? I feel your pain. I used to be one of those annoying moms who everyone hated because her children ate everything. Oh and I mean everything. Serve me right for being so vain because now my children will, at best, turn their nose up at everything. Well everything apart from Mac 'n' Cheese. Yuck! If I never have to make MnC again, it will be too soon! For those of you who are at wits' end because your children aren't getting enough vitamins & minerals, herbs & spices are a *great* way of sneaking some nutrition into your fussy eaters. This is going to be one of those posts I guarantee will make you stop and think, "Wow, I didn't know that!" - that was my exact reaction when I first Googled "the nutritional value of Thyme". Intrigued? Read on...

I have mentioned Thyme a lot in my previous posts, namely in relation to coughs, as it is such a great expectorant. What I didn't know was just how much nutritional 'punch' it actually had. Did you know that just 100g of fresh Thyme leaves contain large amounts of Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Vitamin A, C, B-6 & even dietary fibre? You can add Thyme to soups, pasta/pizza sauces and chicken marinades. If your children are like mine and are fond of tea, you can boil the leaves in some fresh, filtered water and add honey to sweeten. For those parents with anaemic kids that are desperate to get some Iron into their kids, this is a fantastic way to bridge some of the gap. 

Let's move on to Nettle. You may have had Nettle tea during your pregnancy if you had a midwife that tended to you as Nettle has a high percentage of Calcium and Vitamin K (Vitamin K is known for its blood clotting properties and in fact, babies in the US are routinely and controversially given a K shot at birth). Nettle is also a great source of protein oddly enough and I read somewhere that 1 serving of Nettle provides as much protein as a sink full of Kale! Add in the fact that Nettle is great for asthma and allergies and you've got yourself a super food! 

Having fun yet?! (Okay so I'm a little crazy, I'll admit it. It's also kinda late and I'm sleepy so don't be too harsh when judging)

Next stop and one of my faves, Fennel Seed. Fennel is a carminative as I've said before and is wonderful for tummy ailments. My usual use for it is in my Tummylicious Tea recipe but was pleasantly surprised to find out that it has high concentrations of Calcium, Iron & Vitamin C! I love the taste of Fennel and can have it by itself but the easiest way to give it to a smaller child is in the form of a tea.

You may have heard of Turmeric, another spice that is known for its antioxidant & antiseptic properties. Turmeric is great at fighting infection and people in the subcontinent use it for a variety of different  ailments ranging from arthritis to coughs. It has a high proportion of the mineral Manganese which activates enzymes needed to absorb several key nutrients in the body e.g. biotin which is needed for healthy hair and skin. It also has large amounts of Iron and also Potassium. In Pakistan, we add Turmeric powder to our curries so it is part of everyday cooking. You can make a tea out of it or add a few shakes to honey to give to your child. 

Parsley is a good herb to have at hand for both taste buds and nutrition alike! It is an excellent source of Vitamin A, C & K and also has good amounts of Iron, Folate & Potassium. Use fresh leaves on pizza or add it to sandwiches. I use it often as a topping for Garlic Bread and salads. It is rich in flavonoids which are antioxidants that help fight infections.

This is just a sampling of herbs & spices that you can use to enhance your child's vitamin and mineral intake. Other common herbs include Basil, Peppermint, Coriander & Dandelion and spices such as Black Pepper, Cloves & Cinnamon all of which have something to offer when it comes to fighting disease and strengthening the body overall. 

Spice up your life!

~S~

Tackling Tummy Bugs

We've all been there. That moment when it truly dawns on you that not only are you a parent to your children but often a very convenient receptacle for them to throw up in. Ah yes, the joys of parenthood! Thankfully, there are some really effective remedies out there that work quickly and effectively to tackle stomach infections, most of which you either have in your kitchen or can easily procure.

Tummylicious Tea

My mom's recipe for instant relief! Not being one to really adhere to exact proportions (except when I'm baking) I usually just throw in a handful each of:

-- Cardamom seeds (black is better but green will do)

-- Fennel seeds

-- Fresh mint (dried can work too)

Boil in clean, filtered water and then let it brew for 5-10 minutes. Voila! You have an instant fix for diarrhoea and children will love it because it smells and tastes yummy! Safe enough for a baby and not toxic in large amounts so you can dose throughout the day. For a baby I would give a teaspoon or so several times a day. For an older child, you can sweeten with honey and give as much as they'll take. You can also add some freshly grated ginger, especially if your child has abdominal cramps as ginger has anti-spasmodic properties.

Raw Honey (not for children under 1)

I've mentioned raw honey in several previous posts and so I'm sure you can tell by now that I love the stuff! Won't bore you with the detail again but the short of it is to give your child raw honey by the teaspoon several times a day and let it work its magic.

Yoghurt

Probiotics are an essential part of any healthy tummy and aid in the replenishing of the intestinal flora which can get depleted through use of antibiotics. Go for Greek, plain yoghurt or kefir which is a fermented milk drink and has even more of a punch when it comes to that friendly bacteria we need.

Some BRAT for your brat

The BRAT diet is a well known approach to dealing with gastroenteritis and consists of adding bananas, rice, apple sauce and toast to your diet for a few days. While this is not recommended as the sole diet during a tummy bug, it can be incorporated along side other neutral foods like clear broths, yoghurt as mentioned above and potatoes to gently nourish the stomach while it's recovering. If your child is actively vomiting and cannot even retain water or liquids, you should concentrate on preventing dehydration first and then move to solids. While we're talking about diet, there are some foods you should avoid giving your child when he/she has a tummy bug, primarily dairy but also processed, sugary foods that weaken the immune system and prevent efficient healing.

Home made ORS

A child that is vomiting or has diarrhoea not only needs to be kept hydrated through constant water intake but also needs replenishment of lost electrolytes which are essential for a healthy functioning body. Over the counter ORS is usually laden with unnecessary chemicals and you can just as easily make one at home that serves the purpose and is good for your child too. The following is a WHO recommended ORS which gets the glucose/sodium balance correct but I have added some OJ which will also replenish Potassium.

Measure 1/2 tsp of salt into a large jug. Add 1 tsp of baking soda (not baking powder!). Add 6 tsp of brown or unbleached white sugar. Measure in 8 oz of orange juice. Add water up to the 1 litre mark and stir to combine.

Administer throughout the day and safe for babies too. 

Other useful therapies

-- Chamomile tea: also aids in relaxing the stomach and nerves!

-- Essential oils like German/Roman Chamomile, Lavender and Peppermint massaged onto the chest 

-- Look into homeopathic remedies such as Veratrum Album (cold sweat, very weak), Arsenicum Album (restless, burning stools, cause often spoiled meat), Colocynthis (cramps make your child double over and pressure helps), Podophyllum (watery, explosive and painless stools that are preceded by rumbling in the tummy).

-- Reflexology: see post on Constipation for relevant points on foot to massage

Most importantly, stay calm and keep your child calm too! Use Lavender, Rescue Remedy and Chamomile tea to help both of you relax. 

This too shall pass (literally)!

~S~

My First Aid Box

Greetings people!

A handymom not only needs tools but good ones! I can't imagine not having some essential items with me at all times so I thought I would write up a list of what to have at hand for dealing with some of the more common ailments and first aid. Some of these can be found in your local grocery store but for others, you may need to order online or go to specialty stores (for where to buy, have a look at the related tab on my home page). Most are suitable for babies but I have indicated if not.

Aloe Vera (topical only)

Aloe is one of nature's little wonders. Cut a little piece of the flesh from inside a leaf and apply to acne, wounds, insect bites and burns and you'll find instant relief. Be careful around small children as it is very bitter and although there are certain camps that advocate eating it, I wouldn't give it to a child unless indicated by a holistic professional. 

Arnica

Homeopathic Arnica is great for bumps and bruises. The easiest way to use it is to massage a little on the affected area as soon as you can. The quicker you can get to it, the less chance a bump or bruise will even form. You can also administer it in pill form and this works well for excessive muscle strain or even for preventing pain at the dentist. Many women also use it to help with post childbirth trauma and some even take it prior to labour to help with pain.

Bach Flower Kids' Rescue Remedy (avoid giving to babies but works great for children over 1)

These safe, non toxic essences are made from flowers and address emotional issues by gently restoring the body's equilibrium. There are a total of 38 different essences but the one to have at hand is the "Rescue Remedy" which is a combination of 5 of the essences and can be used in times of stress or in emergencies. Great for calming down an anxious child (& mom!).

Calendula Ointment

"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways!" Calendula is nothing short of a miracle - homeopathic Calendula i.e. (For more on homeopathy, see my links section on the home page). This ointment has been my saving grace for diaper rashes (for some reason the ointment works better for me, not the gel or cream) and for cuts/scrapes and even eczema. Calendula is known for its soothing properties and for reducing inflammation. (Note for new moms: I used Calendula ointment for my stitches postpartum with Z and I healed much quicker than I did with R.) 

Essential Oils

Always dilute in oil before rubbing on a child's skin (Almond is a good one). You can also put a drop or two in a humidifier.

Lavender - promotes sleep, relaxant

Roman Chamomile (beware if you're allergic to ragweed) - good for colic if rubbed on tummy. Very effective when combined with Lavender. Can also help with teething babies that are irritable - rub on their chests and tummies and can also rub gently into affected jaw

Eucalyptus Radiata (better not to use with a newborn baby. Can use after 6 months and even then very diluted) - very effective for colds and coughs. Promotes easy breathing, especially for colds with the sniffles

Echinacea - (not recommended for children under 1. If younger and you are breast feeding, you can take it yourself and it will be passed to your child)

Echinacea is a great herb to have at hand. You can buy it in tablet form or in liquid. Although some literature says there's no real difference, I am a firm believer in the tincture and you can get the orange flavoured kind (alcohol free) which my children love. You can mix it in some water or juice if you find it a little strong but I usually just drop it directly into their mouths :-) Why add more dishes to wash than you need to??!!

During a cold or any other illness in fact, giving regular doses of echinacea (I usually do a dose every hour for the first couple of days) speeds up the recovery time and if you catch it early enough, can even prevent a full blown attack. The key *and I can't stress this enough* is to dose frequently and according to weight. It's usually a drop per pound but check the label as different companies may have other recommendations.

For preventative use, dose a few times a day and follow the "1 week on 1 week off" rule as it loses its potency if administered for too long in one go.

Fennel seeds

Fennel is a great carminative (i.e. helps to expel trapped wind) and can be used for colic. Best way to dose a young 'un is by boiling a tablespoon of seeds in a few cups of water and letting it steep into a tea for a few minutes. Add to a bottle or give a few drops with a spoon. For mothers like me who wanted to exclusively bf for a given time, take the fennel tea yourself throughout the day and the benefits should pass through you. Gripe water which is big across the pond in the UK usually contains fennel but, in my opinion, giving it without the added preservatives is more effective. (Note for bf moms, drinking fennel tea can also promote milk supply).

Garlic Mullein Oil

This oil does wonders for ear infections. The garlic component fights the infection (it is a natural antibiotic) and mullein is a flower that has soothing properties and helps with the inflammation and pain. Warm the bottle by sitting it in hot water for a few minutes and then put a few drops into the affected ear every few hours for the first few days. You can plug the ear with a cotton ball for maximum benefit. I fought off a bad case Z when she was 2 with this and Echinacea and managed to avoid giving her antibiotics. Also, interestingly, she never got one after that.

GSE

Grapefruit Seed Extract is a natural antibiotic and helps fight infections in a similar fashion to Echinacea. The key again is to give often and for a few days at least. It is extremely bitter so please don't ever give it undiluted! I usually mix it in some juice (the sweeter ones are better, try mango and orange for e.g.) and give a 'shot' every few hours. 

Vitamin C

I had always heard that Vitamin C was a good preventative remedy and was also effective in warding off infections if taken in high doses. I got firsthand experience of this when I saw how giving it to Z in the early stages of her cold managed to prevent it from getting out of hand and from going to her chest (which unfortunately is the case with her every time she gets a cold. Sigh.). Sounding like a broken record I know, but you  do need to give it often for it to truly do its thing and since this vitamin is water-soluble, it is not toxic even in very high amounts. I usually give the kids a tablespoon of the liquid variety (see my Where to Buy section) every hour until I see a noticeable difference. 

Get in touch if you have any questions!


Smiles,


~S~