This week please find part two of the natural remedies for the common aches and pains that come with this part of the year. Covering sore throats, ear aches, diarrhoea and tummy aches.
I wanted to add a note to last weeks remedies, the cough syrup and the hot milk recipes were calling for honey, please be aware of the fact that experts discourage the use of honey in babies younger than 12 months because of the rare possibility of being infected with the bacteria that causes botulism (Clostridium botulinum). Once a toddler reaches one year old, their digestive system is mature enough to kill any botulism germs.
And now Christmas – 34 days or so to go, depending on whether you celebrate on December 24th or 25th. Find some more suggestions at the end of this newsletter.
As always – happy reading until next week.
Claudia/Zone Bébé
Some more of grandma’s tried and tested natural remedies
For a Sore throat
Throat compress
At the beginning of a throat infection, a compress taking away the heat is required; when symptoms persist a warm wrap should be used.
How to do it: Soak a cloth in cold water, wring out slightly, drape around the neck, but without covering the spine. Cover with a dry cloth and keep in place with a woollen scarf. Leave 10 to 20 minutes and repeat after 40 to 60 minutes. Adding a little vinegar or lemon juice enhances the effect. For a warm wrap, see the potato compress for a cough.
For an Earache
Onion pouch
The onion’s essential oil eases the pain and aids blood circulation.
How to do it: Very finely chop one onion, wrap in a handkerchief and make a pouch, squeeze slightly to release the juice and place on the aching ear. Keep in place with a hat, scarf or headband. Warming the onion beforehand gives an even better effect, warm the chopped onion by dry-frying it in a pan.
Note: Please consult your doctor for earaches, as (s)he is the only one to determine the best course of action.
For Diarrhoea
Blueberry infusion
Liquid intake is important during diarrhoea, but not everything is well tolerated. A blueberry infusion soothes the intestines. This is because of the high content of tannic acid in blueberries, which has an antibacterial effect.
How to do it: Bring to the boil 1tbsp dried blueberries with 250ml water, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Then pour through a sieve.
For Tummy ache or bloating
Fennel tea
Well-tried and still unbeatable. Children prefer fennel to sage, although sage helps also against tummy ache.
How to do it: Cover 1 tbsp fennel seeds with hot (not boiling) water. Cover and leave to infuse for 5 to 10 minutes. Then pour through a sieve.
Tip: Zone Bébé offers a baby tea, that contains fennel:
http://www.zonebebe.fr/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=28_30&products_id=35
or check out this bath oil, which can be used in a warm bath or to rub on an aching tummy as it contains fennel.
http://www.zonebebe.fr/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=35_41&products_id=82
Warm cherry stone cushion
Not as heavy as a hot water bottle and the heat is more pleasant.
How to do it: Heat the cherry stone cushion in the oven or microwave, check the temperature and place on the tummy.
Tip: There are nice cherry stone cushions suitable for small children on Zone Bébé, also check out instructions of use:
http://www.zonebebe.fr/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=34_65&products_id=104
Important: Please do remember though, if you have any doubt, it is imperative to consult a doctor, who can make a correct diagnosis.
Preparing for Christmas
Why not take a nice little mixture of essential oils like orange and cinnamon or citrus fruit for the festive spirit in combination with a small diffuser?
Wrapped nicely, perfect as a gift idea (or to treat yourself and your family). Contact me for further info.
Have a look at the toy section of Zone Bébé, there are some cute ideas of wooden toys in all shapes and sizes and budgets. You will find rattles, cars, caterpillars, teething and grasping toys.
All free from any harmful substances.
http://www.zonebebe.fr/catalog/index.php?cPath=94_32&language=en
This coming week, I’ll take delivery of three teas for the festive season:
- Christmas tea, 100g – 100% organic – €5.00
Ingredients: apple, rosehip, cinnamon, hibiscus, orange peel, elderberry, cardamom, beet root, clove and vanilla.
- Sweet Winter Fruit, 20 x 3g – 100% organic – €3.00
Ingredients: cinnamon, apple, rosehip, hibiscus, orange peel, beet root, elderberry, cardamom, and clove.
- Advent calendar, 24 different teas – 100% organic – €4.70
Treat yourself to a journey through the different types of tea available at Lebensbaum (Zone Bébé’s provider of teas), each day just up to Christmas. Or take it along as a small present with a festive touch for any tea lover.
New products
This week I will also take delivery of a brand new type of soother, the MAM Perfect.
Available in sizes 0-6 months and 6+ months, BPA-free – €5.50
“MAM Perfect is a high-tech soother fulfilling the highest expectations. The innovation: thanks to Dento-FlexTM the teat neck is 60% thinner and 3 times softer than those of other soothers – confirmed in clinical tests. In this way the soother can help to reduce the risk of misaligned teeth.”
Claudia/Zone Bébé
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