Aromatherapy 101 (Guest Post!)

The following educational explanation of Aromatherapy was kindly submitted by a dear friend as a guest post. The author is a wife, mother of three darling children, and has her masters degree in Chemistry.  Please enjoy and we hope you can glean some helpful information for you and your family! Happy Healthing!

 
Aromatherapy is defined as “the skilled and controlled use of essential oils for physical and emotional health and well-being” (Valerie Gennari Cooksley “Aromatherapy: A Lifetime Guide to Healing with Essential Oils” pg. 3).

The Making of Essential Oils:

Essential oils are derived from various parts of plants. They are generally created by distilling (boiling) the parts of the plant that contain the oils, such as the leaves or flowers, in  water and capturing the vapor that results. This vapor is cooled and the oil is separated from the water layer. Some essential oils can simply be expressed, or squeezed, from the plant such as limonene from orange rinds. Cooksley explains that “plants contain from 0.01 to 10% essential oil content… the average amount found in most aromatic plants is about 1 to 2%” (pg. 5).

Essential Oil versus Tincture – Concentration is Key:

A tincture is made using a similar distillation process as an essential oil except that a solvent other than water is used to extract the oil. This causes the tincture to be less concentrated than an essential oil. To give you an idea of how concentrated an essential oil is Cooksley states that “one drop of essential equals about thirty cups of herbal tea” (pg. 4). Also, “sometimes these oils can be 75 to 100 times more concentrated than the fresh herb” (pg. 5).  

So Why Are Essential Oils So Expensive?:

The process of extracting a pure essential oil, free from any other solvents, is not very complicated. The reason that certain oils are more expensive than others has to do with how much plant material it takes to produce the oil. “Bulgarian Rose oil takes approximately four thousand pounds of hand-picked flower petals to make 1 pound of oil, making it one of the most expensive oils that can be purchased. In comparison, Lavender, French fine, yields one pound of essential oil from about one hundred pounds of plant material” (Cooksley, pg. 9).

Finding Pure Essential Oils Without Breaking the Bank:

Making sure you are getting a pure essential oil and not paying too much at the same time can be difficult. The only way to be sure that it is a pure oil is to have it tested by a big fancy machine called a gas chromatograph and have a chemist (that’s me!) verify that there are no impurities. Short of that, remember you want organic plant material that was raised without the use of pesticides. You want to make sure that the company is using water to extract and not another solvent. You also need to make sure that you are getting natural essential oils and not synthetic ones – chemists can mimic certain compounds, but creating a synthetic composition of compounds that truly mimics the natural substance is next to impossible (trust me!).  “If they are labeled ‘perfume’ essential oils, ‘fragrance’ or ‘potpourri’ essential oils, they are of synthetic composition” (Cooksley, pg. 9).

After looking through many companies, I settled on purchasing my first oils from an Oregon-based company called Mountain Rose Herbs (www.mountainroseherbs.com). They had the highest quality oils for very reasonable prices and they also sell a plethora of carrier oils, supplies such as vials, and other fun things such as teas and bulk spices.

Starter Essential Oils:

So now that you have decided to start a collection of essential oils, what ones do you purchase first? Cooksley recommends starting with a few common, affordable, and safe ones such as Lavender, Geranium, Peppermint, Lemon, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, and Cedarwood. What oils you decide to purchase will be based on what you intend to use them for. Do you have an illness you are specifically treating? Do you want supplies for pregnancy or children? Are you simply using the oils to make bath products?

In my case, I was pregnant and had two little children at home so I was specifically looking for oils to assist in childbirth and with problems for tiny ones. I settled on purchasing 3 essential oils: Peppermint, Lavender, and Chamomile (Roman). I paid $13 for one ounce of peppermint, $10.25 for half an ounce of lavender, and $27.25 for 1/8 ounce of roman chamomile. I decide on sweet almond oil as a carrier oil for some of  the recipes and purchased 16 ounces for $9. I also purchased a few sizes of amber bottles for storage, droppers, and a 4 oz cobalt glass bottle with spray top. This put my total at around $75 for my starter kit (again, everything was purchased at www.mountainroseherbs.com).

Storing Your Oils:

Essential oils need to be protected from light. Storing them in an amber or cobalt colored bottled is essential. Light breaks down the compounds in the oils rendering them impotent. It is also essential that they be kept cool – at least room temperature. Some carrier oils keep longer if stored in the refrigerator, but your essential oils can be kept in a cool, dark cabinet or cupboard. Be sure you keep the lids screwed on tightly and do not use eye dropper lids with rubber bulbs to store your oils long term as the oils can break down the rubber. When your oil bottle gets below half full it is best to re-bottle as these oils are sensitive to oxidation when exposed to air. Cooksley states, “When these guidelines are kept and storage is ideal, you can expect most of your oils to last 2 to 5 years” (pg. 12).

How Are Essential Oils Absorbed by Your Body:

“Essential oils penetrate the body in two ways: through the nose and the skin” (Cooksley, pg. 12).

Through the nose, you are not actually absorbing most of the compound into your system. Instead, breathing in the oils stimulates your olfactory bulb and your brain to have specific reactions, such as the release of endorphins. The aromatic compounds in essential oils will also stick to the tiny olfactory hairs in your nose, which allows you to continually breath these healing compounds.

Absorption through your skin happens very easily through the pores and hairs on the surface of your skin. These oils are usually low in molecular weight and are easily excreted by your body. Cooksley says that “it takes anywhere from 15 minutes to 12 hours for these essences to be fully absorbed. It takes about 3 to 6 hours to expel or metabolize them in a normal healthy body, and up to 12 to 14 hours for an unhealthy, obese body” (pg. 15). Using carrier oils can increase the absorption rate as some vegetable oils are higher in weight and thus take a longer time to be absorbed by your skin.

Safety With Essential Oils:

There are certain oils that are not advised for personal use and are considered toxic, carcinogenic (cancer causing), cautionary (only use with professional help), phototoxic (increase the reaction of skin to sun), or dangerous to use during pregnancy. Here area few quick lists of oils to avoid for these situations (Cooksley, pg. 19-20).

Hazardous Oils:

Ajowan, Arnica, Bitter Almond, Boldo Leaf, Buchu, Calamus, Camphor (yellow or brown), Caraway, Cassia, Cinnamon, Clove, Elecampane Root, Horseradish, Jaborandi, Mugwort, Mutard, Parsley Seed, Pennyroyal, Peru Balsam, Rue, Sage, Santolina, Sassafras, Savin, Savory, Southernwood, Tansy, Thuja, Tonka bean, Wintergreen, Wormseed, and Woormwood.

Phototoxic Oils:

Angelica Root, all absolutes and concretes, Bergamot (expressed), Cumin, Ginger, Grapefruit, Lemon (expressed), Lemon Verbena, Lime (expressed), Mandrin, and Orange (expressed).

Avoid During Pregnancy Oils:

Aniseed, Armois, Basil, Birch, Cornmint, Fennel, Hyssop, Lavender stoechas, Lavender Cotton, Marjoram, Myrrh, Oregano, Pimenta racemosa, Plecanthrus, Star Anise, and Tarragon.

Please be sure and review the proper use of each essential oil before you use it. Be sure to research how you should dilute it, how it should be absorbed, what it treats, and what side effects it might have.  Cooksley’s book has many wonderful recipes as well detailed instructions on using oils the three main ways – in an aromatic bath, as an application to the skin, and as an inhalant therapy.

Aromatherapy Recipes

The following is an organized list put together by a good friend of mine.  While pregnant with her third child, she took the time to type out her favorite recipes from the book by Valerie Gennari Cooksley, "Aromatherapy: A Lifetime Guide to Healing Essential Oils".

While the list seems daunting, grab a cup of herbal tea and sift through to get some ideas that might fit you and your family. :-)  Happy Healthing!
*note: prices at the end may have changed since this was gathered about a year ago*

Peaceful Sleep:

14 drops Lavender

4 drops Marjoram

2 drops Clary Sage

Add to 4 oz distilled water to make a room mister. Shake before each use.

Peaceful Sleep Bath:

4 drops Lavender

3 drops Marjoram

3 drops Lime

carrier of choice

Add the oils to your carrier and mix completely. After the bath has filled, add the aromatic mixture and stir with your hands. Soak for 20 to 30 minutes.

Peaceful Sleep Inhalation Blend:

3 parts Lavender

2 parts Marjoram

2 parts Lime

1 part Mandarin

To make a large amount, enough to use in a diffuser: Measure each part with an eye dropper or teaspoon. To make a small amount, to be used with an aroma lamp, light ring, etc.: Measure each part by drops.

Peaceful Sleep Body Oil (to ease night sweats and promote sleep):

4 tbls. Vegetable oil

1 tsp Borage or Evening Primrose Oil

10 drops Lavender

6 drops Grapefruit

5 drops Marjoram

4 drops Cypress

In an amber glass bottle, add the essential oils. Add 1 tsp. of borage or evening primrose oil (or combination). Add the vegetable oil and shake well. Label contents. Apply nightly on chest and neck areas. This is a body oil and can be used freely on the body.

Massage Oil for Backache (especially during pregnancy):

4 tbls. Vegetable oil

5 drops Lavender

3 drops Rosemary

3 drops Sandalwood

1 drop Geranium

In a 2 oz. amber glass bottle, add the essential oils. Be sure to measure the exact amounts carefully. Add the vegetable oil or sweet almond oil. Shake well and label contents. To apply this oil simply pour a small amount on the palms of your hands and rub together to warm. Apply by massaging into the sacrum and lower back area for a few minutes. Apply counter-pressure with your thumbs, as this can bring additional relief. Take a few deep, relaxing breaths.

Inhalation Synergy Blend for Labor (to ease pain, promote relaxation and centeredness):

8 parts Lavender

1 part Frankincense

*Perhaps use as a mist sprayer in 4 oz distilled water. Could also place a few drops of the mixture on a cotton ball in a baggie for inhalation as needed.

Labor Oil (a pain-relieving blend):

2 tbls. Sweet almond or vegetable oil

2 tbls. St. John’s Wort or Arnica infusion oil

8 drops Lavender

3 drops Clary Sage

1 drop Chamomile

In an amber glass bottle, mix the essential oils with the carrier oils. Combine well by shaking the bottle and label contents with directions for use. Warm a small amount of oil in your hands before applying to the lower abdomen or lower back area (sacrum).

Post-Delivery Peri-Wash:

7 ounces warm distilled water

2 tbls. Witch hazel

1 drop Lavender

1 drop Patchouli

In a clean plastic bottle, add the essential oils and witch hazel. Shake well. Add the warm water and shake again to mix well. Before using this peri-wash solution, you must shake it very well as the essential oils float to the top quickly. Alternatively, you can mix the essential oils in a little honey to emulsify them, making them water-soluble. After voiding, rinse the perineum with this aromatic solution to be fresh and clean.

Post-Partum Depression Synergy Blend (to balance and uplift):

4 parts Lavender

2 parts Ylang Ylang

2 parts Clary Sage

1 part Bergamot

1 part Mandarin

Mix the above essential oils in an amber glass bottle with screw top. For a large amount, use an eye dropper or teaspoon as the measure. If a smaller amount is needed, simply count them out as drops, using the above ratios.

*Perhaps use as a mist spray in 4 oz of water. Can also be used in a bath, in a diffuser, or applied on the skin in a lotion or oil. Can also have a few drops placed on a cotton ball in a baggie and inhaled when needed.

Bug Off Skin Oil (to apply to the skin; avoid the eyes):

2 tbls. Vegetable oil

5 drops Cedarwood

4 drops Lemon (optional, substitute Lemongrass, Rosemary, or Eucalyptus)

2 drops Geranium

1 drop Citronella

In a plastic squeeze bottle, add the essential oils. Omit the lemon oil if you plan on being in the direct sunlight and substitute. Add 2 tbls of vegetable oil and shake well. Label contents with directions for use.

Aromatic Oil for Baby (to prevent and treat diaper rash):

4 tbls. Calendula infusion oil

10 drops Lavender

1 drop Chamomile

In a 2-oz amber glass bottle, add the essential oils. All lavender oil can be used in lieu of the chamomile. Add the calendula oil. Shake to mix well. Label with directions for use. Apply on dry skin, in small amounts.

Aromatic Massage Oil for Children (a relaxing hand or foot massage blend):

2 tbls. Warm vegetable oil

5-10 drops Lavender or Mandarin or a combination

Mix the essential oil in the warm vegetable oil.

Mellow Mist (a room spray to relax):

1 cup distilled water

20 drops Mandarin

10 drops Lavender

5 drops Marjoram

5 drops Sandalwood

a spray bottle with a fine mist nozzle

Fill a spray bottle with 1 cup of distilled water. Add the essential oils. Shake well before each use, as the essential oils float to the top of the water and are not soluble in the water on their own. Use this aromatic water to mist a room, furniture, pillowcase, or the telephone.

Teething Oil:

1 tbls. Olive oil

1 drop Chamomile

Add the essential oil to the olive oil. Rub a small amount onto the affected gum line. Store in a small amber glass bottle with an eyedropper and label. Keep it in the refrigerator for future use, as the cool oil will provide additional relief. Take it out a few minutes before applying, as the olive oil will thicken.

Re-Charge Synergy Blend:

6 parts Lavender

3 parts Basil (not to be used during pregnancy)

2 parts Pine

1 part Nutmeg

Mix the essential oils in an amber glass bottle. Use a few drops in an aroma lamp or inhale from a tissue. Ideally, this blend is nice to use in a diffuser to disperse the essential oils into the room air two or three times per day.

Nature’s Answer (an inhalation blend for mild depression):

4 parts Clary Sage

4 parts Ylang Ylang

3 parts Geranium

2 parts Basil (not to be used during pregnancy)

1 part Sandalwood

Mix the above essential oils in an amber glass bottle. Label. To use in a diffuser, simply add to the bottle or reservoir for the apparatus. If using this blend in an aroma lamp or simmering pot, add 4 to 6 drops and allow to diffuse into the room.

Aromatic Bath for the Blues (for mild bouts of depression):

¼ cup Honey (or other carrier)

3 drops Lavender

3 drops Ylang Ylang

2 drops Basil (not to be used during pregnancy)

2 drops Geranium

1 drop Grapefruit

Mix the essential oils in the honey. Fill the bathtub with warm water then add the aromatic honey mixture. Stir well using your hands. Soak for 20 to 30 minutes.

Elation Formulation (a concentrated massage oil for mild depression):

2 tbls sweet almond oil (or vegetable oil)

1 tsp. Wheat Germ Oil

8 drops Lavender

8 drops Ylang Ylang

2 drops Basil (not to be used during pregnancy)

2 drops Geranium

2 drops Bergamot

In an amber glass bottle, add the essential oils. Add the sweet almond oil and wheat germ oil. Shake gentle to mix well. Label. To use apply a small amount onto the back of the hands and chest area. Inhale the essences from the back of the hands. The oils will also be absorbed through the skin. Apply two or three times a day.

Kiss Me Mouthwash:

1 cup distilled water

1 tsp raw honey

2 drops Peppermint

2 drops Spearmint

1 drop Anise

Measure out honey into measuring cup. Add the essential oils, not exceeding 6 drops total. Mix well with the honey. Add a small amount of warm distilled water to the honey until completely dissolved. Add the remaining amount of water. Bottle and label. Shake well before each use and swish for 30 to 60 seconds.  For optimal freshness make weekly.

Steam Inhalation for Catarrh (to loosen and expectorate mucus):

Ceramic or glass bowl

4 cups hot water

2 drops eucalyptus

1 drop cedarwood

a towel

Pour hot water into bowl. Add 2 or 3 drops of the essential oils listed above. Hold head over bowl (about 8 inches from water) and cover your head with the towel to form a tent. Keep eyes closed during this treatment. Slowly and deeply inhale through the nose and mouth. Steam for 5 to 10 minutes for full benefit. Pat face and neck area dry with towel. Keep neck and chest covered and warm following treatment. Follow with chest rub.

Chest Rub for Catarrh (for stuffy nose):

2 oz vegetable oil

20 drops Eucalyptus

5 drops Basil (not recommended during pregnancy)

5 drops Peppermint

5 drops Cedarwood

In an amber glass bottle add the above essential oils. Then pour the 2 ounces of vegetable oil into the bottle. Shake well and label. This oil is to be applied to the upper chest area, lower neck, and back (between the shoulder blades and base of neck). Inhale the essential oils from your hands following the application. Use 2 or 3 times per day, preferably in the early morning and at bedtime.

Steam Inhalation for Sinusitis (for relief of sinus congestion, a pulmonary antiseptic):

Ceramic or glass bowl

4 cups of hot water

1 drop Eucalyptus

1 drop Tea Tree Oil

1 drop Pine

Towel

Pour the hot water in a bowl and add the essential oils. Form a tent over your head with the towel. Keep your eyes closed and place your head approximately 8 inches from the water level to prevent a steam burn. Set a timer for convenience, and inhale slowly and deeply for 10 minutes. This steam treatment should be done at least twice per day, three times if infection is present.

Open Sesame Sinus Oil (massage oil/nose drops for sinusitis):

1 tbls. Sesame oil

3 drops Lavender

2 drops Eucalyptus

1 drop Peppermint

To the sesame oil, add the correct amount of the above essential oils. Mix well.

To use as a massage oil: Apply sparingly to the face in the areas of the affected sinuses. Avoid the eyes as much as possible. Massage into the skin until absorbed. Inhale from finger tips before washing hands well. May be used three times a day.

To use as nose drops: Tilt head back and, using an eyedropper, place 1 drop of the above sinus oil mix into each nostril. OR use direction to inhale oil from finger. May be used up to three times per day.

Cold and Flu Relief (1^st line of defense for combating colds):

4 drops Hyssop

3 drops Rosemary

3 drops Peppermint

3 drops Eucalyptus

3 drops Lemon

Combine the above essential oils in a small amber bottle. There is a total of 16 drops in this recipe. To use in a steam inhalation, put 3 or 4 drops of the combined oiled in a bowl of hot water. Do at least 2 or 3 treatments per day, especially at the first day of onset of symptoms for best results. You can also use half the recipe above to use in an aromatic bath. Bathe in a hot tub for at least 15 minutes. Dry yourself completely and wrap up in a cotton terry bathrobe or blanket. Rest for a half hour or more.

Aromatic Chest Rub I (for moist coughs):

2 tbls. Vegetable oil

12 drops Eucalyptus

8 drops Hyssop

4 drops Rosemary

Mix the essential oils in with the vegetable oil. Store in amber glass bottle and label. Massage upper chest are and lower neck, both front and back. Inhale essences from hands several times before washing them. Use twice per day.

Aromatic Chest Rub II (for dry coughs):

2 tbls. Vegetable oil

12 drops Eucalyptus

6 drops Hyssop

3 drops Pine

3 drops Lemon

Combine the essential oils with the vegetable oil. Store in an amber glass bottle and label. Massage on upper chest and lower neck area on both front and back. Inhale essences from hands before washing them well. Use twice per day.

Sweet Dreams (Valerie’s Sleep Pillow Recipe):

4 parts Sweet Woodruff (smells like fresh mown hay)

2 parts Lemon Balm

2 parts Lavender

1 part each of the following: Hops, Rosebuds, Chamomile, Marjoram, Thyme, Sage, Rosemary (grind the leaves so they don’t poke through the pillow), Southernwood, Mugwort, and Cinnamon

1 part powdered or finely ground Orris Root

Lavender, Chamomile, and Marjoram essential oils

Mix the above combination of sleep-inducing herbs, flowers, and spices in a large bowl. If you are making one pillow, the portions can be 1 tablespoon = 1 part. If you are making enough for gifts, use 1 cup = 1 part. However, when it comes time to add the essential oils, add about 3 to 5 drops per pillow. To do this, simply count out the drops onto the orris root and mix well with a spoon or mortar and pestle. Then add this to the premixed herbs in the bowl. Put about 1 to 1.5 cups of herbs into each pillow, depending on the size. Sew up the opening. Now tuck your sleep pillow inside our bed pillow. Sweet dreams…

Best Carrier Oil Options:

-          Sweet Almond Oil

-          Sunflower Oil

-          Olive Oil

-          Sesame Oil

-          Unscented Body Lotion

Measurement Help:

1 cc  = 1 mL = 20 drops

1 oz = ~30 mL

SO: 1/8 oz = 75 drops, ¼ oz = 150 drops, ½ oz = 300 drops, 1 oz = 600 drops

All Prices from Rose Mountain Herbs:

Lavender - $17.50/oz

Marjoram, Sweet - $18.50/oz

Clary Sage - $25.50/oz

Lime - $7/oz

Mandarin - $21/oz

Grapefruit – $17/oz

Cypress - $24.50/oz

Rosemary - $9/oz

Sandalwood - $143/oz

Geranium - $32/oz

Frankincense - $35/oz

Chamomile (Roman) - $140/oz

Patchouli - $19/oz

Ylang Ylang - $29.50/oz

Bergamot - $28/oz

Cedarwood (Atlas) - $7/oz

Lemon - $9/oz

Citronella - $4/oz

Peppermint - $13/oz

Tea Tree Oil - $9/oz

Spearmint - $8.50/oz

Anise - $7/oz

Basil - $15/oz

Pine, Scotch - $12/oz

Hyssop - $26/oz

Eucalyptus - $4/oz

Sweet Almond Oil - $9/16 oz

Sesame Oil - $8.50/16 oz

St. John’s Wort Infusion Oil - $8.71/2 oz

Arnica Infusion Oil - $19.50/2 oz

Borage or Evening Primrose Oil - $33/16 oz

Calendual Infusion Oil - $7.75/2 oz

Witch Hazel Extract - $6/16 oz.

Amber Bottles:

1/24 oz - $0.75/ea

1/8 oz - $0.75/ea

¼ oz with screw cap - $1/ea

½ oz with screw cap - $1/ea

1 oz with screw cap - $1/ea

2 oz with screw cap - $1.25/ea

4 oz with screw cap - $1.75/ea

8 oz with screw cap - $2.75/ea

Cobalt Glass Bottles:

4 oz with screw cap - $1.50/ea  - for spray bottles

Large Black Fingertip Mister – Fits 4 oz Cobalt - $0.75/ea

Glass Droppers:

For 4 oz bottles - $0.60/ea

For 2 oz bottles - $0.50/ea

For 1 oz bottles - $0.50/ea

For ½ oz bottles - $0.50/ea

For ¼ oz bottles - $0.60/ea

Plastic Bottles – for Peri-Wash:

4 oz bottle - $0.70/ea

(picture from http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2013/058/5/e/tea_time_by_francescadelfino-d5wanlt.jpg)

Nip It BY the Bud Concoction

Herbs. Natural remedies. Homemade empowerment. Nothing can feel more amazing than knowing you helped stop an infection, illness, or treated a wound all on your own without even having to consider a trip to the doctor!  What a great and wonderful thing!  My husband and I were blessed to experience yet another instance of herbs helping solve a health issue.

My husband had just returned from a business trip to New York, and the next day he came home from work not feeling well at ALL.  Now, my husband is not the whimpy type.  No sir!  Half of the time, one wouldn't even know he was feeling ill!  So for him to drag himself in the door and collapse in the recliner told me something was quite wrong.  I asked him what about him was feeling poorly, and he described the beginning symptoms of Influenza A.  Fever, muscle aches, body temperature extremes accompanied with chills and reciprocating hot flashes, extreme tiredness, and the beginnings of a sore throat.

Time for Maggie's "Nip it BY the Bud" concoction, which is my own recipe for extreme immune boost.  I call it Nip it BY the bud because that's exactly what we're using: buds of herbs essentially. :-)  This recipe is intended to make as a soothing tea, so grab your kettle, mug, tea ball or bag, and the following pieces of your own home pharmacy!

-1 herbal tea bag (no caffeine, I used honey chamomile because I wanted the healing properties of chamomile)

In tea ball:

-1 tsp. rose hips

-1 tsp. catnip

Add after the above ingredients have seeped 3-4min.

-1 dropper elderberry extract

-15 to 20 drops liquid echinacea  

-1 tsp. local honey, as a sweetener (optional)

*Serve 3-4 times during the day*

**Also administer 2 calcium citrate or calcium-magnesium to bring down the FEVER**

Ta Da! To be honest, I wasn't sure this would work, but the next morning he woke up feeling much better, and improved throughout the day as I continued to give him this Immune Boosting tea. :-)  With the onset of illness, there is not a moment to lose to help your body fight off the infection!  Happy Healthing! 

    

 

 

The Basics of Herbs for Mommies

Please see my video here
Common Childhood Illnesses with Herbal Home Remedies

Constipation: inability to have a bowel movement, stomach cramping, loss of appetite

            -RHUBARB or RHUBARB JUICE 

            -PRUNE JUICE

            -1 tsp per day FLAX SEED OIL

            -MOVEMENT and MASSAGE

 

Colic/Gas: crying, fussing baby, inconsolable. Cries during the night, esp if baby is a back-sleeper.

            -FENNEL SEED tea (mix with milk in bottle)

            -CATNIP and FENNEL SEED extract (rub on tummy, or a few drops under tongue. Follow label directions)

Common Cold/Flu: symptoms include fever, muscle aches, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, congestion, headache

            -ECHINACIA extract or tea (follow label instructions)

            -add FRESH GARLIC to diet

            -ELDERBERRY extract or syrup

            -ROSE HIPS extract or tea (high in Vitamin C)

            -cut sugar and increase fruits/veggie intake

            -increase fluids

Diarrhea: VERY dangerous for infants. Dehydration occurs fast.

            -treat the ROOT CAUSE

            -DRAMATICALLY INCREASE FLUIDS

            -Activated Charcoal to treat any bad bacteria in stomach

            -if charcoal is not working, try GINGER ROOT or RED RASPBERRY LEAF TEA

            -other options for a child over 2 are BAYBERRY and BARBERRY together

            -other options for child under 2 are PROPOLIS RESIN, OLIVE LEAF, and     ELDERBERRY extract

Ear Infection: characterized by fever, fussiness, shrieking in pain, pulling at the ear, and even foul smell coming from the ear. May also notice swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the neck below ear.

            -TEA TREE OIL mixed with equal parts OLIVE OIL (5-10 drops, insert small piece cotton ball)

            -PEELED GARLIC diluted in OLIVE OIL (about half a clove crushed per 50 drops Olive Oil)

Fever: rising body temperature is a sign that the body is fighting off an infection.  Muscle aches signify an advanced fever wherein the body is being depleted of calcium, which powers white blood cells.

            -CALCIUM CITRATE (2 pills for adults, 1 for children under 12, and a half pill ground up into juice/bottle for under 2 years old. Continue until fever is gone)   *CANNOT overdose calcium*

           -see my blog post about how calcium brings down a fever

Growing Pains: pain in arms/legs, much like shin splints. Most often occur at night. A child actually should not have growing pains as it is a sign of a calcium deficiency.

            -CALCIUM CITRATE (2 pills/day for children over 12, 1 pill/day for under 12)

Poisoning: call local Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (PUT THAT IN YOUR CELL PHONE RIGHT NOW!) and 911 if advised to

            -immediately induce vomiting (have child ingest 1/3 cup hydrogen peroxide)

            -give ACTIVATED CHARCOAL (Adults 2 capsules. Children 1 capsule.  Children under 2, a half capsule opened and put into water/small amount of juice

            -see my blog post about Activated Charcoal

Stomach Bug: cramping, possible fever, vomiting

            -ACTIVATED CHARCOAL (adults 2 capsules on an empty stomach, which is 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.  Children 1 capsule.  Children under 2, a half capsule opened and put into water/small amount of juice. Repeat dose ONLY AS NEEDED every 4-6 hours, NOT EXCEEDING  6 DOSES IN 24 HOURS)   

 *Stool will be darker and less solid as the charcoal is pushing out toxins*                    

 **Also important 2^nd step in poisoning (see Poisoning)**

            -PAPAYA pills (follow label directions. Good also for heartburn, indigestion)

Teething: the formation and growth of “baby” teeth can be quite painful for little ones.  Find which natural method works for your baby.

            -CALCIUM CITRATE, especially if a fever is present (ground some calcium pills in a food processor/blender/or in a baggie using a hammer and mix ½-1tsp in with a bottle/juice as needed)

            -1 part CHAMOMILE EXTRACT to 3 parts OLIVE OIL (rubs on gums as needed)

            -CHAMOMILE and CATNIP TEA to calm baby for bed (make sure it is lukewarm)

            -PEPPERMINT SCHNAPPS rubbed on gums will numb the gums without harmful chemicals found in commercial teething gels

Thrush: intestinal yeast infection, characterized by white on the tongue/inside of cheeks and gas. Child will be fussy. Mother may have sore, red, and cracking nipples.

            -nursing mother add more FRESH GARLIC to her diet

            -begin daily regimen of refrigerated, LIVE PROBIOTICS (for nursing mother, but also can open and pour 1/3-1/2 capsule on baby’s tongue before each feeding)

            -MUST ELIMINATE ALL SUGAR FROM DIET as yeast feeds on sugar

            -ASODOPHILIS can also help, but is more harsh

            -swab made of 1 tsp BAKING SODA and 3 tsp WATER is a good cleanser for mouth and nipple after each feeding

Resources

1.) A Mother’s Guide to Herbal Extracts, by Kathy Garber

2.) www.beyondessential.com/doterra-essential-oils-for-babies-children/

3.) www.wellnessmama.com

4.) My personal blog www.backtobasicsmidwest.blogspot.com/

5.) http://www.westonaprice.org/

6.) http://www.mountainmeadowherbs.com/

7.) The Encyclopedia of Country Living, by Carla Emery

8.) The Bulk Herb Store with Shoshanna Easling (http://www.bulkherbstore.com/about), and also her youtube videos (http://www.bulkherbstore.com/youtube)

9.) www.livestrong.com