Tag: flu

  • Children and the flu

    Children and the flu

    Children and the flu

    Arm yourself and your kids for flu season

    The coming fall season brings back-to-school time as well as back-to-cold-and-flu time for many families. What better time to arm ourselves with the information we need to keep our kids—and ourselves—safe against the viral onslaught.

    What is the flu?

    Caused by influenza viruses A, B, or C, the flu is a respiratory infection lasting about a week to 10 days. Seasonal outbreaks involving influenza A or B occur between November and April. While it can be severe in a small percentage of children under five, only about 1 percent require hospitalization.

    How is the flu different from a cold?

    The flu has a rapid onset of more severe symptoms compared to a cold. Flu symptoms include headache, chills, cough, fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches, and tiredness, sometimes with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Fever lasts 3-4 days, with illness resolving in 7-10 days, and can be infectious for up to a week.

    A cold typically involves a runny nose, watery eyes, and sore throat, with milder symptoms developing gradually.

    How can influenza be prevented?

    Influenza spreads through droplets in the air and via contact with contaminated surfaces like toys or doorknobs. Since the virus can survive up to 48 hours on surfaces, frequent handwashing is essential. Other strategies include staying home when sick, teaching children to cover coughs and sneezes, and disinfecting surfaces.

    Can natural health products help in prevention?

    Natural health products can support immunity and reduce complications from secondary infections.

    • Probiotics have been shown to reduce respiratory infections, including the flu, by strengthening immune response.
    • Echinacea may stimulate immune activity and has been linked to fewer respiratory infections and flu cases when used preventively.
    • Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of respiratory infections; supplementation may help prevent influenza, especially in deficient children.
    • Medicinal mushrooms like turkey tail, shiitake, reishi, and chaga contain compounds that modulate the immune system and have shown antiviral activity in vitro.

    How do you treat the flu?

    Mild flu symptoms in children are best managed with supportive care: hydration, light clothing, and a comfortable environment. Tepid baths and cool-mist humidifiers can help reduce discomfort. Honey lozenges (for children over 3) and saltwater gargles can soothe symptoms.

    Over-the-counter cold medicines are not recommended for children under 6 without a doctor’s approval. Aspirin should never be given due to Reye syndrome risk.

    Treating with natural health products

    To reduce symptoms and disease duration, consider echinacea, elderberry, or vitamin D, tailored to your child’s age.

    • Elderberry has antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects and has been associated with reduced upper respiratory symptoms.
    • Echinacea at the start of symptoms may shorten illness duration and promote viral clearance.

    A naturopathic doctor can develop a customized protocol for your child at the first signs of cold or flu.

    By Heidi Fritz, MA, ND

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Don’t Let Flu Season SCARE You!

    Don’t Let Flu Season SCARE You!

    Don’t Let Flu Season SCARE You

    Boiron is here to help!

    ‘Tis the season to keep your medicine cabinet stocked with products that help you and your family feel well and stay healthy. Thankfully, Boiron’s homeopathic medicines do just the trick! Made with natural, non-drowsy ingredients, you will feel the relief day and night with multi-symptom and targeted solutions for the whole family. Want to know more information about some of their cold and flu relief products? Keep reading – and who knows, you might just find additional tips from Boiron themself!

    Wherever You Go, Take Oscillo!

    Oscillococcinum® (also known as Oscillo) works best when taken at the first sign of flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, headache, body aches, chills and fever.

    For everyone ages 2 & up, non-drowsy Oscillococcinum® has been shown in clinical studies to help reduce both the duration and the severity of flu-like symptoms.

    They Have Kid-Friendly Options Too!

    Multi-symptom formulas help target more than just your runny nose or cough! Their Chestal® line is available in easy on-the-go meltaway pellets and sweet-tasting syrups.

    Medicine Cabinet Must Haves

    Their ThroatCalm®, ColdCalm® and SinusCalm® products are specifically designed to help relieve specific symptoms at the onset, established and resolution stages of the common cold.

    BOO!

    Don’t be scared, you found Boiron’s additional tips to help keep you healthy this cold & flu season.

    Photo Courtesy of Boiron’s Instagram
    Photo Courtesy of Boiron’s Instagram

    For more information about Boiron and their products, please visit: https://www.boironusa.com/

    *Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.

  • DIY Hand Sanitizer Recipes

    DIY Hand Sanitizer Recipes

    Flu season is no joke! Check out these simple DIY Hand Sanitizer Recipes below to help keep those germs away.

    All recipes yield 2 oz of hand sanitizer, however, recipes can be altered to make more or less if desired. If final product is too thick, add more alcohol/vodka; if it is too thin, add more aloe vera/vegetable glycerin.

    Shake final product well before each use and apply generously. The final product should last several months.

    The CDC recommends hand sanitizers contain at least 60% alcohol.

    Pranarom Hand Purifier

    Ingredients:

    3 tablespoons neutral grain alcohol or high-proof vodka (Everclear)

    2 teaspoons aloe vera gel or vegetable glycerin

    24-36 drops Pranarom Good Samaritan or Immunity Boost Wellness Formula essential oils

    2 oz glass spray bottle

    Method:

    Combine all ingredients in a 2 oz glass spray bottle. Shake well. To use, spray into palms, then massage into hands until fully absorbed. Use as often as desired.

    Aura Cacia Cleansing Hand Gel Spray

    Ingredients:

    8 drops of Aura Cacia Cinnamon Leaf essential oil

    8 drops of Aura Cacia Bergamot essential oil

    8 drops of Aura Cacia Tea Tree essential oil

    1/3 cup aloe vera gel or vegetable glycerin

    2/3 cup neutral grain alcohol or high-proof vodka (Everclear)

    2 oz glass spray bottle

    Method:

    Combine all ingredients in a 2 oz glass spray bottle. Shake well. To use, spray into palms, then massage into hands until fully absorbed. Use as often as desired.

    Wyndmere Hand Defense

    Ingredients:

    8 drops of Wyndmere Defend Naturally essential oil

    1/3 cup aloe vera gel or vegetable glycerin

    2/3 cup neutral grain alcohol or high-proof vodka (Everclear)

    2 oz glass spray bottle

    Method:

    Combine all ingredients in a 2 oz glass spray bottle. Shake well. To use, spray into palms, then massage into hands until fully absorbed. Use as often as desired.

    Aura Cacia Stress-No-More Hand Spray

    Ingredients:

    5 drops Aura Cacia Lavender essential oil

    15 drops of Aura Cacia Tea Tree essential oil

    1.5 oz neutral grain alcohol or high-proof vodka (Everclear)

    1/2 oz aloe vera gel or vegetable glycerin

    1/8 teaspoon Jason Vitamin E Oil

    2 oz glass spray bottle

    Method:

    Combine all ingredients in a 2 oz glass spray bottle. Shake well. To use, spray into palms, then massage into hands until fully absorbed. Use as often as desired.

    For more information:

    https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html

    https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-hand-sanitizer.html

    https://www.who.int/gpsc/5may/Guide_to_Local_Production.pdf

    https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

    https://www.lifeextension.com/protocols/infections/2019-novel-coronavirus-sars-cov2-covid-19

    https://www.npr.org/2020/02/27/810016611/coronavirus-101-what-you-need-to-know-to-prepare-and-prevent

    https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/02/26/how-to-prepare-for-coronavirus/?arc404=true

  • RECAP: New Product Thursday 10/10/19

    RECAP: New Product Thursday 10/10/19

    Check out our NEW products this week!

    All Free Brownie Bites: Sea Salt Caramel & Double Chocolate Chip
    Boiron: Diaralia
    Cocojune: Vanilla Chamomile & Pure Coconut
    Good Catch: Fish-free Tuna
    Green Valley Lactose Free Butter: BACK IN STOCK!
    Holistic Hound: Full Spectrum Hemp & Mushroom Bites
    Hudson Green: Velvet Vodka & Meatless Bolognese
    Hybrid Remedies: HybridCR
    Zum Bar Soap: Frankincense-Lavender & Almond
    Oath: Indian Rose & Double Chocolate
    Prairie Melody Birdseed
    Pranarom Diffusion Blends: Meditation, Zen, Purity, Uplift, & Provence
    Rebel Green: Tree Free Toilet Tissue
  • Let’s Talk Flu-Prevention

    Let’s Talk Flu-Prevention

    Maybe you have the flu, or you’re getting the flu- or maybe everyone around you has it. Think you’ve tried everything? Jenna and Carolyn talk about what they turn to amidst all the coughing and fevers popping up all over the place.

     

    Here’s the products:

    Basil Bandwagon Brand Elderberry

    Gaia Quick Defense

    Urban Moonshine Immune Boom

    Fire Cider (Unsweetened)

    X Clear Nasal spray

    Neti Pot

    Boiron: Oscillococcinum, Cold Calm, Throat Calm

    Zach and Zoe’s Ginger Honey (local!)

    Oranges!

    Yum Earth Vitamin C pops

    Renew Life Ultimate Flora or Basil Bandwagon Brand Suprema Dophilus

    Emergen C

    Four Elements Tea: Minus Sinus

  • 5 Zero Hype Ways to use Our Favorite Essential Oil Blend

    5 Zero Hype Ways to use Our Favorite Essential Oil Blend

    Everyones talking about essential oils, but what do you really DO with them? Our current favorite oil blend, Veriditas Good Samaritan smells amazing and is super easy to use. Regardless of whether or not you LOVE essential oils or you think it’s hype- this blend is great to have around the house in the cooler months.

  • How to Make your own Immune Boosting Tonic

    How to Make your own Immune Boosting Tonic

    Jenna shows you how to throw together your own Immune Boosting Tonic full of virus-busting goodness!

    Here’s what you’ll need:

    • 1 medium onion, peeled and rough chopped
    • 1 head of garlic, peeled and rough chopped
    • 3 inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
    • 1 tablespoon dried echinacea root
    • Apple cider vinegar (organic with “the mother”)
    • Raw organic honey
    • 2 teaspoons ground cayenne pepper
    • cheese cloth (enough to cover the top of the jar with a couple layers)
    • A large glass container of some sort. We used a quart-sized mason jar.

     

    Step by Step Instructions

       

    1. Place onion, garlic, ginger and echinacea root in a mason jar.
    2. Add apple cider vinegar to cover the herbs.
    3. Cover with cheese cloth and screw on the band to hold it tight. (don’t use the lid portion- your tonic needs air!)
    4. Leave in the jar for 2-3 weeks, preferably in a sunny or slightly warm place.
    5. Strain and discard the herbs.
    6. Mix with equal parts raw honey and add cayenne powder.
    7. Store in the fridge and take 1 teaspoon as needed daily or whenever you start to feel run down.

     
    There is more you can do with this tonic: 

    • Immune Boosting Tonic is amazing alone- BUT there are some fun ways to use it:

    • Use it to make a quick Bloody Mary: add to a mixture of tomato juice spirit of you choice

    • It’s a super FLAVOR boost for soups and sauces. It’s the not-so-secret ingredient in my chicken soup and a fix-it for spaghetti sauce that needs a little kick.

    • Bone Broth to the MAX: add this to your bone broth!

     

  • Stocking Remedies for Kids

    Stocking Remedies for Kids

    Bumps, bruises, scrapes, sore throats, tummy aches- every kids comes with them! Here are 10 of our favorite natural products to address your little ones’ needs in a flash. Stock up now and save on tears later 😉

     

    #1: Elderberry Syrup

     

    You’ve heard it by now, Elderberry Syrup is a serious contender in the world of cold and flu remedies. Even held up against pharmaceuticals, Elderberry stands tall. The best part is, it tastes GREAT, so it goes down easy. Just a teaspoon a day during cold and flu season can ward off viruses of all kinds, and bumping that dosage if they get sick can help shorten the duration of the cold.

     

    Be sure to read the labels on Elderberry syrup- notice the sugar content and the additives- we love our brand because it contains neither!

    #2: Mullein Garlic Ear Oil

    Earaches hurt, and ear infections are one of the biggest culprits for the over-prescription of antibiotics out there. Try soothing the ear canal at first signs of symptoms with this time-tested remedy. Mullein is a flower that you’ve likely ignored or pulled out in your yard- but it’s potent antibacterial qualities can help it heal an irritated ear canal. Garlic is one of nature’s “antibiotics” for the same reason. Together, the two (suspended in olive oil) are a fantastic way to soothe and heal troubled ears.

     

    Be sure to warm the oil first. Do this by placing the whole bottle in a mug of hot water for a few moments,  then shake to ensure an even temperature.

     

    #3: Arnica Gel & Tablets

    A healthy, active child will definitely encounter some bumps and bruises! Treat minor aches and pains with arnica gel applied to the area affected. It will help take the edge off the discomfort after a fall off a swing or a bruised shin. Tablets can be used internally – taken through the mouth – to do the same and work especially well with less localized discomfort.

    #4: Wiley’s Wild Alaskan Fish Oil

    Focus is important for kids- and sometimes it seems impossible to get it. Without enough quality omega fatty acids in the diet, focus can be severely impeded. Fish oil is an easy way to achieve healthy levels and is easy to take nowadays- even tasty! We like Wiley’s in Mango-Peach flavor. It delivers a good dose of both EPA and DHA needed for brain health and mood health and comes from wild-caught Alaskan Fish that you can trust.

    #5: Redmond Clay First Aid Cream

    This is one of the simplest and most useful products! Bentonite clay is extremely absorbent- this makes it useful for drying out rashes from poison ivy or shallow scrapes from falling off a bike. This super-hero clay will take the sting out of a wasp bite or minor burns. The best part? ZERO chemicals. Two ingredients: just pure, clean clay and purified water. You can also make it yourself out of the dry powder- but having it in this tube form is worth it!

     

    #6: Rescue Remedy

    Anxiety can strike kids just as often as it can strike adults. Pressures of school and sports and friends can compound into a full blown meltdown. Soothe worries with Rescue Remedy! Rescue Remedy is not a sedative- it’s a simple, homeopathic remedy that helps calm the nervous system. Here’s one way we’ve heard it described by a 13-year-old, “It’s like a everything is wrinkled, but then…after a few minutes…it’s smooth again.”

     

    #7: Olbas Oil

    This icy-cold essential oil blend is strong stuff- but when blended with any carrier oil, it becomes a magic tool for slowing coughs! Slather it on the feet and cover with socks to stop a nagging nighttime cough. Dilute it further and massage onto the chest to help open up stuffy noses! In the summertime, it can make a cooling rub for hot car rides or in the car after a sweaty sports game.

    #8: Amazing Grass Kidz Superfood

    We love kale! You probably like it- at least in a smoothie! Kids, though, might struggle to get the benefits of eating lots of greens without a little help. Amazing Grass makes it easy with these packets. They pick a wallop of fruits, vegetables and probiotics that will fill in the cracks of a kid’s diet and make them feel, well,…amazing!

     

    #9: Nux Vomica

    Homeopathy can seem like another language sometimes. Some of the remedies sound like Harry Potter spells! Nux Vomica works like a charm 😉 Nausea can have a myriad of causes, and stopping it involves asking a lot of questions. In the meantime, you have a miserable little person. Nux Vomica can take the edge off nausea and bring comfort until the larger picture becomes clear.

    #10: Calm Child by Planetary Herbals

    Maybe you’ve tried the Fish Oil and you still have an issue with a fidgety or anxious kiddo. This herbal syrup uses soothing botanicals like chamomile, hawthorn, lemon balm, and catnip. All of these combine to help calm over-stimulated little people without the use of chemicals.