Natural Remedies, Herbs and Essential Oil Treatments We Turn to First

Our Liz ill at Christmastime 2013.

When our family is ill, we have some go to remedies we use first to help manage the illness naturally.  We are not opposed to over-the-counter or prescription medications, believing there is a time and place for them, however we do try to use the natural resources first in helping the body fight what may be ailing it.

So, what if there is a cough?  Or what about ear aches?  Then the low grade fever...what for that?

Cough

A hot, steamy shower...turn off the exhaust fan, close the windows and let that bathroom steam up.  That steam can be a coughs worst enemy, so let the steam rise.  The steam will help loosen up congestion and open airways from phlegm in the throat and lungs.  {I am talking a normal cough, not one caused from asthma...wisdom must be exercised.}

Drinking plenty of fluids is also encouraged to loosen phlegm and break it up.  Additionally, we have found it helpful to use a humidifier with about 4-5 drops of eucalyptus oil in water.  A cotton ball may also be soaked in the oil then placed in the reservoir allowing a stronger aroma to diffuse in the vapor over time.

Another remedy we try is a teaspoon of honey.  Honey has been used for centuries to treat sore throats and coughs.  Our children have never complained when instructed to take a teaspoon of honey to help soothe their throat.  To take this simple remedy further, you can take 3 tbsp of honey mixed with the juice from one lemon.  Gargle this and then swallow.

Ear Aches

The EcoFriendly Family uses onions
different way.

If caught early enough, we have used with success this simple remedy for treating ear aches.  Slice an onion, heat in the microwave for a few seconds, remove and wrap in a cloth, then place over the ear.  The warmth and natural composite of the onion helps to relieve the ache.

Lavender essential oil has inflammation and antiseptic benefits.  We have used the following to help with ear aches as well:

Earaches are almost always the result of an infection. This antiseptic solution will help clear up the infection and keep your ears healthy.

• 3 drops lavender oil

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Combine ingredients. Rub this oil around the ear and down the side of the neck.  Rub on both ears and down to lymph nodes on neck, two to four times a day, especially before bed.  Do not put inside the ear.

Reducing Fevers

Here is another list of uses for peppermint oil from Young
Living Essential Oils.

While we think of fevers as a way the body naturally is combating a virus or bacteria, a high fever in children is very dangerous.  Be discerning in when to seek medical attention, especially if the fever is high or accompanied with other symptoms.  For a low grade fever though, we have used a couple drops of peppermint essential oil in bath water.  You may also add a couple of drops to a carrier oil {olive oil or coconut oil} to use as a rub.  The carrier oil diffuses the skin irritation that could be caused from undiluted oils.

Peppermint is found to be a very versatile oil.  In doing research, I found many other uses for peppermint oil and thought I would share them here.  

Mouth Ulcers

This one thing we have used successfully {but not pain-free, as it does burn for a moment when applying} is clove oil.  On a Q-tip, we put a few drops of clove oil then apply the Q-tip onto the mouth ulcer.  You will want to rinse your mouth out with some cool water, as clove oil also does not taste very well.  There is a numbing sensation which helps to relieve the pain associated with the ulcer.

As with any illness or health issue, using wisdom in treating and knowing when to seek treatment is to be exercised.  There is a wealth of information on the Internet, however seeking medical advice from those licensed is advisable.  We are blessed to have those resources at our disposable and use them as needed.  I encourage you to do your own research, speak to your doctors or care providers with any questions you may have in diagnosing, treating and preventing illnesses. 

Blessings,

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Disclaimer:  The information here has been used personally, to treatment the above ailments, however we are not doctors.  As with any illness, we recommend you use wisdom, do your own research and seek medical advice for diagnosing, treating, curing and preventing illnesses or diseases you may have.