When little ones struggles to breathe, it’s easy for panic to set in. Some herbal remedies, like this homemade sore throat spray, are great for adults, but not babies. So what home remedies for baby cough and congestion work?

This article covers:

• Which home remedies for baby cough are NOT safe
• Which essential oils are safe to diffuse for babies and how to use them
• The best herbal remedies to help clear baby congestion and cough fast

What do You Give an Infant for a Cough?

The FDA warns against conventional cough medicine for kids and I’m with them on this one. Cough medication can slow breathing and be life-threatening for infants. Some of these drugs contain opiates and most have artificial colors and flavors. Cough syrup for young children is not only unsafe, but ineffective (FDA, 2018).

Artificial colors are linked with behavioral issues, like hyperactivity, and are banned in other countries.  Thankfully there are plenty of safe and effective home remedies for baby cough (Ravella, 2016).

Treat the Person, not the Symptoms

Unlike conventional medications, herbs work with the body to bring about wellness. Plant medicine works best when tailored to the individual, not just matching an herb to a condition. Is baby feverish, fussy, and has a dry cough? Or are they congested with lots of mucus, a wet cough, and no fever? Notice baby’s symptoms and use remedies tailored to their individual needs.

Not sure how much to use and how to dose? I give dosages for the herbal remedies below, but here are full details on how to figure dosing for all ages.

How to Safely Use Home Remedies for Baby Cough

“My experience has been that almost any herb that is safe for an adult is safe for a child as long as the size and weight of the child are accounted for and the dosage is adjusted accordingly. These herbs should be used in small amounts for short periods of time only , and in conjunction or formulated with milder herbs” – Rosemary Gladstar

When it comes to herb use for adults and babies, there are some major differences. Little ones need gentler options and certain preparations (like swallowing pills) are a no-go. It also doesn’t help to have a list of baby safe herbs if you don’t know how to use them.

Here’s how to use natural remedies for babies.

#1 – Dissolve homeopathic tablets in water and give the liquid to baby in a syringe.

#2 – Make a strong herbal infusion for baby’s bath water. Their skin absorbs the herbal properties and they breathe in the aromatic components. (Read on for some herbal bath recipes!)

#3 – Use a salve on baby’s chest or the bottoms of their feet. Some essential oils and herbs are too strong for a baby’s respiratory system when rubbed on their chest. When applied to the feet, young babies can still benefit from inhaling the salve, but it isn’t too close to their nose (Nuala, 2016).

#4  – Give herbal tea or syrup in a syringe. Infant syringes come with over the counter medications and infant supplements.

#5 – Breastfeeding mamas can take the herb and then nurse baby. Some herbal properties are excreted in breastmilk, but there’s more going on here. Studies have shown antibodies in breastmilk protect against infections and respiratory diseases (Jackson & Nazar, 2006).

What Causes Baby Congestion?

With tiny noses and respiratory systems, it’s easy for baby nasal congestion to set in. According to Mayo Clinic, baby congestion happens when nasal tissue becomes inflamed, or there’s too much mucus. When the respiratory system has mucus, our body tries to cough it up.

Instead of suppressing the body’s effort to get germs out, these remedies support it and promote clear breathing.

Home Remedies for Baby Cough

These time tested home remedies for baby cough and baby congestion help little ones breathe easy.

Nasal Wash

I’ve never seen a baby use a neti pot, but saline spray is the next best thing. Nasal washes help soften thick mucus and relieve baby congestion. Babies aren’t so great at blowing their nose either, but a nasal aspirator will take care of that.

•  The Nose-Frida looks intimidating, but there’s a filter so you’re not actually sucking baby snot into your mouth.
• Xlear nasal spray contains the natural antibiotic xylitol.
• Genexa saline is formulated for babies, organic, and free of unnatural additives found in many saline sprays.

Moisture to Help a Congested Baby Sleep

A humidifier adds moisture to the air to help baby breathe at night. Be sure to clean humidifiers often or they can grow mold! A water based diffuser will add moisture to the air like a humidifier, but with the added benefit of essential oils. Be careful though: some essential oils, like eucalyptus and peppermint, are too harsh for babies (Dessinger, 2016).

Baby Safe Diffusing

Choose a kid safe blend, like this one, when diffusing around little ones. I use 2 drops and diffuse for a few hours at the most, not all night long, and not right next to baby’s face. You may want to save diffusing for the daytime to monitor for any reactions.

Here’s a list of baby safe essential oils to diffuse.

Baby safe essential oils for respiratory support

• Cedarwood, Virginian
• Blue tansy – helpful for baby congestion caused by pollen and environmental allergens.
• Copaiba
• Cypress
• Lemon eucalyptus
• Fir needle
• Helichrysum
• Pine
• Rosalina
• Spruce

Baby safe essential oils for immune support

• Dill
• Frankincense
• Tea tree
• Citrus oils (Bergamot, lemon, sweet orange, tangerine, grapefruit and lime)
• Cinnamon leaf (NOT bark)

Baby safe essential oils to calm

• Basil
• Catnip
• Chamomile
• Lavender

Baby safe essential oils to uplift the mood

• Basil
• Citrus oils (Bergamot, lemon, sweet orange, tangerine, grapefruit and lime)
• Lemon eucalyptus

Thyme Salve to Get Mucus Out of Baby’s Chest

Thyme is one of my favorite herbs to clear baby chest congestion. This herb is an expectorant to loosen and expel mucus, antiseptic, antibacterial, and antiviral. I use thyme essential oil for adults, but it’s too harsh for babies. Here are directions for how to make a salve, just substitute thyme for lavender in the recipe (Demotses, 2014).

To use the salve rub on baby’s chest or back. The regular thyme sold in the spice section at a grocery store is very expensive per ounce and isn’t medicinal quality. I get my thyme herb here and here. Thyme is ideal for wet, mucusy coughs, especially deep in the chest.

Onion Poultice

Onion doesn’t smell the best, but it’s a flu fighting powerhouse. The antimicrobial properties have been used for thousands of years to fight infection both internally and externally. Onions are also an expectorant to break up chest congestion and soothe baby cough. Your little one may smell like Italian food, but they’ll breathe better (WHO, 1999) (Libster, 2001).

How to make an onion poultice

1. Chop up half an onion, add some water and simmer just until the onions are warm and soft.
2. Wrap the warm (not hot!) onions in a tea towel or cheesecloth and use a rubber band to secure the top.
3. Lay the poultice on the chest or upper back. Cover the poultice with a warm blanket, hot water bottle, or heating pad. Make sure it’s warm but not hot!
4. Leave the onion poultice on for 20- 30 minutes and repeat every few hours as needed. This is a good time to wrap baby in a warm blanket and have some cuddles!

Herbs to Relieve Baby Cough

These herbs are safe for little ones, helps ease discomfort, and speed recovery.

Elderflower

The elder plant produces antiviral berries and flowers that are an effective flu remedy. Elderflower tea helps with respiratory infections and fevers. The tea encourages sweating (diaphoretic) and relaxes bodily tension to release heat.

Elder also helps expel phlegm from the lungs so it’s good to use when there’s both fever and congestion. Elderflower tea has to be used while it’s still warm or it loses its diaphoretic properties. For added immune support, throw some echinacea in the mix (McDonald, nd).

Echinacea

Echinacea is one of the most popular herbs for cold and flu season. This herb increases pathogen battling white blood cells in the body and stimulates the lymphatic system to help clear infection. While it’s great for overall immune support, echinacea doesn’t target breathing issues like coughing, congestion, or a runny nose.

Echinacea is most effective at the beginning of illness, not  for prevention. You can give this herb every hour at the first sign of sickness to jump-start the immune system. (McDonald, nd) (Gladstar, 2015).

Elder and Echinacea Tea

This blend helps bolster the immune system and is useful when there’s both congestion and fever. The combination helps knock out respiratory infections as a helpful home remedy for baby cough.

• 1 teaspoon elderflower 
• 1 teaspoon echinacea leaves or flowers
• 1 cup boiling hot water

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a heat-safe mug or jar, like a mason jar. Cover and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
2. Strain the herbs and allow to cool to a warm temperature before giving to baby.

Dosing:

• Babies 2-6 months old can take ½ Tablespoon 3-4 times daily
• Babies 6-12 months old can take 1 Tablespoon 3-4 times daily

Elecampane

This expectorant herb is useful for coughs and lung infections. Elecampane root is antimicrobial, expels congestion, soothes irritation from coughing, and encourages sweat to expel toxins. This herb doesn’t taste good on its own, but when combined with licorice, echinacea, and/or marshmallow root it makes for a tastier and more effective remedy (Gladstar, 2015). According to the Herbal Academy:

“Elecampane is indicated for damp, cold, congested, stuck conditions due to its stimulating, expectorant effect.”

Licorice Root for Throat Support

Because of its sweet taste and gentle nature, licorice is nicknamed the children’s herb. It’s the one I reach for whenever I have a sore throat. My kiddos can be picky about taking herbs, but licorice in the blend sweet talks them into it.

Licorice is antiviral, antibacterial, soothes coughing spasms, helps expel mucus, and soothes sore throats. The licorice root modulates the immune system and is a synergist to boosts the effects of other herbs in a formula. This herb is ideal for respiratory infections and dry, spastic coughs. (Winston & Maimes, 2007).

Elecampane congestion and cough tea

• 1 tsp elecampane root
• 1 tsp licorice root
• 2 cups purified water

1. Combine the herbs and water in a pot and heat until boiling, then reduce to a simmer.
2. Simmer the herbs for 20-30 minutes with the lid on, then strain into a measuring cup.
3. Add more water if needed to get exactly 1 cup of tea.

Dosing:

• Babies 2-6 months old can take ½ Tablespoon 3-4 times daily
• Babies 6-12 months old can take 1 Tablespoon 3-4 times daily

Baby Coughing at Night

Coughing is often worse at night when baby is lying down. Here are some tips to help baby (and you!) catch some Z’s.

• Congested baby Sleep Position: Elevate the head of the crib mattress with a pillow or mattress wedge UNDER the mattress. A pillow in the crib with baby increases the risk of suffocation.
• Use a humidifier or safely diffuse while baby sleeps.
• Use a wild cherry herbal cough syrup (not the artificially colored chemical concoction in the drug aisle!) to ease nighttime coughing.

Herb Baths: A Home Remedy for Baby Cough

Warm steam from a bath or shower helps soften mucus and improve breathing. Warm water is great on its own, but the right herbs take it to the next level.

Here are some of the best herbs to use in the bath when baby is coughing and congested.

• Thyme – Antiviral, antibacterial, expels chest congestion.
• Rose hips and Hibiscus – Both are high in vitamin C for a healthy immune system.
• Elecampane – Antimicrobial, helps expel congestion, soothes irritation from coughing, and encourages sweating to expel toxins.
• Echinacea – Assists the immune system to fight infection.
• Licorice – An expectorant , anti-bacterial, anti-viral, antispasmodic, and helps other herbs work better.
• Bee balm – Antiviral, antibacterial and encourages sweating. Useful when there’s a fever, yet the person feels cold and clammy. Helps with coughing, sore throat, and baby chest congestion.
• Catnip – Helps calm and reduces a fever.

How to Make Bath Tea

Mix and match the herbs to get what your little one needs. I use about 3 Tablespoons of herbs total. Whole flowers like chamomile and bee balm are bulkier, so I’ll use closer to 1/3 of a cup total if these are in the mix.

Add strong herbal infusions to baby’s bath tub. If your little one uses a full sized tub, then double the amount of herb used. I prefer not to add the herbs directly to the bathwater, unless cleaning a thousand tiny plant pieces out of the tub is your thing.

Roots like elecampane and licorice should be decocted for 20 minutes, but the other herbs can be steeped for 10 minutes.

Here are some herbal bath tea recipes for baby cough and congestion support.

Calm a Fussy Baby

A fever means the body is working hard to kill pathogens and is usually a good thing. Sweating it out is often the best option, but sometimes the body needs a rest. Catnip calms and lowers a fever when baby is fussy and uncomfortable.

• 1 Tablespoon each lavender, chamomile and rose flowers
• 1 Tablespoons catnip (optional for if there’s a fever)
• 4 cups water

Bring water to a boil, steep the herbs for 10 minutes, then strain.

Soothe Baby Coughing

Fight germs, support the immune system, and cough the gunk up with this bath tea blend.

• 1 Tablespoon each Licorice and elecampane
• 2 Tablespoons rose hips OR hibiscus (you can use both if you like)
• 4 cups water

Add the licorice, elecampane and water to a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 20 minutes. Turn the heat off, add the rosehips and steep covered for 10 minutes.

Herbal Bath for Congested Baby

This blend of herbs fights germs, expels mucus, helps the body sweat out toxins, and supports the immune system.

• 1 Tablespoon each thyme and echinacea (leaf or flowers)
• 2 Tablespoons bee balm flowers
• 4 cups water

Bring water to a boil, steep the herbs for 10 minutes, then strain.

Boost the Immune system

Echinacea supports the immune system while the rose hips and hibiscus add a boost of vitamin C.

• 2 Tablespoons echinacea leaves or flowers
• 1 Tablespoon rose hips OR hibiscus (you can use both if you like)
• 4 cups water

Bring water to a boil, steep the herbs for 10 minutes, then strain.

References

• Demotses, E. (2014). 8 Herbal home remedies for colds and flu. Retrieved from https://theherbalacademy.com/8-herbal-home-remedies-for-colds-and-flu/
• Dessinger, H. (2016). Safe essential oils for babies and children. Retrieved from https://www.mommyotamus.com/safe-essential-oils-babies-children/
• Food and Drug Administration. (2018, Nov 27). When to give kids medicine for coughs and colds. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm422465.htm
• Gladstar, R. (2015). Herbs for Children’s Health. Storey Publishing.
• The Herbal Academy. Herbarium monographs. Retrieved from https://herbarium.theherbalacademy.com/monographs
• Jackson, K. & Nazar, A. (2006, April). Breastfeeding, the immune response and long-term health. The journal of the American osteopathic association, 106, 203-207.
• Libster, M. (2001). Delmar’s integrative herb guide for nurses. Delmar Cengage Learning.
• McDonald, J. Herbcraft: Elder. Retrieved from https://www.herbcraft.org/elder.html
• McDonald, J. Herbcraft: Indications for commonly used herbs. Retrieved from https://www.herbcraft.org/commonherbs.html
• Nuala. (2016). Essential oils on the feet: Yes or No? Retrieved from http://www.engisharomatherapist.com/essential-oils-on-your-feet-yes-or-no/
• Ravella, S. (2016, July 7). Food doesn’t have to wear makeup: Food coloring has no purpose and plenty of negatives. Retrieved from https://slate.com/technology/2016/07/food-coloring-is-bad-for-us-but-the-fda-wont-admit-that.html
• Winston, D. & Maimes, S. (2007). Adaptogens: Herbs for strength, stamina, and stress relief. Rochester, VM: Healing Arts Press.
• World Health Organization. (1999). WHO Monographs on selected medicinal plants Volume 1: Bulbus Allii Cepae. Retrieved from http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Js2200e/3.html

The post Home remedies for baby cough and congestion appeared first on The Herbal Spoon.

You stick what where?! It’s gross, it’s weird, but results are instant!  There are plenty of ways to relieve allergy symptoms, (and reverse them for good!), but a nasal wash is one of my favorite. Learn how to use a neti pot and which herbs make the best nasal rinse solutions. 

How to Use a Neti Pot for Fast Allergy Relief

Nasal irrigation or nasal washes can be done with all sorts of contraptions, but my favorite is the humble neti pot. It’s a bit tricky at first, but well worth it. The water goes in one nostril and out the other, taking dust, allergens, and toxins out with it.

A study done on children found that sinuses washed with saline solution improved nasal symptoms and reduced the need for antihistamine drugs. Healthcare practitioners have long added baking soda to nasal washes to reduce the histamine activity that causes allergy symptoms.

Neti Pot Recipe

A homemade neti pot solution is easy to make and saves on the expense and excess packaging of the store-bought packets. You can make up a jar of neti pot solution to keep on hand for nasal emergencies. This can be mixed with warm water and used alone, or combined with herbal tea for even more benefits.

Homemeade Neti Pot Solution

• 1 Tablespoon non-iodized salt
• 1 tsp baking soda

1. Combine the ingredients and store in a sealed jar to use as needed in a neti pot.
2. Use 1/4 tsp of powder for every 1 cup of water.

How to Use Herbs in the Neti Pot

Different herbal teas can be used in a neti pot for more allergy relief benefits. Filter out all plant material before it’s poured into the nose! Here are some options for herbs to use in a neti pot rinse. The following herb  information comes from herbalist Jim McDonald.

Soothe Sore Noses

Demulcent herbs soothe mucus membranes to promote healing and are good where there’s dryness and irritation. Comfrey, slippery elm, marshmallow, and violet leaf are all good options. It’s probably not coincidence that violets grow in spring when allergies are most common.

Note: Comfrey is considered toxic to the liver when ingested, however it doesn’t go through the digestive system when used in a nasal rinse. Personally I have no issues using comfrey tea in my neti pot, but it’s best to not too much in the rinse recipe as it’s strong.

Tighten Leaky Tissue

Astringent herbs tighten loose tissues to relieve itchy, watery eyes and sneezing. Demulcent herbs can be combined with astringents to prevent the nose from drying out too much. Surprisingly, goldenrod and ragweed, which can trigger allergies, are also used to relieve them.

Astringent herbs for allergies include:

• Eyebright
• raspberry leaf
• yerba santa
• yerba mansa
• elder
• yarrow flowers and leaves
• self-heal
• rose

Clear Congestion

Decongestant herbs help clear congestion and mucus from the respiratory system. Bee balm can be harsh on the nose, but when it’s combined with soothing plantain the two restore mucus membranes. Some good decongestant herbs for allergies include:

• bee balm
• sage
• thyme
• hyssop
• yerba mansa
• calamus
• elecampane

Vitamin C for the Win

In one review, 74% who used a Vitamin C nasal spray saw less nasal swelling, congestion, and drainage. While the study used synthetic ascorbic acid, rose hips and hibiscus are both very high in natural vitamin C. An infusion of rose hips and/or hibiscus can be used as a nasal wash.

Can I put Essential Oils in My Neti Pot?

I love my essential oils, but in a word, no. Essential oils are amazing things and I do ingest them (safely), but undiluted they damage mucus membranes. The delicate tissue in the nose does best with a straight saline solution or soothing herbs. Essential oils must be diluted in something like honey or an oil before using internally, and that’s not something I want to put up my nose.

Herbal Neti Pot Recipes

A neti pot rinse can be customized to your exact needs, but here are some ideas to get you started. If you have loads of congestion, then you don’t need astringent herbs. If you’re sneezing up a storm, then pile on the astringent herbs. I like to use soothing demulcent herbs in all my nasal wash blends, regardless if there’s congestion or leaking and dripping (source).

Herbal Neti Pot Blend for Drippy Noses

This blend is best for the itching, sneezing, nose blowing type of allergy issues.

• 1 tsp astringent herb (see options above)
• 1 tsp demulcent herb (see options above)
• 1 tsp chamomile flowers
•  2 cups purified or distilled water, boiling hot

Herbal Neti Pot Blend for Congestion and Allergies

This blend works well for allergies accompanied by congestion.

• 1 tsp rose hips or hibiscus
• 1 tsp decongestant herb (like bee balm or thyme, see options above)
• 1 tsp demulcent herb (like plantain or violets)

1. Pour the water over the herbs and let steep for about 10 minutes covered.
2. Strain the herbs through a coffee filter to make sure NO plant material is left in the tea. An easy way is to line a mug strainer with the coffee filter and pour the tea through.
3. Use the tea within 24 hours and discard all leftovers. Fresh tea grows bacteria and other nasties within 1-2 days so it’s best to use fresh!

How to Use a Neti Pot for Allergies

Herbalist Jim McDonald recommends a nasal rinse twice daily during allergy season. Rinsing too much can irritate the membranes so I’ve never done it more than this.

1. Use distilled, or boiled and cooled water. Regular tap water can carry all sorts of microbes you don’t want in your nose!
2. Add ¼ tsp non-iodized salt (or neti pot solution from above) for every 8 ounces of water.
3. Use a pinch of baking soda to help further reduce histamines. Some say this also helps prevent the solution from stinging the nose.
4. Fill the neti pot with tea or water and insert the end into one nostril.
5. Tilt your head to a 45 degree angle and pour the solution in while you breathe through your mouth.

TIP: You may look like a fish but keep your mouth open or the water will run down the throat and can cause animated choking/coughing.

… Don’t ask me how I know that.

Have you ever used a neti pot before? Are you up for the challenge?

The post How to Make a Custom Herbal Neti Pot Rinse for Allergies appeared first on The Herbal Spoon.

“I want to make an herbal remedy that doesn’t work” said no one ever. There are several reasons why natural remedies don’t work sometimes, and improper dosing is a common one. I want natural remedies that are both safe and effective for my family, and correct dosage is vital for that. Thankfully it’s not as complicated as it seems and gets easier with practice!

In this article I’ll cover:

• The different approaches to herbal dosing and which ones are best
• How to dose herbal remedies for children and babies
• How to figure dosing for different herbal preparations, like teas, syrups, and powders.
• How to get the best results from your herbal preparations.

Why Correct Dosing is Important

I was confused by dosing herbs in the past, especially when it came to children and babies. Googling different herbal remedies also wasn’t helpful, since the recipes usually give arbitrary amounts. I want to know I use enough of the herb to be effective. I also want assurance I didn’t use too much and waste my resources, or worse, harm myself and family.

Most herbs have a much wider safety window than pharmaceutical drugs. Even something that seems as harmless as Tylenol can cause liver damage at a normal dose While herbs are generally much safer, it’s still important to me to balance safety and efficacy.

Different Approaches to Dose Natural Remedies

There are several different approaches to dosing herbs and various opinions on what’s best. Unlike drugs, herbs work synergistically with the individual to produce the best results. We know through scientific research and decades of practice how much to use of different herbs. Herbalists often tweak the dose to better fit someone’s exact needs, however different mentalities determine the start point.

Folk or Traditional Method to Dose Herbal Remedies

This is the most simple way to dose herbal remedies and also the easiest to get wrong. It involves instructions like, “throw a handful of herbs into a jar and cover with alcohol,” or “squirt a few dropperfuls into water and drink.” It often doesn’t specify the strength of the preparation and isn’t exact. The folk method is fine for something like a cup of chamomile tea in the evening to wind down. This method may not work so well to address a serious illness in the most effective way.

Let Your Body Determine the Dosage

This method relies on our bodies intuition to decide how much or how little of an herb we need. Like the folk method, it’s not exact and may not be appropriate in every situation. For example, lobelia internally can help with seizures, but only a tiny amount is needed to be effective. Too much lobelia can cause vomiting, paralysis, coma, or death (Tilgner, 2009).

Intuition based dosing isn’t always the best option for little ones either. Hand them a yummy herbal syrup and they may drink way more than necessary. Or if it’s a preparation that doesn’t taste appealing, they may not want as much as they need for it to work effectively.

General Herb Dosing Guidelines

Generalized guidelines are another way herbs are commonly dosed. An example would be to take 1 tablespoon of herbal syrup for all adults and 1 teaspoon for all children. This doesn’t take into account the strength of the preparation or the amount needed for someone’s age/weight. A 2 year old who takes 1 tsp of herbal syrup will get a lot more for their bodyweight than a 13 year old.

The Best Way to Dose Herbal Remedies

Each herb has its own safety and dosage guidelines. To best dose natural remedies we also have to consider the issue  treated, the person’s health history, and their age, among other factors. My favorite way to know the correct dosage for each herb is to consult a materia medica reference. A good materia medica covers:

• Contraindications (who shouldn’t use the herb)
• Which health issues to use the herb for
• Which parts of the plant are used for what issue (leaves, flowers, roots, etc.)
• How much of the herb to use depends on the preparation (tincture, tea, etc.)
• Which preparation is best for which health issue

Below are my favorite materia medica reference books. I haven’t found many credible online sources except for the Herbal Academy’s herbarium. It’s written by experienced herbalists and contains plant monographs and informational articles like how to wildcraft herbs and how to treat ADHD. There is an annual fee, but I’ve found it well worth it to have credible information wherever I am (yes, even on my phone).

• Earthwise Herbal volume 1 and  volume 2 by Mathew Wood
• Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth by Sharol Tilgner N.D.
• The Herbarium by the Herbal Academy

Interpret Herbal Dosage

Even though I have my favorite reference materials, they don’t spell out how to dose herbal remedies in every situation. It’s more of a start point. Here are some other things to consider for the best way to dose herbal remedies.

Acute Versus Chronic Conditions

Acute conditions  come and go quickly, like the flu or chicken pox. When dosing for an acute condition it’s best to use larger, more frequent dosing. A good rule of thumb is every 2-3 hours for the first 2-3 days. Once symptoms are gone, I continue to give a dose 3-4 times a day until 7-10 days have passed since the symptoms first started.

Chronic conditions last for months or years, like mono, Lyme disease, and fibromyalgia . Instead of large doses, chronic conditions call for low doses about 1 to 3 times a day, depending on the exact need. Chronic conditions are also multi-faceted. Some symptoms may improve or go away completely, while new ones pop up. Tweak the herbs and dose used for a chronic condition. Eventually use the herbs as a maintenance supplement, or discontinue them altogether.

How to Determine Dosage for Children

Dosages for herbs and supplements are given for an average 150 pound adult and can be adjusted from there. If the herb is safe for children, there are several different dosing rules to help determine the right dosage for children.

Clarks Dosing Rule

Clark’s rule is based on the child’s weight, so it’s especially helpful for children who are large or small for their age. It’s the one I rely on most often for my kids.

Child’s weight divided by 150, then multiply that number by the adult dose.

Example: The adult dose is 1 Tablespoon and the child weighs 70 pounds.

• 70/150 = approximately .5
• .5 X 1 Tablespoon = ½ tablespoon

Young’s Dosing Rule

This dosing rule uses the child’s age in months to determine dosage. It’s considered more accurate for children 2 and older. Add 12 to the child’s age, then divide their age by that number. Multiply the results by the adult dose.

Example: The adult dose is 20 drops of tincture and the child is 3 years old.

• 3 + 12 = 15
• 3 divided by 15 = .2
• 20 drops x .2 = 4 drops

Freid’s Dosing Rule

Freid’s rule is commonly used for infants and children 2 or younger. Child’s age in months divided by 150, then that number is multiplied by the adult dose.

Example: The adult dose is 1 cup (16 tablespoons) of tea and the child is 8 months old.

• 8 divided by 150 = .05
• .05 x 16 tablespoons = .85 tablespoons

How to Dose Herbal Remedies for Infants

For a young baby, especially one younger than 6 months, the best way to give herbal remedies is through mom’s breastmilk. Mom can take a full adult dose and the beneficial properties are passed through the milk to baby when they nurse. If your baby isn’t currently breastfeeding, then you can use Freid’s dosing rule. I convert the adult dose to milliliters (ml) first which makes it easy to give to baby in a syringe.

• ½ tsp = 2.5 ml
• 1 tsp = 5 ml
• 1 TBSP = 15 ml

Which Herbs are Safe For Children and Infants?

There are various opinions on this, but I prefer to listen to experienced clinical herbalists on this one. Conventional drugs given to children and infants, like Tylenol, are harmful for little ones. Herbs are generally a much safer option when something is needed. Gentle, kid friendly herbs are the best first option, yet even strong herbs can be used when dosed properly.

“My experience has been that almost any herb that is safe for an adult is safe for a child as long as the size and weight of the child are accounted for and the dosage is adjusted accordingly. These herbs should be used in small amounts for short periods of time only , and in conjunction or formulated with milder herbs” – Rosemary Gladstar

How to Dose an Herbal Syrup

Syrups are one of the yummiest way to take herbs and are a great option for little ones. It’s important to know the strength of the preparation to determine the best dosage. Pre-made herbal syrups are much easier to figure out. For example, if you use elderberry syrup for the flu (which is an acute condition), and the bottle lists the adult dose at 1 Tablespoon, then you could take 1 Tablespoon every 2-3 hours until symptoms subside. Then do a maintenance dose 3-4 times a day for a few more days.

For a homemade herbal syrup, we have to determine the strength first.

1. Let’s say the dosage of the herb used is 1 tsp, twice a day. You need enough herbal syrup to last a week, so you use 14 teaspoons of herb to make the syrup.
2. When you’re finished with the recipe you end up with 2 cups total of herbal syrup.
3. We know there’s 14 doses total in there, so we divide the 2 cups by 14. I like to convert cups to Tablespoons or even teaspoons first to make it easier.
4. 2 cups (32 Tablespoons) syrup divided by 14 doses = 2.3 Tablespoons (or 2 TBSP and 1 tsp) for an adult dose. If dosing for a child, then use one of the dosing rules above to convert the adult dose into a child’s dose.

How to Dose Herbal Tea and Decoctions

This one is a little easier to figure than an herbal syrup. Typically 1 tsp of herb is steeped in 1 cup of hot water. More herb is used if its larger or “fluffier,” like mullein and chamomile flowers, generally 2-3 teaspoons. Tough plant material, like bark and roots, are usually decocted (or simmered) for 10-20 minutes to best extract the beneficial constituents of the plant.

There are exceptions to this (like marshmallow root which needs steeped in cool water for hours), so it’s best to refer to a materia medica for the herb used.

Dosing Tea for Children

Instead of trying to dose down the herb for a child (what would .005 teaspoons be??), I determine dosage based on the amount of tea I end up with. For example, if I wanted to make ginger tea to soothe an upset tummy, I’d steep 1 tsp of ginger root in 1 cup (16 TBSP) of water, which is the adult dose. I’d then use one of the dosing rules above to determine how much of those 16 Tablespoons of tea to give my little one.

For mild herbal teas like peppermint, chamomile, and lavender I usually use the folk method of dosing to keep it simple. I’ll throw a good size pinch of herb into 1/2 cup hot water and let my son sip as he desires.

How to Dose Herbal Powders

Herbs can be ground into a powder and mixed with things. This is helpful for those who don’t want to drink 4 cups of tea a day. Not all herbs are best taken as powders though, so be sure you use the best preparation for the condition at hand.

Here are some different ways to take an herbal powder.

• Mix into applesauce or yogurt.
• Mix into a healthy fruit smoothie.
• Put into capsules and swallow. – Bitters (like gentian and dandelion) jumpstart digestion when the tongue tastes them. If they’re put into a capsule, the effect won’t be the same.
• Mix with honey to make an herbal electuary. This option is good for little ones who can’t swallow pills yet, and the herb tastes too strong to disguise in other foods. Honey isn’t safe for children under 1, but food-grade glycerine or agave are safe options.
• Mix with honey to make a thick paste and roll into pastilles (like cough drops).

External Uses for Herbal Powders

I don’t like to use powdered herbs to make tea or salves with because it’s hard to strain the herb out. Powdered herbs are useful for more than taking internally though. Some herbs can be made into a paste with water or oil and applied topically as an herbal plaster or poultice.

I’ve used Oregon grape root powder mixed with coconut oil on psoriasis plaques. And powdered yarrow sprinkled on a wound will help stop bleeding. In instances like these I don’t carefully measure the herb out. I use enough herb and liquid to get the right consistency, then apply liberally.

How to Dose Tinctures

Tinctures are highly concentrated and are typically measured in drops or dropperfuls. These can be mixed with other ingredients to temper the taste, like applesauce or yogurt, or taken in water. In certain instances, tinctures can be used topically on the skin, though the alcohol can be irritating. Not all tinctures are the same strength and this also effects how much needs used.

When I make a homemade tincture it’s important to measure out both the herb and liquid used, or determining the right dosage will be impossible. It doesn’t help to say “take 10 drops of the tincture” if you have no idea how much herb is in the tincture!

This book gives thorough and easy to understand instructions to make tinctures. It also covers how much of each herb to use, and different herbal tincture recipes to address specific health complaints. This article from herbalist Juliette Carr is also a good resource for how to make tinctures.

Tailor the Dose to the Person

Herbs don’t work like drugs, they work synergistically with the individual to bring balance and wellness in the body. Someone can have a “hot” or “cold” constitution, or be “wet” or “dry.” I used to think this was nonsense, but the more I’ve learned about herbs the more I’ve realized how different we all are. Choosing the right herb for someone is as important as determining dosage. Healing with the Herbs of Life by Lesley Tierra has helped immensely with my understanding of how to work with different constitutions.

If you find an herb doesn’t work for you, there are several options.

• Increase the dosage (be careful with herbs that have a lower toxicity threshold, like lobelia)
• Use a different herb. If ginger doesn’t help your nausea, maybe peppermint will.
• Add supporting herbs to the preparation. For example, if I make a digestive blend with bitters the bitters help stimulate and enhance digestion. However bitter herbs can cool and dry which interferes with digestion long term. I could add warming herbs (like ginger) to create a more balanced formula (McDonald, n.d.).

References:

• McDonald, J. (n.d.). Blessed Bitters, Herbcraft. Retrieved from http://herbcraft.org/bitters.pdf
• Tilgner, S. (2009). Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth. Pleasant Hill, OR: Malloy Lithographing Inc.
• Watkins, PB., Kaplowitz, N., Slattery, JT., et al. (2006). Aminotransferase Elevations in Healthy Adults Receiving 4 Grams of Acetaminophen Daily: A Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA. 296(1), 87–93. doi:10.1001/jama.296.1.87

The post How to Safely Dose Herbal Remedies for the Best Results appeared first on The Herbal Spoon.

Cozy on up to a Cup of Spiced Apple Cider

My sister-in-law first showed me a version of this recipe years ago, and I’ve been in love with it ever since. It not only tastes delicious, but it makes the whole house smell amazing! I love using a variety of blends in my diffuser, but there’s nothing like a deep breath of spiced apple cider. This apple cider isn’t just for show though, it has an added immune system boost.

Immune Boosting Herbs

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a warming herb that’s a common favorite of oatmeal bowls all over. It adds depth and flavor to many foods and is the predominant flavor in this spiced cider. Cinnamon bark is antifungal, and antibacterial helps balance blood sugar levels, supports healthy circulation, and relieves stress. Its blood sugar balancing effects help to balance out the hit of natural sugar from the spiced apple cider, and add to the relaxing mood of the brew.

Cloves

Like cinnamon, there’s some evidence to suggest that cloves also help promote a healthy blood sugar balance. They’re antimicrobial, antifungal and are useful against a wide variety of pathogens. Cloves are also high in antioxidants to keep our body’s cells functioning at their best.

Astragalus

This adaptogen has been a staple of Chinese medicine for thousands of years and boasts a wide variety of uses. Astragalus is a potent antioxidant and is useful for preventing and recovering from cancer. It’s included in this apple cider for its immune boosting ability. It increases energy and fights against colds, flu, and other sicknesses. There’s so much to say about astragalus that I couldn’t possibly fit it all in here. In this post, I delve a little deeper into using adaptogens. This book is my favorite resource for learning about adaptogenic herbs, including astragalus.

Elderberry

Probably one of the most popular herbs during cold and flu season, elderberries add a big antiviral boost to this spiced apple cider. They have a sweet, earthy flavor that’s been clinically demonstrated and time tested to fight the flu big time. Elderberry can not only prevent the flu when taken throughout the flu season, but it can drastically cut the duration of the illness if you do get sick. Even better, it’s safe for little ones and pregnant and nursing mamas. Some have called it nature’s flu shot, and studies have shown it outperforms both the conventional options for efficacy and safety.

Looking for some more warm drink recipes?

• Superfood vanilla latte
• Sweet sleep tea with calming herbs
• Nourishing gingerbread latte
• Skinny chai tea

What are some of your favorite chilly day beverages? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to share this post!

References:

• Immunomodulatory effects of Astragalus 
• Astragalus – University of Maryland Medical
• Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief – David Winston
• Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms 
• The effect of Sambucol (elderberry) on the production of human cytokines
• Inhibitory activity of (elderberry) … against influenza A and B viruses   
• Antifungal activity of clove 

The post Warming Spiced Apple Cider Recipe to Boost Immunity appeared first on The Herbal Spoon.

I’ve been able to avoid getting sick most of the time by taking extra care of myself at the very first sign of sickness. I like to load up on some elderberry syrup, herbal tea, and this cold busting chicken soup. It’s an amped up version of the chicken noodle classic, so that you get even more health benefits.

Taking care of yourself

I can always tell when I’m about to get sick because I get that tired, run down feeling. If I ignore it, then I know in a few days I’m going to feel extra crappy. Preventative measures, like eating healthy, and taking care of yourself to relieve stress is important, but sometimes life gets in the way of those things. It never fails; I get busy, the stress builds, I indulge in sugar to keep me going and then bam…I’m sicker than a dog.

Sometimes life throws you a curveball, and as much as you want to, you just don’t have time to take care of yourself like you should. The great thing about this chicken soup, is that not only will it help you be healthier, but it also gets dinner on the table. You can double the recipe if you’d like and freeze the extra for some other time. I like to make enough for several meals, especially since it takes me several days of targeted care to really get over a cold or flu.

Antibacterial ingredients

Onions and garlic both have potent antibacterial properties to help kick your cold to the curb. I’ll often eat a slice of raw garlic in some raw honey every few hours when I’m sick, and it usually takes care of it completely. This study showed that onion was effective at killing multiple strains of bacteria.  Garlic is even better, as it can take care of not just bacteria, but viruses and fungus as well. You really want fresh garlic though, as the active ingredient is no longer viable an hour after smashing the garlic clove.

Oregano is also a powerful antibacterial herb, so I like putting some in this chicken soup. I’ve used thyme because its great for soothing coughs, and helping the body to expel excess mucus from the lungs and throat. If you can find fresh herbs that’s best, but dried will absolutely work, and is what I use in winter anyway.

Mineral rich sea salt

Every soup known to man has salt, so why am I mentioning it here? Sea salt is full of trace minerals that our bodies need for optimal health. I like using light grey celtic sea salt, but Himalayan or Redmond’s real salt are also great choices. Just don’t use the cheap, bleached iodized “sea salt” at your local big box grocery store. That stuff is glorified table salt and just as toxic (source).

Boost circulation for faster healing

I normally use ground black pepper when cooking, but this soup uses cayenne pepper. Cayenne gives it a little kick, but it also increases circulation to speed healing in the body. Cayenne also helps to break up and move congestion from the body, which is great for stuffy noses. It has antibacterial properties, boosts the lymphatic system and aids digestion and detox (source).

Apple cider vinegar is another key player in this recipe. It may sound strange to include vinegar in your soup, but the acidity really helps round out the flavor and makes it taste amazing! I learned this from Sarah Britton’s cookbook, Back to Your Roots, which just happens to be my all time favorite recipe book. Apple cider vinegar doesn’t just make the soup taste better though, it helps the body detox, aids digestion and so many other things to help you get better faster.

No chicken in chicken broth?

I was a little surprised when I read the back of the box on my organic chicken broth and realized that it was just organic chicken “flavors.” Umm, what happened to the chicken? Making your own broth is super easy.

I make it with kitchen scraps for a broth that costs nothing, but tastes fabulous and is full of vitamins and minerals. I cook a whole chicken, then take the meat off for meals, like this chicken soup recipe and make broth with the bones. You can get my recipe for concentrated chicken broth cubes here. I just recently got this instant pot, so I’m looking forward to making my broth in there next time, since it’s so much faster than my crockpot!

What do you eat during a cold or flu to feel better? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to share this post with a friend!

The post Cold busting chicken soup to get you better fast appeared first on The Herbal Spoon.

1. Herbs aren’t prescription drugs

Drugs work by manipulating the body, silencing its natural signals and masking symptoms. This is why you can take a pill for your back pain and even though the pain is gone, you’re still damaging your muscles, spine and cartilage as you continue about your business.

Trying to use natural remedies as a one to one replacement for drugs doesn’t usually work, because these work in an entirely different way in the body. Herbs and other remedies help bring the body back into balance as their active constituents work to gently heal and restore. So unless you’re paying attention to the big picture, popping an herbal pill isn’t much better than popping a drug.

2. You’re sabotaging your health

I’ve heard it so many times. Someone tries a natural remedy, it doesn’t work, and they consequently swear off everything natural as ineffective voodoo nonsense. What they don’t realize, is that a bad diet, years of unhealthy life choices and uncontrolled stress levels are sabotaging their health. Natural remedies are about bringing the body back into balance, and if your body is so clogged with bad choices and toxins, it can’t tell you what it needs and it’s too bogged down to respond natural remedies.

The solution here is thankfully a simple one. Start eating truly healthy foods, like pastured meat, grassfed butter, raw honey, collagen, liver (here are some liver pills that are safe and tasteless), fresh fruits and veggies, and raw milk. Also do stress relieving exercises like deep breathing, meditation, journaling or just focusing on spending some time with yourself.

3. You’re not taking enough

If you drank 2 cups of licorice tea and still have a sore throat a week later, it doesn’t mean that the licorice doesn’t work, it means that you didn’t take enough for it to be effective. Small, frequent doses for acute issues like colds and flus are necessary for results. For long term problems, daily and consistent use of the natural remedy is what’s needed. You have to take the correct dosage, for the right amount of time to see results.

4. You’re taking the wrong one

Similar to the last point, if you’re taking the wrong herb or natural remedy altogether, then it’s not going to perform the task you need to get better. Knowing which natural remedies to choose, and how to combine them is an important step to using them correctly. I’ve seen this happen a lot unfortunately, when someone hears that something is good and the next in thing, so they try what’s popular, instead of what’s going to help their specific issue.

5. You’re not taking them at the right time

Some natural remedies can be used as a preventative measure, while others are good while you’re in the middle of fighting something off. Echinacea is a great example here. If echinacea is taken for longer than two weeks, the body gets used to it and it becomes ineffective at warding off illness, so it shouldn’t be used long term to prevent issues. If however you’ve been sick for three days and turn to echinacea, then it won’t do you much good either, as it’s best used at the first sign that something is wrong.

6. They’re bad quality

This issue is really two fold. You can have a quality herb or tincture, but it can go unused and gets old. Old remedies lose their potency and can be less effective, or not effective at all. If they’re stored in direct sunlight, or in a warm place, then they’ll also go bad faster. The other problem is that your herb wasn’t good to begin with. Maybe it’s been cut with something cheaper, or maybe it’s been mislabeled as the wrong species.

I always make sure I’m buying a quality product, otherwise it’s money wasted. One way to make sure your herbs don’t go bad quickly, is to buy what you need, and not a huge amount that’s going to collect dust on the shelf. I get my herbs and natural remedy supplies from Starwest Botanicals. They’re high quality, fair trade with certified organic options. The best materials give the best results.

Have you had any successes or fails using natural remedies? Let us know in the comments below!

The post 6 Reasons why natural remedies don’t work appeared first on The Herbal Spoon.

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Every summer, I love to spend as much time as humanly possible outside. With gardening, evening walks and the occasional trip to the beach, my skin can soak up a lot of sun. For those days when I’ve had a little too much sun though, then I turn to this soothing sunburn spray to help relieve damaged skin.

I’m a big advocate for getting some safe sun exposure and soaking up all those lovely rays to boost my natural Vitamin D levels. And for the times where I know I’ll be in the sun all day, like at the beach, I like to take along some natural sunscreen with me. Sometimes though, I don’t always think ahead and my skin ends up a touch too red and I know I’ve overdone it. And while sun is good for you up to a point, burning is definitely not good and can do some serious damage to your skin.

What I used to use for sunburn

We used to use the bright blue aloe vera gel from the drug store every time we had a sunburn. I hated the slimy, sticky feel of the goop on my skin. A few years ago I actually took a look at the ingredients list, and it wasn’t something that I felt good about using anymore, now that we’re using non-toxic and all natural products. I like the first 2 ingredients, but then it goes downhill from there.

Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice , SD Alcohol 40-B (12.2% v/v) , Propylene Glycol , Glycerin , Polysorbate 20 , Carbomer , Triethanolamine , Diazolidinyl Urea , Disodium EDTA , Tocopherol , Blue 1 (source)

Yikes! So what’s a safe and healthy option instead of the blue goop?

An all natural solution

You know how much I love all things herbal, and a soothing after sun spray is no different. Herbs like calendula and lavender have skin regenerating properties, while chamomile is deeply soothing.

• Calendula – antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, demulcent
• Lavender – anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, analgesic (relieves pain)
• Chamomile – antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic (relieves pain)
• Peppermint essential oil – contains soothing menthol to cool skin down

I usually use an herb infused salve when my skin needs some extra care, but in this case, a salve can make the skin feel too hot. A cooling mist is the perfect option since you don’t have to touch the damaged skin, further irritating it. I like keeping this in the fridge so it feels extra cooling and soothing.

Soothing after sun spray

• 1 tsp lavender flowers – get it here
• 1 T. chamomile flowers – get it here
• 1 T. calendula flowers – get it here
• 4 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 T. pure aloe vera gel – get it here
• 1 T glycerin –get it here
• ¼ tsp non-gmo vitamin E (helps extend the shelf life and protects skin) – get it here
• 7 oz Distilled water
• 8 oz spray bottle or mister – get some here

1. In a clean saucepan with a lid, heat the water until it starts to boil. Turn the heat off and then add the herbs. Let the mixture steep for 5 minutes before carefully straining the herbs out.
2. Pour the herb infused water into your spray bottle and allow it to cool to room temperature. You can place the bottle in the fridge to speed up the process.
3. Next, add the aloe vera gel, vitamin E oil, glycerin and the peppermint essential oil. Shake well to combine.
   Store any extra in the fridge and use liberally on skin that’s had too much sun.

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I’m no stranger to essential oils and use them in just about everything, from this soothing scalp spray, to this blemish busting face mask recipe. They’re not only great for beauty care recipes, but they really promote wellness throughout the whole body.

Each essential oil has a plethora of uses, but I chose the following for their specific soothing properties. All of these are powerful at keeping the body well and fighting seasonal threats. This spray can also be used when you get that feeling a scratchy throat is coming on.

Soothing essential oils

Clove essential oil provides a numbing feeling and has a wide history of use as a teething remedy for cranky babies. I’ve used it to soothe and numb a tooth before when I couldn’t get to the dentist right at the moment. When it’s used in a throat spray, it helps soothe and provide a feeling of numbness to the throat. Clove is a hot oil though and should never be used undiluted, especially on mucus membranes like the mouth and throat!

Peppermint is also in this mix for its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s frequently used to cool the body and creates a feeling of open airways by thinning mucus and activating cold receptors in the nasal passages. This is also a hot oil and should be used with respect.

I’ve also used lemon in here for it’s fantastic ability to help the body cleanse. It’s anti-inflammatory and stimulates the body’s lymphatic system. Juniper berry finishes out the essential oils with strong antioxidant properties.

Safely diluting essential oils

Sraying undiluted essential oils in the mouth can burn mucus membranes and cause damage. You can read more about how I safely ingest essential oils in this post, and why you would want to. And no, water doesn’t count for diluting when it comes to a non-water soluble substance like essential oils. I typically dilute with a carrier oil, however essential oils will also mix well with honey.

Raw honey has an extensive history of treating many issues in (and on) the body. I use it in my homemade honey face wash for its gentle ability to prevent and improve blemishes. It also makes a great addition to this soothing throat spray. Not only does raw honey dilute the essential oils, but it’s antibacterial and ant-viral as well.

Use essential oils wisely

What oils you use matters. Quality essential oils make a difference in effectiveness and safety. Another word of warning. Peppermint is not recommended for very young children. I also can’t recommend spraying anything on the back of a young child’s throat.

Soothing throat spray

Ingredients

• 4 drops clove oil
• 3 drops peppermint oil
• 4 drops lemon oil
• 3 drops juniper berry oil
• 1 Tbsp raw honey –get it here if you can’t find local
• filtered or distilled water
• 2 oz spray bottle – what I use

Directions

1. Combine the essential oils and raw honey together in the glass bottle. I use one of these mini funnels when filling small bottles to prevent spills.
2. Add enough filtered or distilled water so that the bottle is almost full.
3. Cap the bottle and shake vigorously to mix well.
4. Shake well before each use. Spray inside the throat as needed to soothe.

The post How to Make Throat Spray for Powerful Relief appeared first on The Herbal Spoon.

Getting into herbalism can seem a little overwhelming at first. Which herbs do you stock up on, which remedies should you make and how do you do it all safely and effectively? Using herbs doesn’t have to be confusing or expensive with these herbal medicine cabinet essentials.

I buy most of my herbs from the Bulk Herb Store. They have amazing quality, super fast shipping and very low prices for what you get. You can check out all the items here. If they don’t have the item I want in stock, then my next stop is Mountain Rose Herbs. This store has everything, including beeswax candles, herbal shampoo, tinctures and everything in between.

My favorite herbal books

I started off learning from books. The internet has a vast array of information, but sifting through it all can be time consuming. And then there’s the issue of finding quality, accurate information online.

If I had the space, I’d happily have an entire room full of natural health books. I’ve had to be very particular about what takes up space on my shelf though, and these books have made the cut. My collection contains over a dozen herbal reference books, but these are the ones I reference most often. For those with more shelf space, you can check out herbalist Rosalee de Foret’s extensive herbalism book recommendations here.

Medicinal Herbs, A Beginner’s Guide by Rosemary Gladstar. – You can read my full review of the book here, but in a nutshell, this is a great introduction to all the basics of making your own medicine. – Get it here

Modern Essentials – This is my go to reference book for es sential  oils right now. It has lots of information on how to use oils for specific issues, with study references to back it up. – get it here

Practical Herbalism by Phillip Fritchey – This book is like a short materia medica and also gives a good overview of how to make products like tinctures, salves and decoctions. My favorite part about this book though, is that it gives specific dosing instructions and preparation methods for the herbs used. – get it here

The ABC Herbal by Steven Horne – This book is short and sweet, but my go to when it comes to helping my little guy. get it here

Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health – This book contains 175 time tested recipes from one of my favorite herbalists. There are solutions for women’s issues, babies and children, men’s issues, skincare and general health and wellness. – get it here.

What herbs should I start out with?

My very first experience with using herbal medicine was with herbs that came from my own garden. I still have the original peppermint and lemon balm from the patch at my parent’s home. Since then, I’ve stocked up on different herbs that are either hard to grow in my area, or I just don’t have room in my garden for.

Herbs for specific health issues

What herbs you want to have on hand will depend on what health issues you want to address. Make a list of your family’s health goals, like general immunity, first aid and increased energy. You can then get herbs to specifically address these issues. If you’re struggling with asthma or insomnia, then look into what herbs to use for those.

Herbal medicine essentials

I may have gone a little overboard in my herb stash, since I have about 4 large boxes worth of herbs sitting on my shelf. I’ll try to tone down the list and keep it at the basics though.

Beeswax – This isn’t an herb, but vital to thickening your own salves, balms and other concoctions. – get it here

Bentonite Clay – Ok, also not an herb, but useful for so many things. This can detox the body both internally and externally. It’s also the main ingredient in my remineralizing toothpaste. – get it here

Elderberry – I’m making a big batch of elderberry syrup to keep sickness at bay this winter. This immune boosting syrup can be taken everyday, and because it’s sweet and fruity, it’s a favorite of little ones. get it here

Echinacea – This herb is my first line of defense when I feel a cold coming on. It should be taken in small, frequent amounts at the first sign of sickness. It shouldn’t be taken long term for prevention or after sickness has set in. get it here

Rose Hips – Super high in vitamin C, these have a delicious fruity taste. I like adding a nutritional boost to drinks and homemade popsicles with a rose hip infusion. Because vitamin C isn’t stored in the body, it’s one we need to supplement with every day. get it here

Lavender – Lavender helps to relieve stress and anxiety, but it’s also super healing for skin. I use lavender in my Healing Salve to help with cuts, scrapes, irritated skin and the like. You can even make a lavender heat bag for aches and pains. get it here

Chamomile – Chamomile is nicknamed the children’s herb because of it’s powerful yet gentle nature. Similar to lavender, it’s also a calming and soothing herb. I use it in my Sweet Sleep tea to wind down at night. It’s helpful for colicky babies, nervousness, anxiety and stress. get it here

Activated Charcoal – Yet another staple that’s not an herb, but very worth mentioning. I use it to whiten my teeth in my Tea Lover’s remineralizing toothpaste. It can also be used in cases of food poisoning, upset stomach and in a drawing salve for poisonous bites. get it here

Calendula – The king of herbs for soothing skin, this is also in my Healing Salve. It’s particularly useful for psoriasis and eczema, but it’s great for all skin irritation including sunburns. get it here

Licorice root – This was actually the first herb I ever remember using. It’s warming, pleasant taste is good for sore throats. It’s very safe for children and stimulates and supports the adrenal glands. Avoid large amounts if you have a heart condition. get it here

Marshmallow root – This mucilage herb works by coating and soothing irritated membranes. It’s good for scratchy throats, or an irritated digestive tract or intestines. get it here

Olive leaf – This herb boasts powerful anti-viral, anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. I’ll blend this with rosehips and make a tea to quickly knock out an infection. It works especially well for a sore throat. get it here

Cayenne and Ginger – These warming herbs are useful for arthritis, inflammation, and general increased circulation to speed healing. I’ll use them in a salve, in the bathtub for muscle aches, or for flu. Cayenne can even stop internal or external bleeding and stop a heart attack when one starts. get ginger here and cayenne here

Brain booster tea – Designed to increase circulation, memory and focus, this one is a must have in my daily routine. get it here

Double E-Immune booster tea – This tasty blend contains nutritive herbs like nettle, combined with potent immunity herbs like Echinacea. I’ll guzzle this throughout the day when I’m starting to feel a little down. get it here

Erin’s super green drink mix – I’ll add an easy, nutritional boost to morning smoothies, popsicles and other items by adding some green powder in. It’s way easier than mixing your own since it contains a blend of 29 different herbs to provide a wide array of vitamins and minerals. get it here.

 Tools for creating your concoctions

• I like these bottles for storing my tinctures and oil blends in
• These tins are fabulous quality and great for storing salves, spice blends and other items.
• This handy machine saves so much time when it comes to creating custom capsules.

What are your favorite, must have herbs? Comment below!

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Sometimes my thoughts are racing inside my head and I can’t focus. Then there are the nights I can’t seem to slip into sleep, however hard I try. When I savor this fragrant calming tea though, I can almost feel my mind breathe a sigh of relief.

Few things are as refreshing as a good night’s sleep. But for many, sleep is an elusive, fickle friend. It comes around when you’re preoccupied, but leaves you to your thoughts at  bedtime.  A cup of this calming tea will settle both your mind and body for a relaxing experience.

Nourish your nerves

Even if you don’t struggle with sleep, a nice warm cup of tea in the evenings is the perfect way to unwind and de-stress. My life gets crazy, and sometimes I need to remind myself to slow down. Part of nourishing our bodies is the foods we eat, but part of it is taking a break and allowing ourselves time to recuperate.

Calming tea superhero herbs

Lavender and chamomile are well known nervine herbs that clear the mind and relax the body. Chamomile is so gentle, that it’s been nicknamed the children’s herb. Don’t let that fool you into thinking it won’t work on adults too. Chamomile is useful during pregnancy and can help calm a colicky baby if the mother drinks it, as it goes through the breastmilk.

Lavender however in large amounts can be a mild uterine stimulant, so don’t plan on drinking lavender tea frequently during pregnancy. However culinary use, like with this recipe, is considered perfectly safe. Do what you feel comfortable with.

The amazing rose

Orange adds just a hint of zing to the blend and offers some immune boosting vitamin C. The mild floral taste of rose helps to balance out the pungent lavender. Rose positively effects the heart and bolsters emotions. I’ve been making rose lotion lately for better skin and to soothe my emotions. This flower releases feelings of inadequacy and brings its user peace.

With a steaming mug of calming tea nestled between my palms my thoughts speak to me.

You’ve got this. Let’s slow down. Let’s focus.

Psst…Looking for a good source for herbs? The Bulk Herb Store is my favorite place to get very affordable, yet high quality organic and wildcrafted herbs.

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The post How to get your best sleep ever with calming tea appeared first on The Herbal Spoon.