Why Herbs?

The dream team for the "Cough and Sore Throat be gone". Some time soon I will explain how these bad boys work.

That is a really good question. I know a lot of people are asking the same thing. Using herbs when we are sick is like giving the little soldiers, who are fighting those germs in our bodies, extra weapons to fight with. Depending on how big the battle is depends on how long our fight is and how many doses of the herbs we need to take.  

Hear me out.

MOST prescription drugs have crazy side effects. Have you read them? Yikes. If I have a woman reading this I know if you have taken an antibiotic (which means antilife) chances are you have gotten a yeast infection. Am I right? If I bring an antibiotic into this house I swear my body revolts and I get a yeast infection before I even take it. I am serious. If I was ever prescribed antibiotics I ALWAYS had him write me a yeast infection script. Might as well. Chances are its going to happen. The reason I bring this up is because Herbs don't KILL anything. They are helpers in the fight. (As a general rule. They are antibacterial, but not in a sense we are used to seeing.) I have yet to take an herb that has given me a crazy miserable yeast infection.

Is there a place for antibiotics? YES.

When our immune systems have gotten so weak that we can't get better we do need a little bit of help. However not allowing our bodies to fight infection itself is part of the reason society stays sick. We need to get sick every once in a while so that our bodies build immunities to germs. Think of it as a video game. (I know everyone has played one or two in your lifetime.) What happens when you first start a level you've never seen or done before? You die fast right? Well we don't "die" when we get a virus or a germ, but we do get sick. Depending on how weak our immune system is really depends on how long we stay sick. I am NOT suggesting you stay sick for weeks or months. Not saying that at all. I am saying give your body enough time to win a battle.

Fevers aren't necessarily BAD things.

We have been programed to fear the fever. I know I have. The very first Dr appointment we went to with our son were told to watch out for fevers. If he has one bring him in. If you want to get into the Dr fast with a newborn tell them you have a fever and they will see the baby right away. We have been programed to think.. Fever...Bad. Am I right?? When we need to be treating the symptoms and not the fever.

The fever is the result of something. NOT the problem. If you fail a test at school is it the tests fault? No....Its because you didn't study. If you don't have enough money to pay the bills is it the moneys fault? No its because you either spent it all or need to earn more.

Are  you following me?

Fevers are a sign that your bodies immune system is working! To kill germs our bodies HEAT UP! That is an AWESOME sign! That means our bodies are doing EXACTLY as it is suppose to do.

Side Note: Prolonged High fevers are dangerous.

Obviously you need to watch the temp. Most children when they have a low grade fever are still active. I know mine is. Treating the patient seems to be out of the question. We treat the Fever and then well...we have even sicker babies because we keep putting the soldiers who are fighting the germs to sleep.

Ok I am off my soap box.

 Do herbs take longer to work? Yes. Why?

Well really this depends on how weak (or sluggish) your immune system is. Have you relied most of your life on OTC drugs and prescription drugs? Then chances are your body has forgotten how to fight. It may take a little longer. Herbs aren't a crutch. Its like adding more weapons to your soldiers already fighting the battle in your body. Does that make sense? When we give our bodies herbs to fight it does take longer because our bodies are doing the work. We aren't sending "hired" help...We ARE the help! Be patient with yourself and your bodies. We need to take care of them. It starts with the food we eat.

How come the herbs I am taking aren't working?

That's a great question. Couple of things you need to remember. 1. You need to take less and more frequently. Modern Medicine is the exactly opposite. Lets bombard your bodies and then we will go from there. Herbs are the exact opposite. A little at a time but in a few hours or even an hour later you take more. Sometimes you take the herbs every 20 minutes. 2. What works for me may or may not work for you. What works for my 3 year old son may or may not work for me. I think a lot of the time people get frustrated and give up.

There are some germs you probably need help fighting...like one recently in the news...the Ebola...

But seriously...the common flu or cold? Come on folks...start taking care of your bodies and your bodies will take care of you.



Becoming an "Herbie"



In my adult years I remember my grandmother trying to heal herself with herbs. Honestly, I thought she was crazy. Lets be honest. I know half (or most) probably thought she was crazy. Now that I am older and have my own son, I think there is something to these herbs.

It started with my Elderberry syrup. 

Then it got out of control from there.

There is something rewarding about making your own healing concoctions that have come from the ground. (No I am not a hippie and yes I DO shave my arm pits.) Taking control of my own healthcare in every sense of the word. Making this side note: Because I feel COMFORTABLE knowing where my limits are. I am not saying I will NEVER take my family to the dr. I had to about a month ago because I thought my son needed stitches...sorry I am not breaking out the needle and thread and sewing my boy up...aint happenin. Let me add this other side note. These aren't my own concoctions. I am not a Certified Herbalist. Yet. (maybe someday soon) I spend probably hundreds of hours researching someone or something before I put it into my body and most definitely before it goes into my sons body. Just like prescription drugs herbs act and react to each other.  These plants can be used for so much. I love talking about herbs and researching a new remedy. It is so exciting.

My son and I recently caught a bug. I should have known it was coming because we finally got into our home and back on a semi-normal routine. Our bodies where WORN OUT. Lots and lots of late night, eating out and little sleep does not do well on a body. I don't care how healthy you are. Get around someone who might be a little sick and your immune system doesn't stand a chance.

The most annoying part of this illness we caught is the sore throat. I don't want to be over dramatic, but I want to say I think I would rather be throwing up than have a sore throat. Do you realize how much you swallow??? Even while you sleep. Its a lot. I cringe when I know the time is coming I have to swallow...and can you say DRAGON BREATH! YUCK. (or at least I feel like it)

I broke out my book called "Herbal Remedies for Children's Heath." by Rosemary Gladstar. The more I read her stuff the more I am in love with her. Her stuff is rather simple and easy to follow. In the front of her book she tells you the herbs you should have on hand if you have children and how they work. Thats my kind of lady. Don't just tell me a recipe...I want to know WHY  you are using these herbs. Right??

This remedy although for children it still works on adults.

*Not to be taken if pregnant*

There are some people who want to keep their remedy's a secret. That's fine. My dream is to have more people taking control of not only their heath by eating better, but by becoming more comfortable with remedies that have been used for centuries. They work. We just need to learn to use them correctly. Give our healing back to our bodies.

I am selling these little bags of goodness for the cost of the herbs and the cost of shipping. The time I spend putting these babies together is my gift to you. All the herbs are bought from certified organic companies. I do not grow my own. It comes with everything you need minus the honey (It needs to be local and raw...please don't give it to children under 1) and filtered water.

One last thing.

I usually want to include a "smell check" and a "taste check" with all the remedies I share. Here goes.

Smell: My husband looks for the dog poop every single time he comes in the house and I am making one of these. I HONESTLY don't think its THAT bad. Really. Do I think it smells yummy like Elderberry syrup. Nope. No where in the same universe. Have your windows open and a vent going. If it didn't work...I probably wouldn't be making this again. When it has cooled down and is in the fridge it smell like a very strong spiced cider. When you add the honey its not nearly as bad, but its strong.

Taste: Its strong. Its a very bitter spicy remedy. The first couple spoonful's took my breath away, but the results are worth going back for more. Anything that makes the pain of swallowing go away...I am all for it.

Cough and Sore throat be Gone:

2 Parts Slippery Elm Bark

2 Parts Valerian

2 Parts Wild Cherry Bark

2 Parts Licorice Root

4 Parts Fennel Seeds

1 Part Cinnamon Bark

1/2 Part Gingerroot

1/8 Part Orange Peel

I will break these down in my next post and why it works. Again. This isn't MY PERSONAL concoction. When I bought everything to make this it came to about $80. Its a lot of money to invest if you only get sick once a year. I just want to share the goodness.

sniffle, sniffle, sneeze. Cough....repeat!

I have seen, more like read, hundreds of people on Facebook suffer this year with seasonal allergies. 'Tis the season right?  I know all about them. I too suffer TERRIBLY from allergies. I have been clinically diagnosed with being allergic to trees and grass. (I live in Alabama...not the best place for me to live) My list of prescriptions from Dr's every single, year would grow...and grow....and grow. Every year it was different ones because I would build up an immunity. THEN half way through the year I would get a sinus infection. Never understood why I stayed so sick...then came the headaches...then came the migraines...Terrible cycle.

Until I met my "Crunchy" friend. Thanks Jaclyn. xoxo

To make a long story short I have not had to go to the Dr this year for allergy medicine. Nope not once. I have not had 1 single migraine. (knock on wood) Nor have I had a sinus infection. I think this is the first year I have been able to breath out of BOTH nostrils this time of year...no joke. What am I doing you ask? Its pretty simple are you ready? Got your paper out?? Write this down and stick it in your purse and run to the grocery store...

This is from Dollar General I think it was $3. I have the one from Walmart, but I like this one better.

Local honey. This local  RAW honey is grown in my backyard...can't get any more local than that. That local and RAW part is really important.

Last but NOT least...My elderberry syrup.

Packed with allergy CRUSHING ingredients!

The problem I had with allergy medicines was it wasn't helping me It was making things worse. I am sure you notice that too. After that allergy medicine wears off you are good for nothing. Am I right?? Then you are either miserable until bed time or you are scrambling to find your next hit. STOP THE MADDNESS!!! I think last night I had an "episode" and it was probably because I had forgotten to take it, problem solved. I took the Echinacea and a spoonful of honey and within 20 minutes I was back on track. No terrible side effects. Seriously folks!

 My allergies are A.W.E.F.U.L. I was willing to try anything. Aside from drinking my own urine. (I have read that too) I went with all three and they have worked. For fear of it being a combination I haven't let off any of them. I will just continue with what works. Try it. Seriously what do you have to loose!

 Ever walk outside and you can physically FEEL the pollen attack you? Feel it flying up your noes laughing all the way? This is the first year I say "Bring it on"...you aren't bringing me down this year!

BAM!

My son takes this, my husband takes this. It works. All of this is good for more than just allergies. Look it up.

Good luck. Let me know how it works for ya!

xoxo

Taking care of colds and flu's quickly and naturally! I promise.

Maybe some of you know that Caden was sick a few weeks ago and I cured him naturally without taking him to the dr. I am still pretty proud of myself. I ordered some herbs with a friend and decided I would make my own elderberry syrup. Its cheaper and I can add what I want to it. Thought I would share the recipe and the ins and outs of it all. xoxo enjoy!

Lets start with

"What is an Elderberry?"

Great question!

Elderberries contain organic pigments, tannin, amino acids, carotenoids, flavonoids, sugar, rutin, viburnic acid, vitaman A and B and a large amount of vitamin C. They are also mildly laxative, a diuretic, and diaphoretic. Flavonoids, including quercetin, are believed to account for the therapeutic actions of the elderberry flowers and berries. According to test Elderberry's are powerful antioxidants and protect cells against damage. Elderberries were listed in the CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs as early as 1985, and are listed in the 2000 Mosby's Nursing Drug reference for colds, flu, yeast infections, nasal and chest congestion, and hay fever. In Israel, Hasassah's Oncology Lab has determined that elderberry stimulates the body's immune system and they are treating cancer and AIDS patients with it. The wide range of medical benefits (from flu and colds to debilitating asthma, diabetes, and weight loss) is probably due to the enhancement of each individual's immune system.

I know right! Who knew?

This stuff is powerful and it doesn't have the nasty reactions as most drugs. I also am in favor of anything that is God given.

So here we go.

Here are the herbs. They are from Bulk Herb Store and they have had pretty much anything I have looked up. If not, they have an option where you can sign up to be notified when they are back in stock. LOVE that option.

This is the mixture. The colors are so beautiful.

Brought to a boil and then simmered uncovered for 20-30 minutes.

 After its done cooking you strain the mixture through cheese cloth. SQUEEZE that juice out!

Add some raw honey...and there you go! Its the best flu syrup you can get! promise!

Here is the recipe:

1/4 cup dried Elderberries

2 Tablespoons dried Rose Hips

2 Tablespoons dried Echinacea

3/4 Teaspoon dried ginger root

1 cinnamon stick

1 Cup filtered water

1/2 cup local raw honey.

Bring first six ingredients to a boil, then let herbs simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes. The water will reduce by half. Pour mixture through a mesh strainer or cheese cloth. Press the mixture to squeeze juice out. Discard the herbs. Let syrup cool until you can touch it. Then add honey.

Note: for children younger than 1 year, honey isn't recommended. You can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar.

Dosage: Children take 1-2 tsp a day. Adults take 1-4 tsp a day.

Enjoy!

xoxo

Because I haven't heard Herbs have a recall....EVER!

This post isn't about demonizing Dr's or Nurses who spend long hours being away from their families taking care of sick people. This isn't about that. This is about people taking CHARGE of their health. Hang on to your panties, its about to get serious up in here.

I have been reading articles from Dr's who have moved from using traditional medicines to exclusively using herbs. They are getting better results and longer lasting results with LESS side effects than pharmaceutical drugs. True. Why is this not being discussed in our Dr visits?? Dr's make money when you come back. (Personal opinion, sorry its true.)

Are there things that need a SPECIALIST. Yes. Cancer probably is one of those things.

Adam had a back surgery 7 years ago that still bothers him to this day. Shots are an every other year Dr appointment. Just to tolerate pain. These medicines don't HEAL anything they just numb the pain.

 Pain is your bodies way of telling you something is wrong. Ignoring pain is bad.

Covering pain up. Is worse.

Doing research on herbs that will help Adam with his pain and this is what I have found.

There are three types of pain:

1. Nerve pain

2. Muscle pain

3. Inflammation

Congratulations. You are now a educated.

All three are serious and should be HEALED not covered up. Otherwise you will just continue to reinjure yourself.

So I found these bad boys. There are several ways you can do you herbs.

In a tea. In a tincture. As a glycerin. As an infused oil. or As a capsule.

There is a time to use all of those methods. For Adam this is what I am doing.

Did you know that St Johns Wort actually HEALS nerve damage? It also restores damaged cells. It is also an anti-inflammatory. (amazing herb)

Prickly Ash helps with the shooting and searing pain. They have had cases where the nerve pain wasn't helped AT ALL with pharmaceutical drugs and Prickly Ash took the pain away altogether.

Kava Kava is a very effective remedy for relaxing tension, and it works both on the mind and the muscles. (retail is extremely tense)

Jamaican Dogwood is a very effective and unique remedy for pain.  It has an action on both muscular and nerve pain.

Most of these are in a tincture. Mostly because I don't have time to make a glycerin right now. (Don't worry its coming) I got this so we can test it out for ourselves before I do our own formula. Just like pharmaceutical drugs a "one size fits all" doesn't fit all.

A trip to the Chiropractor is Monday. If your spine is out of whack aint nothing right.

Vitamins are important too. Check and check.

The thing you must understand herbs WONT do the job for your body. They HELP it. Our bodies have become so reliant on pharmaceutical drugs our bodies have forgotten how to fight off everything.

Think of it as welfare if  you must. The less you do for yourself. The more you depend on something or someone else to do it for you. 

AND

Lets me honest. When was the last time you turned on the radio and heard...."Do you know a loved one that has taken St. Johns Wort and died of lung cancer? Call Michael Johnson to see if you qualify for the class action lawsuit." Nope. Not gonna happen.

xoxo

No I haven't TOTALLY lost my mind. Yet.

Good morning! Its Wednesday! I am actually looking forward to blogging now that I have a day I have put aside to blog. It doesn't feel so over whelming. Plus it gives me a little time to think about what I am going to blog about. Then if I feel the URGE to write another post...its just a bonus for you. :) I hope you enjoy todays blog. xoxo

I have always considered my way of life "modern" yet "conservative". We are Christian Republicans. Although I do have friends of all walks of life, this is what works best for our family. I WASNT about "alternative" medicines and thought my "organic" friends had LOST THEIR MINDS! How can food be bad. Its a French Fry. How bad can it really be? Then I met Jaclyn. She calls herself a "crunchie" mom. I thought that was funny. Then we started talking about Oils and Herbs and the things that work for her family. Not sure why, but I was like "That makes sense! Why have I not thought about that?" Then the pinnacle in the relationship happened when I watched Food INC.  My life as I knew it...would never be the same.

There are several turning points in a persons life where they can't turn back. Where a chapter ends and another begins. No matter how hard you try you wont ever be the same. That for me was when I watched Food INC. It was that serious for me.

I belong to this private group on Facebook called "Moms Helping Moms". Its a group where moms can come together and ask questions about just life and we all give advice and encouragement. Its been such a blessing. Its private so we feel comfortable asking questions with people they know. ANYWAY. There are a lot of moms on there that are "Crunchie" and talk about natural remedies with oils and herbs. I jumped on the ban wagon. YES I DID! One that has been the topic of discussion has been Elderberry Syrup. (no not for pancakes) Its flu and cold season.

Caden got sick at church when a mother decided to bring her two daughters to church with a cough and nasty runny noses. Caden caught it. SHOCKER! So instead of taking him to the Dr I decided to do the "Crunchie" mom way and test it out. (keeping in mind I know where my Dr is if I can't fight it myself and knowing where I feel my boundaries ARE. After all I am THE MOM and I know when that point is.) After a week of just being slightly ill. We are 100% over the flu. No sign of a cough, a fever and or a runny nose. Seriously. AND what is even BETTER about all of this. The next time Caden comes into contact with something with someone who is sick, he will have a stronger immune system to help fight it off FASTER and BETTER than last time. Keep in mind. ALL prescriptions have about 100 side effects. Deciding whether to take them and get better and deal with what comes along with the side effects OR do the natural way and not deal with the side effects. That's all I am saying. Do you research. Do what is best for you! Here is what we used.

The Herbs

My grandmother was all about Herbs. Especially Horehound. We all thought she was crazy. Until I looked up this herb for myself. Horehound if you have mucus is THE single most important thing you need. I am not kidding. It makes your cough PRODUCTIVE. Who wants to cough to just cough? If I am going to cough I want to get the crap out! Well this stuff helps do that. I went through an entire bottle of this stuff in a week. Everything Caden drank had this stuff in it.

Got this from our local health store. It is very yummy. It is not your imagination when you use this and 10-15 minutes later they feel better. You do have to use it often. That's the only down fall with herbs. However I think that is a great downfall. No side effects.

This stuff is POWERFUL. I will be making my own next time and adding a few things that are better like Echinacea. Echinacea is like the natural antibiotic! I am super excited about making my own. I will blog about it later PROMISE.

Essential oil

No its NOT doTerra or Young Living. I had this from when I was pregnant with Caden. I put him in the bath twice a day with Epsom salts and let it pull the poison out of his body and the eucalyptus helped with his breathing. This is going to sound strange but the water was always a dingy color when we emptied it. I really feel like the Epsom salt was doing a good job.

I am not sure I will ever have a specific "Brand" I stick with.

The Big Guns.

I have always used the Hyland's brand. We started using it with Caden when he started teething and well. I am a believer. So anything they put out I give a try and if it works for Caden I keep it on hand always.

 Don't let the night time fool you. This didn't make Caden "Sleepy it has a calming effect that made him peaceful. The sleepy time medicines usually WIRE him to the max. This didn't do that. Helped with the cough also. I sometimes gave it to him during the day. I found that it helped day and night with out him being groggy.

Oh sweet mother! This stuff was my favorite! Speaks for itself! Love it.

And I have been looking for Vitamin C tablets and finally found some. Thank you Hylands for being consistent. HOWEVER Caden wont eat these. I have to sneak them into his juice. We went a little overboard on Vitamin C. Your body doesn't store it and if you get to much...it gets tossed out. So bulk up baby!

I know that seems like a lot, and it was really a small pharmacy on my counter top, but you know what he was a champ and told me when it was time for more medicine. He knew it worked for him and knew he felt better when he took it. I am a believer. Children don't lie. They can't by nature unless they are taught.

Look forward to more posts about natural things we will be doing around here.

Thanks for reading. Tell me what you think.

xoxo