The Snotty Season

Well, I believe the snotty, hacking season has finally come upon us here in Kentucky. It seems like everywhere I turn, babies and children are getting a case of the "epizoody" as my grandmother used to call it. (Not sure if that's a south-western Tennessee thing, a southern thing, or just completely made up by her!)

Anyway, before you make a mad dash to your friendly pediatrician office, I thought it might be helpful to post some wonderful home remedies and information that may prove useful and possibly save you the trip altogether. I have found great results incorporating this knowledge into my life and that of my family.

I want to add a disclaimer here and tell you that I am not a doctor, but I play one in my home! So, take whatever info you find and try it out, but use the wisdom the Lord has given you as well, especially in emergency situations. Here goes:

1) Limit or restrict cow's milk or dairy.
If your child or yourself is experiencing cold/virus/flu symptoms, it is important to limit or even restrict all cow's milk/dairy products for the duration of the sickness. Cow's milk and dairy produces more mucus on the body, and you don't want that. Also, if your child is prone to ear infections, definitely take the baby off the cow's milk formula.

The leading cause of digestive intolerance leading to stomach complaints is dairy products. Many kids have subtle allergies to cow's milk that perpetuate their nasal congestion, leading to ear infections.

Click HERE to read this article.

Goat's milk is a very good alternative if you feel that your child needs dairy at all. We personally don't use it, but if it is your choice, choose goat's. It is at least not mucus producing.

2) Let a fever do its job.
Here is a quote from Dr. Joseph Mercola. Read his website and article HERE.

In general, it is unwise to reduce a fever unless the person (child or adult) is absolutely miserable or the fever is over 102 or 103. There is an exaggerated concern that many parents have regarding fever.

They are unaware that there really is no brain damage until the temperature gets beyond 105 or so. Now, I do get concerned when the temperature is above 102, but I would still hold off on using aspirin or Tylenol unless the person was feeling very uncomfortable.

These drugs actually inhibit the body's immune response and actually tend to prolong the illness rather then resolving it more quickly.

Again, do what you feel led to do as a parent or for yourself. These are just suggestions that I have found to be true when I have employed them for myself. That is what I can base these recommendations on!

3) Build up the immune system.
It is important to try and keep the immune system as strong as possible so that we can fight off sickness easier. Taking supplements such as Vitamin C, Cod Liver Oil or fish oil, multi-vitamins, probiotics are a few of the important ones to take daily. Children benefit from these greatly as well.

4) Use Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
We use Bragg's apple cider vinegar in our salad dressing, and it also helps to kill colds, infections, germs, etc. You can read all about it HERE.

For example, to help a cough or headache, mix one cup warm water, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar and 1 tsp or 2 of raw honey. This mixture helps take mucus from the body, similar to using a lemon. Just be careful with citrus, as many people are allergic to it without realizing it. My children really like this mixture and it is very soothing for sore throats, runny noses, and the honey helps alleviate the coughing.

5) Try natural, homeopathic products.
I have had a good experience using Hyland products. Several of these can be purchased at Walgreens, Kroger and other stores, as well as on the internet. I have personally used the pink eye drops, the ear drops, and the sinus spray on my children. They have been very effective in our case. And, they are much safer on the body than traditional medication, even over the counter.

Now, please don't think I am anti-medication. A few years back, I was possibly more "militant" about it, but I humbly realize and appreciate the benefits of it. (Yes, I have been taking Motrin for my broken toe! To those of you who know me, that is a BIG step for me, but hey, I have a bit of an all or nothing tendency, so bear with me!) The point is, I am not saying that you should never take medicine, but I AM saying you should try to go the natural way when you can, because quite simply, it works just as well or in most cases, better! That's all on that!

Okay, I will continue on with more later, if you are interested! I know this is untreaded waters for some and old news for others, but I just wanted to share it, since the snots are upon us! Be well!