There are a few natural products that have been our family's go-to for almost every injury, illness, cut, graze and bump we've encountered since having our kids nearly 10 years ago. Thanks to these effective natural medicines and home remedies (and a pretty healthy diet), our boys have never needed to take a single medication.
Being a naturopath, I have the advantage of being confident in my ability to provide safe and effective natural treatments for myself and my family, and I want to help you to do the same.
The Power of Natural Home Remedies
In today's world, we often overlook the potential of basic home treatments for mild conditions, choosing instead to rely heavily on medications with potential side effects. Unfortunately, many over the counter and prescription medications can deplete the body of essential antioxidants and nutrients and disrupt the body's natural processes.
- Panadol depletes the body of glutathione, a major antioxidant.
- Anti-biotics, while sometimes required, are highly overused and destroys the microbiome, both the good and bad bacteria, which leads to a greater likelihood of health issues and infections in the future if not addressed correctly.
- Antihistamines reduce the natural production of DAO and HNMT, enzymes that help to clear histamine from the body, and therefore help in the acute treatment of allergies but then mean that you’re more likely to need them going forward as well.
The list goes on.
I’m not anti-medication. I’m against it’s prolific overuse, instead of implementing very simple natural remedies that would avoid needing it in the first place. I’m against ignoring underlying causes of health issues while simply masking symptoms with medications. Unfortunately, this describes the conventional medical system pretty accurately.
The information I'm sharing here is for anyone who wants to feel like they have a little more control over their family's health and have acute strategies available to them in their own home, to prevent minor illnesses and injuries from progressing to anything more serious.
Here are some of my favourites:
One of my go-to remedies for any acute pain and inflammation is Traumeel. Available in cream or tablets, we've used this treatment countless times in our house and I recommend it to my clients as well.
Here are some examples of when to use it:
To reduce the pain and inflammation of strains, sprains, injuries and surgeries and help reduce reliance on pain killers and anti-inflammatories.
As a treatment for the acute pain of things like mouth ulcers or tooth pain.
For sore muscles after training sessions.
In situations where there’s bruising, joint pain or lower back pain.
Mild menstrual pain.
Traumeel isn’t just masking symptoms, but speeding up the healing and recovery process and providing relief in the meantime.
For infections, cuts, and scrapes, colloidal silver is our natural first aid go-to. We spray it directly onto wounds to prevent or treat infections. Whether it's a cut, burn, boil, or even conjunctivitis.
Colloidal silver also works wonders sprayed into the ear at the first sign of an infection, into the mouth and for sore throats, and to alleviate sinus infections or hay fever. Its versatility extends to disinfecting hands, surfaces, and even smelly shoes and feet. Colloidal silver combined with tea tree oil effectively treats nail fungus and tinea.
Consistency is key; use it as needed to prevent potential issues.
Peppermint and Chamomile Tea: Soothing Relief for Various Ailments
When dealing with fever, cramping, nausea, and stomach pains, I often turn to peppermint or chamomile tea. Peppermint tea can reduce fever and ease abdominal cramping, nausea, and bloating. Drinking 2-3 cups of peppermint tea per day can help to relieve congestion and even headaches. Chamomile tea's calming properties soothe mild rashes and itchy skin when added to a warm bath. You can even soak in a peppermint bath to relieve sunburn. High-quality, organic teas offer more therapeutic benefits.
Probiotics: Supporting the Microbiome
To complement the above remedies, sometimes I recommend incorporating a good-quality probiotic when dealing with any infection. Supporting the microbiome helps prevent infections from worsening and reduces their severity. Taking probiotics during and after a course of antibiotics is also a good for maintaining a healthy gut. Talk to your practitioner to see if this would be the best option for you.
Tea tree oil is a versatile all-rounder that can handle various conditions. Topically, it aids in treating impetigo, cuts, grazes, head lice, and nail fungus. Dilute it with vinegar and water to clean surfaces, remove sticky residue, and disinfect clothes or floors.
As a topical treatment for head lice a 2% concentration mixed into a carrier and applied twice daily can kill all head lice and eggs within 5 days. Tea tree oil is truly an everyday essential.
Empower your family's health with natural home remedies. While these treatments are safe and effective, remember that persistent or recurring conditions require further investigation from your naturopath or your chosen health practitioner. Use these remedies to prevent minor issues from progressing to more serious concerns. Taking charge of your family's health naturally can lead to a happier, healthier lifestyle.
NB: This does not constitute individual health advice and your personal circumstances should always be taken into account. Work with your qualified health practitioner as required.