How I Care for My Child When They’re Sick: A Folk Herbalist’s Approach
for run of the mill cold and flu sickies.
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Lets get this out the way, I am just your run of the mill folk herbalist, not a doctor, please use your own acumen, instincts, consult your medical team and find what works for your family.
I have been a parent for 8 years now and occasionally my child will catch something. Because my post partum anxiety was so high, this used to be an immense source of terror for me. But with time, therapy, journaling, building my skills, a good medical team, preparation, and a second better post-partum experience, I am much better off and ready when my littles inevitably catch something.
I no longer see it as something to fear, but as an opportunity to nurture them through their body and immune system doing its very good work. I believe on the other side that much like any hard thing, that they will be stronger and better prepared on the other side of it.
My favorite podcast from an MD in which she talks about fever in kids and what to pay attention to is major key. I very rarely use fever reducers because the fever is serving a purpose. Of course this is different for babies and high fevers and children in pain, but I feel that in general people overuse fever reducers in general.
I prioritize comfort. Pajama’s come on and stimulating things are out. We prioritize keeping feet and chests warms. As Daniel Tiger says “when you are sick, rest is best” . I keep them in bed or cozied on the couch and if they are not nursing then I ply them with delicious drinks so they can stay fully hydrated. Whether it is herbal teas sweetened with honey , broths, or natural electrolyte drinks I enforce hydration. Encouraging sips frequently as tolerated because we want to avoid dehydration.
When sick, most kiddos have no appetite, and once it returns sometimes it isn’t very strong at first. A favorite meal is some organic ramen noodles in broth with a little sea salt.
Often times sick kids just need 1:1 attention, cuddles, and skin to skin. This is much easier if they are babies and toddlers because you can just lay in bed or wear them. With older kids you might consider reading to them, a foot or back massage or some other form of connection.
Body oiling is important ancient practice of nourishing the skin and supporting the body and immune system. Using an oil to rub their feet is great. I love to use a natural chest rub on the soles of their feet, and back / chest if they are dealing with snottiness and congestion.
It is also important to take care of yourself if your littles are sick. I will ramp up my self care when my babies are under the weather, hydrate more, take my supplements, and make sure I am eating well.
I also use a humidifier or nebulizer if needed. Steam showers if they are young, snotty and need help breaking up mucus. I very rarely use essential oils, but if I do I will use ones specifically formulated for children like the plant therapy kids line and use them as specifically instructed.
Young children’s ear bones are still developing and they cannot properly drain when congested, it is why young kids can be prone to ear infections. When my kids are stuffy I will do a face massage with calendula oil to help avoid ear infection and support drainage. Here is a video on how to it and use a garlic mullein ear oil if I think its necessary.
Some supplements and things I like to have on hand to use as needed.
In early motherhood I had all the energy to make my own cough syrups and teas and lozenges as needed. This period of my life I am relying on other herbalists and formulators for their medicine and I am grateful.
I love all the herbal supplements from the Wishgarden kids line and keep them on hand all the time. They are having a sale on the Kids Wellness Essential Bundle if you need to stock up .
Throat Coat tea for sore throats
Lozenges
Supplements for me like Cold Snap or something immune supporting.
Ear oil
My favorite herb books for kids to reference
Find a list of some suggested items here
Rootin’ Tootingly yours,
Farai
So grateful for you, always friend 💛