We have a week left of winter but cold and flu season runs all the way until May in our part of the world!
As a mom and a wombyn, wellness means daily protective rituals of my body, mind, and spirit. The protective rituals of my body include nourishing my immune system!
I have been on a journey with herbs; working with them and getting to know them, learning their safety protocols, focusing on herbs that are safe for children.
This winter, my 6 year old daughter got influenza B. The doctors said to go home and rest. Her fever was spiking to 104 regularly abe resisiting intervention.
(Similar happened to me in fall but it was an unidentified virus)
When this happened, everything in me was searching for ways to support her (and myself when I was sick). I explored the old wives tales. Because what else are we to do?
In times where modern medicine fails us, we rely on the wisdom that’s been whispered down for ages. Some people may laugh, but when you are sick, you too are desperate to feel better and can relate to trying anything for relief. We tried onions and potatoes on the feet in socks, we tried sweating it out by steaming up the bathroom. Lots of rest and fluids of course. Electrolytes. Cold washcloths on the body and cool baths to tame the fever so it wouldn’t harm her. Constantly monitoring the fever. Honoring the fever. The way our body is SO intelligent. Treating each symptom as a message from the body, a clue.
Some of my favorite remedies, that actually helped her and I, were the herbal ones. I have an immune tincture and a cough tincture that I use for her. She doesn’t ever finish a cup of tea, so tinctures are the perfect way to deliver a strong dose of medicine. Be very careful and mindful of dosing and safety procedures, especially with concentrates. We use chamomile for calming and soothing to help her sleep, as sleep is when the deepest healing can happen.
Mullein to break up and expel mucus in the body. To give a productive cough. To protect and ground the body.
Marshmallow root to soothe the throat and break up mucus in the body, reducing the urge to cough. It creates a protective layer in the throat and body. It also tastes delicious.
Elderberry and echinacea for general immune boosting properties.
Lots of vitamin C, making natures Gatorade with juice, coconut water and sea salt. Lemon water popsicles.
Bee pollen, raw honey, propolis for immune boosting properties and to soothe sore throat.
I’m sure there’s more things I’ll add below! These are the first that come to mind for me.
Also, here is a sneak peak at something we have been working on here at Buffalo Wombyn!
An enhanced elderberry elixir, safe in children doses or adult.
Curious, what remedies do you have for yourself or your children during sick season? Any herbal remedies or recipes to share?
I have loved my enhanced elderberry elixir! its been helping me stay healthy as the season of sickness seems to be continuing around me.
I thankfully do not get sick often, but my mother does. I always encourage upping zinc intake and incorporating more essential oils in the shower and in diffusers.
I recently picked up a new book on generational herbal remedies and this blog post has me excuted to dive into it!