I scoured the internet for information and found out who the credible herbalists are. I also ordered this book because I really like the author and find that our philosophies of health and wellness really gel.
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| Natural Healthy Babies and Children by Aviva Jill Romm, MD |
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The first thing I made was some Elderberry Syrup. I've heard amazing things about this syrup. Supposedly it is fabulous at boosting the immune system and help to fight colds and flu. I used this recipe to make mine and...my kids hate it. I think it is good, but the ginger may have been a bit too much for them. So, my husband and I have been eating it.
So, next I decided to make an Elderberry tincture. So, I got myself some Vodka, and followed these directions to make the tincture. I debated whether or not I should replace the Vodka with vegetable glycerine since I'll be giving this to my baby at some point, but after doing some research, I decided it is such a small amount (a few drops of tincture) that I'll be giving her that it shouldn't be a problem. Maybe in the future I'll get some vegetable glycerine and use that. So, here is my own concoction doing its thing...
It still has a good 4 weeks to go until it will be ready to use. I keep it in my pantry in a paper bag and shake it up every couple of days. Then I'll strain off the berries and pour the tincture into the amber glass dropper and we'll never be sick again...ok, maybe that is going a little too far, but hopefully we'll be a little better off the next time a cold or flu hits our house.
Next on my list to make is a chamomile tincture to help when my baby starts teething, and making a cough syrup from the book I mentioned at the beginning of the post. It has been really fun learning about plants and herbs, and I'm excited to see how my concoctions work out. I'll try to remember to report in future post about our results.
Next month I'll be working on decorating a big wall that has been empty since we moved in.
6 comments:
So a question, do you eat elderberry syrup the same as pancake syrup? And when the tincture is done will you ingest it? Apply it topically? I'm not familiar with tinctures but it's fascinating. Do you get the neighborhood knocking on your door for health and wellness alternatives? I always wish I could get my kids allergies under control with out the side effects of tiredness, and cranky with regular over the counter stuff. Good luck on the wall this month. If you need confidence with wall anchors, I'm you gal!
I've heard about essential oils, but really know nothing about them. I don't go for anecdotal evidence, but I'd be interested in seeing any studies that have been done. People swear by them, don't they? There is probably something to it...
I'll take some of the Vodka one about right now. :-) I love that Eliza refused Tylenol and Ibuprofen when she got her braces tightened and texted you for some natural remedies. She really did try them, rubbing some oils along the base of her jawline. She didn't complain about the pain anymore. Just acted very mature about the whole thing. We didn't have clove oil, but we had whole cloves and she got them out and sucked on some. They are still sitting on the nightstand next to her bed! Cute.
Such good ideas! I'm semi crunchy, I've been wanting to make/try some elderberry syrup! Way to be proactive and getting things made so that you have them on hand.
I had actually never heard the term crunchy before (yeah, I don't get out much), but I love learning about this sort of stuff. I'm happy to learn there really are other cloth diaper users out there. My neighbor has an elderberry bush/tree. Hmm . . .
I used to use tinctures all the time! I use essential oils now. Maybe I will pull out the herbs again and make some red raspberry tincture!
Jennifer, I was a cloth diaper user too! Potty training was a breeze!
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