Jo's Health Corner: Childhood

Getting the Children Involved

My youngest son loves to help my husband restore his old 68 mustang. He drops what he is doing when he sees his father in the garage, and he runs and asks if there is anything he can do to help. I think it is important to teach our children various skills so that they can handle adulthood better.

I consider it important that my boys leave home with certain life skills, and that my daughter will do the same. My husband and I don't push it on them, we involve them in what we are doing instead. It makes them feel important that we value their help in what we are doing. Eventually they know the skill themselves and they can do them on their own.

My husband is explaining certain things about the engine and what he is working on for the moment. My husband always tries to come up with things for Alex to do when he comes and wants to help out.

Alex is very proud that his father trusts him to work on his mustang.

Sometimes tiny fingers can do a job easier than big fingers.

My husband involves Alex in the discussions and asks him what he thinks. It is a great way to encourage free thinking and problem solving.

Alex gladly leaves the heavy jobs to big brother. He rather plays with his sister when it comes to heavy stuff.

Do your children help out too?

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8:15 PM | Read more...

Hyperactivity

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Remember to use good judgement and don't hesitate to seek medical help when you think it is needed. This information is not meant to prescribe or diagnose, it is only for information and education purposes only.

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

9:17 PM | Read more...

Allergies in Children

According to a CDC study survey, 1 in 20 children have food allergies which is a 50% increase since the late 1990's, and 1 in 8 have contact allergies. Dr. Benjamin Perkus said at the Young Living Convention, "kids and teens who are born abroad and immigrate to the United States are about half as likely to have asthma and allergies as those who are born in the U.S."

As a European who has lived in several countries I have noticed a few things:

More food in other countries contain less or no preservatives than here in USA.
More food in other countries contain natural food colorings (from vegetables) than here in USA.
A lot of chemicals are forbidden in Europe but still allowed here in USA. American food manufactures have to make special products for the European market.
Genetically modified food has been banned in many countries, and GMO food is required to be labeled in several countries.
The amount of vaccines children receive is less in many other countries than here in USA. Swedish children receive less vaccines than most other children in other countries and the amount of SID cases are among the lowest in the world.

So I am not surprised to find out that children born abroad will develop less asthma and allergies than children born here in the U.S. The European Union has also taken an interest in what damage chemicals can do to children. It is now a law to label products aimed at children that contain artificial coloring. EU recognizes that food dyes can cause allergies, asthma and cancer.

Dr.Perkus recommends to use lavender, and an anti-microbial blend of rosemary cineol, clove, cinnamon, lemon and Eucalyptus radiata for children. He recommends to use the anti-microbial blend for mold. He also recommends to use probiotics and enzymes.

What to do about allergies
Fortunately as parents we can be proactive and protect our children here in the U.S. Whether your child is allergic or not, it has to start with the diet.

Make sure to purchase food that doesn't have any nasty chemicals, but as you will notice it will be hard to find good quality food in the stores. Your best bet is to make as much as possible from scratch and to buy organic.
Eat wholesome food with plenty of fruit and vegetables, replace the sugary snacks with some fruit, veggies, smoothies, chicken, eggs etc.
Make sure that your child receives sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals, it is said it is impossible to receive all the nutrients we need through food alone so purchase a good quality multivitamin.
Vitamin D and omega -3 fatty acids are said to decrease allergy symptoms.

Replace all the toxic household products and personal hygiene products with natural products. It doesn't have to be expensive, you can use vinegar and baking soda for a lot of things in the house. Check out my Natural Cleaning Post.

It is recommended to keep a log once you notice your child show signs of allergies. It is important to ask what has your child touched, inhaled, smelled, eaten prior to the change. Contact and inhalant allergies are usually instant while food allergic are usually delayed 20 min - 2 hours.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

Topical Application

Inhaling Essential Oils

Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?

How to Dilute Essential Oils

Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

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12:55 PM | Read more...

Essential Oils & Head Lice

I got a message from our homeschool charter that it was discovered that some children had head lice. Fortunately my children have not participated in any classes for the last couple of weeks so we are safe. Having lice is not fun, they are insects that live on people's heads and suck their blood. Unfortunately they are extremely contagious.

Drug resistance

When we lived in Wales and my children attended public school they often had problems with head lice at their school. It seemed like I received several letters each month telling me they found head lice on yet another child. Luckily, my children got head lice once when we lived there and they were nice enough to pass it on to me too. I learned that the head lice are becoming drug resistance, so no wonder the head lice keeping coming back to schools and other places. Hopefully people will realize the wonderful power of natural remedies since they don't cause drug resistance.

What I did

Back in Wales I used tea tree and rosemary for head lice. I added it to shampoo as well as to the final rinse after shampooing. I also mixed the essential oils with vegetable oils and applied to the scalp and covered with a disposable shower cap and left overnight.

Studies

According to the Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide, cinnamon leaf, anise seed, tea tree (Melaleuca), peppermint, nutmeg, and red thyme used in shampoo and rinse solutions have showed effectiveness against head lice according to studies in Iceland.

The Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide also lists the following oils for head lice:

Eucalyptus radiata, lavender, peppermint, thyme (thymus vulgaris,) and geranium.

Thanks for reading!

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

Topical Application

Inhaling Essential Oils

Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?

How to Dilute Essential Oils

Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

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Sources:

Connie and Alan Higley, (Twelfth Edition, revised 2010). Reference Guide for Essential Oils. Abundant Health

Gary Young, ND (2006). Essential Oils, Integrative Medical Guide. Essential Science Publishing

The Essential Oils Desk Reference. (Fifth edition 2011). Life Science Publishing
Valeri Ann Worwood, (1991). The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy. New World Library, San Rafael, CA

Photo credit

This post is linked to:
Healthy Tuesday Hop, Fat Tuesday, Titus 2sday, The Gathering Spot, Teach Me Tuesday
Eco-Kids Tuesday, Titus 2 Tuesday, How to Tuesday, Domestically Divine
Waste Not Want Not Wednesday, Healthy 2day Wednesday, WFMW, The Mommy Club, Homemaking Link-Up
Encourage One Another, Party Wave Wednesday, Wellness Wednesday, Wildcrafting Wednesday, The Homeacre Hop, Thank Your Body Thursday, Natural Living Thursday, Fight Back Friday, Mop it Up Monday, Mostly Homemade Mondays

4:10 PM | Read more...

Essential Oils and Earaches

My daughter woke with an earache yesterday morning so I thought it was a good idea to write a post about what essential oils can be used for earaches. I already wrote a post on how to treat earaches naturally so hop over and check it out to learn other ways to treat an earache.

I personally find it easier to use essential oils, but there are times when I'm out of a certain oil and need to use home remedies and herbs instead. There are many ways to treat health conditions and as I see it, it comes down to individual preferences. I like the essential oils the best because they are very potent, take up less space, and they last a very long time since their potency last longer than herbs.

An earache is caused by an infection or inflammation in the ear. The infection can be located behind the ear drum, in the middle ear, or in the outer ear canal. An infection that takes place in the inner ear is called otitis interna, and it causes sudden onset of vertigo, loss of balance, and vomiting.

A children's ear passages are small, so fluid/mucus that normally wouldn't cause any problem in an adult, can cause problems in a child. This is one reason that a child is more prone to earaches than adults.

According to the The online Version of the Essential Oils Desk Reference, the following oils have traditionally been used:

Lavender
Tea tree
Helichrysum
Roman Chamomile
Peppermint
Eucalyptus (E.radiata)

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

Topical Application

Inhaling Essential Oils

Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?

How to Dilute Essential Oils

Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

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Photo Credit

This post is linked to:
Fat Tuesday, The Mommy Club, WFMW, Titus2Tuesday, Homemaking Link-Up, Simple Lives Thursday, Domestically Divine

12:00 PM | Read more...

Calming an Overactive Child

An overactive child isn’t necessary “hyperactive” and sometimes children are overactive at certain times. Refined carbohydrates, MSG, food colors and additives have been known to cause overactivity in children. Some children become hyperactive when they eat something they are sensitive to. State of overstimulation and excitement may benefit from relaxation and sedative essential oils. These oils may also be beneficial in tantrums, anxiety attacks, and overtiredness.

Aromatherapy works on a subtle level. Relaxation oils are natural plant derivatives that may aid the body in relaxation, slowing the respiration and heart rate, and soothing an overstimulated nervous system. The most effective methods utilizing aromatherapy are using those oils which cross the blood-brain barrier by inhalation.

Massage is less direct but also effective. It is important to remember to use stated doses when using therapeutic relaxation oils and not too much. An opposite effect takes place if the oils are overused.

Valeri Cooksley suggests to make a calming mist so that is what I used to do for my children or when I baby sit other children.

I make a Calming Mist- a room spray to relax, this can be diffused in the air, and I can even spray it on things if needed.

1 cup distilled water
10 drops lavender
5 drops marjoram
2 drops sandalwood
a spray bottle with mist nozzle

Add the drops to the spray bottle. Shake before spraying.

Aromathic baths are relaxing and calming, and using diffusers are also a great way to spread the healing oils.

Cooksley lists other relaxing and calming oils such are chamomile, clary sage, mandarin, marjoram, neroli, orange, sandalwood and tangerine as being suitable for calming children.

Many have been successfully improved the behavior of their children by changing the diet and/or adding supplements.

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Photo credit

This post is linked to:
Fat Tuesday , Simple Lives Thursday , Healthy 2day Wednesday, Eco-Kids Tuesday

8:00 PM | Read more...

Essential Oils & Children - Fungal Infections

It is not uncommon for children to pick up an infection at various places. The swimming pools and the gym are breeding grounds for infectious fungi. The children can also get ringworm from pets, contaminated soil, or person to person contact. The better the immune system is the less chance it is to get an infection. I always build health first to make sure the little bodies can handle various challenges.

Ringworm

Ringworm is not a worm, it is a superficial fungal infection of the skin. It has a special ring formation that grows outward from the center and develop a red ring appearance on the skin. It is most common on the scalp but it can also appear on the body. It is contagious and can be spread from person to person. They can be stubborn to treat, and patience and consistence are required.

Some essential oils that show anti-fungal properties are tea tree, chamomile, geranium, lavender, myrrh, patchouli, and sandalwood.

One of the most powerful anti-microbial essential oil is tea tree/melaleuca. According to Valerie Ann Worwood, 1 drop tea tree can be applied neat on the affected area three times a day until it is clear. It normally takes 10 days, and after that, she suggests to mix 30 drops tea tree with 2 tablespoons of massage oil. Rub this blend over the area daily.

Valerie Gennari Cooksley suggests the following blend. The blend is a 10% dilution, as Cooksley thinks a concentrated blend is needed since fungal infections can be very resistant.

Ringworm Treatment Oil

vegetable oil 2 tbls.

tea tree 25 drops

lavender 15 drops

geranium 5 drops

peppermint 5 drops

Vitamin E 400 IU

Add the essential oils and the vitamin E to an empty dark glass bottle, add the vegetable oil. Shake the bottle to mix well. Use a Q tip to apply to the area. Cover the patch.

Athletes foot

It doesn't take much for small little feet to get athlete's foot. Walking barefoot in places like swimming pools where someone infected has been can be enough.

Worwood's suggestions for athlete's foot are tea tree, lavender, and tagetes.

She suggests a foot bath daily. Add 5 drops of tea tree to a cup of salt and put in a large bowl of water. Let the child soak the feet for at least five minutes daily.

Worwood also suggests to make a foot powder by adding 10 drops of tea tree to a cup of dry green clay. Mix it really well, and powder the feet everyday.

A massage oil can also be made of 30 drops of tagetes to 2 tbls. of vegetable oil. Massage the feet before bed.

When dealing with fungal infections it is important to avoid food that feed yeast, change towels frequently, use only cotton socks, and drying the skin well. Consider adding immune boosting nutrients, and repopulate the friendly flora with Probiotics.

Don't forget to check the safety and dilution chart to make sure the oils are suitable for your child.

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

This post is linked to:

Monday Mania

Fat Tuesday

Simple Lives Thursday

7:10 PM | Read more...

Essential Oils & Infants - Teething

I think we all have had our share of crying babies that were in pain due to teething. Roman and German Chamomile, lavender and yarrow have historically been used as teething oils. Some people use clove essential oil. I like clove essential oil myself, but be aware that it is a strong oil and may cause irritation itself. Therefore, I avoid it in small babies.

Valeri Worwood recommends to add one drop of chamomile to an egg cup full of cold water and stir well. Dip a cotton - wool ball in the mixture. Rub very gently around the baby's gums. Keep the mixture in the fridge. Aloe vera can be used instead of water.

She also suggests 5 drops of lavender can be mixed with one tablespoon of vegetable oil. Mix well and use 2 drops of the mixture and massage around the baby's neck area and exterior jaw.

Remember that this is for educational purposes and it is not meant to diagnose. Seek professional help when needed.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.