Colloidal Silver: A Multi-Tasking Addition to Your Natural Medicine Cabinet

by: Katie Varela

One of my favorite natural medicine tools is colloidal silver. From ear infections to burns to pink eye, this beneficial mineral can help cure many ailments. It is naturally antibiotic, anti-viral, and anti-fungal, and, if a high quality silver is used, there are no side effects.

Colloidal silver, which is made either by the "electro-arc" method in deionized water, or by the "low voltage electrolysis" method in distilled water, consists of microscopic particles of pure, elemental silver suspended in water, with no other elements present. It was widely used in Western medicine until antibiotics became prevalent. With the recent rise in natural medicine, though, it is seeing a comeback.

Uses

Pink eye: for either a bacterial or viral eye infection, put one drop of colloidal silver directly in the eye. I let my kids gently close their eyes, then put one drop in the inside corners, and tell them to blink ten times. Dab off the excess. Do this three times the first day, two times the second and third days. I have never had to do more than three days.

Burn: spray onto burns to prevent infection and promote healing.

Ear infection: while I tend to use other methods of treatment for ear infections in addition to colloidal silver, I do put one drop of colloidal silver in the affected ear and have my child lie down to let the liquid stay in the ear for 5 to 10 minutes before we drain it. I do this twice a day for two to five days, depending on the severity of the infection.

Sore throat and/or strep throat: spray into back of mouth as needed. The beauty of true colloidal silver is that it can’t be overused.

Skin: colloidal silver can help with rashes and sores.

Household: spray doorknobs, light switches, tables, or anywhere you want to disinfect.

Pets: put one drop in your pet’s water bowl to eliminate pathogens and keep your pet healthy. I put one drop in our chickens’ water bucket each week.

Water treatment: if you ever find yourself without access to clean drinking water, one drop of colloidal silver will destroy the pathogens in one liter of water, making it clean and ready to drink.

Nearly all “colloidal silvers” you can buy at health food stores are ionic silver solutions, not true colloidal silver. While they do provide some benefits, true colloidal silver, which will be yellow/amber and not clear, has actual nano-sized silver particles in it, making it more potent and more effective. On a side note, the dangers you may read about online about silver—specifically argyria, where the skin turns blue-grey—occur when silver protein is used. Ionic silver (the kind typically found at health food stores) will not cause argyria if you follow the dosage on the bottle. And true colloidal silver will not cause argyria.

The kind I have found that I like best is called NutraSilver and can be bought here: http://www.nutrasilver.com/. NutraSilver is highly concentrated (3600 parts per million, or ppm), so I make my own diluted bottles to save money. (Make sure to use dark glass bottles, either brown or cobalt.) If an infection seems particularly bad, I use the straight, undiluted drops. For everyday health, mild issues, and preventative uses, I like to have a spray bottle and a dropper bottle of diluted colloidal silver on hand. Even diluted, this colloidal silver is high quality and potent. For a 200 ppm concentration, dilute the silver at an 18:1 ratio in distilled water (18 drops water, 1 drop NutraSilver). This is the concentration I use most. For a household spray, just drop a few drops of NutraSilver into a large spray bottle full of distilled water.

Should Tonsils, Adenoids and Tubes be Left Alone?

 If there is one thing I wish I had known more about before having children, it would be an understanding of ear infections and proper treatment. Actually sickness in general, why it happens, and how to investigate and find root causes. Unfortunately I was conditioned like many of us to not question a Doctor prescribing drugs.

Take it, follow the directions and that should fix it right? Not so in many cases. Instead we need to educate and empower ourselves to choose wisely when faced with putting anything into our children's body. Luckily we still are blessed with a few great Pediatricians and Doctors, like our Dr. S, who listen, support and acknowledge parental concerns.

 I just wish there were more of them. When any doctor suggests that a child should have surgery some serious questions need to be asked, especially if it falls under the “oh it’s routine we do it all the time” category. Today this is quite often the case in tubes, adenoid removal and tonsillectomy surgery.

 Some current stats:

• Of those who have tubes placed in their ears, only 25% see significant improvement. The other 75% return to illness within 3 months of removal.
• Ear tubes remain popular — with an estimated 700,000 insertions a year in the United States
• Our body knows it needs tonsils and adenoids. They will begin to regenerate, and if surgery is done before the age of 3, studies show than in 75% of cases they come back. Pretty smart.
• 45% of tonsils regrow as well. Again our body inherently needs them, so they regenerate. Even more so if surgery is done in early childhood.
• Regrowth of tonsils and adenoids is linked to the continued presence of allergens and or toxins that were the cause of the issue in the first place. Remove the cause and there is no need to remove the tonsils.
• There is a critical time 6 months after surgery where children's immune systems are significantly weaker.
• Just like any part of your child’s health…enlarged tonsils, adenoids or recurring ear infections are a sign that something is going array in the immune system. Explore the possibility of why, before jumping into surgically removing an important part of your child's body.

Understanding why we have Tonsils and Adenoids

Both of these are extremely important to our entire immune system. Both the tonsils and adenoids act like a trap for allergens, bacteria and toxins that we are exposed to on a daily basis-if the bacteria, toxins and dust/mold were to travel deeper into our immune system then potentially more serious reactions could occur. Our systems are ALL inter-connected:



 Adenoids and tonsils work inside the lymphatic system and process fluid together with the other lymphoid tissues present in the human body. That liquid has lymphocytes (a form of white blood cell), whose job is destroying toxins and bacteria. If these contaminants and toxins miss out traveling thru the adenoids and tonsils, and enter through the skin, the antibodies are produced and travel to attack the invading toxins. In upper respiratory infections, our tonsils are meant to neutralize by producing antibodies.

These antibodies or immunoglobulins are proteins that are found in the bodily fluids (blood). As our tonsils begin to mature they produce five types of antibodies, including specific antibodies against Diptheria, Poliovirus, staphylococcus, haempophilus influenzae and streptococcus pneumoniae. For those with weaker immune systems, like small children who have not built it completely up, the tonsils and adenoids are critical. With age, the adenoids have less responsibility but still continue to produce antibodies when allergens, toxins and bacteria enter through the breathing pathway.

  Where are the tonsils and adenoids:

And then come infections

If the adenoids get over-worked with a higher amount of toxins, bacteria or allergens entering, then infections can occur. Younger children fall into this often as they are more prone to “ingest” bacteria by putting things into their mouths. Since both work in unison, if one is infected most likely the other is as well.

• Symptoms of infection or swelling in the adenoids include, difficulty swallowing, sore throat, heavy breathing, mouth breathing (critical to teach your children to nose breathe at it is a first line of defense to trap allergens)

The continual presence of allergens and toxins can cause repeated infections to occur in both the tonsils and adenoids. "A study done in Poland in 2004 showed that 28.6% of the children who had swollen tonsils, in fact had a major food allergy. The tonsils and adenoids were full of the allergen that the body was attempting to trap and thus were completely aggravated and swollen." Other studies have also come to this conclusion with environmental based allergies

 Often, once the allergen was removed, the child's adenoids and tonsils return back to normal, doing the job they were designed for. From our own personal experience, our son was constantly stuffy, often berthed thru the mouth and snored. He was not what I would consider "well". Many factors contributed to that, but the BIGGIE was milk (casein)! Once that was eliminated, he was significantly better, and so were his ears. Back to our pretty rad pediatrician who would tell me "milk isn't meant for humans!" I finally listened.

Food Allergies or Sensitivities

Food allergies and sensitivities to food are two different things. An allergy can result in severe anaphylactic reactions, hives etc. Intolerance’s can last a life-time and show up in varying symptoms. Inflammation occurs in both the tonsils and adenoids due to the presence of the food causing the reaction both in short and long term situations. Both can be tested for; one a blood test, the other a scratch test. It is always a good idea to see exactly what you are dealing with. I would highly suggest auricular testing with an experienced Homeopathic doctor, as the intolerance will be 100% accurate. These Docs are far and few between, and I would only go to the BEST, like this one.

And then there were Tubes

Everything mentioned above can lead to recurrent ear infections-and then often doctors suggest draining the excess fluid with surgery or "tubes". It is a billion dollar business...if we change the nutrition, health and how we treat infections initially, these too can be eliminated.

 Natural Ways to Combat Adenoid/Tonsil and Ear Infections

 Explore the idea of visiting a Chiropractor that specializes in children. If the spine is out of alignment, even in the smallest of ways, it can have huge repercussions on your immune system. Everything is inter-connected to the vertebrae in the spine. Each organ, nervous system, brain, immune response etc...Vertebral subluxations have life-long impacts on overall health and injury. I cannot say enough about Dr. Mac, he is a genius in re-aligning our children's systems.

 

 Ear aches/infections/drainage issues can all be greatly reduced and completely corrected with spinal adjustments, as well as the negative effects of swollen tonsils/adenoids. The main reason being tied back to the inability to efficiently drain toxins and allergens, already illustrated above.

Young children are especially susceptible to spinal issues right from birth ( birthing itself can cause a whole series of subluxations), and if not corrected will continue to cause problems into adult hood. We’ve talked a bit about the fact that the tonsils and adenoids are part of the immune system, the ears are as well. Ear wax is part of our immune systems way of draining the foreign invaders of toxins, allergens and bacteria in our body. Being that the tonsils and adenoids are a part of the lymph system; if you take a look at the diagram showing their placement in the body, you will notice that the Eustachian tube from the ears drains directly near the adenoids and the fluid flows past both the adenoids and tonsils.

A vital part of the lymph system is the ability to drain away the “dead” invaders as waste products. The drainage of the lymph system relies on the muscle groups located near each lymph node-for the adenoids and tonsils these are the muscles of the neck and upper body (think shoulder blades and up). If there is a subluxation of the upper spine, the ability for these muscles to contract properly and allowing for the lymph nodes to drain can be blocked partially or completely which results in these areas swelling and ultimately becoming infected by the waste products.

Often, even on the first visit to a Chiropractor, relief can be immediate, Here is a great study on Tonsillitis.

Homeopathic/Natural Treatment of Infections

When an infection in the tonsils, adenoids and ears is present the normal course of action is to prescribe an antibiotic. BUT the over use of antibiotics can have significant health issues especially in younger children. Antibiotics are completely UNABLE to decipher the "bad" bugs/bacteria/virus, instead wiping out both the good and bad bacteria found in our entire body, leaving it open to more infection. Unless a child is prone to seizures, it is suggested to ride out the fever and not treat it with OTC's (Tylenol, Motrin). The fever is the bodies way of fighting off the infection and is a vital part of the immune system function. Dr. Lawrence Palevsky has the best checklist for handing a fever and illness in a child, it can be found here. A safe and effective method of treating fevers is to use Young Living Peppermint Essential Oil. The following is a great graphic on how to use essential oils for treating fevers.

 

Essential Oils for Strep Throat and Tonsillitis

Young Living Oregano Oil is a fantastic oil that is highly effective for bacterial and viral infections it also stimulated the immune system. By stimulating the immune system in a child dealing with Tonsil or Adenoid issues this will result in the immune system working to “kick out” or remove the trapped bacteria that can create swelling/inflammation.

 

 Protocol for Oregano Oil

 It is always a best practice to dilute oils for young children (under 5). Take 1-2 drops of Oregano oil and mix with any carrier oils like Olive, Almond, Grapeseed, Coconut. A 50-50 ratio Essential oil to carrier oil. Rub onto the child’s feet. Ingesting oils is highly effective and often the quickest means to recovery (this can be done for children and adult over 5). It is a spicy oil and best to be mixed. I love mixing it with raw honey on a spoon or in a fresh pressed juice like apple/carrot. If you, or your child can swallow a capsule, then this is very effective! Take 2-3 drops of Oregano oil and 2-3 drops of olive oil in an empty capsule and swallow 2-3 times a day. **Keep in mind genuine therapeutic essential oil are completely safe to ingest. But I will only recommend Young Living. It is best to avoid diffusing Oregano oil due to it being quite strong and my irritate the brachial tubes.  Adults-Using the same application methods as the above, but upping the dosage to 4-5 drops is highly effective.


 


A must have...Thieves Essential Oil

Thieves Oil Blend was created using a recipe from the 15th century, when robbers would cover themselves in oil so they would not contract the plague (and they never did!). The combination of oils is incredibly powerful and is a safe and natural replacement for antibiotics. It is also a highly effective antihistamine, all of these benefits combined make it a necessity oil blend to have in your medicine cabinet. 

For small children, you can rub a few drops on the feet or diffuse. For adults and older children ingesting is very quick and effective. Same type of protocol as above. Mix with honey, juice or in a capsule. For acute illness it is suggested to take this up to 5 times a day and also rub directly on the throat area. Since the molecules and chemical structure of pure oils are very small, they have the ability to pass directly thru the skin and penetrate affected cells, kill the bacteria and heal at the cellular level. This is not the case with drugs like antibiotics.

Other Oils: There are other Young Living Oils that have been proven to help with Tonsils and Adenoids include Melaleuca alternifolia (also known as Tea Tree), Myrrh, Lemon, Ginger, Dorado Azul, Melrose and ImmuPower. Each of these oils have antibacterial and antiviral properties as well as decongestant properties which can help reduce the inflammation in the tonsils and adenoids. All can be used/applied as shown above.

Vitamin C and D-is vital to proper immune system function. Unfortunately the RDA(recommended
daily amount) is set way to low for optimal health.

 
Herbs and Sea Salt!

An herb that is highly regarded for ear infections is garlic and fenugreek. They are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and help to relieve pain and discomfort. A simple recipe would be to take 2 tbsp of fenugreek seeds and simmer in 1 liter of distilled water for 20-30 minutes, then add crushed garlic and cloves and simmer for a few more minutes. Strain and add 1 tsp of sea salt until its dissolved. Let cool and gargle frequently. Let sit in your throat, and it is also completely safe to swallow. For additional anti-viral properties add one drop of Thieves essential oil.

Sugar

In short, sugar suppresses the production of white blood cells, and they basically are superman for our immune systems. From the moment we ingest sugar, immune suppression starts. This cycle is even more detrimental on an infant or small child's immune system.

Milk/Dairy

Milk (Dairy) is known to cause a significant amount of inflammation and mucous. This mucous attempts to get out, and one major source of mucous removal is the sinuses-which are you guessed it directly related to ears, nose and throat. All of which drain past the adenoids and tonsils causing aggravation and leading to infection.

Dairy is also one of the things that is high on the list of food intolerances that many people don’t realize are causing internal issues. Not everyone exhibits lactose intolerance but humans are basically unable to digest lactose after age 6-7 when our body stops producing lactase to digest the milk (breast milk) that we are designed to digest as infants and toddlers. Ingesting large amounts of milk causes our body to go into remove it mode and the mucous is added as a way to flush it out of our system.

If you or your child have a constant stuffy nose, post nasal drip and recurring ear infections, remove dairy from the diet for about 2 weeks and see the difference it makes. ** Note not all dairy causes issues, grass-fed butter is not a true diary product as it’s actually a byproduct, camel, goat and sheep's milk is much better tolerated in young children as it contains much lower levels of casein and lactose.** Yogurt can also be a good choice in the from of goat or coconut milk as it contains beneficial bacteria to help boost the gut flora and in turn improve immune function.

Health Changes

It will be said over and over again. Putting bad stuff in...will only yield bad stuff coming out. Is it harder to take away milk, sugar and processed foods, or have your child in a continual cycle of illness? Hard to swallow for many, including me. In the end, there are ALWAYS natural, safe and effective solutions to try first. Typically, no one needs to rush into surgery for tubes or even begin an antibiotic protocol right away. There IS time to begin a natural course of treatment. In the end, after researching you will know what is right for you and your family and feel confident in that!

Educate, empower and be encouraged! We are all in this together.

A Powerful testimony of ADHD and Young Living Essential Oils

 It is one thing to read something on a random blog and wonder...is this for real?? But when I have the pleasure of hearing first-hand how lives are being changed all over the world with something as simple and pure as essential oils, it brings me to tears. Yes, tears. Because after all, isn't that what it is all about? Spreading good news and giving people the hope, tools and results they deserve! Not Synthetics, NOT Side-effects, NOT money to pharmaceutical companies who profit from you, banking on the fact that with each drug ensues a whole-host of negative reactions that only cause more drugs to be needed.

A big spider-web of pill bottles.

But you DO have a choice. And you have the power to choose for your child as well...

When I read this testimony on my private Facebook group, my heart was immediately full:

I wanted to share a quick testimony of just one of the ways oils have enhanced our lives. E had been having trouble in school showing signs of attention problems, anxiety, focus issues, overly sensitive, confidence issues etc etc. It had been progressively getting worse over the last 2 or 3 years and I was starting to grow very concerned. I didn't want to take her to the dr and have them tell me she had A. D. D. or to put her on anxiety meds or have them diagnose her as a certain thing or another. I HATE LABELS. I think they only further hurt a child who is already fighting an uphill battle. So after getting my starter pack I went into investigation mode. I came up with a daily regimen of the following. Brain power: temples, forehead, and thumbs and big toes. Yes I know that sounds weird but those are points connected to the brain. This stuff is AMAZING for focus. ( this is not in the kit you have to order separate but worth it's weight in gold.) Valor: spine and inside of wrists for confidence and it also seems to calm her. It gives a feeling of security Joy: right over her heart. For anxiety. Stress away: she likes it right near her throat. Says it takes away the lump in the throat feeling. Peppermint. I wake her up with it every morning. And put a little on her tummy to help with the nervous tummy aches she was getting. It has been a week now and she is a completely a different child. Attention, focus, emotional stability, confidence I could go on. I feel like I have my little girl back and I'm so thankful. Seriously we are speechless with the results. The best part is today I didn't have time this morning to do her oils before I left. I had to be at church early. When she got to church she told me she did her oils all on her own and she even gave daddy some stress away because she thought he could use some. I almost cried. This is a child who would forget everything, cry at the drop of a hat and would lose her head if it wasn't attached to her and here she was holding down the fort..... LIKE A BOSS. This is one happy momma and a customer for life."

This Momma decided to take matters into her own hands, and before trying anything else reached for God-inspired medicine.

Pure, safe, natural little drops from Heaven!

One of the oils she mentions is Brain Power. This is the mack-daddy of oils to help lift the "fog" that so many children have.

What is it??

It is specifically formulated to include oils that are high in sesquiterpene compounds. These little babies play a huge role in dissolving petrochemicals along with receptor sites near the pituitary and hypothalamus glands. It helps to increase normal receptivity and increase oxygenation to those areas.

Increased oxygen=increased mental capacity, mental clarity and reduction of "brain fog"

What's in it?

Frankincense Essential Oil (Boswellia carteri) has anti-depressant and immune stimulating properties. The high sesquiterpenes level stimulates and oxygenates the limbic system of the brain which elevates our mood and helps us relax (overcome stress).

 Helichrysum Essential Oil (Helichrysum italicum) is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory. It also improves circulation and may help cleanse the blood.

 Sandalwood Essential Oil (Santalum album) has anti-depressant, astringent, aphrodisiac and sedative properties. It is calming and emotionally balancing and is used for depression and stress.

 Cedarwood Essential Oil (Cedras atlantica) has anti-infectious, anti-fungal and sedative properties. It stimulates the pineal gland which releases melatonin. It is calming and purifying.

 Melissa Essential Oil (Melissa officinalis) has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant and relaxant properties. It is calming and uplifting and used for depression.

 Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia) has analgesic and anti-spasmodic properties. It helps relief stress, sore muscles, menstrual cramps and nervous tension in the body.

 Blue Cypress Essential Oil (Callitris intratropica) has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, insect repellent, and sedative properties. It is a stimulant to the amygdala, pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus.

 How do I use it? (this is a suggested protocol) Use NEAT (undiluted). Then, Apply several drops (2-4) on ears, wrists, neck, forehead, temples or feet Apply to chakras/vitaflex points Directly inhale, or Diffuse. To me, this testimonial is simply stunning. A vibrant, healthy and happy little girl who is THRIVING on God's Medicine.

 There is NO denying Pure Essential Oils work. 

And as a celebration of this Momma's testimony and the MANY children out there who are hurting I am offering two very special Gifts from me during the month of April for new enrollments. This is the PERFECT time to dive in and receive the multitude of benefits these oils bring. With EVERY Premium Enrollment (Wholesale Membership) I will GIFT you a Care Package of:  

 Pocket Reference Guide to Essential Oils. Everything you need to empower yourself in the world of Natural Healing. (Value $34)   A Stress-away Roll on 

(Value $25)

 Stress Away has been pivotal in our Autism/ADHD protocol and my boys LOVE when I put it on them each morning before school. What are the Documented Uses for Stress Away Essential Oil? Abuse, anger, anxiety and nervousness, argumentative, mental stress, parasympathetic nervous system, peace, PMS, relaxation, restlessness, sedative, natural restful sleep, stress (emotional and mental), tension, trauma and unwind. Plus many, many other tools to get you started. Here are a few quick links: Enroll HERE Read more HERE about Oils Catch up on other Powerful results of Essential Oils: Part 1 - ADHD, Behavioral Challenges and Autism Part 2 - ADHD and Autism

 

 

 *Disclaimer: These statements and any information contained on this blog have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for medical care or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult individual products labels for safety information.      

Beginning a Natural Medicine Cabinet

Ok let's get real, there are more remedies, tinctures, herbs and oils in just one aisle of Whole Foods than there are probably germs in the world. Well, maybe not, but I assume you are slightly interested in this subject because, like me, you want to stay ahead of those bugs and not pump your kids with stuff that teenagers are using to get high. Almost five years ago thru a set of very unexpected circumstances, my husband and I made a commitment to our children that we would provide them safe, natural and effective "medicine". So began a "makeover" of the good ol' medicine cabinet. For the record, I am not a dip my toe in the water type of momma, I dive in with gusto; which is exactly what I did and have never looked back. Out went the Tylenol, Motrin, NyQuil, Robitussin, Inhalers, Allegra, Neosporin and with God's protection we have been able to steer clear of prescriptions and antibiotics. I will not go into why these drugs require caution, you can read up a bit more here and here . Our shift to the crunchy side was prompted by my husband and I feeling truly convicted by the Holy Spirit to provide our children with medicine perfectly designed by God. Having a natural medicine cabinet provides numerous benefits:

• Long treks to the Doctor are no fun when sick and being exposed to a whole host of new germs while you are there is just plain scary.
• Providing your family with quick and easy solutions that support their immune systems, rather than interfere with it.
• Spending less on co-pays, ER visits and mad dashes at midnight to pick up pedialyte, tylenol or a script from the pharmacy.
• The knowledge that natural medicine actually improves your immune system which means you are sick less and your response to illness is stronger.

But can it be done on a budget? I say yes. Initially it may seem like you are spending more, but over time it is pennies compared to synthetic medicine, and you can begin one swap at a time. Learn a bit more here. Below is a Top 10 list of what we currently have in our natural medicine cabinet, ranked from what we use on a daily basis to what we need less often and based on more rare occurrences of a particular illness. **side note: this was a process of educating ourselves on what we really needed. I have been able to whittle down my massive collection of natural remedies to these 10 and they really are all we require minus a major injury or illness.

Essential Oils I honestly do not think there has been a more transformative medicine in our home and the recovery process of our boys from Autism than these oils. I could write and talk for hours on the subject, but because your time is precious I will share a few basic points.

• They are God's unique medicine. His design is perfect in every way and that is why oils work so effectively in our bodies
• Essential oils have the ability to cross the blood brain barrier and promote natural healing in many key areas of the brain due to their teeny tiny molecule size. This has been a game-changer for us with Autism and ADHD
• Oils can continually mutate and morph to stay ahead of all of those "super-bugs" out there. Oils have been proven over and over to kill pretty nasty viruses and bacteria, where synthetic medicine is the same formula each and every time and does not have to ability to adjust if a virus decides to mutate.
• There are no side effects and really no wrong way to use them

We use them every day for prevention and when an illness arises I find comfort in the fact that I know "there is an oil for that!" To read more on some specific ways Essential Oils are making their mark in our home: a pretty nasty ear infection, fevers and our Autism regimen. **I suggest the use of the highest quality essential oils. Please do thorough research before buying from any particular company.

Homeopathic remedies Specifically, Nux Vomica and Belladonna. In homeopathy, Nux Vomica is used for allergies, back pain, colds, constipation, digestive problems, emotional stress, flu, hangovers, headaches, hemorrhoids, and menstrual problems. Often our Doctor prescribes this for flu symptoms and upset stomach or vomiting. It has come in handy many times during our bouts with Norovirus. Belladonna is often prescribed to bring down our fevers. Again, this one was critical in lowering little sisters high temp from a pretty nasty ear infection. This remedy is one replacement for Tylenol and Motrin. **I find that locating a very experienced Homeopathic Doctor is crucial for the right combinations of remedies. We are lucky to have found a "mainstream Doctor" who turned to Homeopathic medicine, so he bring the best of both worlds and fully understands how the body functions.

Elderberry Syrup Oh Elderberry, where have you been all my life?? Elder flowers are a wonder for colds, flus, upper respiratory infections and fevers. Elder has immune enhancing properties and you can make a very potent, safe and effective tea or syrup. Adding echinacea is also a plus. Elderberries support and increase immune function and contain antibacterial and antiviral properties. I highly recommend you make some and keep it in your house over the winter. Just do it. If I do not have time to make some I always keep a store-bought bottle on hand.

  A quick and easy recipe:  ring to boil 1/2 c. dried elderberries (or 1 c. fresh) in 3 c. water for 20 minutes. Strain. Add the liquid back to the heat and reduce to 1 c. of liquid. Add 1/2 c. raw honey and 1/4 c. cherry brandy (optional). Stir well and store in the fridge for up to 6 months. Take 1-2 tsp daily for prevention, and 3-5 tsp spread out over the day when sickness comes knocking. I often give this every morning to the kids.

Arnica Topical creme used for muscle pain or injury, bruises or any type of trauma. We’ve found that it greatly reduced healing time or bruises and sore muscles when used topically right after injury. You can either use a topical cream or pellets to take internally. In the past we have taken the pellets before and after surgery or dental work. We tend to be searching for this daily with two active boys in the house.

Propolis Propolis has proven antibiotic and antiseptic properties and may also have antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. It is a by-product made by bees and they often use it to help make their hives stronger.

"Propolis has been justly called Nature's premier preventive.  The immune system is supported and strengthened by the ingestion of propolis.  Modern scientific studies indicate that those who take propolis regularly escape winter colds and sore throats and seem to develop a natural immunity to common viruses, including the various strains of flu." from draper bee.com

 This was not a staple for us until a few months ago when we just could not shake that oh-so-persistent cough. Then I remembered my propolis and after one day of giving it to the boys, it was gone! Now it is a part of our 2-3 times a week regimen to keep our immune systems boosted. It does have quite a bitter taste so I cut it with raw honey on a spoon and say, "open up!"

Bentonite Clay The great detoxifier! Once again we are seeing a resurgence in ancient medicine and clay is one of the oldest and most effective when it comes to purging the body of toxins. We use this every time we are faced with a cold or flu, and we used it extensively as part of our autism protocol to pull out heavy metals from our precious boys. Bentonite Clay is a swelling clay, much like a sponge. As it reacts to water its pores absorb toxins in the body. It carries a negative charge which easily bonds to the Positive charges that toxins carry. We have seen Bentonite clay be very effective in the following issues:

• Digestive disturbances like acid reflux, constipation, bloating, gas, etc.
• Skin and allergy issues
• Providing minerals for the body
• To help speed recovery from vomiting and diarrhea (we have taken many midnight baths with clay)
• Detoxification
• In oral health preperations
• Externally for all types of skin problems and to speed healing

Calendula Great for healing the body and promoting cellular repair. It is antiseptic and commonly used externally for bruises, burns, sores, skin ulcers, eczema, psoriasis. It is also used internally for gastrointestinal issues and is wonderful for healing the stomach lining. It can be taken in a tea for fevers, cramps, indigestion, diarrhea and leaky gut. It also promotes lymphatic movement. I use this as a cream for skin issues and also as a tea at least once a week for the littles.

Stinging Nettle Leaf Stinging Nettle: This herb is a vitamin powerhouse. High in iron, calcium, potassium, silicon, magnesium, manganese, zinc and chromium along with a host of other vitamins and minerals. It increases metabolic activity and strengthens and tones the entire system. It is useful for growing pains in young children, achy joints and arthritis, reproductive health, alleviating PMS and menopause symptoms. It is strengthening to the genitourinary system including the kidneys. It is also indicated for liver problems or congestion and to treat allergies and hay fever. This herb was critical in getting us off the breathing treatments and steroid inhalers for big brother. The only solution given to us by modern-med docs was full of icky ingredients and not working! We prayed and felt God speak to us that big brother did not have asthma and the road we were on was only making his behavior and immune system worsen. We gave big brother daily doses of nettle leaf in a syrup form and saw how quickly the symptoms disappeared, and by the grace of God he has not had an "attack" in about two years.

Activated Charcoal For acute use in cases of food poisoning intestinal illness, vomiting, diarrhea, ingestion of toxins, etc. It is always a good idea to keep the local poison control number on hand in case a child ingests a toxic substance and immediately take a child to the hospital if he/she has swallowed anything of concern. This is something we need on hand for those "middle of the night" occurrences and there is no time to get to the health food store. You will be relieved it is in your medicine cabinet should the need arise.

Cod Liver Oil This is actually a "medicine" we use daily and mostly as a preventative. However, when illness does arise I give more doses to increase Vitamin D. Numerous recent studies show how crucial vitamin D is to boosting the immune system and a good high quality Cod liver oil can be very useful. Additional options for your medicine cabinet:

• Colloidal Silver Drops (great killer of bacteria, Strep Throat)
• Otoscope to look for a possible ear infection
• Echinachea
• Vitamin C
• Garlic Oil (ear infections, swimmers ear)

Should we completely turn our back on Modern Medicine? I personally do not feel the Bible condemns people for seeking practical and scientific help with their illness if they first have their trust resting on God. God wants us to examine any health problem and make wise decisions, while looking to him to lead and guide us in those decisions. That is what God expects us to do in all aspects of this life. Notice Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Yes, in any decision of any consequence we have to make, it should be our way of life and our habit to go to God for help and wisdom — and this applies when seeking medical attention or health advice for illness as well as in any other aspect of life. God has given us life and that it is our duty to safeguard that life by whatever reasonable and wise course is open to you that does not contravene his law. I do believe that God wants me to learn how to handle the trial of illness as wisely as any other kind of trial and part of that learning for me lies in fully understanding natural medicine. It has been a long road, but as I look back I can see exactly where God closed doors, but then directed our paths to where we are today.

Disclaimer - I am not a Doctor (yet, although in school) so these are our experiences. Please use your best judgement and seek advice of a personal Doctor whom you trust. I am in no way prescribing a regimen to use. 

Croup got you down? Sure-fire ways to heal with Young Living Essential Oils

Croup is like the itch that just won't go away in our house. My kids must have a big target on their backs and that big letter "C" comes with a vengeance. Not long ago we would make several late-night treks to the emergency room because the barky, seal-like cough was just too much to bear. We would wave the white flag and succumb to the steroid-filled inhalers and breathing treatments that the Doctors prescribed. Did I know any better? No. I never knew any other options existed that were completely natural and safe. Fast-forward to today and when that cold virus comes a knockin' followed by his friend the cough, I no longer dread the 3+ hour stays in the emergency room and feeling of helplessness. What is Croup? Croup refers to an infection of the upper airway, generally in children, which obstructs breathing and causes a characteristic barking cough. The cough and other symptoms of croup are the result of inflammation around the vocal cords (larynx), windpipe (trachea) and bronchial tubes (bronchi). When a cough forces air through this narrowed passage, the swollen vocal cords produce a noise similar to a seal barking. Likewise, taking a breath often produces a high-pitched whistling sound (stridor). (Mayo Clinic definition) Some kids are more prone (like mine) others may never get it after contracting a cold virus. In most cases it truly is mild or can warrant a scary ride to the emergency room. There are clear indicators to look for when reaching the red zone; difficulty breathing, pale white skin, coughing fits that are uncontrollable, dehydration etc... The good news is, there are some very specific actions you can take to avert croup. This is what we do at the immediate onset of a cold virus which always moves into my children's lungs and causes croup. Once I learned precisely what to do, I am happy to report we have had NO cases of croup in over 18 months! Some of that is age, as kids generally outgrow susceptibility to croup, but I still have 2 under the age of 5 and that puts them at risk for sure. First step at onset of a cold Diffuse Raven or RC immediately thru the night as your child sleeps. Rub on feet and chest. Why does this work so well? Raven contains Ravintsara, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Peppermint and Wintergreen. These are highly anti-viral and completely open up the airways. Also a great alternative for asthma sufferers or seasonal allergies instead of an inhaler.

RC contains a multitude of oils that calm the inflamed airways and kill the virus causing the cold.

Together these two powerful oils stop my children's cold dead in its tracks, eliminating the need for Tylenol, breathing treatments, OTC cold medicine or inhalers. However, every child responds differently and if the cough has persisted, then we administer the following to finish it off. 2 Specific Homeopathic Remedies for Croup The first remedy to stock in your medicine cabinet is Aconitum. This particular homeopathic needs to be used at the immediate onset of a croup-like cough. I would definitely give this if my children were frightened from the coughing fits or have anxiety as Aconitum specifically targets those behaviors. Typically give 30 each hour, if there is improvement then change the dose to every few hours. You will see the change immediately and a lot of times the child falls to sleep from over-exhaustion, and that is a good thing. Sleep near them to monitor breathing thru the night. And then there are cases of the cough persisting. We then give Spongia tosta and continue until the coughing stops. If we are still coughing into the early morning hours and the cough has not returned to a normal "velvety" consistency we give Hepar sulph 30. In our 2 bouts of croup this year the essential oils alone have worked within 2 hours. But every child is different and all three of mine respond in their own unique way as well. Keep that in mind when going thru each step. There are alternatives to OTC's and prescriptions that work better, faster and are completely natural!

If it was sacred enough for Jesus...it is healing for you! Frankincense my friend!

I am talking about the Frankincense friends. And it is AMAZING. Go ahead...read on! I will be covering both Frankincense and Sacred Frankincense, close cousins...more like Appalachian cousins.

It is an aromatic resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia, particularly Boswellia sacra, B. carteri, B. thurifera, B. frereana and B. bhaw-dajiana (Burseraceae). Frankincense is mentioned several times in the Bible and truly was "sacred".

“The Lord said to Moses, “Take sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum, sweet spices with pure frankincense” -Exodus 30:34

As a child I never fully understood the gravity of the three small sacred gifts, Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh, brought to baby Jesus by three Kings. Just the thought of how amazing this oil must have been leaves me speechless. Here are a few historical facts about our new cousins: In some of the oldest know medical records, Frankincense is mentioned several times. It was a very Holy "anointing" oil used in the days of Christ for its insane healing properties and. It was only found in the homes of wealthy citizens and was more valuable than gold. Truly a prized item. The Frankincense trade goes back at least 5,000 years. Egyptians and Mesopotamians were crazy for it, and the Greeks and Romans after them. It was used in religious ritual, in cosmetics, in medicine, even to embalm the dead. Today it’s used in pretty much the same ways and Dhofar still produces some of the highest quality frankincense in the world.

"Frankincense contains sesquiterpenes, which stimulate the limbic system of the brain (the center of memory and emotions) and the hypothalamus, pineal, and pituitary glands. The hypothalamus is the master gland of the human body, producing many vital hormones, including the thyroid."

Frankincense is well documented to be anti-tumoral, muscle relaxing, anti-depressant, used to treat cancer and infections and is a major immune booster for the body.

• great for the skin! Anti-wrinkle and acne-healer 
• relieves soreness or pain in joints from arthritis
• Scar tissue - apply to scars, stretch marks or other wounds
• Inflammation - place in a capsule or take internally in water to reduce inflammation
• Immune booster - apply to the bottom of feet or take internally
• Cancer fighter! - Known published articles on how Frankincense had shrunk tumors and killed cancer cells . See here. 
• Great for daily health. Take a drop each day. Better than an apple for sure.

Sacred Frankincense The more I read and educate myself on these oils, the more I am stunned! Just wait, the "Sacred" cousin will blow your socks off! The country of Oman is the only country to produce Sacred Frankincense and they really DO NOT let it out of their sights, until the founder of Young Living came along. The only people typically able to purchase are the royals and priveledged of Saudi Arabia. It is regarded world wide as the most rare and sought after aromatic in existence. [caption id="attachment_1264" align="aligncenter" width="416"] Frankincense Tree[/caption]

"After 15 years of research, 15 trips to Oman, and numerous meetings and negotiations with Omani officials, Gary Young (YL founder) was granted the first export permit in the history of Oman for the release and export of the oil and permission to build a Young Living distillery in the country and to export the resulting essential oil out of Oman."

Sacred Frankincense has been tested as an anticancer agent because it has the power to turn off the DNA of cancer cells and return the DNA to its original healthy form. Frankincense oil has also been researched for its ability to regenerate disc, cartilage, and bone.

Here are just a few amazing properties:

• Can treat Stomach ulcers or other inflammation
• Gum Disease
• Blood disorders
• Cancer tumors
• Infections
• Depression or Bipolar disorder

My husband and I have witnessed this healing first hand in our son M and oppositional defiant disorder (extreme moodiness) Therapeutic grade frankincense oil contains boswellic acids, which are anti- inflammatory agents against rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. You can take this oil internally, apply topically or diffuse. Diffusing will typically only offer a calming "spiritual" effect. For medical issues it is best to apply to the area or take internally. Ok, I literally could talk days on this and other oils but I will try to exercise some self control. I hope this gives you just a small nugget to ponder and think how this oil as well as many other can change your personal health, your children's health and transform the way you think and view western medicine. Lastly, I am truly inspired to write this after meeting the most.amazing.boy.EVER tonight. He is 18 months and in the fight of his life right now. He is an inspiration and a gift from God. I will never stop thinking of him and the journey he is beginning right now. Oh, and he has some pretty spectacular parents too. Here are a few related links: PuB Med articles on Cancer and Frankincense Congestion and Kids Children and Fevers  

Lord, Please Grant My Child Restful Sleep

"The Lord gives strength to his people, the Lord blesses his people with peace." Psalms 29:11 (NIV)

I often hear frustrations from friends regarding the sleep cycles of their children. It always brings back so many memories of the tough times we had with both boys waking at multiple times during the night. It is normal to have an ebb and flow when children are developing, but it should be short and rectify itself quickly.

When it persists for more than a few days, it could be a sign of distress in their little bodies. The boys struggled with finding a deep and calming sleep for quite a few years, as well as some behavioral (Autism/ADD-like) challenges. The other day at school registration a parent-helper remarked at how "well-behaved" my children were. I had to take all three with me and wait in line for about 25 minutes, you mommies out there know, that is setting yourself up for some major meltdowns. A few years ago this would have been an impossible feat, but after years of hard work I definitely breathe a sigh of relief.

My children are not perfect and we never approach a situation with high expectations, rather we set rules and they are encouraged and rewarded based on how well they follow those rules. Even more than that, what has made the biggest difference is the progress we have made on healing their mind and body. We are certainly not alone out there. It seems a little too coincidental that the along with the remarkable rise in Autism comes an increase in:

• children unable to sleep restfully
• waking several times a night
• ADD/ADHD
• focus challenges
• sickness
• mood disorders

There is an answer, and it is natural! Our journey began with finding the root cause of all of the above. We firmly believe that it lies in the gut. A sick and unhealthy gut results in a brain that is hurting. We started our healing with probiotics 2x a day, supplemented with Cod Liver oil, consistently adhered to our Homeopathic regimen and lastly found Peace and Calming essential oil. The final piece to our puzzle.

Here is an amazing graphic that helped us target the main culprits in our boys

M was waking at midnight for months. We started treating his gall-bladder and it completely went away! L was 3-6am for about a year with constant bronchial issues and coughing fits. Once we figured it out and treated with a combination of homeopathic remedies, HEPA filters and essential oils it was gone! Along with healing the gut comes supporting it with a consistent essential oil regimen.

Let's focus specifically on the powerful properties of Peace and Calming oil

Peace and Calming has a gentle scent that promotes relaxation and a deep restful nights sleep. It contains:

• tangerine - the sweet fragrance elicits feelings of happiness and wellness. It contains the constituent d-limonene which is a powerful antioxidant. It can help encourage proper digestion
• ylang ylang - relaxes the mind and balances emotions
• blue tansy - very high in sesquiterpenes and is an anti-inflammatory
• orange - gives you a sense of joy and helps depression. Is mood-lifting
• patchouli - contains sesquiterpenes that are known to help support the brain, especially the limbic portion. Helps to support emotional health and equilibrium

How to use the Oil 

 We rub on the kids feet at night before bed to calm the nervous system and soften the mind. We use 8-9 drops in the Home diffuser during nap time or the house at crucial parts of the day when emotions are high and energy is low. Nap time has never been an issue since and that crazy hour before dinner is enjoyable now! Mix with a carrier oil like V-6 or olive/almond oil for a completely calming massage. Great for over-tired and cranky toddlers. I cannot praise this oil enough and how much it has helped our kids and myself.

It.is.amazing

I came across this sweet poem, enjoy! Wishing you a restful night sleep.

Sleep Cycle

Christ in me, me in Christ, there is no better place to be I thank my God for His Son and the life He’s given me.

He’s in me, I’m in Him, together we have peace as one, there is a glorious calm that will never fail or cease.

His power in me, my power is Him, together we are strong He strengthens me, I cling to Him whenever things goes wrong.

Living my life with my Lord, Him living His life in me together we’ve become one like it was meant to be!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

John 3:30 King James Version

“He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Copyright 2013 Deborah Ann Belka

I Will Sleep in Peace (poetrybydeborahann.wordpress.com)

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