Colds & Flus and the accompanying cough that goes with them, are a common household problem, particularly during the winter months.  The following is a recipe for making your very own all-natural cough syrup at home. This can be used with adults or children over the age of 1 (different remedies can be used for those under 1 year), tastes better than it sounds, saves money, and is more effective than over the counter (OTC) varieties. 


Why use Natural Cough Syrup instead of OTCs?

The research supports the ineffectiveness of cough syrups and other similar products. A 2010 review of studies found that there is no evidence to support using common over-the-counter drugs for cough. This includes cough suppressants, such as dextromethorphan, or expectorants such as guaifenesin, which are supposed to loosen up mucus in the airways.

In 2008, the FDA recommended avoiding the use of cough syrup in children under the age of 4 because there was no proof of effectiveness, and little research on side effects. The American Academy of Pediatrics took this a step farther, saying to avoid use in children under 6. What they did find through further study was honey proved to be mildly effective, but is not to be given to children under 1 year.

Note: If you have a productive cough (are bringing up mucous when you cough) avoid suppressing it. Coughing is important for loosening the phlegm or mucous and getting it out of your lungs.

Directions

·      Slice the onion evenly. Place the base of the onion in your jar, and then pour honey in a layer over it (or cover in a layer of sugar, if that’s your sweetener of choice.)
·      Continue to alternate layering the onion and sweetener. When you’re finished, cover tightly and let it sit overnight out on the counter, or for 8-12 hours.
·      After it has sat out, there will now be liquid in the jar. Use a spoonful as needed to control your cough (3 spoonful’s an hour, if needed.)
·      You can use both the honey and brown sugar if you like, just adjust the layering accordingly, and remember that it will be sweeter!
·      If you choose to use garlic, unlike onion, there is no exact amount to put in. Start with 9-12 cloves or so roughly chopped and find your flavor balance from there. Just remember you shouldn’t use too little; otherwise it won’t work as well.

Directions for kids

·      If you have a child too young to have honey, don’t despair because every single home cough remedy seems to have honey in it! The above recipe can be safely made for kids-just omit the honey and use only the sugar.

Note: This syrup should be used fresh. After you make it, you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. After that, just whip up another batch.




Note: This information is not meant to replace the advice of a trained practitioner. In order to formulate a proper treatment plan, you should consult with your Naturopathic Doctor or other health care provider.



References:
Griffin, R.M. (2014) Cough Medicine: Should You or Shouldn’t You? Get the facts on cough medicine. Chang, L. (Ed.) WebMD Feature. http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/cough-medicine-should-you-shouldnt-you
Everyday Roots (2013). Homemade Cough Syrup.  http://everydayroots.com/homemade-honey-and-onion-cough-syrup

The world today is full of toxins and chemicals. There have been reports based on data collected that in every human being alive, no matter where they live, they have at minimum over 250 chemicals in their tissues. That’s a lot of chemicals, and that’s supposed to be the conservative estimate.

Why do toxins matter?
The amount of toxins we are exposed to matters, because our toxic load can have a very profound effect on the physiology of our body. Noticed how more children are being diagnosed with ADD/ADHD? Studies show 82% of children are exposed every week to one or more ingredients with the potential to harm the brain and nervous system (EWG, 2013). If you harm the brain and the nervous system, there is going to be a change in a child’s behavior and their ability to focus.

These effects can be more pronounced in children because their bodies are developing and growing, but this does not mean that adults are unaffected by these levels of chemicals. Thyroid dysfunction and disease for example has become more common, particularly in women. According to a 2006 report by the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council (NAS/NRC) fluoride was identified as a potent hormone disruptor that may affect normal thyroid function. The potency of fluoride is illustrated by the fact that until the 1970s, European doctors used fluoride as a thyroid-suppressing medication for patients with over active thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Today, people living in communities with fluoridated tap water are ingesting doses of fluoride that fall within the range of doses once used by doctors to reduce thyroid activity in hyperthyroid patients (NRC 2006).

Almost every system in our body can be affected by chemicals. Other common conditions that have links to toxin levels include:

What can we do?
This may sound like a hopeless situation that we can do nothing about, but that simply is not true. Even one person, has the ability to change the world around them. The following are some suggestions for making a difference:

1.     Eat Organic
The power of your purchases makes a bigger difference than you think. When you make the choice to buy organic, you’re sending the message that your health is important to you and you want things to change. The more people there are making this kind of stand, shows the policy makers that organic and toxins is an issue people care about so they should too if they want to get elected to office. If budget is a concern, look for the deals and prioritizing your organics. Look at the Environmental Working Group’s Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen list as a starting point: http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/.

2.     Use Environmentally Friendly Products
There are many commercially available products that use no chemicals in their cleaning products. Consider replacing your soap, cleaners, and laundry detergent with more environmentally friendly counterparts. It's also easy to make your own, and there are many recipes easily available online using ingredients you probably already have in your cupboard.

3.     Check Your Cosmetics/Personal Hygiene Products
Many cosmetics and personal grooming products have all kinds of chemicals and toxins as their ingredients. Look at the labels on your products and consider buying from sources that do not use these chemicals. Environmental Working Group is a good source for checking your cosmetic products for dangerous chemicals.

4.     Petition Your local Government Representative
Things don’t change unless we indicate to our government officials that an issue is important to the public at large. If you want to see Canada making tougher policies on how much pesticides and chemicals can be used on your food and in your products, you have to make sure that your local representative knows about it. Whether it’s writing a letter or organizing an event, just standing by and waiting for someone else to do something is not going to make a change.



Resources:
Environmental Working Group. 2013. Dirty Dozen Endocrine Disruptors. www.ewg.org/research/ dirty-dozen-list-endocrine-disruptors.
National Research Council. 2006. Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of the EPA’s Standards.  http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11571

What Is Eczema?

The skin is an important organ of elimination, communication and protection. The body is trying to tell us that something is wrong when we see symptoms like eczema. Eczema and other skin issues have become a very common problem, usually affecting children and babies.  The typical presentation of eczema is a scaly, red and itchy rash that appears on the creases of the elbows, back of the knees, behind the ears, on hands and on the face. This results from chronic inflammation that manifests in the skin, which is termed atopic dermatitis.  Atopic conditions occur due to an imbalance in the immune system, which has caused it to become hypersensitive and thus prone to developing other hypersensitive reactions, such as asthma.

What Causes Eczema?
 There are many contributing factors to the development of eczema. These include:

- Environmental trigger(s): chemical irritants, soaps, lotions, and laundry detergent can all contribute to skin irritation
- Food sensitivities:  food allergens (eg. peanuts or diary), and chemicals, additives, or oils in processed foods can cause the rash to worsen
- Stress: Stress can also undermine the whole system, and contribute to the development of skin issues. Keeping a stress free environment as much as possible, can be very helpful
- Improper Elimination: when the organs of elimination (liver, skin, bowels, or urinary system) are overtaxed or underperforming toxins can remain in the body and contribute to skin problems.
- Antibiotics: Overuse or improper use can severely disrupt the normal flora of the body. This is a risk factor for skin issues, especially in young children.

How Is Eczema Treated?
The conventional treatment for eczema is corticosteroid cream, combined with rounds of antibiotics if the skin is severely compromised and there is concern of infection. While this may be necessary in extreme cases, it also has side effects of thinning the skin and steroid resistance, among others.

From a natural medicine perspective there are a number of things that can be done to help treat and prevent eczema.

-       Eliminate allergens from the diet. Some of the most common ones are wheat, dairy, soy, eggs and corn.

-       Decrease stress. Stress produces a hormone called cortisol, which can actually make skin conditions worse. Exercise, meditation and spending time doing things you enjoy can help decrease stress.

-       Minimize exposure to environmental triggers. Try using chemical free skin products and laundry detergent. Many products are labeled ‘for sensitive skin’.

-       Improve immune function. There are many things that can be done to help optimize the immune system. Eating a balanced diet of whole foods, including sources of omega 3s and fermented foods for probiotics, can minimize flare-ups.

-       Maximize routes of elimination. Ensuring that the liver, skin, bowels and urinary system are functioning optimally can keep toxin levels to a minimum and help keep the skin in better condition. Good detoxification foods include the dark leafy greens and spices like turmeric.

Itch Relief
The itch caused by eczema can be the worst part of eczema. Many children will itch their skin until it is raw, blistered and bleeding to get relief. Some helpful strategies for dealing with the itch include:

-       Homeopathic Remedies: Certain homeopathic remedies can be very helpful with minimizing the itch. Since each case is somewhat different, it is important to get a proper assessment from a trained practitioner.

-       Topical creams: natural topical creams that are free of chemicals can be helpful for minimizing itch.

-       Cool compress: placing a cold cloth over the affected skin can often provide temporary relief if an oatmeal bath cannot be taken at the time.


Watching a child suffer from eczema can be a very stressful experience for a parent. If your child is suffering from eczema or you suspect they are, it is best to take them to a Naturopathic Doctor who can perform a proper assessment and form a treatment plan that will address your child’s needs. Always speak to your health care provider before beginning any new medications or supplements.




References:
1. Stoppler, MC. (2012). Eczema. Reviewed by Schiel Jr., WC. MedicineNet. http://www.onhealth.com/eczema/article.htm.  
2. Romm, A. 2003. Naturally Healthy Babies and Children: A Commonsense Guide to Herbal Remedies, Nutrition, and Health. Celestial Arts.
3. Skowron, JM. 2009. Fundamentals of Naturopathic Pediatrics. CCNM Press. Print.

Troubleshooting Colic

Colic:
-       A catchall term referring to when a baby is fussy, uncomfortable, or distressed even though they are dry, warm, well fed, and comforted.

Colic may be caused by any number of things, and some babies seem to be more prone to colic than others. One of the more common theories is that the digestive process is upset or not occurring properly in some way. Remember that your baby is growing and changing quite a bit every day and their digestive tract is really no different. The following are some suggestions for preventing colic, but keep in mind there is no foolproof method and most babies do outgrow it naturally by 4 months.

-       Avoid eating members of the cabbage family (broccoli, cabbage, kale, collards) turnips, garlic, onions, spicy foods, fried foods, peanuts, caffeine, dairy foods, eggs, beans, and wheat.

-       Exercise baby’s legs by ‘bicycling’ their legs up to baby’s abdomen. Press the legs up to the belly (both, then individually), then extend them back out and down. Perform each motion 5 times slowly and smoothly.

-       Nursing in a quiet environment with minimal distractions to help prevent indigestion

-       Various herbs and teas can also be helpful with colic. However, each case is unique and it’s best to do a full assessment to determine yours and your child’s particular needs



Like many health issues, it is best to seek help from your Naturopathic Doctor to assess the best course of action for your child.



References:
1. Romm, A. 2003. Naturally Healthy Babies and Children: A Commonsense Guide to Herbal Remedies, Nutrition, and Health. Celestial Arts.
2. Skowron, JM. 2009. Fundamentals of Naturopathic Pediatrics. CCNM Press. Print.
3. Simkin, P et al. 2010. Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn, 4th Ed. Meadowbrook Press.

General tips for Immunity

-       Breastfeeding: breast milk contains lots of immune boosting ingredients
-       Wholesome foods: fruits, vegetables, multi-grains, protein
-       Avoid/Minimize, especially when sick: cold/cooling foods (dairy), sugar and processed or ‘junk’ foods
-       Getting enough rest, exercise and fresh air
-       Good hygiene (hand washing is most effective way to stop/reduce the spread of germs)
-       Reduce stress/ being in a stressful environment

Fever
What is a fever?
-       Fever is defined as a temperature above 38 C/100.4 F
-       If the fever is over 40C/104 F then you should see a doctor

Guidelines for Dealing with a Fever
-       Children under 3 months of age don’t usually get a fever. If they do develop a fever, they should be seen by a doctor.
-       If over 3 months of age you can watch and wait. Fevers can be beneficial in destroying the virus/bacteria causing illness. However, if your child’s fever is causing you a lot of distress and worry, then talk to your doctor.

Recognizing a Sick Child

Generally Sick Child
-       Doesn’t look/feel well

-       Acts “different” than usual
-       Doesn’t want to eat

-       Sleeps a lot

-       Has common symptoms of illness

Really Sick Child
-       (S)He stops playing
-       Is “lethargic”

-       Has unusual or worsening symptoms

-       Doesn’t get better after a reasonable amount of time for a given illness
-       Is not drinking fluids

-       Is not responding well

-       Has seizures

-       Is losing weight or a lot of body fluids
-       Mom (or dad) feels that “something is wrong”

Warning Signs of Very Sick Kids
-       Persistent fever (>3-5 days) with no improvement
-       Stiff neck

-       Forceful vomiting

-       Severe/unremitting headache
-       Incoherence or unresponsiveness
-       Deterioration of symptoms

-       Visual disturbance

-       Severe facial pain
-       Painful breathing; difficulty breathing

-       Persistent sore throat (>3-5 days) with no improvement

-       Drainage (fluid) from the ear

-       Dehydration; unwillingness to accept fluids

-       Any signs of illness/infection in children under 6 months old

-       Signs of serious illness: such as measles, whooping cough, pneumonia, and meningitis

What to do when Your Child is Sick

Diet:
-       Breastfeeding
-       Generally light foods. Broths and soups are best with some steamed vegetables, fruit or soupy grains based on the child’s hunger level.
-       Plenty of fluid, especially water and tea, to prevent dehydration
-       Avoid sugar and refined or processed foods
-       1 tbsp Honey (avoid if less than 1 year)

Nutritional Supplementation:
-       Vitamin D, Zinc, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Essential Fatty Acids, Protein   

Baths (Hydrotherapy):
-       Tepid (neither hot nor cold) baths are good for bringing down fever
-       Don’t use ice baths or alcohol to bring down fever. This can actually cause temperature to increase instead of decrease.
-       “Magic socks”: take a pair of cotton socks and wet them with slightly cool water, and wring them out as best as possible. Then place on child’s feet and cover with another pair of thicker, woolen socks before bed. Leave on overnight.

Ear Infections

Signs to Watch For:

-       Irritable, pulling on their ear/scratching at their ear
-       Ear may appear red and slightly swollen
-       Fluid may drain from the ear
-       If child is talking, may complain of pain
-       Other possible signs include: fever, headache, cough, runny nose, vomiting and diarrhea 

What to Do:

-       Breastfeeding
-       Avoid allergenic/inflammatory foods: peanuts, dairy, soy, wheat, corn, oranges, tomatoes
-       Generally light foods. Broths and soups are best with some steamed vegetables, or fruit based on the child’s hunger level.
-       Plenty of fluid, especially water and tea, to prevent dehydration (particularly if fever is present)
-       Ear drops: olive oil infused with garlic. Let garlic pieces sit in olive oil overnight, and use a dropper to place drops in ear. Some companies (eg. St. Francis Herbs) make ear oils for purchase in health stores.
-       Supplements: Vitamin C, Probiotics, Zinc, B vitamins and cod liver oil (Vitamin A)

Flu

Signs to Watch For:

-       fever (often high)
-       headache

-       extreme tiredness
-       dry cough
-       sore throat

-       runny or stuffy nose

-       muscle aches
-       Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur, but are more common in children than adults

What to Do:

-       Similar treatment as discussed in Fever section, especially Diet and Bath
-       Teas: Chamomile, Spearmint, Elder, Lemonbalm, Mullein, Ginger
-       Natural cough syrup as needed, preferably at night time so they can sleep but can still cough up anything they need to get out of their system during the day.

Note: Specific treatment suggestions are best discussed with your Naturopathic doctor as each child and illness is often unique!







References:
1. "Fever in Infants and Young Children: Problems in Infants and Very Young Children: Merck Manual Home Edition." Fever in Infants and Young Children: Problems in Infants and Very Young Children: Merck Manual Home Edition. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2012. <http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/childrens_health_issues/problems_in_infants_and_very_young_children/fever_in_infants_and_young_children.html>.
2. Romm, A. (Oct 2012). Winterize Your Kids: Optimizing Health with Herbs, Diet and Common Sense.  Webinar Notes.
3. Schmidt, Michael A. Healing Childhood Ear Infections: Prevention, Home Care, and Alternative Treatment. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic, 1996. Print.
4. Skowron, JM. 2009. Fundamentals of Naturopathic Pediatrics. CCNM Press. Print.
5. Solomonian. L. (2012) Getting Sick Well. Unpublished lecture notes. CCNM.