Andrea's Herbs and Natural Remedies Questions and Answers

Question: I take Echinacea whenever I get a cold and it works great but I recently heard that if you are allergic to ragweed you should not be taking it...

Question: Hi, I'm 41 weeks and have been having horrible contractions for 3 weeks now but no real cervical change...

Question: My two week old daughter has a white coating on her tongue and I am told that is thrush. I don't have any symptoms yet, but what can I do to eliminate this for both of us before it causes problems?

Question: We recently had a traumatic trip to the emergency room for my daughter’s bleeding cut. No matter how much I wrapped it, the bleeding wouldn’t stop. Is there anything I could have done herbally to stem the flow?

Question: My friend is 33 weeks pregnant and is developing varicose veins.  Her mother had very bad varicose veins and so I believe genetics is playing a part here. Is there any natural remedies or herbs she can use to maybe slow down the process?

Question: My child has a splinter in his hand that is large, yet I can't retrieve it and he won't allow me to come near it because of the pain. What can I do?

Question: My question for you is one about fertility. I have a sister in law who is having problems conceiving a baby.  She is doing some procedure (inner-uterine injections), next is in vitro fertilization. I was trying to find something that may help or enhance her chance to conceive.

Question: I am 19 years old and I have had a benign thyroid cyst (nodule) 3cm for 3 years. The Doctors suggest surgery only for cosmetic purposes.

Question: I was tested and found positive for vaginal streptococcus agalactiae. I'd like to avoid antibiotics, is there any alternative?

Question: I have genital herpes and am 22 weeks pregnant. I have been having out breaks every month and a half compared to once or twice a year when I am not pregnant. I want to have a natural vaginal birth and want to know what my options are to prevent breakout close to delivery.

Question: I've had what I think is thrush on my nipples for three months... feels like carpet-burn during and after feeding.

Question: My daughter has been stung by a bee, help!

Question: My son has found his way into Poison Ivy, what can I give him to reduce the rash?

Question: My kids tend to get frequent colds once school and daycare start.  Is this normal?  How can I minimize their symptoms?

Question: I take Echinacea whenever I get a cold and it works great but I recently heard that if you are allergic to ragweed you should not be taking it.  I have tried to research this on my own but have come up with nothing.  I was wondering if you could shed some light on this subject?  If this is true is there anything else that I can take for my cold.  I am breastfeeding so I want something that is not going to affect my milk.

Answer: If echinacea has been working for you without any problems, I would continue taking it.  So many people have ragweed sensitivities but handle echinacea just fine.  For that one in several thousand whose ragweed allergy is severe, echinacea as well as chamomile  should be avoided.

Don't forget to get a copy of my book, "Gentle Healing for Baby and Child" (Simon & Schuster) to learn more gentle ways to use natural remedies for your little one.

All best in health,

Andrea

Answer: If the birth time is right, blue cohosh will increase contractions... taking it as you described sounds fine. Also drink a quart of raspberry leaf tea each day (tones the uterus). You could call Dr. Christopher's Herb Shoppes in Provo, Utah (800#) and see if they still make their Pre-Natal Formula. It's meant to take in the last six weeks of pregnancy.

There is a reflexology point in the middle of the heel that is purported to help with contractions. You might want to talk to someone who practices reflexology. An all over body massage could also help. Have you talked to a midwife?

I wish you all the best for a safe and healthy delivery,

Andrea

Question: My two week old daughter has a white coating on her tongue and I am told that is thrush. I don't have any symptoms yet, but what can I do to eliminate this for both of us before it causes problems?

Answer: Thrush is a fungus and sugar feeds fungus. The most important step you can take is to avoid sugar, eat high protein/low carb foods. A probiotic for you and your daughter is also important. It will help balance the ecology of the intestinal track by repopulating it with the good bacteria that helps keep yeast in check (yeast causes thrush). You can find powdered acidophilus (a probiotic) in the health food store that you can add to baby's bottle.  

Question: We recently had a traumatic trip to the emergency room for my daughter’s bleeding cut. No matter how much I wrapped it, the bleeding wouldn’t stop. Is there anything I could have done herbally to stem the flow?

Answer: There is something you can do at home but if the first response is to go the emergency room, this is something you can try on the way and will probably find works before you even get there! High in Vitamin K, the clotting properties of the cayenne pepper will stop a child’s bleeding within 10 seconds. . .a dramatic remedy, to say the least. Interestingly, cayenne’s high mineral content lends to it the classification of a demulcent (a soothing herb); thus, despite its fiery reputation, it does not burn the skin, even when placed on a sensitive wound.

	Spoon a thick layer of powdered cayenne over the affected area.
	Cover with a bandage; leave on overnight. The bleeding will stop within 10 seconds. What’s more, cayenne’s anti-microbial and astringent properties will help cleanse and close the cut. You do not have to wash the cayenne out of the cut as it is healing, because the cayenne comes off with the removal of the bandage.

Note: Head wounds are characterized by their ability to bleed excessively. Don’t be alarmed. The cayenne pepper remedy even stopped the profuse bleeding from my son’s head when he fell and hit his head on the corner of a table. After the bleeding has stopped, check your child for signs of concussion and have a medical check-up to be sure there is no undetected internal hemorrhaging.

RESCUE REMEDY

I don’t have to tell you that any deep wound is as emotionally invasive as the wound itself. So I use the following natural nerve-calmer to help restore equilibrium to a child’s state of mind. If you had to go to the emergency room, this is something you can take along with you and start giving in the car on the way over.

Place 4 drops Rescue Remedy (a well known Bach Flower Essence available in most health food stores) in 2-4oz water and allow the child to sip the mixture during and after the treatment. A few undiluted drops could even be put right under the tongue.

Less serious bleeding cuts will respond to every child’s favorite:

THE BROWN PAPER BAG TRICK

For minor bleeding cuts, a brown paper bag may act as a compression bandage. It’s an old family method of stopping bleeding popular prior to the advent of plastic. Brown paper bags seemed always to be around, used for garbage, groceries and school lunches. In the same way men often stop their shaving cuts from bleeding with a bit of toilet tissue, a piece of brown paper bag can quickly be torn off to be used as a pressure bandage, applying firmly to the cut. I can remember several incidences arising with my boys, at home in the kitchen, in the supermarket, even in the car after going grocery shopping, where a quick tear from the bag became a fast first aid tool.

	Make a "bandage" from brown paper torn from a grocery bag and tape or firmly hold on the cut.
	Leave in place until the bleeding stops.

When you know how to use simple materials found in your home, even potentially scary situations like bleeding cuts can be gently and effectively healed…although they’ll never replace the loving benefits of kissing the boo-boo along with a hug!

Answer: First and foremost, constipation must be avoided. A diet of fruits, vegetables, grains and lots of water will help this. A probiotic formula will also help bring balance to the intenstinal area.

A sage compress to the affected sites can help reduce the discomfort of varicose veins. Steep 2 tsp dried sage leaf (salvia officinalis) in a cup of boiled water for 20 minutes. Saturate a cotton cloth with the sage tea and compress the legs for 30 minutes, twice a day.

A good supplement to be taking to support weakened capillaries is rutin... it can be taken alone or in combination with other bioflavonoids.

Question: My child has a splinter in his hand that is large, yet I can't retrieve it and he won't allow me to come near it because of the pain. What can I do?

Answer: Instead of going after something embedded (splinter, glass, thorn) with tweezers (ouch!), try some ripe, mashed banana on the area, covered with tape, overnight.  The enzymes in the banana draw it to the surface for easy removal the next morning.  Mashed banana also works for drawing out a pimple!

Question: My question for you is one about fertility. I have a sister in law who is having problems conceiving a baby.  She is doing some procedure (inner-uterine injections), next is in vitro fertilization. I was trying to find something that may help or enhance her chance to conceive.

Answer: Dr. Christopher's Female Reproductive Formula (formerly known as Fem-Mend) would be an excellent choice for improving her chances. The dosage is usually 3 capsules twice a day. You can reach them online at www.drchristopher.com. Of course, she should discuss the taking of this formula with her doctor.

Question: I am 19 years old and I have had a benign thyroid cyst (nodule) 3cm for 3 years. The Doctors suggest surgery only for cosmetic purposes. I'm scared of surgery though. I read this on the Internet:

'"A 35-year-old female patient (two children) presented with a rapidly growing thyroid nodule, which seemed to arise with no overt cause. The nodule was not firm but cystic. Once it had stabilized, a fine needle aspirant sample was collected; the cyst was apparently totally benign. Synthetic thyroid hormone was suggested to promote the nodule's shrinkage. The patient refused. Almost four years after the nodule stabilized the woman began taking 3-5 grams /day of powdered Fucus and Nereocystis kelp, mixed. After six months, the nodule had completely disappeared. The woman continues to take some maintenance dosages several times a week."

Do you think if I try this it will harm me? Does it have to be powdered or capsule form? Where can I find the nereocystis kelp? Maybe if I take these in tea form it will be more powerful? And another question....Will Fucus/nereocystis harm me or cause grave's disease on me?

Myomin - I heard about this herb in the Internet also... it claims to disappear cysts in thyroid, should I try it - If so can I take it along with fucus/kelp with no harm.

Answer: In my opinion, the best way to take herbs for the thyroid is to take them in a synergistically balanced formula.  Quantum Herbs (800 348 0398) makes Thyroid Formula containing Green Black Walnut hulls, Bladderwrack, Kelp and Irish Moss.  These are herbs that bring balance and nourishment to the thyroid gland.  They are prepared in the liquid extract form which I feel is superior to and better absorbed than capsules or teas.

In my office, we would evaluate your saliva sample for the residues that may be the underlying cause of the thyroid nodule.  Possibilities include parasites, viruses, fungus, bacteria.  The counter-vibration would be prepared for the underlying pathogen and given along with herbal support – for the thyroid as well as any other organs or glands that may need cleansing or support.  Keep in mind, that when one part of the body manifests dis-ease, it may be reflecting an imbalance somewhere else in the body.

Question: I was tested and found positive for vaginal streptococcus agalactiae. I'd like to avoid antibiotics, is there any alternative?

Answer: I would use the following 4 approaches to your problem:

1. Goldenseal: 3 capsules – 3x – 10 days – nature's antibiotic
2. Grapefruit Seed Extract – 1/4tsp in 2oz water – 3x – 10 days – nature's antibiotic
3. God's Herbs Primal Defense – this is a probiotic containing homeostatic soil organisms that helps to support your immune system.  Start with 1 – 3x, increasing gradually to 6-12 tablets per day, depending upon comfort level.  In other words, level off at 2-4/three times a day, increasing only to an amount that does not cause intestinal discomfort.
4. A remedy tuned to the vibration of the pathogen.  You can contact Healers Who Share about this: 303 428 4584. They can prepare the exact remedy you require.

Question: I have genital herpes and am 22 weeks pregnant. I have been having out breaks every month and a half compared to once or twice a year when I am not pregnant. I want to have a natural vaginal birth and want to know what my options are to prevent breakout close to delivery.

Answer: This is, indeed, a difficult issue.  You really need to discuss with your OB what you can take while pregnant.  Lysine is normally used for herpes outbreaks...ask if it's OK for you to use this amino acid while pregnant.  Quantum Herb (800 348 0398) makes an Anti-Viral Formula containing St Johns Wort, Lomatium, Lemon Balm, Hyssop, Garlic, Thuja, Tea Tree, Echinacea, Olive leaf, Sweet Annie, Astragalus, Elderberry and Licorice...but, again, you need to check with your OB.

Also, you need to avoid chocolate, colas, coffee, stimulating herbs like ginger, cayenne.  If you research the internet, I'm sure you will find other restrictions that will help not stimulate outbreaks.  Of course, in your situation, hormones are high and stimulate outbreaks.

Question: I've had what I think is thrush on my nipples for three months... feels like carpet-burn during and after feeding.  I had it with my other two babies as well, but they had symptoms as well and this baby doesn't have any other than a yeasty-looking rash in her armpits and under her third chin occasionally.

I've tried many, many different things and hear that there is a diet or regimen that can be used in conjunction with acidophilous or and/other supplements.... what do you suggest for thrush?

Answer: I suggest Black Walnut liquid extract (black, black walnut, not green black walnut).  You should be able to find it in health food stores.  If not, let me know because I do make it.

The dose for adults is ½ tsp in ½ cup water – twice a day for 3 months in conjunction with a low sugar diet and probiotics.

Compresses to the nipples with chamomile tea may bring relief from the inflammatory feeling you are experiencing.

Question: My daughter has been stung by a bee, help!

Answer: Spending time in the great outdoors makes all of us vulnerable to bites and stings.  Unless your child is allergic to stinging insects, the standard summertime mosquito bite, or less frequent bee sting is irritating, but easily treatable.  While the usual response is to apply a store-bought product that’s full of chemicals (which, in some children, can cause even more irritation to the skin and worse, adds synthetic chemicals to the bloodstream via absorption through the skin), there are many natural anti-inflammatory remedies that will calm the itch of a bite or pain and swelling of a sting. 

Aloe’s soothing, anti-inflammatory properties help relieve itch, pain and swelling. Break a stalk of the aloe plant and apply a thick layer of its soothing inner gel to the affected area. Allow the area to air dry or cover with a bandage. Reapply as needed.

The calming, nervine properties concentrated in the distillation of lavender’s essential oil compounds help to quiet inflamed skin. Rub a drop or two of the essential oil of the lavender plant on the affected area.  This is one of the only essential oils that can be applied to the skin without dilution. May be reapplied every couple of hours, if needed.

The essential oil of peppermint can help to numb the skin, reducing the itchy sensation. Apply one drop peppermint oil to the affected area.  It is not necessary to cover the oil.  However, if your child touches the spot and then touches his eyes, the peppermint oil may irritate them.  Therefore, if your child is not able to refrain from touching the oil, do cover it with a bandage.

The onion’s detoxifying sulphur compounds help to neutralize the poison of the bite or venom of the sting, reducing inflammation. To ease the pain and swelling of a sting, apply a ¼” slice of onion, holding it in place with surgical tape, cloth, or bandage.  Apply a new slice every couple of hours, if needed. To relieve the itch of an insect bite: cut an onion open to expose its juicy surface and rub on the bite.  Voila--instant itch relief!  This remedy can be repeated as often as needed for itch relief.

The swelling and inflammation of insect stings can be soothed with the emollient properties of Vitamin E. Puncture a capsule with a straight pin and coat the affected area with the oil. Reapply as needed.

The minerals in a paste of baking soda and water provide soothing, quick relief from pain and inflammation. In the palm of your hand or, if you prefer, in a small dish, put a teaspoon of baking soda. Moisten with just enough water to make a paste. Apply to affected area, covering with gauze and surgical tape. Reapply every couple of hours, as needed.

Always keep in mind that insects like sweet smells, so it would be wise to refrain from using any fragranced product on your child at those times of the year when insects are prevalent--or, of course, if you’re traveling to an insect-prone area.  Shampoo, soap, perfume, suntan lotion, and even scented lip gloss attract bugs!

Question: My son has found his way into Poison Ivy, what can I give him to reduce the rash?

Answer: The homeopathic preparation, Rhus. Tox., is an extremely dilute form of the poison ivy toxin.  While it may sound a little scary to be giving your child that which he is reacting to, keep in mind that is exactly what is done with allergy injections.  This is recognized around the world as a very safe remedy as long as it is used properly.

Homeopathic pellets cannot be handled because the oils in the skin will antidote their fragile components; therefore, tap the dose into the plastic cap that is provided and drop it under your child’s tongue to dissolve.  Your child won’t mind--it tastes sweet.  As with all homeopathic remedies, no food or drink can be ingested 20 minutes before and 20 minutes after taking the remedy. Take 2 pellets of homeopathic Rhus. Tox. (available in health food stores, as well as in many pharmacies), potency 30C. Repeat the dose 2-3 more times that day.

If the rash is already in an advanced stage, head for the pharmacy and purchase a product called Domeboro (a boric acid solution) in powdered form.  By neutralizing the poison ivy toxin, it diminishes the itch, dries up the oozing, and relieves inflammation within hours.  Dissolve two packets in a pint of lukewarm water. Dip a cotton cloth into the solution, and compress the sites of the rash for 20 minutes, three times a day. Rinse the cotton cloth in water before re-using.         

For a parent’s guide to child-friendly herbs and other natural remedies, see Gentle Healing for Baby and Child (Simon & Schuster), by Master Herbalist Andrea Candee. Dubbed the “natural Dr. Spock”, gentle and easy holistic therapies are given for common childhood ailments and injuries. Available at bookstores and at www.AndreaCandee.com.

Question: My kids tend to get frequent colds once school and daycare start.  Is this normal?  How can I minimize their symptoms?

Answer: Statistics indicate that the average American schoolchild has several colds a year.  Comforted, falsely, by statistics, parents accept all manner of cold and flu as “normal childhood diseases”.  “After all”, we tell ourselves, “it could be worse.  What’s a case of the sniffles or the odd ear infection now and then?  It’s something all kids need to go through.”

This is erroneous thinking.  Health, not sickness, is the body’s normal state of being.  Just because all the other kids at school are sick doesn’t mean yours have to be.  You can maintain a respectable level of wellness for your child even in the face of the nastiest colds and flu.

Herbs are especially useful in healing flare-ups of the upper respiratory system.  Many of the therapies presented below are preventative so the old adage that “all kids get sick” doesn’t have to prove true in your home--it certainly didn’t in mine!

SORE THROATS

Gargles are an age-old method of bringing soothing substances to sore throats.  To see if your child is capable of gargling liquids:

Have her hold a small mouthful of plain water towards the back of the throat.

If this is easily done, gargling can become a fun activity by vocalizing, causing the liquid to vibrate.

If vocalizing makes your child uncomfortable, simply have her retain the liquid in the throat while you count, encouraging her to hold it a moment longer.

Be sure the liquid is expectorated (spat out) so the toxins drawn out from the swollen tissue are not swallowed.

 SALTY LEMON GARGLE

The astringent properties of lemon juice and common table salt (or, for a more pure version, sea salt, found in all health food stores), when combined with warm water and used as a gargle, shrink swollen tissue.  As a result, this classic blend reduces the inflammation and pain of sore throats while providing excellent anti-microbial protection.

Combine the juice of half a lemon with one tablespoon salt in 1/2 cup warm water.

Have your child gargle with this mixture at least four times a day.

To further enhance the astringency and anti-microbial action of this gargle, mix the lemon and salt into 1/2 cup sage tea instead of plain water. 

GRAPEFRUIT SEED GARGLE

The extract of the grapefruit seed contains potent anti-microbial as well as astringent constituents that help relieve an inflamed, sore throat.

Add 4-6 drops grapefruit seed extract (purchased in health food stores) to1/2 glass water.

Have your child gargle with the diluted extract, spitting it out after each gargle.

THROAT HEALING HERBS        

In addition to the herbs you would give for a cold, a sore throat may be comforted with:

Slippery elm lozenges (available at health food stores). 

A diluted spray of echinacea and goldenseal, sprayed on the back of the throat.

To make this anti-microbial spray, dilute 10 drops of each herb in 4 ounces of water.

A spoonful of honey which is anti-inflammatory as well as anti-microbial is a traditional remedy for soothing the throats of opera singers before performances. Your child can lick the honey right off the spoon to experience its soothing properties as it slides down her irritated throat.

A room vaporizer containing eucalyptus oil.  The vaporizer’s hydrating mist soothes a dry, irritated throat while the eucalyptus emits its anti-microbial properties into the surrounding air.

A tea/gargle of the soothing, anti-inflammatory herbs licorice root and slippery elm bark.

A gargle with sage or raspberry leaf tea, effective astringents, can help reduce the swollen tissue of a sore throat.

SOOTHING A CONGESTED CHEST

When your child’s chest feels tight as a result of cold or flu and coughing is painful, a ginger rub will bring herbal heat to the chest.  Ginger’s stimulating properties increase circulation and help loosen things up, with greater comfort being the happy result.  I can remember times when this remedy was so effective that the next night my son required an onion pack to stop the incessant coughing from all the loosened phlegm!

To prepare this rub, mix together 1 tablespoon each powdered ginger purchased from the health food store (where it will not have been irradiated) and a non-petrolated petroleum jelly (also available at a health food store). 

The mixture will look rather like brown frosting.  But don’t eat it--spread it on your child’s chest, then cover with a cotton t-shirt. 

A reddening of the area is normal and indicates that the ginger is increasing circulation to the capillaries near the surface of the skin. 

In the morning, the petroleum jelly will have been absorbed, and the ginger will have worked its magic, as indicated by your child’s ability to breathe more easily.

Another wonderful reason to use ginger:  A Brigham Young University study revealed that this herb significantly decreased nausea and diarrhea associated with the 24-hour flu.

AROMATIC CONGESTION OIL

Blending together any of the following oils will create a treatment that deeply penetrates tissue, stimulating blood flow to the lung area, helping to open air passages.  In addition, the herbs are anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial.

	Thyme
	Eucalyptus
	Peppermint
	Lavender
	Anise
	Cinnamon
	Hyssop

For children under eight years of age, blend 6 drops combined essential oils in a teaspoon of carrier oil such as almond, apricot kernel or grapeseed.  For the older child, increase the dilution to 10 drops to the teaspoon of oil.

The congestion oil may be rubbed on the chest and back in the morning, afternoon and at bedtime.  Cover with a cotton shirt.

Continue treatment until congestion loosens and your child is more comfortable.

You may expect a slight reddening of the skin due to the oils’ circulatory enhancing effect.  If your child exhibits more than just a slight reddening or a rash, discontinue use.

Several drops of the congestion oil may be used in a bath.

For inhalations, add a few drops of the congestion oil to a pot of hot water, encouraging your child to breathe deeply over the water.

Several drops of the oil may also be added to a vaporizer.

ECHINACEA

Echinacea’s immune-enhancing properties may be called to action to help the body fight off the respiratory infection.  Its chemical properties help to slow the spread of infection while enhancing immune function in the lymphatic system and mucus membranes.

Give oral doses of echinacea every 2 hours until the symptoms diminish, and 3 times a day thereafter until your child is totally well.

For an in-depth discussion of echinacea, see CHAPTER TWELVE: IMMUNE SYSTEM ENHANCERS in my book, GENTLE HEALING FOR BABY AND CHILD (Simon & Schuster).

COLD AND FLU TEA

Upper and lower respiratory symptoms respond well to the healing properties of the herbs contained in this soothing, decongesting tea.  A large quantity of the dried herbs can be mixed and stored in an air-tight jar.

	4 parts echinacea
	2 parts sage leaf
	2 parts eucalyptus
	1 part ginger root
	1 part thyme leaf

How effective is this natural tea?  Let’s run down the all-star list of the ingredients’ properties.

	echinacea stimulates the immune system and is anti-microbial;
	sage leaf detoxifies and decongests;
	eucalyptus leaf decongests and is anti-microbial;
	ginger root detoxifies and stimulates circulation;
	thyme is a decongestant and anti-microbial.

To prepare this tea:

	Steep 1 teaspoon of the combined herbs in 1 cup boiled water, covered, for 15 minutes.
	Several cups can be made at one time, warming as needed.
	Initially, an ounce or two may be given every 15 minutes, until relief is experienced, and then 1/4 to 1/2 cup every 2-3 hours, as needed.
	Natural honey may be used to sweeten the tea.

GARLIC FEVER REDUCER

To bring down a high fever, especially when associated with bronchial congestion:

	Put enough fresh cloves of garlic in a blender to make a paste that will spread ¼” thick on gauze.
	Lightly coat the soles of your child’s feet with olive oil so the garlic does not irritate them.
	Affix the garlic gauze pads to the soles of the feet with roller gauze; cover with cotton socks.
	Leave on overnight; provide plenty of water to drink; and watch the fever go down.
	If necessary, more garlic paste may be applied as it is absorbed by the body.
	By the way, garlic is so powerfully absorbed throughout the soles of the feet that, in short time, your child will have garlic breath!

DR. CHRISTOPHER’S SUPER IMMUNE FORMULA

Consisting of fresh garlic juice, apple cider vinegar, and other potent anti-microbial herbs, it is an excellent therapy for active respiratory infection.  This syrup is also an excellent post-infection support for the body as it recuperates.

	From infancy to age 4, give 1/8-1/4 teaspoon 3 or 4 times a day.
	Ages 5-10 should receive 1/4-1/2 teaspoon.
	Ages 10 and older, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon.
	This syrup has a strong taste and is more palatable diluted in a bit of juice.

FLUIDS

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