Electrolyte Replacement Recipe

One of the scariest things about being a parent is seeing your child hurting and feeling helpless. One of the best things about being trained in herbal medicine is having knowledge about plants that have been used for centuries. My herbal education, both formally and informally, has made me feel like I have more power over protecting and caring for my family and myself. I don't have to rely on doctors and modern medicine that I do not necessarily trust all of the time. Holistic health care is something that I really and truly believe in. I have been practicing and using natural home remedies for years and years, but now that I have a child I am given the opportunity to use this knowledge on a little human. That being said, it can be scary to give your child herbal or natural remedies for the first time. I have been reassured by other moms, herbalists, and books and it has given me the confidence to treat my daughter during colds, flu, rashes, vomiting, etc. I cannot recommend enough Naturally Healthy Babies and Children by Aviva Jill Romm. I turn to this book often and it is reassuring to see this information, even if I know it already, from a knowledgeable herbalist.

This week our daughter was vomiting for about 48 hours. We used this Electrolyte Replacement Drink recipe so that she wouldn't get dehydrated. She is finally feeling better and on the road to recovery. I wanted to share this recipe with you, as it is simple to make and uses ingredients that most people have in their kitchen. Maybe this will entice you to buy or borrow this book!

Electrolyte Drink Replacement 

by Aviva Jill Romm

This drink ensures that the body maintains its mineral balance, prevents dehydration, collapse and shock. Do not use honey if your patient is under one year old.

  

8 ounces water (warm or at room temperature

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

a pinch of salt

2 tablespoons or more of honey or maple syrup

To prepare: Combine all the ingredients.

To use: You can administer the drink by tablespoon often or by 1/4 to 1/2 cup every half hour or so. 

The Spring Equinox (also called the Vernal Equinox)

We welcome the balance of light and dark today and the beginning of the spring season. It is a time of balance, rebirth, and renewal; a special time for intentions, new projects, change, and growth.

As we celebrate today, our little part of the world is still adorned with winter's snow, however, despite the snow and cold I can feel spring and have been feeling her presence more strongly this past week. Remember that the last cold bite of winter  is strengthening all the buds and seeds and small plants (us too!) that are starting to emerge from the earth--this last bit of winter toughens them and will help keep them strong and healthy through the rest of the spring, summer, and fall. The overlap of the seasons is magical, and all together necessary, as all aspects of the natural world are.

Celebrate the coming of warmer weather, soft dirt, longer days, and young plants today. Here are some ideas:

·         Grow something (inside or out)

·         Sprout something

·         Create a spring alter in your home with objects that remind you of spring

·         Drink warming, sunny-colored mead

·         Drink tea using herbs from last year's spring or herbs that first show up at the start of spring, like nettle

·         If you have fresh, young nettle or dandelion greens steam them and eat

·         Take hair from your brushes & lint from your drying and bring out side for the birds to collect for their nests

·         Create a meal in honor of the equinox (eat eggs, a sign of fertility)

·         Dye eggs with natural dyes

·         Clean/organize a space that hasn't been touched in awhile

·         Make a space for creativity/creative energy in your home

·         Create a space in your home for growth of something--drawing, writing, babies, spirituality

·         Take a walk outside and find signs of spring (collect objects for your alter)

·         Start clearing your garden, if you can, or begin planning out your garden map

·         Clean your yard and neighborhood of litter with friends and neighbors

·         Wear bright colored clothing

·         Practice balancing yoga, dance, or stretching

·         Burn incense that is sweet and invigorating to cleanse the air

·         Do a white sage smudge ceremony with your loved ones

·         Meditate on rebirth. What parts of your life need to be given new life and awareness?

Ryan Drum, herbs, & children...

"Many of our companion wild herbs, plantain, dandelion, chicory, self-heal, many mints, yellowdock, yarrow, mallow, seem to thrive from human body traffic. I think we deprive our children of essential topical herbal nanonutrients and developmental medicines if we do not allow them to be in rough, vigorous plant contact." --Ryan Drum

(Source: http://ryandrum.com/epigenomics.htm)

Mother's Milk Tea

This is a great herbal tea for mothers who want to increase their milk supply & get wonderful daily nourishment too.

1/2 cup nettle leaf
1/2 cup red raspberry leaf
1/2 cup alfalfa leaf
1/4 cup orange peel
1/4 cup fennel seed
1/4 cup blessed thistle
1/4 cup fenugreek
1/4 cup dandelion

Mix together in a large bowl. Store in an air tight glass jar. Brew in single servings or large batches. Drink daily & enjoy!