I got this email over the weekend and thought I'd do just as asked:
I was wondering if you could tell me what your go-to herbs are for sickness(I'm wanting to prepare for winter). What do you always have on hand and what do you use them for? Maybe you could do a thorough blog post about it;)
Your wish is my command. These are the ones we use all the time:
GSE- This is our antibiotic - we use it as a preventative when we're going on trips, and as a treatment for any kind of virus. It can also be used for fungal infections as well.
Sambucus - Given alongside GSE for colds and coughs. It's an echinacea & elderberry syrup that boosts the immune system.
Emergen-C - Ok, it's not an herb, it's vitamin C in a packet. All sickies get one. We call it Vitamin C juice.
Horehound Extract - For preventing ear infections when child has a nasty cold; or treating ear infections.
Bentonite- For all stomach ills. Whichever end it's coming out of, this will cure it. (Sorry to be gross; I wanted to be clear what it's used for.)
Peppermint - For upset stomachs, drink this tea.
Tea Tree Oil - for any kind of fungus (ringworm, athlete's foot, etc.). Rub a drop or two on it. The fungal infection will disappear in a matter of days.
Wondering how to use herbs? Here's a reminder.
Oh, how timely! I just used GSE for the first time. I used 10 drops in 8 oz water and had the kids drink it. It tastes horrible. Is there a better way to get it down? How much would be an appropriate amount to use for preventative use?
ReplyDeleteThe GSE link goes to my tutorial, where I answer just those questions. :)
ReplyDeleteOJ. Never water! Gag!!!
For preventative, I take the minimum dose listed on the bottle.
HTH!
Excellent information, thanks Ginger!
ReplyDeleteDo you use these for all your children? Event the youngest ones? (Solomon is 1)
ReplyDeleteI don't use the Emergen-C for Julia (it's 1000 mg of C), but I do use all the rest, yes. When she last got sick, we gave her 1 drop of GSE per day, and the approp dose of Sambucus.
ReplyDeleteI've also given her a tsp of bentonite mixed with a bit of pure maple syrup when she has tummy issues.
Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI use almost all of these, except I've never tried the horehound. I'm adding it to my shopping list.
Have you made your own "Sambucus"? It's not very hard! I made a huge batch last winter and am doing it again this winter.
ReplyDeleteI actually have a big bag of elderberries in my cabinet for that purpose, but I looked up the recipe after having just bought 2 bottles of Sambucus. ;) So I don't need to make any yet.
ReplyDeleteDo you make it with bee propolis?