MOPs article-natural ways to deal with being sick

(I am writing little articles for my MOPs newsletters, so I thought I would just cut and paste these articles into my blog as I have the time. This is a copy of the third one I have written and it is about natural ways to deal with common illness. Please know that these are very short descriptions, I only have an allowance of about 300 words! This article is written to go along with the speaker, a local ped, talk entitled "The Five Most Common Questions A Pediatrician is Asked".)

Tired of eating an apple a day? Here are some ideas for natural remedies to common health issues. You might find you can avoid a few trips to the pediatrician and most are cheaper than a co-pay. (Everything I list can be bought at Walmart.)

1.Warm olive oil and mix with raw, crushed garlic. Pour a small amount into sore or infected ear. Garlic is antibacterial and the warm oil soothes the ear pain.

2.A washcloth soaked in lavender oil and water can be placed on a tummy or head to help relieve pain. Lavender oil is calming, so it can be helpful in soothing a child who needs to stay calm for further treatment, ie a splinter removal.

3.Peppermint oil can be smelled to relieve nausea.

4.Fill a clean sock half way with rice and knot the top. Heat in the microwave and use sock as a heating pad for boo boos, cramps and earaches. No outlet necessary.

5.Netti pot- Relieves allergies and sinus issues without medication.

6.Boil a few tablespoons of grated ginger and let steep for an hour. Add honey or sweetener of your choice, and drink as tea to help with nausea. Doing the same with fresh parsley helps bring down swelling and high blood pressure.

7.An effective heartburn remedy is drinking an ounce of Apple Cider Vinegar. This does not taste good, so take it like a shot.

8.Apply duct tape over an unwanted wart. Leave on continually, replacing the tape as needed. The wart usually disappears in a week or two.

9.Arnica and tea tree oil can both be used topically instead of antibacterial cream. Arnica not only fights infection, it takes the pain out of a cut, and reduces swelling and bruising.