Please use the links below to better navigate all the information on this page. You can use your browser’s Find function to navigate more easily, also. If you are looking for herbal strategies for a particular condition, I have started a section at the bottom for that, that I hope to branch out into it’s own page, before long.
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Autism Supplements |
Cold & Flu | Dental |
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Dietary Supplements |
Digestion | Injury |
| Mood & Temperament |
Skin | Sleep |
| Adult Issues | Women’s Issues |
Health Conditions |
Things to remember
We all know that remedies that our kids won’t take are useless – so I am only recommending things that my kids take cheerfully. We also know that remedies that don’t work are also useless – so I am only recommending things that I would buy again, because I have personally found them to be effective.
Here you will find topical remedies, chewables, liquids and swallowable pills and capsules that my family uses. I have put together some tips on getting kids to take their herbs and vitamins that might help. Since my eldest daughter is severely autistic, most of these remedies are also wheat and dairy free. If you need support for a wheat and dairy free diet, please visit our GFCF website.
Oh, yes, one more thing I’d like to mention. Having a non-verbal child, I have had to find other ways to determine what is ailing my little darling. I was given this chart of information The Law of Midnight and Midday by my ND parents, and it has been an incredibly valuable tool for us. If you find yourself or your kids waking up consistently each night at the same time or if you prepare for the 4pm temper tantrum, you might find some benefit from this information and other information in our Tools section..
Below is the full list of remedies I recommend, along with links to where you can get them. I use a lot of Nature’s Sunshine Products (and have for more than 20 years) because I know they are high quality herbs. Nature’s Sunshine (NSP) supports educating people in the use of herbs and I know they are using the effective part of the plant (unlike a lot of discount brands). I include iHerb because you can shop on-line with them – they stock brands that I use, like Gaia, HerbPharm, Wishgarden, Source Naturals and Jarrow, among others.
Again, this information is in no way meant to diagnose or prescribe herbal supplements. You should always check with your doctor before adding supplements to your diet, particularly if you are using other supplements or medications.
| Autism Supplements |
| I used to get this great emails from Jean Genet of Bionetics and wanted to share the comprehensive list of herbs and vitamins that Jean has found to support folks with autism. Many of the products he mention can be purchases in a variety of place, but I strongly recommend NSP herbs. Their quality and knowledge level is second to none – really. Below are my additions: |
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Inositol Our Integrative Specialist introduced us to all natural Inositol powder to help with OCD and sensory issues associated with trying new foods. We used the Jarrow brand. This B complex looks and tastes like powdered sugar. We dissolved it in water, starting with 1/2 tsp and adding 1/2 tsp every 5-7 days (to avoid diarrhea) until we hit 6 full tsps – we did 2 tsps 3x a day and about 1 week after we hit full dose, she asked for “beagle with green cheese” and she has been trying new foods ever since. She went from a menu of about 10 item to about 30 – she will even eat freeze dried fruit and veggies, dried mango, smoothies and apple sauce! Available from: Amazon / Whole Foods / iHerb |
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Lithium Orotate When our was asked to leave public school and seek medication to help her tolerate that structured environment, my folks suggested all natural Lithium Orotate and the doctor agreed to a trial. Between this supplement and changing schools, my daughter was finally able to calm down enough to tolerate school and begin to tolerate the world around her. Available from: Professional Supplement Center |
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AnxiousLess We’ve been using it for almost a year and I think I am seeing some excellent results. Our Dr. said it is just a lot of B vitamins, but I find that just about any problem we have in my autism home is helped by a B vitamin. I myself am sure to use it before i have to drive into the city, as it really helps the usual anxiety that comes along with this task. My girls take it every day and we do not like to be without it. Available from: NSP |
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Magnesium Magnesium relaxes and helps a lot of with elimination. My severely autistic girl has long had a problem with constipation, which is helped by a strong, reactive magnesium supplement. My mild girl has a pretty serious technology addiction – technology drains us of our magnesium – but she needs something less reactive. If she takes her sister’s supplement she gets diarrhea, so we keep 2 different products in stock. Available from: NSP |
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Fiber Autistic kids rarely eat veggies. My kids will eat Metamucil cookies or fruity fiber chews that look like Necco wafers but Metamucil cookies are not gluten free. WebMD has a good article on fiber for a gluten free diet – and here is an article from 2022 that talks about the best gluten free fiber products. Remember to drink lots of water when working with fiber products. Available from: Whole Foods and most grocers and pharmacies |
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Probiotics Many autistic kids have trouble absorbing nutrients because their intestines are clogged. Probiotics can help regulate the digestive system. Some kids need a higher potency of probiotic than NSP offers. I have been using Yum-Yum dophilus, sugar and gluten free, 4 probiotic strains, 1 billion organism strength successfully with my child. Don’t worry about sugar free in this product – it’s sweetened with Xylitol with a raspberry flavor. Be sure to keep Xylitol products away from pets. Available from: NSP, iHerb |
| Cold and Flu |
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Colloidal Silver I have long used Colloidal Silver for cold and flu season. I started using it with my kids when we started going to Gymboree – they’d be sick the next day, I’d give them Silver, they’d be better and get sick again the following week. It finally dawned on me to give it to them BEFORE Gymboree and we stopped getting sick for the most part. Now they make a great hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes, too. In stores, I like Source Naturals brand. Available from: NSP / Whole Foods / iHerb |
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ALJ ALJ stands for Allergies, Lungs and Joints. I started using this product myself for better lung function, especially during cough or allergy season. I started using it with my kids when my autistic daughter would wake every morning at 3am. According to the Law of Midnight and Midday, it seemed that lungs could be her issue, so I gave her some one night and she went back to sleep quickly. The next night I gave it to her at bed time and she slept through the night easily. Available from: NSP |
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Umka This is a homeopathic liquid (they have chewables, too) is new product for me. My twin sister gave it to her son at the first sign of ear infection and she felt the problem cleared up overnight with just a few doses. I was so impressed I tried it with my kids. They love the flavor of the alcohol free version and it seemed to work a treat for them on a chest cold recently. I am now using it myself and I will definitely get it again. Available from: Whole Foods / iHerb |
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White Willow Bark Aspirin is derived from White Willow Bark – which is a bright red liquid that tastes a bit chalkie, like aspirins do. I got a bottle when my cat was hit by a car – this, arnica, silver and ALJ fixed her right up. I was so impressed that I redoubled my interest in herbs and tried White Willow Bark when I ran out of aspirin and needed something for pain so I could sleep. A few drops in water made a huge difference in just 15 minutes. Now when my kids are suffering with fever, I offer them the same and they take it cheerfully from a dropper. I have had success with Nature’s Answer brand alcohol free White Willow liquid and Herb Pharm’s Willow Bark, which needs more watering down. NSP has a capsule formula, which is excellent, also. Available from: NSP / Whole Foods / iHerb |
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Cough Syrup I usually like NSP ALJ Liquid for cough syrup, but I didn’t have any on hand. Standing in front of a myriad of choices at the store – with my angel home coughing – Boiron’s Chestal is the one my mom (and naturopathic physician) recommended to me. Took one full day of treatment to get the cough under control, but it was smooth sailing after that. Available from: NSP / Whole Foods / iHerb |
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Eucalyptus Eucalyptus really helps to open the sinuses. Add a little eucalyptus essential oil to a warm bath with Epsom Salt – or let it steam super hot while you sit with your child near the tub with the door closed – to really knock out a cold. I never saw a cold that could stand more than 3 of these treatments (given night, morning, night, for example). Available from: NSP / Whole Foods / iHerb |
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Oil of Oregano These days we need to protect against viruses too, and studies show that Oil of Oregano can make the body inhospitable to viruses – and if you’ve ever tried the liquid, you will know why, as it is an extremely strong and objectionable flavor. Oregano in your garden can even keep bugs away. I like capsules (with plent of water to wash it down, so you don’t burp up the flavor later) from Nature’s Sunshine in their (Seasonal Defense formula) or Gaia brand. Available from: NSP / Whole Foods / iHerb |
| Dental |
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Xylibrite Toothpaste Many of us are discovering the problems of Flouride in the human body and many of us don’t want to give flouride toothpaste to our kids. Tom’s of Maine has a few good flouride free toothpastes, but my kids prefer Nature’s Sunshine Sunshine bright (it is sweeter) and I love NSP’s Xylitol Toothpaste, because Xlyitol is so good for teeth. Available from: NSP / Whole Foods / iHerb |
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Floss I have recently been told that if I was stranded on a dessert island with a choice of toothbrush or floss that I should choose floss. Floss disrupts the forming tartar – that which collects and adheres germs to our teeth. The older we get the more important it is, it seems – so teaching our kids to floss regularly seems like a really good idea. Now they make those flossing sticks and I really like the ones that are made to reach the back teeth. Available from: Any Grocer |
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Eco-Dent Mouthwash This mouthwash is so full of terrific things – like golden seal, echinacea, CoQ10, and more – that I love it. Recommended to me when my gums bled during pregnancy, this is the single best tool for gum health that I have found so far. It is too strongly minty for my girl, unless I water it down by 50%. Available from: Whole Foods / iHerb |
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Closys Oral Care Products This mouithwash was recommended to me by a dental hygienist. She said that it could keep plaque from returning after a cleaning. We tried it – it says it wants to change the pH balance of your mouth, which was interesting. The reason I am recommending it here is because the mouthwash came with the mint flavor on the side so you could add as much or as little (if any) to the mouthwash without affecting its effectiveness. My girl cringes at a strongly minty mouthwash, so this was really good for us. Available from: Amazon |
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Coral I love a toothpaste that uses coral calcium and nano silver! I also love their Cinnamon and Tea Tree flavored toothpaste. The bamboo toothbrushes are fun, too and a sweet orange flavor that I like, too. Available from: Coral |
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OraMD An essential oil blend to use with or without toothpaste or in water for a mouthwash. I use it myself – too strong for the kids – the toothbrush though rocks. I feel like it gets everything from in between. Available from: Trusted Health Products |
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Colgate HUM toothbrushing system Colgate Hum virtual reality toothbrush system has really helped us. We got the manual brush (just $16 – I think it was $32 for electric) and the app loaded on my phone. The camera on the phone “sees” the toothbrush and can tell when brushing in the right spot happens. The virutal game has little monster’s hammering on the cartoon teeth and your brushing in the right spot kills them. We came to this pretty late, but I was delighted to see her really brushing even on the tongue side of the teeth and working to do a good job. Very fun and effective. Available from: Amazon |
| Dietary Supplements |
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Inositol Our Integrative Specialist introduced us to all natural Inositol powder to help with OCD and sensory issues associated with trying new foods. This B complex looks and tastes like powdered sugar. We dissolved it in water, starting with 1/2 tsp and adding 1/2 tsp every 5-7 days (to avoid diarhea) until we hit 6 full tsps – we did 2 tsps 3x a day and about 1 week after we hit full dose, she asked for “beagle with green cheese” and she has been trying new foods ever since. She went from a menu of about 10 item to about 30 – she will even eat freeze dried fruit and veggies, dried mango, smoothies and apple sauce! Available from: Amazon / Whole Foods / iHerb |
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Multi Vitamins There are a ton of multi vitamins and kid’s supplements on the market – most of them have gluten, artificial sweeteners and corn syrup in them. NSP has a fantastic Sunshine Heroes line of children’s vitamins and supplements that include: Calcium – Elderberry – Probiotics – Omegas – DHA – Papaya Mint. We used them all with great results. Available from: NSP |
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Fiber We all could eat more veggies, particularly kids. My kids will eat Metamucil cookies or fruity fiber chews that look like Necco wafers but Metamucil cookies are not gluten free. WebMD has a good article on fiber for a gluten free diet – and here is an article from 2022 that talks about the best gluten free fiber products. Remember to drink lots of water when working with fiber products. Available from: Whole Foods and most grocers and pharmacies |
| Digestion |
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Papaya Mints I used to use Tums for indigestion, now I use Papaya Mints. They are tasty, effective, all natural and gluten free. They have a candy flavored one for kids, but this one has a nice minty flavor. My favorite for heart burn or gas. Available from: NSP |
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Inositol Our Integrative Specialist introduced us to all natural Inositol powder to help with OCD and sensory issues associated with trying new foods. We used the Jarrow brand. This B complex looks and tastes like powdered sugar. We dissolved it in water, starting with 1/2 tsp and adding 1/2 tsp every 5-7 days (to avoid diarrhea) until we hit 6 full tsps – we did 2 tsps 3x a day and about 1 week after we hit full dose, she asked for “beagle with green cheese” and she has been trying new foods ever since. She went from a menu of about 10 item to about 30 – she will even eat freeze dried fruit and veggies, dried mango, smoothies and apple sauce! Available from: Amazon / Whole Foods / iHerb |
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Activated Charcoal Eat or drink something you shouldn’t have? Activated Charcoal is the digestive UNDO button. It absorbs everything in your stomach and safely escourts it out before it can leach into your vital systems. You can get this anywhere, but too often these products look like rocks. NSP has capsules and I think they work better. Available from: NSP / Whole Foods / iHerb |
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Ginger Ginger is a time honored remedy for upset stomach. It’s gentle enough that people used to give babies dilluted ginger tea for upset stomach. Ginger Ale has long be thought a good idea, but you really want real ginger, not just flavored carbonation. You can get ginger capsules just about anywhere – I stick with NSPs when I can. Available from: NSP / Whole Foods / iHerb / CVS / Rite Aid |
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Fiber Autistic kids rarely eat veggies. This is one of my sneaky ways of getting more fiber into her diet. I use chocolate Fiber Chews from The Fiber 35 Diet (Gluten Free). These things look like giant chocolate Necco Wafers, but they are chewier and they really smell chocolatey. My daughter calls them chocolate candies and will eat as many as I let her – since they are Gluten Free I feel like this is a real score. You sometimes need to ask them to order this item – and they are happy to do so.I go the same company’s teddy bear shaped fruity ones and they did not go over as well at my house, though she does take them. Available from: Whole Foods |
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Probiotics Many autistic kids have trouble absorbing nutrients because their intestines are clogged. Probiotics – like yogurt – can help regulate the digestive system. This method adds no dairy to the diet.Some kids need a higher potency of probiotic than NSP offers. I have been using Yum-Yum dophilus, sugar and gluten free, 4 probiotic strains, 1 billion organism strength successfully with my child. Don’t worry about sugar free in this product – it’s sweetened with Xylitol with a raspberry flavor. Available from: NSP |
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Epsom Salt If constipation is the issue, I first turn to an Epsom Salt Bath. Even a handful of Epsom in a stopped up shower can give some relief. Dr. Teals does wonderful fragrances in their Epsom Salt – Ginger and Clay is my favorite. Available from: Whole Foods / iHerb / CVS / Rite Aid |
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Swedish Bitters Many people I talk to deal with gall bladder issues, like I do. I find that Rupam’s Swedish Bitters helps me more than any other product I have encountered (except ladies’ yam cream and liquid lobelia applied to the skin) and I always have some on hand. I put a few droppers full into a shot glass and add a little water after meals or when I have pain. There are a lot of variations out there, but I like this product best. Available from: Rupam’s Herbals |
| Injury |
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Arnica Homeopathic remedies are sometimes debated, but I love them and have seen great results with them. In many cases it is best to use these under the guidance of a skilled professional, but Arnica is for injury and trauma, and is largely recognized in some circles as the first thing you do after an upset or injury if you want to lessen the damage. Many people like the Boiron pearls in the blue tubes you see at Whole Foods – my kids call them crunchy vitamins. You can also put a pearl or 2 in a bottle of pure water and give droppers of the water to achieve benefit. They even have a topical gel for pain relief. Available from: Whole Foods / iHerb |
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Silver Shield Gel Colloidal Silver is awesome for infections. I was told that infection cannot survive direct contact for more than 7 minutes – so I put silver on a compress and hold for 10 minutes for infected scrapes or cuts. NSP also has a Silver Gel that I use like neosporine. In stores, I like Source Naturals brand. Available from: NSP / Whole Foods / iHerb |
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Aloe Please don’t put butter on a burn. The oil seals in the heat and you cook from inside. I often feel the same way about neosporin on a burn. Aloe gel is a miracle for burns – both from the stove and from the Sun. Available from: NSP / Whole Foods / iHerb |
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Staphysagria For cuts and surgery recovery there is nothing better. We had a serious cut in our household and we were told to take 2 30c pearls of Boiron’s Staphysagria every 2 hours until we forgot about it, then take one more that (when you realize you forgot). That cut healed to quickly and so beautifully – and the Boiron vial only cost about $7. I will remember this one! Available from: Whole Foods / iHerb |
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Dr. Christopher’s Massage Oil Apparently Dr. Christopher puts Lobelia in every formula, due to it’s wonderful benefits. including pain relief and lymphatic fluid moving – which is just fine with me! I use this massage oil, which includes bone building comfrey, for muscular skeletal issues with great results. Available from |
| Mood and Temperament |
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Lithium Orotate My girl was wildly self abusive and would have such tantrums at school that we wre asked to change schools and to see a psychiatrist to see about medicating her, to calm her down enough to go to school. My naturopathic physician parents suggested all natural lithium orotate and the psychiatrist agreed to a trial. We were glad that it worked well enough for us that we did not need to go to prescription drugs. Available from: Professional Supplement Center / Amazon / Walmart |
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Lavendar From cranky babies to cranky mommies, Lavendar Oil is a soothing relief. Great in a bath, on clothing or directly on skin – we would rub it into the kids feet at nap time when they were babies. Available from: NSP / Whole Foods / iHerb / CVS / Rite Aid |
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Distress Remedy Like Bach Flower remedies (available at iHerb), Distress Remedy is a mild, sweet tasting liquid that can soothe, calm and support emotional balance. It’s a wonderful thing for anyone to have on hand, but for a family with children, it can be a real miracle. Available from: NSP |
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Kava Kava We use a lot of Kava Kava. It is muscled relaxing, emotionally relaxing and can make a person feel more social.My severely autistic daughter likes to take this before school and sometimes at night. NSP and Gaia do a good job on this. Available from: NSP / Whole Foods / iHerb |
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Valerian Root This plant is where valium comes from. It is very relaxing and soothes the nerves. Another great supplement to start my severely autistic girl’s day or end it. I see this product in both capsules and liquid from Gaia. Available from: NSP / Whole Foods / iHerb |
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Blessed Thistle A terrific herb that helps with the nervous system. When I find myself biting my lip, I know it’s time for more Blessed Thistle. Available from: NSP |
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Epsom Salt An Epsom Salt bath can be very relaxing. It’s a great way to start a child’s bed time ritual or to unwind from a long day. Soothes tired muscles and can be an effective sleep aid. Dr. Teals does wonderful fragrances in their Epsom Salt – I like Lavender for sleep or Eucalyptus and Spearmint. Available from:Whole Foods / iHerb / CVS / Rite Aid |
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Cannabis I am delighted to be able to include this super helpful herb in my list of family remedies. Now that my kids are grown, we have been using cannabis and I find that is a favorite with severely autistic child, but much less so with my mildly autistic child. It just goes to show how different people can be. It inspires me to begin to offer a consulting service for the special needs community, veterans and the over 55 set dealing with anxiety, pain, surgeries and much more. Check out TheBuzzOnAutism if you are interested in some personalized assistance with this super supplement. |
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L Taurine L Taurine is an amino acid that helps with panic attacks and anxiety. I use the Jarrow brand and I had to double the dose for the 1st week or 2 to build up my levels, then I went down to the regular dose. Available from: Whole Foods / iHerb |
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AnxiousLess We also like AnxiousLess from NSP. Our integrative specialist said “this won’t work, it is just B vitamins” but I feel a big difference when I have to drive into the city with and without it. Available from: NSP |
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SAMe I found SAMe to be surper helpful with anxiety and post partum depression. I love the NSP brand of this product, as it doesn’t make me feel speedy like some others can. We must be careful combining this supplement with prescriptions like zoloft and others, so please check with your physician before using this products, particularly if you are already on medication. Available from: NSP / Whole Foods / iHerb |
| Skin |
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Aloe Aloe Vera is so awesome for skin. Just about any irratation of the skin can be soothed with aloe – and NSPs Aloe Vera Gel makes a great hair gel, too. Available from: NSP / Whole Foods / iHerb |
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Coral Calcium Powder My youngest has been plagued by bug bites, it seems. If there is a mosquito or spider looking for a sweet and tasty girl, they find her. I use NSPs Coral Calcium Powder to soothe the itch – either as a topical powder or in a bath. She even will take it internally at the height of the season if I mix a capsule’s worth into a spoonful of honey. Available from: NSP |
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Olive Oil In the winter, my kids get very dry skin – especially on their legs. I have found that Olive Oil, directly on the skin right out of the bathtub works wonders. It is also fantastic for adult skin – it will turn elephant skin elbows soft and smooth in short order. Available from: Any Grocer |
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MCT Coconut Oil I think i like MCT Coconut Oil even better than Olive Oil for skin. I also like to infuse herbs into this oil that I can either cook with or use topically. I use a lot of this stuff. Available from: iHerb |
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Veggies After each of my pregnancies, I had terrible hives for several months. I tried every over the counter everything, even presciptions. The thing that helped most was a diet of nothing but veggies for about a week. Alkalinized my system and helped the condition calm right down. Incidentally, wheat and dairy sensitivity can come out in your skin. If you are bothered by persistant acne, try to stop eating wheat and/or dairy for a week or 2 to see if it makes a difference for you. Available from: Any Grocer |
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Water My grandmother said that water was her biggest beauty tip for a youthful appearance and clear skin. Take you body weight in lbs., divide it in half and that is the number of ounces of water you should drink each day. You will be glad you did. |
| Sleep |
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Lavendar From cranky babies to cranky mommies, Lavendar Oil is a soothing relief. Great in a bath, on clothing or directly on skin – we would rub it into the kids feet at nap time when they were babies. Available from: NSP / Whole Foods / iHerb / CVS /Rite Aid |
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Kava Kava We use a lot of Kava Kava. It is muscled relaxing, emotionally relaxing and can make a person feel more social.My severely autistic daughter likes to take this before school and sometimes at night. NSP and Gaia do a good job on this. Available from: NSP / Whole Foods / iHerb |
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Valerian Root This plant is where valium comes from. It is very relaxing and soothes the nerves. Another great supplement to start my severely autistic girl’s day or end it. I see this product in both capsules and liquid from Gaia. Available from: NSP / Whole Foods / iHerb |
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Epsom Salt An Epsom Salt bath can be very relaxing. It’s a great way to start a child’s bed time ritual or to unwind from a long day. Soothes tired muscles and can be an effective sleep aid. Dr. Teals does wonderful fragrances in their Epsom Salt – I like Lavender for sleep or Eucalyptus and Spearmint. Available from: Whole Foods / iHerb / CVS / Rite Aid |
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Cannabis I am delighted to be able to include this super helpful herb in my list of family remedies, because cannabis can really help with sleep issues. Now that my kids are grown, we have been using cannabis and I find that is a favorite with severely autistic child, but much less so with my mildly autistic child. It just goes to show how different people can be. It inspires me to begin to offer a consulting service for the special needs community, veterans and the over 55 set dealing with anxiety, pain, surgeries and much more. Check out TheBuzzOnAutism if you are interested in some personalized assistance with this super supplement. |
| Adult Issues |
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Blessed Thistle A terrific herb that helps with the nervous system. When I find myself biting my lip, I know it’s time for more Blessed Thistle. Available from: NSP |
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Kava Kava We use a lot of Kava Kava. It is muscled relaxing, emotionally relaxing and can make a person feel more social.My severely autistic daughter likes to take this before school and sometimes at night. NSP and Gaia do a good job on this. Available from: NSP / Whole Foods / iHerb |
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Valerian Root This plant is where valium comes from. It is very relaxing and soothes the nerves. Another great supplement to start my severely autistic girl’s day or end it.. Available from: NSP / Whole Foods / iHerb |
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Papaya Mints I used to use Tums for indigestion, now I use Papaya Mints. They are tasty, effective, all natural and gluten free. They have a candy flavored one for kids, but this one has a nice minty flavor. My favorite for heart burn or gas. Available from: NSP |
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Cannabis I am delighted to be able to include this super helpful herb in my list of family remedies. Now that my kids are grown, we have been using cannabis and I find that is a favorite with severely autistic child, but much less so with my mildly autistic child. It just goes to show how different people can be. It inspires me to begin to offer a consulting service for the special needs community, veterans and the over 55 set dealing with anxiety, pain, surgeries and much more. Check out TheBuzzOnAutism if you are interested in some personalized assistance with this super supplement. |
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Chromium GTF Trying to reduce sugar cravings? Chromium is essential for balancing our blood sugar and can help reduce sugar cravings, whether that is cake or alcohol. I’ve seen this be a blessing in many people’s lives. Available from: NSP |
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Hi Lipase This enzyme digests fat – and some say if you take it on an empty stomach, it will digest your fat. This supplement is essential for those with gall bladder issues, who have difficulty digesting fats, or for people on keto. Available from: NSP / Whole Foods / iHerb / CVS / Rite Aid |
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Apple Cider Vinegar We have long heard the benefit of consuming apple cider vinegar, but the taste has made it difficult for many of us. I have recently discovered Apple Cider Vinegar capsules and I can finally get in on this health trend. Available from: Whole Foods / iHerb / CVS / Rite Aid |
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Tumeric Lauded for it’s anti-inflammatory properties, tumeric has become quite a popular supplement. Like with all things, the quality drives your experience, and I have had very good results with Gaia tumeric. Available from: Whole Foods / iHerb |
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Carb Blockers Another favorite for those on Keto – carb grabbers, if taken within an hour of eating, can keep your body from absorbing the carbs in your meal. Available from: NSP / Whole Foods / iHerb / CVS offers Irwin Brand that I like |
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Activated Charcoal Eat or drink something you shouldn’t have? Activated Charcoal is the digestive UNDO button. It absorbs everything in your stomach and safely escourts it out before it can leach into your vital systems. You can get this product anywhere, but too often other products seem like rocks. NSP has a capsule and seems to work the best for me and my family – quicker, too. Available from: NSP / Whole Foods / iHerb / CVS / Rite Aid |
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Milk Thistle As a filter organ, the liver takes on a lot of toxins and puts up with a lot of punishment. It is said that anger is housed in the liver and addressing anger issues can also be soothing to the liver. Milk Thistle can soothe and help the liver rebuild itself and can ease discomfort. Best to take in the morning – if taken too close to be it can cause nightmares. Available from: NSP / Whole Foods / iHerb / CVS / Rite Aid. |
| Women’s Issues |
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Yam Cream Yam’s have something in them very much like progesterone – that hormone that makes us happy during pregnancy. Many experts think that it is the loss of progesterone that causes many of our hormonal issues (PMS, menopause, crankiness). I learned to love Yam Cream during my pregnancies – it really helped to stabilize the mood swings in women – and I plan to use it in menopause, as my mom did, with great results. I also use it in small amounts on my girls when they are hormonal (the first time they cry because they can’t figure out what to wear… you know) – I love this stuff! Available from: iHerb |
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Aquaphor for Sweaty Under Boob Rash My girls are well endowed and this can be an issue for us if they do not dry underneath as well as they should after a shower or when the weather / clothing causes extra sweatiness. Our first thought was coral calcium powder, but what we found is nothing works better than Aquaphor – clears it up in just 1 or 2 applications most of the time. Available from: Whole Foods / iHerb / CVS / Rite Aid – you can get the touchless applicator at Ulta Beauty. |
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Exercise Nothing helps menstrual cramps like sit ups. I know – we all hated it when our gym teacher said this to us in school, but she was right. I will also say that Keegle exercises can help keep the bladder strong, too. Remember, collapsing is not relaxing. Stretching and unwinding from stress and tension will do you a world of good. |
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Cranberry Capsules Every time I see those commercials about women’s urinary tract issues (the accompanying products) I wish I could tell everyone to give Cranberry Capsules a try. Don’t let adorable Whoopi Goldberg convince you that Poise Pads or other products are necessary for women with bladder issues. Cranberry capsules are often all you need to strengthen your bladder – usually in 1or 2 bottles. It’s so inexpensive that it is surely worth a try.I think every woman deals with this issue at one point or another in their lives, especially relating to child birth, and I have had great success with cranberry capsules – both NSPs brand and Nature’s Bounty Triple Strength Cranberry plus Vitamin C that I can get at my local CVS. Usually 1 or 2 $12 bottles will fix me right up (even less for my 8 yr old) – and I can see an improvement in just 1-2 days. Available from: NSP / Whole Foods / iHerb / CVS / Rite Aid |
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High Blood Pressure I have a friend who has high blood pressure and works with the VA/ They keep telling him to watch his weight and cut out salt, but his sodium levels are already low and so is his weight. I asked mom what could she suggest: For HBP there is Blood PressureX from NSP which contains olive leaf, grape seed extract, l-arginine, vitamin e. Also the Red Beet Root Formula with licorice, fennel and hawthorn. Any of these separate is a good start too. In the meantime, you can increase potassium foods and decrease constricting foods like coffee and alcohol. A good potassium supplement might help, too, I am thinking. Bananas and potatoes are a good source of potassium. Available from: NSP / Whole Foods / iHerb |
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Croup When I ask my mom what I might do at home to help a baby with croup, here is what she said: Lobelia, Catnip, ALJ – all liquid formulas. She said squirt it into hot water and then breathe it in with a towel over the head and bowl. They can also be sipped in warm water or as a tea and they can be applied to throat and chest. She also said Boiron Drosera pellets, 30c. I love Boirons. they are easy and inexpensive. I get them at iHerb or whole foods.My kids loved ALJ – I could put it right in their mouth. it was my favorite cough medicine when they were small. I make lobelia tea bags – it is tasty with spearmint or chamomile mixed in. I used Catnip and Fennel a lot with my kids when they were small. I put it on their feet under socks to help them sleep when they were babies. Available from: NSP / Whole Foods / iHerb Anxiety We have a lot of anxiety in our house and over the years we have found these 2 products to help with anxiety more than anything else. L Taurine L Taurine is an amino acid that helps with panic attacks and anxiety. I use the Jarrow brand and I had to double the dose for the 1st week or 2 to build up my levels, then I went down to the regular dose. Available from: Whole Foods / iHerb AnxiousLess We also like AnxiousLess from NSP. Our integrative specialist said “this won’t work, it is just B vitamins” but I feel a big difference when I have to drive into the city with and without it. Available from: NSP Vertigo I understand it is an issue of the inner ear and have found that hydrogen peroxide helps resolve it. I had vertigo in bed for a short while – that was freaky. I filled my ear canal with hydrogen peroxide and laid full ear side up until the bubbling sounds stopped – then rolled with a towel and did the other side. I remember doing it twice and the problem stopped. I also had a recommendation to clean my severely autistic daughter’s ears out with warm water. We used a squirt bottle with warm water on it strongest single stream setting. While she was in the tub I gently squirted around the edges of the ear canal in an effort to get the water behind the wax and loose enough to spill out. It worked easily and quickly. Of course, if the vertigo persists, even with cleaned out ears, it could be something more serious and it would be best to follow up with your healthcare professional of choice. |
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Food issues Inositol Our Integrative Specialist introduced us to all natural Inositol powder to help with OCD and sensory issues associated with trying new foods. We used the Jarrow brand. This B complex looks and tastes like powdered sugar. We dissolved it in water, starting with 1/2 tsp and adding 1/2 tsp every 5-7 days (to avoid diarrhea) until we hit 6 full tsps – we did 2 tsps 3x a day and about 1 week after we hit full dose, she asked for “beagle with green cheese” and she has been trying new foods ever since. She went from a menu of about 10 item to about 30 – she will even eat freeze dried fruit and veggies, dried mango, smoothies and apple sauce! Available from: Amazon / Whole Foods / iHerb |