It’s been considered ‘best practice’ for years, but a new study says that doing nothing is just as good as penicillin, and possibly less harmful. Penicillin should be reserved for those 15 per cent of cases of sore throat caused by streptococcal infection, the researchers say.

They tested penicillin against placebo (a sugar pill) on a group of 156 children who had a sore throat for less than seven days. The duration of the sore throat and the school days lost was the same in both groups – in other words, penicillin had no effect. Interestingly, those children in the placebo group whose sore throat was caused by streptococcal infection also fared as well as their counterparts in the penicillin group, so it could even be argued that doing nothing is just as good as penicillin even for treating infectious sore throats. Its sole benefit seems to be in preventing the sore throat worsening to quinsy, impetigo or scarlet fever.

(Source: British Medical Journal, 2003; 327: 1324-7).

Turmeric has been recognized by yogis and ayurvedic healers since ancient times for its many healing properties. Grown mainly in India, the turmeric root is a close cousin to ginger root. It is dried and ground into a fine powder, brilliant gold in color, and used in many Indian recipes (this is what makes curry yellow). Commercially, turmeric is used for its color and as a thickener (yellow prepared mustard, canned soups, many processed foods contain turmeric!). Little do those food manufacturers know of this amazing root’s qualities!

Sometimes referred to as the “poor man’s saffron” because of the golden color it imparts, the similarity ends there. Taken internally, turmeric is a friendly healer to the liver and stomach, promoting healthy mucus membranes and skin. Yogis know that it also helps with stiff or creaky joints and arthritis. It is also used as a digestive aid. There is also some evidence that it is even helpful in lowering cholesterol. Turmeric also has a drawing quality, to draw out toxins, dry up secretions, and to heal.

Now, how to get that rather bitter tasting powder into your body?

First of all, cook it. You can either boil it in water for 8-10 minutes to make Turmeric Paste or Golden Milk or sizzle in a little ghee or olive oil for 20-30 seconds. This takes out the bitter taste and also releases the essences of the turmeric into the oil or water. It must be cooked!

You can also get turmeric in capsules at the natural foods store. Usually the capsules contain a greater concentration of curcumin, its active ingredient.

Here are a few yogic remedies:

Sore Throat (especially with mucus/phlegm stuck in throat): Take about ½ teaspoon of thick turmeric paste and form into a ball. Pop it into the back of your throat and swallow with a glass of water. You can do this a few times a day or as often as every hour if desired.

Creaky or Stiff Joints: Take at least 1 cup of Golden Milk every day for 40 days.

Stomach & Digestive Problems: Golden Yogurt, a total of at least 1 cup a day. This is also good for intestinal candidiasis; the yogurt brings in the good bacteria for healthy intestinal flora and, since turmeric is a natural anti-fungal, it helps to counter the yeast overgrowth.

About 15 years ago, during a very stressful time, I developed gastritis. Yogi Bhajan suggested I take a daily concoction of yogurt, banana and 1 Tbsp. of turmeric paste. I found this really quite helpful.

And, you can add turmeric to so many foods. Keep a jar of turmeric paste in the fridge (it keeps for a couple of weeks), and add a spoonful to your breakfast cereal, smoothies, and even spread on toast with a little honey. Also, it’s easy to add a spoonful to cooking foods, such as rice, tofu, and vegetable dishes.

Its benefits do not stop yet! Turmeric is used externally as well.

Skin Conditions: The juice of fresh turmeric is prized as a cure/soother for many skin conditions, including eczema, chicken pox, shingles, poison oak/ivy, and scabies. Turmeric paste makes quite a satisfactory substitute! Apply the paste directly to the affected area, cover lightly with gauze or loose cotton clothing (that will likely be ruined with stain). This is known to help dry the blisters up and accelerate the healing process. For shingles, one ayurvedic remedy calls for first spreading a light coating of mustard oil on the shingles rash, and then spreading the turmeric paste over that. (Skin condition such as those described above are seen in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine as originating from liver congestion/toxicity. You can help your rash from the inside out, by also ingesting turmeric. Also, see my September 2000 column, Eating for a Healthy Liver.)

Sores/Wounds: Keep turmeric in your first aid kit! It acts quickly to help stop bleeding, plus because of its anti-bacterial quality, will help prevent infection. For cuts, pile on the turmeric, cover with gauze, and apply pressure to the area to stop the bleeding. Of course, serious wounds require immediate medical attention.

Douche: Made with fresh plain yogurt, turmeric and water, this is especially helpful in countering odor and yeast problems, and is the best douche to use following the menstrual period. Use 8-10 parts water, 1 part yogurt (be sure it has active acidophilus cultures), and 2-3 tsp. turmeric. Blend it up in the blender until smooth.

Turmeric Paste

3 Tbsp. turmeric

3 cups water

Bring turmeric and water to a boil. Let it boil until it forms a thick paste. It must boil at least 8 minutes. If necessary, add more water. Once it starts to thicken slightly, you must stir it constantly to prevent scorching. Store in a glass jar (it will stain a plastic storage container) in the fridge.

Golden Milk

Recipe by Yogi Bhajan

(as it appears in my cookbook, From Vegetables With Love)

1/8 tsp. turmeric

½ cup water

1 cup milk

1-2 Tbsp. almond oil (optional)

honey to taste

Boil water and turmeric in small saucepan over medium-high heat for 8 minutes (the turmeric must be fully cooked). Meanwhile, bring the milk and almond oil to boiling point in a separate pan and remove from heat. Combine the two mixtures and add honey to taste.

Now, what I don’t say in the cookbook is that you can easily make more than one serving at a time and keep it in the fridge. Also, I really prefer it with a lot more turmeric. It certainly can’t hurt to use more. I suggest using ½ tsp. per cup. And, if you have Turmeric Paste made, you can just heat up the milk and almond oil with a teaspoon of turmeric paste. Try adding a little freshly grated nutmeg, too. Mmmm!

Golden Yogurt

You can make Golden Yogurt from scratch (this is the best way), or simply add a spoonful of Turmeric Paste to plain yogurt (be sure the commercially prepared yogurt is made with active acidophilus and/or bifidus cultures, and does not contain gelatin, stabilizers, or added milk solids). A favorite breakfast of mine is ½ cup of Golden Yogurt, 1/2 cup organic apple sauce, and ½ cup (or less) of granola. Mmmm. Here’s how to make your own:

1 Tbsp. turmeric

1 ½ -2 cups pure water

1 quart whole milk or low-fat milk

2 Tbsp. plain yogurt (save some from your last homemade batch, or use commercially prepared yogurt as described above)

Bring water to boil with turmeric over high heat. They must boil together at least 8-10 minutes until forming a thick paste. Once it starts to thicken, stir constantly. When it is quite a thick paste, add the milk. Stir until smooth. Stir frequently until the milk just comes to the boiling point. Immediately remove from heat.

Immerse the pot of turmeric milk in a basin of ice water to quickly cool it and avoid that scald film forming on top. It must cool to about 118 degrees. I never use a thermometer! Put your clean finger into the warm/hot milk. If you can hold your finger in there for 30 seconds (it should feel pretty warm) and be able to hold it in without it feeling ‘hot’, it is ready. Now, to avoid grit, you can strain the warm/hot milk through a fine tea strainer. Or, just keep all that turmeric in there. Stir in the yogurt (I use a wire whisk to gently take out yogurt lumps). Pour this into a clean (sterile) quart size glass jar (or plastic container will do). Cover.

You need to maintain the warm temperature. You can do this several ways:
1. Use a heating pad set at LOW. Place one or two layers of towel over the heating pad. Put the yogurt container on that, and then wrap the towel around the container to maintain the heat.

2. OR, use your gas oven that has a warm pilot light on. (This only works in older ovens.) Turn the oven on for 5 minutes to get it hot in there. Turn the oven off. Wrap the yogurt container in several layers of towels or a blanket to contain the heat, and put on a rack in the oven. Close the oven door.

3. OR, use a yogurt maker! Pour the turmeric milk into the yogurt cups and follow the instructions that came with your appliance.

The yogurt needs to sit undisturbed and be kept warm for 6-8 hours. Once it is done, you can keep in the fridge easily for several weeks. For stronger acidophilus content, let the yogurt sit out at room temperature for 3-6 more hours (the longer it sits out, the sourer it will become). The liquid that forms on top will be rich in acidophilus. It will not go bad sitting out like this. Believe me, you will KNOW when yogurt has gone bad because it molds and smells disgusting. It is supposed to be at least a bit sour!

]]> 6683 https://healthy.net/2000/12/06/herbal-primer-using-the-healing-herbs/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=herbal-primer-using-the-healing-herbs Wed, 06 Dec 2000 13:28:02 +0000 https://healthy.net/2000/12/06/herbal-primer-using-the-healing-herbs/ Introduction



The use of medicinal plants for the relief of the common ailments to which
the flesh is “heir” is of very ancient origin. In fact many of
the herbs we use so casually today, such as ginger, garlic and cardamon,
were recommended by physicians, and used by common people, for many of the
same health imbalances that we use them for today–over 5,000 years ago!
This safe history of use is reassuring in an age where dozens of new synthetic
drugs are coming on the market every year. Although a few of these drugs
may be of some use, and are thoroughly tested for safety, many herbalists
believe they are not energetically oriented to our human constitution, and
may later cause further imbalances, as well as use up vital energy–which
our body uses for its repair and healing process.



Today’s herbalism is an exciting re-discovery of our heritage of long acquaintance
with mother earth’s remedies. The energy of the chemical compounds in these
plants may be imbedded in our very DNA, for it is likely that we co-evolved
with them over many thousands of years. The use of medicinal herbs is also
prominently mentioned in most spiritual works throughout the world, such
as the Bible and the Rig Vedas. This is an indication that
herbs are not just a collection of active chemical compounds that simply
affect the dynamic biochemical balance of the body, but they can also play
an important part in our spiritual and emotional well-being as well. This
aspect of herbalism is often emphasized by today’s herbalist, who honors
the blessings of the herbal “green people.”



Today, herbalism is in the process of rediscovering its “roots.”
A new world herbalism is evolving from the various healing cultures, especially
Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Traditional European Medicine
(TEM).



The following herbal prescriber comes from over 20 years and 3 generations
experience with herbs, and drawing on the collective experience of many
North American and European herbalists, which I honor as my teachers and
family members.



All the herbs mentioned can be found in natural food stores or herb stores
throughout the country, either in bulk form, liquid extract, extract tablets
or capsules or in powder form.



The common ailments mentioned are grouped according to body systems to make
the information more accessible.



Upper Respiratory Tract Conditions and their Complications



Colds



Colds are a natural part of the human life cycle and offer us valuable protection.
They are mediated by a number of viruses, such as Rhinovirus. The
average person has 2.4 colds/year in the U.S.–which adds up to a whopping
3/4 of a billion cold cases overall, throughout the country. Despite the
transitory misery, colds have a strong positive side–they increase elimination,
both by sweat and through the copious discharge of mucus from the nose;
they reduce our feeling of well-being, encouraging us to rest; and they
activate and exercise many immune functions–like a fire drill. Colds are
not considered serious in systems of traditional healing–for instance,
in Chinese Medicine they are considered “surface” phenomenon.
If we rest and drink cleansing teas and immune activators, the miserable
feelings should be minimal. In fact, our opportunity is to feel better after
the cold because of the excellent healing and environmental “adjustments”
our bodies have accomplished.



Colds are often characterized by an early-warning signal in the form of
a slight sore throat and can often be bypassed entirely by immediately taking
full dropper doses of echinacea tincture every two hours (if the sore throat
is particularly severe, a half dropperful of propolis or usnea tincture
should be added as well.) The echinacea is known to accomplish some of the
same beneficial activities as the cold itself, such as activation of our
phagocytes, or “garbage elimination” system.



Where runny noses are involved, golden seal is known to be useful for easing
excess secretions. A classic soothing tea for colds which aids the release
of heat from the body, and supports the body’s desire to eliminate accumulated
toxins, can be made by mixing equal parts of peppermint leaf, yarrow flowering
tops, and elder flowers. Use one teaspoonful per cup of the mixture and
steep 20 minutes. Drink several cups of the mixture throughout the day and
get plenty of rest. Further herbal remedies for this common ailment can
be found under Fevers, Coughs, Sore Throats and Sinus Infections.



Fevers



Besides the peppermint, yarrow, elder tea for reducing heat in the body,
try adding 4 drops of lavender oil to a bowl of tepid water and sponging
the hands, feet, and forehead with the mixture. Another excellent remedy:
steep common honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) flowers (or fresh or
dried elder flowers) in hot water for 20 minutes, let cool, add the juice
of one-half lemon and a teaspoon of honey. Let the mixture cool and drink
several cups of it as needed.



Coughs



Coughs that produce white or clear sputum, especially when chronic, usually
result from a colder condition than yellow or green mucus which means there
is more heat.



For coughs accompanied by heat, to soothe and relax the upper respiratory
tract, make a tea of the following herbs: plantain leaves (1 part), coltsfoot
(1 part), thyme (1/2 part), marshmallow root (1/4 part), and licorice (1/4
part). Drink freely throughout the day. Full dropper doses of echinacea
can be taken in addition, every 2 hours, to activate macrophages in the
bronchial area.



My favorite cough remedy is a tea of 2 parts organic lemon peels, 1 part
garden sage (Salvia officinalis) and 1/2 part thyme. Add the herbs
to boiling water, remove from the heat, cover and steep for 15 minutes.
Add the juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 tsp honey and drink 2 or 3 cups during the
day as needed. Over the years, I have found this blend to be delicious and
effective.



For coughs due to coldness, or for chronic coughs of long-standing, expectorant
herbs are generally recommended. A good expectorant tincture product might
include herbs such as grindelia, yerba santa and balm of gilead. This mixture
can be used also be used as a tea, adding some of the herbs for coughs due
to heat above, as needed.



Sore throats



For painful sore throats, the natural antibiotic, usnea, works well either
singly or in formulations, both as a gargle and internally in tincture form–40
drops mixed with water. White sage tea, 1 teaspoon in 1 cup water steeped
for one minute, and mixed with lemon juice and honey, is very antiseptic.
Green tea is another option, as it contains tannins (polyphenols) which
are antibacterial and astringent, helping to eliminate mucus and reduce
the infection. Herbal immune activators and antiseptic herbs such as echinacea
or propolis are sometimes added, as well as soothing antiinflammatory herbs
such as licorice or marshmallow root tea. Antibiotic tinctures can be added
to this soothing tea base.



Flu



Influenza is a viral-based elimination syndrome that is more severe than
a cold–but it is often difficult to tell the two apart.



The aches and pains, fevers, and congestion which accompany flu are all
addressed in the following blend of herbs–boneset (2 parts), elder (1 part),
peppermint (1 part), echinacea (1 part), and yerba mansa (1 part). Drink
it warm and freely.



Other known flu herbs are garlic, which I sometimes take by cutting up a
clove or two into pill-size pieces and swallowing with tea, and anti-viral
herbs such as lemon balm, St. John’s wort, baptisia or thuja.



If digestive symptoms, such as diarrhea and abdominal tension or soreness
occur, add marshmallow root, lemon balm or black walnut in tincture or tea
form. If there is fever and nervousness, add lemon balm or blue vervain
in tea form.



Sinus Infections



For reducing heat and infection in the sinuses, echinacea (3 parts), usnea
(1 part) and golden seal (1 part) work well in combination, either in capsule
(2 every 4 hours) or tincture (40 drops of echinacea, 15 drops of usnea
and 15 drops of golden seal every 4 hours). A mild golden seal tea used
as a nasal wash can speed up the process. To help relieve stuffiness and
promote drainage, put 4 drops of eucalyptus oil in a bowl of boiled water,
put a towel over your head, lean over the bowl, and inhale for a few minutes.




Bronchitis



When mild upper respiratory tract ailments, such as colds or sinustis are
not treated and accompanied by rest, the infection may go deeper, leading
to bronchitis. At this stage, it is essential to rest, eat light, nourishing
food, and follow full courses of herbal treatment for at least a week. Usnea,
grindelia, yerba santa and echinacea are especially indicated.



Asthma



Teas or extracts of the following herbs can help alleviate the frightening
symptoms of breathlessness and wheezing common to asthma sufferers: grindelia
and yerba santa are more appropriate for asthma accompanied by heavy white
sputum, for their expectorant and antispasmodic effects on the bronchi;
coltsfoot, marshmallow root, mullein and licorice are better for dry types
of asthma for their soothing and moisturizing qualities, and ma huang (use
cautiously) for its brocho-dilating effects. It is sometimes beneficial
to eliminate dairy products for several months when one is experiencing
symptoms of asthma, and regular aerobic exercise is surprisingly effective.




Besides hereditary influence, asthma has emotional, immune, and stress components.
Emotional upset and depression is aided by St. John’s wort standardized
extract (1 tablet as needed), and anxiety by passion flower, California
poppy, and valerian (use the fresh plant tincture or extract). For immune
weakness, use an astragalus and reishi mixture and for stress, eleuthero
and licorice is helpful.



Women’s Imbalances

PMS



To help balance hormones, strengthen the generative organs, and lessen monthly
emotional ups and downs, any of the following herbs may be used in tea,
extract, or capsule form, though because of the strong taste, most people
usually prefer to take an extract or powder in tablet or capsule form: Vitex
(essential), black cohosh, false unicorn root, skullcap, and Dandelion.
Begin taking the herbs twice daily 10-12 days before the onset of menstruation
and continue until 3 days after. Because the health of the liver is considered
an important factor in PMS, dandelion root (tea or tincture) and milk thistle
(standardized extract or tincture) can be added for additional support.
In particularly difficult cases, the herbs should be taken as a tonic for
several months or until the condition improves.



Menopause



One dropperful of vitex (chaste tree) tincture taken each morning is the
most frequently prescribed natural remedy in Europe to relieve hot flashes,
night sweats, emotional swings, and other symptoms of menopause. Vitex works
through the pituitary gland to balance all the reproductive hormones. Dong
Quai, though not hormonal, is also considered an important herb for menopause.
It is the premier builder for any blood-deficient condition, and is especially
recommended for anemia, or as an addition to other female tonic herbs.



Vaginal Yeast Infections



Many women have found near-miraculous relief from the burning and itching
of yeast infections by taking 1/2 teaspoon of tea tree oil, adding it to
a quart of water and douching. Experience shows that this mixture does not
cause further irritation. Some women have found it helpful to use capsules
of acidophilus as vaginal suppositories, and research clearly documents
the benefits of oral supplementation with a good probiotic formula, which
usually includes Lactobacillus acidophilus or other beneficial bacteria.




If the condition is chronic and difficult to heal, it is very important
to strictly avoid hot, spicy foods and caffeine-containing or refined sugar
products.



Men’s Imbalances



Prostatitis



As men pass the age of 50 or 55, testosterone levels start to decline, which
can lead to an irritation or enlargement of the prostate gland, as well
as lowered sex drive.



Inflammation of the prostate gland can be treated by drinking a tea 3 times
daily made with equal parts of the following herbs: saw palmetto (tonifies
bladder and prostate), echinacea, nettle and horsetail (antiinflammatory,
diuretic), buchu (urinary antiseptic and tonic), and corn silk (soothing
diuretic and tonic). A new herb, Pygeum africanum, is gaining in
popularity as more clinical experience and scientific support accumulates.
This herb is taken in extract form (follow the instructions on the product
label.



Pumpkin seeds, which are rich in zinc, are usually added to the diet, to
accompany the herbal program.



Low sexual drive



A lack of sexual energy can sometimes be addressed by tonifying the body
with these herbs–damiana, a stimulating nerve tonic, ginger, a popular
herb for increasing warmth and circulation, ginseng, probably the most documented
herb (by a long history of use and much laboratory work) for stimulating
the production of testosterone in the body, saw palmetto, a nourishing tonic
for the sex organs, and wild oats, an excellent nerve tonic, especially
recommended for supporting sexual energy. Eleuthero is highly beneficial
for supporting the adrenal system and increasing overall energy production
in the body. Make a tea of equal parts of the herbs and drink 2 cups per
day. A number of commercial products which contain some or all of these
herbs are widely available in natural food stores.



Note: a number of herbs are often sold as sexual tonics and testosterone
stimulants, including damiana, saw palmetto, sarsaparilla, and wild yam.
These herbs, though they have their place in herbal therapy, are not
documented either by history of use or scientific testing, to replace testosterone
or increase the production of testosterone in the body. Yohimbe, the African
plant widely known as an aphrodisiac has been documented medically for its
ability to relieve certain types of functional impotence, and yohimbine
hydrochloride, an alkaloid derivative from the plant, is prescribed by doctors
for this condition. Although yohimbe extract and powder can be purchased
in natural food stores, it should be noted that the herb is a central nervous
system stimulant and in its concentrated extract form can cause such side-effects
as nervousness, anxiety and sleeplessness. Use the herb cautiously.



Digestive Disorders

Stomach Ache



Stomach aches brought on by nervous tension or overeating can often be relieved
by drinking a cup of tea made from 1 part chamomile, 1 part catnip, 1/4
part ginger, and 1/4 part licorice. For a fast kitchen medicine remedy,
fill one 00 capsule with ginger powder, one with cinnamon powder, and a
third with golden seal powder in the larger part of the capsule and cayenne
in the smaller part and take with tea or other suitable liquid.



Other important digestive herbs, many of which are best taken in tea form,
are fennel, caraway, peppermint, artichoke leaves, and gentian. A little
experimentation will determine which herbs and combinations work best for
you.



Nausea



Nausea, whether caused by overeating, motion sickness, hormonal imbalances,
overindulgence in alcoholic beverages, or other factors, can by relieved
by a combination of ginger (either 2 capsules or 1 dropperful of the tincture
in a little water) and 2 drops of lavender oil in a cup of water. Great
things have been said about a combination of kudzu and umeboshi plum. Mix
1/2 teaspoon of kudzu in a little cool water, then add the mixture to 1
cup of warm water to which an umeboshi plum has been added.



Constipation



This is often a chronic condition brought on by a combination of heredity,
nervousness and stress, overwork, lack of vigorous physical activity and
lack of fiber in the diet. Herbal laxatives, such as senna or aloe, which
add more moisture to the stools or stimulate peristalsis are popular, but
should not be depended on for long-term use. This can lead to habituation
and further dissipation of vital energy in the bowels.



Even the most intractable constipation is easy to remedy when a high-fiber
diet is followed, along with a good program of physical exercise, coupled
with stress-relief techniques. It is also wise to massage the abdominal
area with a little flax seed oil (or castor oil if more stimulation is desired)
in a clockwise direction for 10 minutes, morning and evening. Go in deep
and try to work out any tender spots. Give the intestines a rest by not
eating past 7 pm or in the morning until one is active for at least 30-60
minutes.



Safe herbal bowel tonics that can be used for up to a month or two, in tea,
powder or extract form, include the following, (in order of potency from
least to most potent):

dandelion

burdock

yellow dock

cascara sagrada

Chinese rhubarb (caution, use small amounts, for not more than 2 weeks)


Intestinal Gas (Flatulence)

Although all natural medicine prescriptions should be individualized for optimal results, there are many effective programs to try. A program that utilizes a series of herbs and nutrients in a specific sequence is most effective. Rotating and alternating remedies creates a synergistic effect which enhances the body’s ability to maintain optimal health. This is especially true during the winter when the body’s resistance may be compromised. Furthermore, by using natural remedies in specific cycles, the body remains more sensitive and responsive.

The following programs are for the cold season. They are divided into three categories: the acute phase, the recovery phase, and the maintenance phase. These easy-to-follow programs should give you enhanced results for winter health care.

• Step 1

  Echinacea & Goldenseal Combination
  
  A combination of these two herbs possesses anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and is the foundation for acute cold and flu treatment.
  Dosage: Every 2 hours

• Step 2

  Blood Cleansers
  
  The blood cleansers include Red Clover, Sage, and Burdock. When the body is under stress of an acute infection, there are many toxic metabolites that result. The blood cleansing herbs assist the body in “cleaning up” this condition, as they are effective in draining the lymph system. Using Chinese medical terminology, Echinacea and Goldenseal are considered the “generals”, while the blood cleansers are the “soldiers”. We find that the blood cleansers, by reducing tissue stress in the body, make the immune-enhancing properties of Echinacea and Goldenseal more effective.
  Dosage: Every 2 hours

• Step 3

  Zinc (preferably as a lozenge)
  
  Clinical findings, as well as documented research, show that Zinc reduces the intensity and duration of cold and flu symptoms.
  Dosage: At least 5 mg every 2 to 4 hours.

• Step 4

  Antioxidants
  
  Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Selenium work synergistically with the blood cleansers in reducing tissue and blood toxicity and are therefore useful during the acute phase.
  Dosage: 2 to 3 times daily

• Step 5

  Herbal Decongestant
  
  Numerous herbal decongestants are available that can effectively reduce nasal and sinus congestion which accompany many viral and bacterial infections. They use Chinese Ephedra as the active ingredient. Ephedra contains ephedrine and pseudo-ephedrine, which are vaso-constrictors of the nasal sinuses. This means that fluids causing the congestion are forced out of the sinus cavity and back into the blood stream, thus reducing congestion. This type of supplement should only be used on a short-term basis to relieve symptoms.

• Step 1

  Echinacea & Goldenseal Combination
  
  Use of these herbs should continue, but reduced in frequency compared to the acute phase.
  Dosage: 3 times daily

• Step 2

  Chinese Astragalus or Astragalus Combination
  
  Astragalus is a deep immune system tonic and is used to support the body’s natural resistance. Research and centuries of use in the Orient have proven the effectiveness of Astragalus as a tonic herb for recovery from illness and stress.
  Dosage: 3 times daily

• Step 3

  Antioxidants
  
  The antioxidants: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Zinc may be used again for this phase.
  Dosage: 2 to 3 times daily

• Step 4

  Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
  
  Pantothenic Acid supports adrenal function and helps tonify the body’s reserves.
  Dosage: 100-250 mg, 2 times daily

• Week 1
  

  Echinacea & Goldenseal combination
  
  Dosage: 3 times daily

• Week 2
  

  Siberian Ginseng combination
  
  Dosage: 3 times daily

• Week 3
  

  Echinacea & Goldenseal combination
  
  Dosage: 3 times daily

• Week 4
  

  Chinese Astragalus combination
  
  Dosage: 3 times daily

The above general program can be combined with additional antioxidants and blood cleansers:

• Week 1
  

  Blood Cleansers (Red Clover, Sage, or Burdock)
  
  Dosage: 3 times daily

• Week 2
  

  Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium
  
  Dosage: 2 to 3 times daily

• Week 3
  

  Blood Cleansers
  
  Dosage: 3 times daily

• Week 4
  

  Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium
  
  Dosage: 2 to 3 times daily

Janet Zand, OMD, L.Ac., is a respected naturopathic physician who lives and practices in the Los Angeles area. She has developed a unique and effective method of combining herbal medicine with nutrition, homeopathy and acupuncture. Her credentials include a Doctor of Naturopathy, Doctor of Oriental Medicine, and Certified Acupuncturist. Dr. Zand has over fifteen years of clinical experience treating with natural medicine, as well as formulating her own line of herbal supplements.

If an infection is the cause, your doctor may take a throat culture. If streptococcus or any other bacteria is the culprit, he or she will prescribe an antibiotic. Be sure you take all of the antibiotic.

If left untreated, serious complications, including abscesses, kidney inflammation, or rheumatic heart disease, could arise from a strep throat. An anti-fungal medicine is used to treat a fungal infection.

• Gargle every few hours with a solution of 1/4 teaspoon of salt dissolved in 1/2 cup of warm water.
  
• Drink plenty of warm beverages, such as tea with lemon (with or without honey) and soup.
  
• For strep throat, eat and drink cold foods and liquids such as frozen yogurt, popsicles and ice water.
  
• Use a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier in the room where you spend most of your time.
  
• Don’t smoke.
  
• Avoid eating spicy foods.
  
• Suck on a piece of hard candy or medicated lozenge every so often. (Do not give to children under age 5).
  
• Take aspirin or acetaminophen for the pain or fever (or both). [Note: Do not give aspirin or any medication containing salicylates to anyone 19 years of age or younger unless directed by a physician, due to its association with Reye’s Syndrome, a potentially fatal condition.]
  
• Do not get in close contact with anyone you know has a sore throat.
  

Questions to Ask

Is it very hard for you to breathe, are you unable to swallow your own saliva, or are you unable to say more than 3 or 4 words between breaths?
Do you have any of the following problems with the sore throat? Fever Swollen, enlarged neck glands Headache General aching feeling Ear pain Bad breath Skin rash Loss of appetite Vomiting Abdominal pain Chest pain Dark urine
Do the tonsils or back of the throat look bright red or have visible pus deposits?
Does someone else in the family have a strep throat or do you get strep throat often?
Has even a mild sore throat lasted more than 2 weeks?

The long-term question which interests me the most is what the general health of this unvaccinated group will be like, and what we can deduce from this data concerning how vaccines really act.

I would like to begin by proposing that we use the terms vaccinated and unvaccinated instead of immunized and unimmunized, since the basis of the vaccination controversy is the belief of many parents that the vaccines do not produce a true immunity’, but rather act in some other fashion–or, in my view, that they act immunosuppressively.

This may sound like a purely semantic distinction, but in fact it bears directly on the first question raised above. If the vaccines conferred a true immunity, as the natural illnesses do, then the unvaccinated people would pose a risk only to themselves. Children recovering from the measles or polio or whooping cough need never fear getting them again, no matter how often they are reexposed in the future. So, the reports of large-scale pertussis outbreaks in the United Kingdom since the vaccine was made optional seem to me a convincing argument against vaccinating anybody, even those who desire it, because if the vaccine produces authentic immunity, then this rebound phenomenon should not occur.

Furthermore, we should be skeptical about the “outbreaks” that are reported to have occurred. Pertussis, or “whooping cough,” is actually rather difficult to diagnose conclusively, as it requires special cultures or antibody tests that many laboratories cannot perform and that many doctors, in the presence of suggestive symptoms, rarely take the trouble to order. Conversely, there are other cases of pertussis with typical signs and symptoms but negative cultures and no detectable antibodies. In other words, whooping cough as a clinical syndrome need not be associated with the organism Bordetella pertussis, against which the vaccine is prepared, or indeed with any microorganism whatsoever.

Reservoirs of people unvaccinated against measles, mumps, or diphtheria, on the other hand, should result in periodic outbreaks of these diseases. But again, authentic immunity, would insure that only the unvaccinated would fall ill, which has never proved to be the case. All known out breaks of these diseases in the post vaccine era have included large numbers of vaccinated people as well; an. in many instances a large majority of the cases had previously been vaccinated, some of them quite recently.

The argument that parents should vaccinate their children to protect society as a whole from epidemic does not make sense. Such epidemic argue rather against vaccinating the ones who were vaccinated but still came down with the disease as soon as they were exposed to it. Likewise, if we accept partial or temporary immunity–conceding that the vaccine are not that effective, but that we have no other alternative to these rebound epidemics–then are we not simply throwing good lives after bad, rather like acknowledging that our patients are addicted to dangerous drugs yet fearing to withdraw them or even withhold them from others, lest the original error be fully or frankly exposed?

Which brings us to the second question, namely, how to protect your unvaccinated child from an acute out break of one of these illnesses in the vicinity. The first priority is clearly to know the illness–its signs and symptoms, its natural history and vehicles of spread, its prevention and treatment.

Rather than reading this information from a pediatrics text and the passing it along to you, I suggest that you read up on these diseases. Even more importantly, meet with your local pediatrician or primary healthcare provider and plan a course of action. If you cannot immediately find someone whom you can work with or relate to, keep looking. Your local support system is too important to be left for the time when you need to call on it in a hurry.

Taking responsibility for not vaccinating is no different from taking responsibility for a homebirth or any other form of alternative health care. It calls for not a substitute for conventional care, but rather a different relationship to the healing process and the health-care system, based on personal choice and direct participation. We still need help when our children get sick, and we need to know that this help is available to us.

In the event of an outbreak, a great deal can be done to minimize the risk to those exposed and to treat those who actually fall ill–much of which does not involve chemical drugs or vaccines of questionable safety and effectiveness. The homeopathic method, one such approach, uses minute doses of natural substances to stimulate and enhance the natural defense mechanisms of the host. The homeopathic prevention and treatment of specific acute diseases are discussed in detail in the highly recommended book Homeopathy in Epidemic Diseases, by Dr. Dorothy Shepherd, a prominent English homeopath.’

The homeopathic approach to epidemic diseases in general was first employed by Hahnemann in 1799, during an extensive scarlet fever epidemic in the province of Saxony.2 After he had treated a dozen or so cases in the usual homeopathic fashion, giving small doses of remedies capable of producing similar illnesses experimentally, Hahnemann realized that one remedy helped to cure at least 75 percent of the cases, a second remedy covered another 15 percent or so, and the remaining 10 percent required a variety of different remedies corresponding to the unique features of each case. The principal remedy, which corresponded to the genus epidemicus (the main characteristics of the outbreak as a whole), was then given out prophylactically to people exposed to the disease, and also to patients in the early stages of illness–before the critical point, when other remedies would sometimes be needed, was reached.

The results were quite dramatic. Those so treated either did not get sick at all or suffered much milder illnesses, on the whole, than their compatriots who were not treated or who received the drugs and other heroic measures in standard practice at the time. Hahnemann became justly famous for this exploit; and since this time, his method has been used with equal or greater success throughout the world in treating numerous outbreaks of cholera, typhus, smallpox, yellow fever, influenza, and other acute diseases of similar type. Why it has not been more widely influential in this country is a great mystery, and clearly has to do with the historic decline of homeopathy as a thought form until the advent of the alternative health and self-care movement of the past 10 years or so.

Pertussis

“Whooping cough” can be quite a nasty and prolonged illness, even in older children, in whom it is seldom fatal or dangerous. It can certainly threaten life in young infants under one year of age, because of the narrowness of the immature laryngeal opening and its particular vulnerability to obstruction from any inflammation or swelling. It is rarely serious in children older than six; and adults, for some reason, rarely contract the illness at all, even when they are exposed and have never had it before.

The incubation period varies from one to two weeks; and the illness often begins quite slowly, with some fever, typical upper respiratory symptoms, and a cough that gradually becomes more and more paroxysmal, until the characteristic spasms appear, often terminating in vomiting or tenacious sputum ejected with great violence. Such a cough may commonly persist for six weeks or even longer, suggesting an autoallergic as well as an infectious origin.

The nosode Pertussin, prepared from the sputum of patients with this disease, is the homeopathic remedy generally used for prophylaxis of exposed children (Pertussin 30c, one dose daily for two weeks after contact); and it can also be given in early stages of illness, at four-hour intervals. Drosera is the remedy most often used for the illness itself, although other remedies may also be needed. For children with a well developed cough, Drosera 30c or Pertussin 30c may be given every four hours, or even more often if necessary. A physician should be consulted if the illness is severe.

Homeopathic remedies are available without prescription, but care should be exercised to obtain them from a manufacturer belonging to the American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacies. This way, you will know that they have been prepared in accordance with the standards of the U.S. Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia.

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is rarely seen today in developed countries, but small outbreaks have occurred in the southwestern U.S. (San Antonio in 1977). The illness is primarily a poisoning attributable to the toxin (a highly antigenic protein of high molecular weight) elaborated by the diphtheria bacillus. Diphtheria toxin is the source from which the standard vaccine is prepared (diphtheria “toxoid” is the toxin denatured by heat, alum precipitated? and preserved with an organomercury compound), and is also the source of the homeopathic remedy, or nosode, Diphtherinum, which is commonly used for prophylaxis and for treatment of complicated cases.

Diphtheria begins as a “cold” or sore throat after a very brief incubation period of two or three days. The primary infection is usually in the throat or nasopharynx, and quickly becomes apparent with a greyish, ulcerating “pseudomembrane,” foul breath, high fever, and marked swelling of the cervical Iymph nodes (producing the classic “bull neck” in severe cases). Complications such as heart or kidney failure or esophageal obstruction may follow within a few days; and severe cases may be accompanied by difficulty in swallowing or talking, due to residual postdiphtheritic paralysis that may require further treatment. Diphtherinum 30c or 200c may be given in a daily dose for the first three days following exposure. A physician should be consulted and other remedies used if the illness develops.

Tetanus

Tetanus is essentially a wound infection complicated by inoculation of tetanus spores into the wound and germination of these under strict anaerobic conditions. The infection itself is relatively minor; like diphtheria (and its close relative botulism), tetanus is largely an intoxication produced by a highly antigenic protein, tetanus toxin, against which the standard vaccine is prepared by heat denaturation.

Tetanus does not occur epidemically, and cannot be passed from person to person, although conditions associated with wound infections (such as warfare) definitely favor it if the spores are present. The spore forming organisms live in horse manure, and to a lesser extent in human manure (chiefly among people who keep horses); but the spores themselves are highly weather-resistant and can survive in the soil for decades. They will germinate only under strict anaerobic conditions–such as a deep, jagged puncture wound with enough tissue damage to get the infection started (the proverbial “rusty nail”) or a simple wound infection (a severe burn or an infected umbilical cord stump in a newborn) which consumes all the available oxygen and thereby allows the spores to germinate underneath.

Careful attention to wound hygiene will effectively eliminate the possibility of tetanus in the vast majority of puncture wounds. Wounds should be carefully inspected, thoroughly cleaned, surgically debrided of dead tissue (under local anesthesia, if necessary), and not allowed to close until healing is well under way “from below.” Two homeopathic remedies that may have a useful role at this stage are Ledum 30c, which should be given every two to four hours from the time of the puncture, and Hypericum 30c, which should be substituted if any signs of infection are present.

I have had no experience with Tetanus, the remedy prepared from the toxin itself; and tetanus toxoid is of no value unless the individual has previously been vaccinated, since a primary antibody response takes at least 14 days, and the incubation period of the disease can be considerably shorter than this (three to 14 days). Hypericum can reputedly treat as well as prevent tetanus, but I would recommend giving human antitoxin at the first sign of the disease, since it is far less effective later on.

If you do decide to vaccinate your children with tetanus toxoid alone, there is no need to vaccinate until the child is old enough to walk around and navigate on his or her own (18 to 24 months), at which time the vaccine is far less likely to cause complications.

Poliomyelitis

The poliovirus produces no illness at all in over 90 percent of those exposed to it; among others, it causes, at most, an ordinary flu syndrome with fever, weakness, gastrointestinal symptoms, aches, and pains. Even in epidemic conditions, poliomyelitis (the severe central nervous system complication) develops only in relatively few anatomically susceptible persons, most of whom eventually recover.

The typical symptoms of poliomyelitis include extreme sensitivity to touch, irritability, stiff neck, and fine tremors in the early or preparalytic stage, which may look rather like a viral meningitis. Not infrequently, the fever will return to normal for a few days just prior to the onset of these central nervous system symptoms, at which time it will rise again, producing the “dromedary,” or double-hump, fever chart. Paralysis–due to inflammation of the anterior horn cells, or motor nuclei of the spinal cord–often appears suddenly and early in the course of the illness, as complete loss of voluntary movement in a single limb, or perhaps of the palate and throat muscles (in the dangerous brain-stem or bulbar type), producing disturbances of swallowing. Most of these cases will still recover, with residual paralysis or death often supervening much later, after the acute inflammation has subsided.

The homeopathic remedy Lathyrus sativus has been found to correspond most closely in its symptomatology to central nervous system polio, and has been used with great effectiveness both for prophylaxis of exposed individuals and for treatment in the early stages of the illness, before irreversible damage has occurred. According to Dr. Shepherd, a Dr. Taylor Smith of Johannesburg used Lathyrus 30c, one dose every 16 days, in 82 healthy people (aged six months to 20 years) living in a seriously infected area, 12 of whom were direct contacts. This regimen was continued for the duration of the outbreak, and not one of these people developed poliomyelitis.

Dr. Smith also used Lathyrus 30c in three doses, 30 minutes apart, for a second group of 34 children who were ill with fever, neck rigidity, and muscle tenderness of varying severity. All of these children recovered promptly and completely, without any sequelae.

Dr. Grimmer of Chicago, a well known homeopath of the thirties and forties, recommended Latharus 30c or 200c in a single dose repeated every three weeks for the duration of the epidemic, and stated most emphatically, from his own experience, that paralysis will not develop in those so treated. Other remedies may be required for the illness itself, at the first sign of which a physician should, of course, be consulted.

Measles

Wild-type measles is a strong, febrile illness lasting at least one or two weeks, with a long incubation period of 14 to 21 days; a characteristically smooth, confluent rash; “measly” or runny catarrh of eyes and nose; and a sizable risk of further developments, such as pneumonia, otitis media, or even laryngitis of the croupy or whooping-cough type. The incidence of measles in susceptible contacts approaches 100 percent; and in populations not previously exposed to it, the fatality rate may be 20 percent or more. After generations of contact with European and North American cultures, it became a largely self-limited illness for these populations, one still memorable but producing complete recovery and a permanent or lifelong immunity in the vast majority of cases.

The prophylaxis and treatment of measles varies somewhat from outbreak to outbreak, the genus epidemicus corresponding most closely to Pulsatilla in Hahnemann’s series, Bryonia in Dr. Shepherd’s experience, and probably other remedies in other times and places. In the U.S., largely because of mass vaccination programs, acute measles is now predominantly a disease of adolescents and young adults, undoubtedly involving some genetic interaction with the vaccine virus; and it will probably call for still other remedies. Pulsatilla remains the remedy most often recommended for prophylaxis, although my own experience is still too limited to confirm or refute it.

Mumps

Mumps, or epidemic parotitis, resembles measles in its highly contagious nature and its predilection for the older age groups as a result of the vaccine program; but it is rather milder, as a rule. After an incubation period of three weeks, it begins with fever, runny nose, tenderness around the ears, and swelling of the parotid on one side, spreading to the other in a few days. About 25 percent of boys with mumps show swelling and inflammation of one or both testicles; in girls, the ovaries and breasts are occasionally affected. Residual scarring and atrophy of one testicle is sometimes seen in adolescent boys and young men.

The nosode Parotidinum, prepared from the saliva of an infected individual, may be used prophylactically, although Pilocarpine 6c is the remedy recommended by Shepherd for both prevention and treatment. I have had no personal experience using remedies with mumps.

Rubella

Rubella, or German measles, is the mildest of all the illnesses for which vaccines are presently required, and very often escapes detection entirely. In the adolescent and young adult populations–those presently most likely to develop it–the illness may be somewhat bothersome, with arthritic symptoms more likely; the same symptoms are often encountered after vaccination of these age groups. In children, there is no reason to treat rubella at all, in most cases. Pregnant women, especially those exposed in the first trimester, may be given Pulsatilla 6c or 30c every day for 14 days following exposure, or every four hours for fever and acute symptoms. Rubella should be suspected in the event of a mild fever; punctate rash; and swollen or tender lymph nodes behind the ears and neck, and around the base of the skull–an area seldom affected in other ailments.

People often ask if it is possible to “vaccinate” homeopathically, to use remedies for the same purpose that the vaccines are normally given. This question addresses not short-term prophylaxis in the event of an acute outbreak, which is discussed above, but routine, long-term protection of the entire population against these diseases.

There is some evidence that remedies can be used in this way. I know of several British veterinarians who use homeopathic rabies nosode in lieu of injections to protect their dogs–with no serious side effects and, as yet, no rabies. But in order to do so, they must give the remedy repeatedly throughout the life of the animal–an approach that would be much less suitable for humans. This brings us back to the concept of trying to permanently eliminate susceptibility to specific diseases. Why attempt such an uneconomical fantasy, as well as an unnecessary one, since the remedies work so splendidly well when illness is actually present or threatening?

People also ask whether or not homeopathic treatment can be used in conjunction with vaccines. Homeopathic remedies may be given to mitigate the effect or severity of vaccines, just as they have been used with good effect in cases of vaccine-related illness. Certainly, when vaccines are given, I would recommend giving Ledum 30c–the basic first-aid remedy for puncture wounds–immediately afterward, in three doses 30 minutes apart; and following it with either the nosode prepared from the disease or vaccine itself or Thuja 30c, the general “antidote” to all vaccines, in three doses 12 hours apart.

Be aware of the possibility that a strong family history of vaccine reaction may greatly increase the risk of receiving that particular vaccine. Any child whose brother or sister or parent reacted strongly or violently to a vaccine should certainly be excused from receiving it, preferably by obtaining a medical exemption from a physician practicing in that state. Likewise, any child whose sibling or parent previously contracted poliomyelitis, or a severe or complicated case of measles or whooping cough or any of the other diseases listed, should not receive the vaccine prepared against that illness. Other grounds for medical exemption include preexisting epilepsy, central nervous system disorder, or any severe or disabling chronic disease where the risk of serious exacerbation from the vaccine outweighs the more imponderable long-term benefit.

This brings us to the final question of the long-term impact of mass vaccination programs on individual and community health. Since I have expressed my concerns on this score, many people have asked if any research has been done to substantiate them. I can only appreciate the irony in the fact that the compulsory feature of these programs is precisely what makes it so conveniently impossible to study them–so much so, that parents refusing to vaccinate their children deserve to be congratulated for making such research possible, and should, in fact, be recruited when it is ready to be carried out.

Equally noteworthy is the unprecedented breadth and scope of the research that will be required. Nothing less than the total health picture of vaccinated and unvaccinated children, followed over an entire generation, will suffice–a great collective enterprise that not only will be exciting and important in itself, but surely will yield invaluable new models for holistic medical research generally, models that take us well beyond the outmoded focus on single “disease entities” in which we are still imprisoned today. So, regardless of whether or not you decide to vaccinate, I urge you all to think about a mechanism for how collaborative research of this kind can be conducted, and how each of us can play our part in it.

1. D. Shepherd, Homeopathy in Epidemic Diseases (Rustington, Essex [U.K.]: Health Sciences Press, 1967). Available from Homeopathic Educational Services, 2124 Kittredge St., Berkeley, CA 94704.

2. Samuel Hahnemann, MD (1755- 1843), the discoverer of homeopathy. .

3. R. Moskowitz, “The Case Against Immunizations,”Journal of the American Institute of Homeopathy 6 (7 March 1983). Available from the National Center for Homeopathy, 1500 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC. Abridged version published in Mothering (Spring 1984). .

Ricbard Moskowitz, MD (48) received his undergraduate degree. from Harvard and his medical degree from New York University. He has studied classical bomeopatb witb Professor Ceorge Vitboulkas in Atbens, Greece. Dr. Moskowitz practices at tbe Turning Point Wellness. Center in Watertown, Massachusetts. and is a past President of the National Center for Homeopathy.

Here is a list of drugs and other things you should keep at home for self-care. Store them in a handy, dry place, but out of children’s reach. Check the expiration date often. Throw away and replace ones that are outdated.

Medications	Use
Acetaminophen ex: Aspirin-Free Anacin, Tylenol	Pain relief, reduces fever
Activated charcoal (binds certain chemicals when swallowed) [NOTE: Call Poison Control Center first]	Oral Poisoning for some poisons
Antacids (liquid or tablets) ex: Tums, Rolaids, Mylanta, Amphojel	Stomach upset, heartburn
Antibiotic cream or ointment ex: Neosporin	Minor skin infection, wounds
Anti-diarrheal medicine ex: Kaopectate, Immodium A-D, Donnagel	Diarrhea
Antifungal preparations ex: Tinactin	Fungal infections such as athlete’s foot
Antihistamines ex: Dristan, Triaminic, Benadryl	Allergies, cold symptom relief
Anti-motion sickness ex: Dramamine	Motion sickness
Antiseptic preparation ex: Betadine	Abrasions, cuts
Aspirin* ex: Anacin, Bayer, Bufferin	Pain relief, reduces fever and swelling
Cough medicine with expectorant (look for one with Guaifenison) ex: Robitussin	Cough with mucus
Cough suppressant without expectorant(look for one with Dextromethorphan ex: Robitussin DM	Dry cough without mucus
Decongestant (tablets, nose spray, etc.) ex: Dristan Nasal Spray, Sudafed, Dimetapp	Stuffy and runny nose, post-nasal drip from colds, allergies
Ear wax dissolver ex: Debrox	Ear wax
Eye drops and artificial tears ex: Murine, Visine	Minor eye irritations
Hemorrhoid preparations ex: Hemorid	Hemorrhoids
Hydrocortisone cream ex: Cortaid, Lanacort	Minor skin irritations, itching and rashes
Ibuprofen (adult) ex: Advil	Pain relief, reduces fever and swelling
Laxatives ex: Ex-Lax, Correctol, Milk of Magnesia	Constipation
Moisturizer ex: Jergens Lotion	Dry skin
Naproxen Sodium (adult) ex: Aleve	Pain relief, reduces fever and swelling
Petroleum jelly ex: Vaseline	Chafing, dry skin
Rubbing alcohol	Topical antiseptic, clean thermometer
Sanitary napkins, tampons	Menstruation
Sunscreen – look for one with SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or more	Prevent sunburn, protect against skin cancer
Syrup of Ipecac (NOTE: Call Poison Control Center first)	To induce vomiting for some poisons
Throat anesthetic preparations ex: Sucret throat lozenges, Chloraseptic spray	Minor sore throat
Toothache – relief preparation ex. Anbesol	Toothache
Supplies	Use
Adhesive bandages	Minor wounds
Adhesive tape, sterile gauze pads, roll of sterile gauze and scissors	To dress minor wounds
Cotton balls, cotton tipped applicators	Minor wounds
Elastic bandages and clips	Minor strains and sprains
Heating pad/hot water bottle	Minor pains, strains, menstrual cramps
Humidifier, vaporizer (cool mist)	Add moisture to the air
Ice pack/Heat pack	Minor pain and injuries
Thermometer (mercury-containing, digital, etc.) Basal thermometer if using natural family planning method for birth control.	Fever
Tongue depressor, flashlight	Check for redness or infection in throat
Tweezers	Remove splinters

• Bacterial sore throats usually bring a high fever, headaches, or swollen neck glands. But some-times children with bacterial sore throats have no other problems. Strep throat is one kind of bacterial sore throat. Antibiotics can help cure a bacterial sore throat.
  
• Viral sore throats are more common. They may or may not bring the same problems as a bacterial sore throat. You can’t cure a viral sore throat with antibiotics.

Take your child to the doctor if they have a bad sore throat. Sore throats can lead to other problems like abscesses, kidney infections, or rheumatic heart disease. The doctor may take a throat culture to find out what is wrong. The doctor may give your child antibiotics if the child has strep or some other bacterial sore throat.

Is the sore throat very bad, and is it very hard for your child to swallow or breathe?
Is this true? Your child can’t open his or her mouth all the way.
Does your child have any of these problems with the sore throat? Fever Swollen or sore neck glands Headache Ear pain or tugging at the ears Bad breath Doesn’t want to eat Throwing up Stomach pain
Are there bright red or white spots at the back of your child’s throat?
Does someone else in the family have strep throat? Or does your child get strep throat often?
Has your child had the sore throat more than 2 weeks?

Try these tips for your child’s sore throat pain:

• Have them gargle with 1/4 teaspoon of salt in 1/2 cup of warm water. Have them gargle every few hours. Only do this with children over 8 years old.
  
• Give them plenty of warm drinks like tea and soup. Your child can drink the tea plain or with honey. (Don’t give honey to a baby under 1 year old.)
  
• Use a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier in the room where your child spends most of their time. Clean it every day. Use distilled, not tap water.
  
• Feed your child foods that are soft and/or cold. The food should be easy to swallow. Don’t feed them spicy foods.
  
• Have them suck on a piece of hard candy or a cough drop if they are 5 or more years old. You can give corn syrup to a younger child.
  
• Give your child acetaminophen for the pain and fever.
  

  (Note: Do not give aspirin to anyone under 19 years old unless your doctor tells you to. Aspirin and other medicines that have salicylates have been linked to Reye’s Syndrome, a condition that can kill.)

• Don’t use throat sprays. Some throat sprays have benzocaine. Benzocaine bothers some children.
  
• Keep your child away from second-hand smoke.