Home Remedies are available for young children that may be showing symptoms of their first cold. The immune system in a young child can be under attack by viruses just like their parents.

There is the usual need to have a child rest and drink fluids but the best way to remove colds and flu is to nip it in the bud at the early stage of infection.

If you look at natural Herbal Remedies that were passed down in the generations of families you will discover the old fashioned treatments of herbs, vitamins and nutrition are the most potent way to give relief to the immune system which in turn brings back a balance to mind and body

Tips for colds and congestion:
1.    Reduce the amount of sugar and dairy
2.    Increase Vitamin C and Zinc. (100 Milligrams frequently)

One of the easy ways to help a young child to relax is at bathtime.  Run a warm bath and add a couple of drops of essential oils such as Chamomile or Lavender which is soothing and helpful in the aid of sleep patterns.

In the bedroom try using a vapouriser, or place a bowl of hot water out of harms way and add a little Eucalyptus oil to ease a congested chest.

There are herbal remedies available that can act as a preventative such Astragulus and Arabinex which are particular useful if a child is prone to frequent bouts of colds.

Note: Children under the age of four can benefit by these methods if used carefully.

Note: Arabinex boosts the body’s immune system.

Warning: If the child has a temperature inform your doctor.

This herbal bush has short leaves and the white flowers have unusually five petals on each stem. In South Africa the herb grows over two feet high.

As a herbal treatment this herb can be used to help the ailments of kidney stones, prostrate gland, pre-menstrual syndrome and painful urine problems.

If the herb is grown in a garden it can be used to treat wounds, ulcers and sores by steeping the leaves in vinegar to help bring out bruising of the skin.

Properties: diuretic, antiseptic and acts as a stimulant.

•    Infusion: Take two teaspoons of leaves, place in a cup of hot water. Steep the mixture and use two or three times a day.
•    Other ways of using the herb is in capsule form or tincture
Buchu is a diuretic and the body may end up short of Potassium. It is advisable to eat a banana daily to top up the levels of potassium required.

Dark green vegetables and fish are also high in potassium.

Warning:

Do not use in Aromatherapy as the oil is considered toxic.

Do not use on children.

Side effects: Too much of this herbal remedy can cause diarrhoea

In the past, generations of families used to treat illnesses with grandma’s medicines that were picked from hedges. The world was starting to evolve faster and when modern medicine was introduced with medications on prescription, Herbal Remedies were forgotten.

Nowadays, there is a new revolution and herbal remedies are being sought after to start treating the mind and the body once again in a natural way.

Herbal Plants:

There are herbal plants found in many countries and as there are no chemicals there are no worries about side effects. Some of the herbs stems, flowers, bark and even fruit can be used to treat an ailment. With other herbs there are treatments requiring just leaves or flowers.

Coughs and colds can be persistent and stubborn and with coughs alone there are worrying times when it alters a persons breathing causing stiffness or congestion in the body.

Treatments for coughs:

•    The juice of Ginger (fresh) and Honey mixed together.  Take a tablespoon before you go to bed.
•    Drink Honey and Grape juice every day until the cough eases.
Congestion of the chest can be noisy and embarrassing. If this happens to you, drink lots of fluids such as soups, hot vimto, coffee and herbal teas.

Warning: if the symptoms persist consult a doctor and inform him of the Home Remedies that have been tried.

Aromatherapy Oils have been used by generations of families in the past and they are now popular and are making a comeback as an aid for various treatments for the mind and body.

Treatments for hair loss are available in a Spa or Clinic. However more and more people are taking the time to use one or two of essential oils as Home Remedies .

Listed below are some of the favourite aromatherapy oils for this area.

Remedy One:

Use the essential oils of Cedar Wood, Thyme, Lavender, Rosemary and basic carrier oils such as Almond or Olive as the main ingredients in this recipe.
1.    Mix everything together and place in a dark brown bottle, leave for five to ten minutes.
2.    Pour a little of the mixture on to the palm of your hands and massage the liquid gently all over the head area.
3.    Once this has been done to your satisfaction then wrap up the head with a warm towel. This treatment can be repeated every night.

Remedy Two:

1.    Pour vegetable oil into a bowl and add one of the essential oils named above.
2.    As before massage some into the scalp.
3.    Using cling film, wrap it around the head area.
4.    Place a warm towel as before and leave on as long as possible. Overnight is ideal.
5.    Unwrap all the layers and shampoo (mild).
Make sure the shampoo is rinsed off well and pat dry the hair.

Warning: Do not use undiluted oils on skin.

The Chilli plant is a perennial that grows in a tropical climate. This herbal plant has green leaves with white flowers. When the flowers die off they are followed by green fruit and when ripe the fruit turns red in colour.
The main ingredient in the Cayenne Herbal plant is known as ‘Capsaicin’, this part of the herb helps to protect a person that may be suffering from ulcers.

Cayenne can be used in Home Remedies and is useful in the kitchen. A plain meal becomes tastier by adding this spice to any recipe.

It helps to boost a person’s metabolism and reduces fat that is stored in the body.

If the herb is used internally it can reduce pain associated with rheumatism, asthma, pleurisy, ease digestion problems and varicose veins.

External uses for the herb in the collection of home remedies are pain reduction for arthritis, diabetes, sore muscles and joints.

Cayenne the herbal plant can be obtained in the form of oil, capsule or powder.

Herbal Tea Recipe:

•    Take half of a teaspoon of Cayenne powder and place it in a cup or mug.
•    Pour in to the cup hot boiling water from a kettle, leave to steep for ten to fifteen minutes.
•    Using a tablespoon add one tablespoon of the infusion liquid to hot water into a different cup and drink as needed.

Warning: Do not add too much Cayenne to the tea as it may be too hot.

This is a vigorous tree that can be found in the Philippines and Australia and it stands out as it has a white bark with a crooked trunk.

There are a few uses for the aromatherapy oil extracted from this plant which includes culinary uses, beauty products and perfumes.

In India and China the herb is used as part of a healing treatment for Cholera and rheumatism.

Some of the properties of this herbal plant are Analgesic, Balsamic, Antiseptic and Antispasmodic.

Herbal Remedies are used to calm the mind. However, Cajuput the essential oil can stimulate the mind clears the mind and wakes up any sluggish feelings which have the effect of balancing the mind and body.

Healing:

•    Excellent antiseptic for chest problems and reducing feverish colds
•    Calms the throat if suffering with Laryngitis
•    Cystitis and head lice
•    Pain relief for toothache and menstrual problems

If a person suffers from acne or psoriasis, the essential oil will sooth and calm the affected area.

Blends well with Angelica, Bergamot, Birch, Clove, Thyme, Nutmeg, Rosewood, Lavender and Clove

Warning:

If you are taking prescribed medication, inform the doctor before using herbal remedies

Do not use undiluted essential oils on skin

The Niaouli tree has bushy foliage and can be found in Australia and the Middle East, recognised by its yellow flowers. It has antiseptic properties although it was more popular as a beverage in the Middle East.

It has been known to replace the Eucalyptus and Cajuput essential oil which are used to treat coughs, rheumatism and neuralgia.

There are many products in the home, such as toothpaste or mouth sprays, which have Niaouli in them as an ingredient.

This essential oil can be used in Home Remedies to stimulate the mind and help concentration. This herbal plant can help in the treatment of chest infections, catarrh, influenza and laryngitis. Niaouli is a tonic and helps to strengthen a person’s immune system and it is hoped it could be beneficial for A.I.D.S. patients.

A person’s skin can benefit if the essential oil is mixed with base carrier oil such as almond or olive as it firms up the skins underlying tissues. It can aid skin eruptions as it sooths and calms the skin.

Blends of Aromatherapy Oils which can be mixed with this essential oil are other essential oils such as Fennel, Juniper, Lemon, and lavender, Pine, Peppermint and Rosemary.

Warning:
• Do not use undiluted on skin
• If taking a prescribed medication inform a doctor
• Do not use if pregnant

History:
The main numbers of fir trees are found in Mexico and Algeria, and the tree has herring bone branches.

The Abies balsemera resin is usually obtained from America and Canada and Abies Sibirica resin is in Russia.

The Native American Indians used the resin for medical and spiritual purposes.
It is popular in products such as soap, shaving, deodorants and inhalation. The aroma of the essential oil is clear and refreshing.

Chemical Constituents:
Bornyl acetate, Terpinyl acetate, Pinene (Terpene)

The essential oil properties of fir are antiseptic, expectorant, pectoral and sedative.

Warning: It is an unusual Aromatherapy oil so have a patch test due to the uncertain result.

Mind:
Can have a warm and grounding effect on a person and their feelings.

Body:
It is helpful with breathing and chest problems especially bronchitis. The areas in the chest region that holds mucus, pus and shortness of breath are relieved. It warms up the muscles, relieving tiredness and benefits arthritis. Asthma sufferers have a sense of relief when this oil is used.

Blends that will mix with Fir the essential oil: Myrtle, Rosewood, Caraway, Frankincense and Niaouli.

Warning: do not use if taking prescribed medication.

If you have read all that you can about Aromatherapy Oils and the power they have in healing and creating an atmosphere but are still hesitant how to get started in making your first creation as part of a collection of Home Remedies . Below are a few ideas which are easy to follow.

Ingredients:

An essential oil that you like the smell of the scent or aroma which will bring the results you require.

One cone or incense stick (unscented).

Carrier Oil.

Method:

Using blending oil, pour into a plastic container (at least one third) and mix with two thirds of the aromatherapy oil.

Place the incense in the container. Leave in a cool dark place for twenty four hours.

Dry the cone for forty eight hours.

Using Candles:

If you prefer to use a candle choose the candle of your choice. Take a long pin or darning needle and make holes for the essential oil to seep through.

As previously stated, soak a candle in the mixture for twenty four hours, leaving the wick at the top of the candle showing.

Leave the candle to dry for twelve hours.

Warning: do not leave candles burning when there is no-one in the room

Pine trees are well known in the West. However they are found mainly in Northern Europe, Russia and Scandinavia. There are approximately eight different species of this fine tree including Scots and Norwegian Pine where most of the essential oils are obtained.

The pine tree has been associated with religious ceremonies in the past; it was useful in infections like bronchitis, tuberculosis and pneumonia. It has been said that where there is a forest of pine trees the air is excellent for clearing the lungs.

The Pine essential oil has antiseptic, balsamic, Decongestant, deodorant, and diuretic properties to name a few. It is popular in the ingredients of soaps, bath salts and cleaning products.

Mind:
The essential oil is good to refresh a tired mind and if the body is suffering from fatigue.

Body:
The pine essential oils helps laryngitis, chest infections, clears sinuses and has an effect if a person has the problem of profuse sweating.

It can stimulate the circulatory system and yet bring relief in arthritic conditions and the digestive system.

The kidneys can be cleansed and also effective if a person suffers from cystitis, or hepatitis.

Skin:
Pine essential oil is a valuable aid as part of person’s Home Remedies if suffering from psoriasis or eczema.