May is Women’s Health Month, recognized every year to help raise awareness for health-related issues and topics important to women of all ages. In this guest post, Nancy Peplinsky of Holistic Moms Network (HMN) shares how integrative medicines like homeopathy can give mothers the courage to take charge of their families’ health. Long-time Boiron partner HMN is currently hosting its membership drive. Visit HolisticMoms.org/connect to join or renew.
The journey of motherhood is indeed a long and winding road. It can be fraught with fear and anxiety over every sniffle, fever, belly ache, and bruise. Or it can be an opportunity to empower yourself as a wellness mother and gain new insight into the many ways that you can help heal your children and yourself. Integrative and holistic practices offer moms amazing ways to arm themselves against the everyday challenges that raising kids may bring and provide them with the tools to help along the body’s natural healing process. These natural and holistic remedies for raising kids avoid the pitfalls of risky side effects and chemical exposure while working with the body to speed recovery.
From infancy to young adulthood, holistic parenting provides a limitless toolkit for both preventative and curative care. There is no lack of knowledge about natural health, often passed from generation to generation, and there certainly is an abundance of information readily available from friends, family, and the internet.
New moms who are breastfeeding can find natural support for increasing and maintaining a healthy milk supply with herbs such as fenugreek. As babies begin to get their teeth, fresh ginger root, chamomile tea, and homeopathic teething remedies such as Camilia can help to naturally soothe the discomfort of teething. Toddler, child, and even young adult bumps and bruises can benefit from non-toxic treatments, including aloe vera, vitamin K, Arnica, and, of course, ice. Each parenting twist and turn presents a chance to learn about improving health at home. Ginger is wonderful for upset stomachs; elderberries for boosting the immune system when cold and flu viruses make their appearance; peppermint essential oil is powerful for treating headaches; while neem and witch hazel can do wonders for acne.
Feeling empowered is an essential component of motherhood. One of the most profound lessons I learned in my own mothering journey is to have confidence and trust in my instincts. Knowing your children makes you their best caretaker, and having natural solutions on hand can lead to some amazing and holistic treatments. Seek out medical professionals — conventional and integrative — who respect a parent’s knowledge, voice, and choices to achieve the best results to successfully use your tools for the best results.
Nancy Peplinsky, PhD, is the founder of the Holistic Moms Network, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization for parents interested in holistic health and green living. Nancy is passionate about natural and holistic wellness and believes that connection and community are essential for a positive parenting experience. For more information, visit HolisticMoms.org.
