Wisdom of Healing

Wisdom of Healing
Herbal and Wellness Education

ADD, ADHD, various learning difficulties, childhood depression and a host of other physical or emotional health issues have risen exponentially in the last few decades.

Whenever possible, buy organic foods and beverages.

Essential fatty acids (EFA’s) are crucial for literally every cell in the body.

Numerous studies have been done showing EFA’s effectiveness with some of today’s common conditions, including ADD, ADHD, IQ scores, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, dyslexia, learning difficulties, visual function, hostility, aggression and many other related conditions.

Studies have also shown that children with any of these conditions are more likely to experience allergies, asthma, eczema, stomachaches and ear infections than other children. This indicates the probable connection to the digestive system, including both assimilation of nutrients and elimination of toxin accumulation.

Supplementing at mealtime with children’s digestive enzymes and an excellent probiotic (acidophilus, bifidus, etc) first thing in the morning (wait 15-30 minutes before eating) will help the body to get the nutrients to the cells and improve elimination of toxins.

Include more cultured foods in your child’s diet. Kids often love yogurt, kefir, miso, sauerkraut and pickles, given the opportunity, because they taste sour and/or salty!

Gentle daily detoxification using foods and nutritious herbs is the safest method for reducing this toxic load from the liver, blood, organs and cells. Lemon juice, organic blueberries, Cellfood, nettles and raspberry leaf tea can all support gentle and safe daily detoxification.

Here are the top 10 favorite general cleansing herbs and foods. Please pay close attention to the quality of the product you choose. Please buy organic/ local whenever possible.

Turmeric
Ginger
Holy basil (tulsi)
Red clover
Burdock
Hempseeds
Sea vegetables
Blessed thistle
Dark leafy green vegetables
Sprouts

When Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) or Melissa (lemon balm) is added to the EFA’s, probiotics and dietary modifications, results can be profound. Positive results are often noticed by teachers and parents within just a few days.

Holy basil can also help with feelings of anxiousness, irritability, attention, focus, blood sugar issues, restlessness, disturbed sleep and mood swings.

Melissa is soothing, calming, and beneficial for helping to improve focus.

Both of these gentle herbs can support the immune system, helping to prevent cold, flu, ear infections, etc. according to research.

Minerals are also an important group of nutrients for brain function.

An easy way to ‘sneak’ minerals into your child’s diet is to sprinkle kelp or dulse flakes into everything you cook. Sea vegetables have all the macro and trace minerals needed by the developing and properly functioning brain.

Another way for children to enjoy consuming vital nutrients is by offering them herbal teas every day. Experiment with flavors that they may enjoy, and feel free to add extra nettles, raspberry leaf or alfalfa to increase the nutritional profile. Be sure to cover the tea cup or teapot as it steeps to retain those important vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.

Ample amounts of Vitamin B complex have been associated with good brain and nervous function. Likewise, low amounts of B vitamins have been shown to reduce cognitive function, increase irritability, depression and poor test scores. Good food sources of the B vitamins include all cultured foods, including whole milk organic yogurt and kefir. It is important to choose whole milk organic cultured dairy foods, as many important nutrients are bound to the fat, so low-fat and fat-free versions are simply not as nutritious. And as far as the fat goes, these are good fats, the ones that support good health and brain function!