Wellness Mama®
Simple Answers for Healthier Families
Oh summer… how I love thee. With an abundance of fresh veggies at the farmer’s market (not to mention fresh peaches for cobbler) and lots of fun activities to do as a family, summer is almost perfect… Except for the mosquitoes… or the occasional poison ivy… or an itchy peeling sunburn! Of course, homemade bug spray helps ward off most …
I always prefer natural remedies for illness when it’s appropriate since they often shorten illness (rather than just relieve symptoms). Hand, foot, and mouth disease (strange as the name may be) is just another illness that is usually best tended to at home. What Is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease? Hand, foot, and mouth disease …
Sometimes a plant holds a lot more than meets the eye (many times, actually). I’ve written before about the health benefits of herbs and spices, and today I’d like to cover an herb we don’t hear about every day but that every woman should know about. Ever heard of vitex? Also called chaste tree or …
I use herbal remedies for many things on a daily basis. From homemade lotions, to infused oils and salves, to herbal teas and veggie smoothies, we use a lot of different herbs each day for the nutritional benefits and one of my favorites is alfalfa. Alfalfa, you ask? Isn’t that what they feed cows, horses, and other …
You probably already know that there are many natural remedies for colds and flu. One hundred years ago, families wouldn’t have made the trek to the doctor for something so easily managed at home. There’s a misconception that bronchitis is a very serious illness that always needs a trip to the doctor and a prescription. …
One thing I can’t stand? A sore throat! It’s truly miserable, especially for kids. I keep the ingredients on hand to make this herbal sore throat spray when sickness hits, but there’s nothing like a hot cup of tea when you’re down and out. Especially if it’s a sore throat tea made with natural ingredients like …
Raspberry leaf is probably my favorite herb and definitely the one I consume the most because of its amazing nutrient profile. I even use it in my homemade multivitamin tincture. While the taste is nothing like raspberries, it has gentle taste similar to regular black tea (but without the caffeine). Raspberry leaf is generally known for …
Oh, seasonal allergies. They truly can make life miserable. The good news is, there are things we can do! Many people unnecessarily suffer from seasonal allergies when a few simple natural remedies can offer a lot of allergy relief. Studies estimate that over 25% of the population suffers from allergic disorders and climate change theories …
I am not a fan of commercial hand sanitizers. (Probably doesn’t surprise anyone!) This may sound strange but I don’t use antibacterial soap or strong cleaners at home because I actually believe having a little bacteria around is a good thing. I’m glad that I started making my own personal care products years ago, especially …
When the flu bites, when the cold stings … these are a few of my least favorite things! (And I bet I’m not alone!) Fortunately, it is possible to protect against some cases of illness with natural remedies that boost the body’s amazing natural immune system. Even once an illness has struck, there are things …
I was first introduced to castor oil as my due date approached with my first child. Like any mom, I was eager to meet my little one so I turned to the expansive wisdom that is Google to find ways to speed up my body’s natural process of going into labor. I found many folk remedies …
I love remedies that have many uses (like emu oil), and cannabidiol oil (or CBD or hemp oil) is gaining popularity for this reason. This oil extracted from the hemp plant has come under a lot of legal and moral questions. Opinions may differ but what can’t be ignored is the incredible healing power CBD oil …
I’ve used jojoba oil for years in my homemade lotion recipes among other personal care products, so I’m well aware of the amazing moisturizing benefits of jojoba oil. But there are many more benefits than as a simple (but amazing!) moisturizer. What Is Jojoba Oil? Jojoba (pronounced hoh-hoh-bah) is a liquid wax that closely resembles the …
Ginger root is one of the oldest and most popular natural remedies, and in my opinion also one of the most delicious. Ginger root is very easy to find in most places both in fresh and dried (and even pickled and candied) preparations. This is one herb I always keep on hand (I know, say …
Turmeric is a powerful spice with an impressive list of uses and benefits. It’s known for its antioxidant content and ability to work as an anti-inflammatory. This common culinary spice is prized in many cuisines around the world and with good reason. What’s So Great About Turmeric? In short…. a lot: The spice we refer …
A friend asked me if I had a DIY recipe for a natural version of shower melts (basically a bath bomb for the shower) since her favorite ones had been discontinued and she was looking for a cheaper and better homemade option. I’m so glad she asked because these little shower melts are a staple …
My post on why I don’t reduce fevers (and what I do instead) is one of my most popular, and I totally understand why! What parent hasn’t gone through a sleepless night or two … or twenty … worrying about a child with a high fever? Thankfully, fevers aren’t as dangerous as many people fear, …
The itchy, uncomfortable feeling and unsightly flakes that come with dandruff get old fast. Conventional treatments like shampoos, steroids and coal tar can help, but they’re far from natural or safe. Natural shampoos are hard to find and the few decent options are really expensive. These natural dandruff remedies use effective ingredients like apple cider …
If vegetables could be superheroes, onions would definitely be at the top of the list. This unassuming root vegetable boasts an impressive host of health benefits. Onions are also endlessly versatile, and the fact that most of us already have a few on hand at all times makes them an ideal home remedy you can whip …
It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of using elderberries to keep my family healthy during the winter months. My kids love their elderberry gummies and elderberry syrup, but sometimes it’s nice to have something that’s extra soothing for sore throats. These elderberry popsicles not only boost immunity, they also soothe an achy throat, …
I met my husband walking across the country, and it turns out you learn a lot about a person by walking 15+ miles a day with them. At the time, he was a 20-something guy into sports and healthy(ish) eating and I was into academics and pizza (I know, I know… the processed grains and …
Summer means swimming, water fun and time outside. Unfortunately, it also sometimes means the inconveniences attached to these activities. The mosquito bites, bee stings, skinned knees and swimmers ear. This year, my husband got a painful case of swimmers ear (outer ear infection) that my regular ear infection remedies weren’t able to help, since the …
There is a simple tree known as “the drumstick tree,” or scientifically as Moringa oleifera, which is commonly touted as a superfood since it is rich in nutrients, antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. Unfortunately, there is also a dark side to this small tree that is native to India, and there are some important cautions to know before …
Did you know you’ve probably pulled, stomped or sprayed a natural superfood that grows in your backyard? Dandelion is mostly known as a backyard weed, but it has amazing nutrient qualities and health promoting properties. All the parts of the plant can be used in various ways though the roots and leaves are the most commonly …
