October 23, 2017 - Raising World Children

Better Health With Healing Ingredients In Your Kitchen

‘Popping a pill’ to feel better, seems like the easiest and quickest solution to treating an ailment.

A mild cough or a slight temperature is enough to make most people run to the doctor to get some prescribed antibiotics. *Ironically, frequent use of antibiotics can make the bacteria in our body more resistant to it, thus making the antibiotic useless in its treatment in the future.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are usually used in the treatment of allergies, headaches, body pain, cold, etc. However, these non-prescription medications come with their own side-effects like dizziness, nausea, bleeding and more.

From thousands of years ago, ingredients from our kitchens have been used to treat different illnesses and diseases. But these traditional remedies seem to have been forgotten, instead of passed on.

So here is a list of a few hidden gems in our kitchens that have miraculous healing properties.

Honey: The Best Antibiotic

Pure honey is proven to be very effective in killing germs that cause human diseases. Honey is the best natural remedy for treating throat infections, common colds and flu. **In addition, it is also used to treat infected wounds and burns, stomach ulcers and other ailments because it is alkaline in nature.

Black Seeds (Nigella Sativa): Healer of all Diseases except Death

Black seeds act as a natural immunity booster and can protect our body against various germs. When mixed with honey, it is effective in destroying bladder and kidney stones. It is often used in the treatment of diabetes, migraines, digestive problems, asthma and chronic eczema. Black seeds help regulate the menstrual cycle, hence it can be very helpful for women suffering from PCOD/PCOS. It also helps increase the flow of milk in lactating mothers.

Carom seeds/Ajwain: The Gut Healer

Carom seeds are the best cure for most stomach related problems like indigestion, flatulence, constipation, diarrhea and menstrual cramps. It is also a natural antacid and helps keep acidity and acid reflux at bay. Drinking a glass of warm water with soaked carom seeds on an empty stomach, aids in weight loss, as it is a metabolism booster.

Carom seeds are also very effective to treat cold, cough, flu, joint pains and arthritis naturally. Being an antioxidant, it purifies the blood and flushes out toxins from our body, thus giving us glowing skin. In new mothers, it aids in healing the uterus and increases the flow of milk too.

Flax seeds: A Natural ‘Wonder-Drug’ for Women

Flax seeds are a rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids and ‘LIGNAN’, which helps prevent breast cancer, balances hormones, maintains regularity of the menstrual cycle and reverses aging in our body. ***They are very helpful in treating PCOS/PCOD naturally. These nutritious seeds lower blood cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attacks. Flax seeds are very high in fibre, thus they promote digestive health and reduce gut inflammation. They also help reduce the ‘dry eye’ syndrome.

Black Pepper: The ‘All-In-One’ – Antibiotic, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammation

Black pepper is considered to be the ‘king of spices.’ It is known to stimulate skin pigmentation and is used as a natural alternative in the treatment of the skin disease Vitiligo. Black pepper helps lower blood pressure, reduces inflammation and clears the nose and chest of congestion. It stimulates appetite, aids in weight loss and protects against premature aging. Black pepper is also known to be a natural diuretic.

Cinnamon: The Immunity Booster

Cinnamon has the highest source of antioxidants than any other spice. It is a great immunity booster and helps fight viruses that cause cold and flu. Cinnamon lowers blood sugar and helps fight diabetes. It also lowers swelling, reduces inflammation and aids in fat burning. Cinnamon can also be used as a natural mouth freshener.

Turmeric: The Inflammation Fighter

Turmeric contains ‘Curcumin’, which is a cancer-fighting compound that is proven to reduce the growth of cancerous cells. It helps fight chronic inflammation, which plays a major role in the cause of arthritis, Alzheimer’s, cancer and other degenerative diseases.

Vinegar: A Natural Cleanser

The safest way to consume fruits and vegetables is by rinsing them well and soaking them in a vinegar solution for 15-20 minutes. Vinegar helps get rid of any dirt and/or any residual pesticides. Unless you are growing your own fruits and vegetables, this is the best way to ensure that what goes into your mouth is safe and clean.

With the upcoming flu season, here are some great tips to beat the weather blues.

1. Fight the cold – roast some carom seeds/ajwain, put it in a sock and tie up. Inhale the vapors and keep it beside your pillow all night. The soothing aroma will fix your clogged/runny nose. This is by far the best natural remedy for babies and kids.

2. Battle the cold and cough – boil water with some turmeric (antibacterial), carom seeds, & a black tea bag (antioxidant). Once hot, add a teaspoon of VICKS vapor rub and mix. Sit on the floor for inhaling as this is the safest with hot water. Cover your head and the vessel with a thick towel, and inhale for at least 10-15 minutes. To treat babies and toddlers, boil and keep the vessel in the room where they sleep. The vapours will help the child breathe smoothly.

3. Cough relief – make a honey-ginger syrup with freshly extracted ginger juice, some finely grated ginger and honey. Add this syrup to hot water and drink often.

4. When you get the flu, start your day with a cup of warm water infused with honey, black pepper, turmeric and cinnamon. All the above ingredients have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Wishing good health and happiness to everyone!

References:-

*www.kidshealth.org

**Islamic Medicine, Yusuf Al-Hajj Ahmad

***www.fertilitychef.com

Minali Bajaj-Syed is an Indian, born and settled in Kuwait. Having lived in Kuwait, India and the United States, I have had the opportunity to experience a diverse set of cultures. Thus, I consider myself as a global citizen. I am always learning, evolving and trying to spread some positivity. On most days, I am a mother to two kids and a food blogger on Instagram @cinnamon_cardamom.

Here’s What To Do When Your Kid Is A Bully

Bullying is never acceptable in a society where each and every human being is entitled to respectful treatment. When hearing the word “Bully” most of you think of the words like “being mean, disrespectful, low self-esteem, threatening, taunting, beating and verbally or physically abusing.

It is a significant issue that affects people of all ages and can take many different forms. But, it takes a serious turn when it happens among kids, more importantly younger grades. Kids getting bullied is a sensitive issue and no parents want their child to be bullied.

No matter what else is going on, the fear of your kid might be picked on by a bully never leaves. Imagining your kid getting hurt by a group or a single person can be heartbreaking.

But, what if a parent approaches you and complains about your kid for bullying their kid? It would be the one scenario you never imagined.

Acknowledging the fact that your kid is a bully can be distressing. It can be a mixture of shock, fear, embarrassment, and disbelief. The first and foremost response from you would be “I know my kid, she would never hurt anyone”.

The truth, sadly is no parent knows their kid hundred percent. You might not know how to handle the situation or deal with your kid’s mental health. Following some of the below tips can help you overcome this tough path without creating any war.

Handling The Parents of Bully-Victims:

Most crucial part of an incident is handling the parents of the kids who got bullied. When a mom or dad approach you stating that your kid bullied their kid, you would normally get defensive.

You would speak for your kid because you didn’t see it coming. But, it is a wrong way to treat a parent and it does no good for your kid too. Hearing a negative thing about your kid will be devastating but you should stay strong to deal the situation in a better way.

What should you do?

Take a deep breath and let them know you understand the seriousness of the issue.
Acknowledge the matter.
Convey your apology.
Let them know you will try to resolve the issue but before you need to hear the other side of the story from your kid. Make sure no one is hurt by doing it gently.

Analyzing The Situation and Dealing With It:

The fear of “your kid may be bullied one day” has turned upside down. Hearing the different truth which you never imagined makes you feel stupid.

The confidence of “I know my kid” has taken a beating. You might feel a heaviness in your heart which urges you to corner your kid and inquire about the bully situation. But, never do that. Instead, approach your kid and make sure he is well fed. Make him feel relax and calm and sit with your kid. Speak in a firm tone and ask him what happened and why he behaved in a certain way.

Assure your kid that you are not being judgmental and ready to listen to his side of the story. Once he explains don’t load him with pieces of advice which is of no use here. Instead, ask him questions in a polite way which gives him some time to realize the mistakes. For instance, ask him ” Do you think what you did is right?”, Is the way you behaved is respectful?” , “Will it be ok if you are treated in the same way?”

Emphasize the discussion by teaching him the fair treatment and respectful deeds. Doing this way you can prevent the bullying attitude in the initial stages.

What If The Bullying Is No More In The Initial Phase:

Unfortunately, many parents are not aware of bullying incidents until or unless it seeks serious attention. So, what if you are in no place to prevent it in the earlier stage?

It’s very important to remember that children who bully are still children. Without any proper help and guidance, they could never understand what is happening to them. It’s our responsibility to care and treat them in an appropriate way. Taking note of bullying habits, victimized behavior and following the below tips can be helpful for early intervention.

To stop them from not bullying other kids:

Never call your kid a “Bully”. Parents addressing their own kids as bully causes more reasons to act in a weird way.
It’s important that you communicate with the school and consider what issues, either at home or school, could be contributing to your kid’s bullying behavior.
Try role-playing with different scenarios to teach your child how to treat others with respect and kindness.
Encourage good behavior and keep a reward system in place. Books can be a great reward idea. Never use monetary gifts for rewarding kids.
Get to know your kid’s social life, friends and other persons they spend time with. Make sure there are no people with inappropriate behavior. Bad role models with anger issues and superiority attitude can be a bad influence.
Look for changes in habit, behavior, physical and mental health like constant anxiety, loss of self-confidence, skipping meals, fake health complaints etc.
When a situation is out of your hand don’t hesitate to ask for help. There are many bullying prevention programs in schools which could be of great help. Counseling and therapy can also be a better option.
Never discipline your kid by constantly belittling them. Enforcing rules with a heavy hand is not the right way to treat your kid.

It is certain that you need to find the root of the behavioral problem. Provide the proper care to make your kid realize that bullying is not acceptable anywhere and anytime! Has your child ever been accused of being a bully? What steps would you suggest to other parents?

Make sure to check out this resource on bullying – https://www.drugrehab.com/guides/bullying/

Sindhuja Kumar is a proud mom and a lifestyle blogger living in Connecticut, USA and origin from Tamilnadu, India. She is happily married and nothing excites her more than being a mom. She blogs to keep herself sane, more or less writing about positive parenting adventures, DIY Craft tutorials & scrumptious recipes that empowers every mom and woman to stay inspired and living an elegant life in a creative way. Check her work @ PassionateMoms.