A peek into my medicine cabinet~

 

I believe in using the things our Creator has given us to help heal our bodies, that HE created.

I want to share with you some of my all time favorite "go-to's" when colds strike my family.

SALT:

When those noses start to run, I immediately get my salt.

 

There is nothing like it. I like to use a good quality natural sea salt.

I mix about a 1/4 tsp. of salt with 1 cup of warm water.

 Then I get my little sucker bulb, my child (or myself). Head over the sink, I squeeze a full bulb of that warm salt water up each nostril. Repeat if needed. It's amazing what comes out of those little ones' noses, that blowing alone, will not budge! It's not the most pleasant experience, but my kids know that it helps them so much, and will even ask me to "do their nose" when they feel stuffy. The great benfit to using the salt water, is that it kills the bacteria, and helps loosen up all that mucous, and expel it. If the bacteria stays in the nose and sinus cavity (which is where a cold starts), it will multiply, and spread to other areas, like the ears and throat.

COLLOIDAL SILVER:

 I have been using colloidal silver, with wonderful results, for years. It is used as a natural antibiotic. My whole family (even as babies )have enjoyed its benefits. After doing the salt water procedure above, I will drop two drops of colloidal silver in each nostril. The best way to do this is to lay on a bed with your head slightly laying off the edge. Once the drops are in, I have my children lay down for a few minutes to let the silver work, before running out when they sit up.

 Colloidal silver can also be dropped in the ears, and the eyes. I have healed many ear infections and pink eye using it.

HONEY:

When my children complain of a sore throat, I make them honey cinnamon tea (unless they are two years of age and younger).

I heat water (not to a boil, just warm, so it does not kill the good things in the honey and cinnamon) and pour it into a tea cup. Then, I add one teaspoon of  local honey, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. I give them this usuall two times a day when they have a sore throat.

Health Benefits of Honey:

1. Prevent cancer and heart disease

2. Reduce ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders

3. Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal

4. Increase athletic performance

5. Reduce cough and throat irritation

6. Blood sugar regulation

7.  Heal wounds and burns

8.  Probiotic

GARLIC:

 

Garlic has so many healing properties. One being that it helps to ward off colds and viruses. For myself and my two older children, I will finely chop one tsp. of garlic (usually about one clove), and let it sit for about 15 minutes. I put it in a spoon, and cover with honey. Then, down the hatch! The honey helps get the garlic down :). My little ones (three and five) can't quite take this yet, but they will one day. It is really not that bad, and the results are worth it.

 

There are many other things I use, as well as these, to strengthen our immune systems and help us get through a cold without letting it turn into something worse and having to go to the doctor to get on antibiotics. These are just a few of my favorites.

 

Be blessed, and healthy...

 

Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. Genesis 1:29

 

"The Art of Mothering"

moth·er

/ˈməT͟Hər/

Noun A woman in relation to a child or children to whom she has given birth.

Verb Bring up (a child) with care and affection: "the art of mothering".

Synonyms mama - mamma - parent - mom - ma - mum - mummy   As mine and my husband's quiver has grown over the years, I am realizing that the "giving birth" part of being a mother is probably the easiest part of all. The beauty of carrying a child inside of your body, and feeling the first little kick, and seeing your belly swell to the point of not being able to see your feet anymore is such a God given gift. After all He is at work in you in such a powerful way. His hand is upon you everyday as He knits that little one together. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. Psalm 139:13  Once you hold that precious baby in your arms for the first time, you are never the same. Your love multiplies beyond what you could ever imagine.   Then those little ones begin to grow (quickly). They begin to have new needs, new desires, new challenges, new joys. As a mother who is with her children, virtually all the time (since I home school), I get a lot of time to practice the verb of mother Bring up (a child) with care and affection: "the art of mothering". This is an enormous task, that requires dependency on the Lord for strength and help.   ...with care~ Feel concern or interest; attach importance to something: It is easy to just 'get through the day', but those little ones know whether you are really interested in what they are saying, what picture they just drew, their story, their fear. They know, and it is so important to make the effort to show them you care; that you really are interested, and see what they are trying to share with you, as important. If we make a habit of brushing them off now, and not truly listening, will they come to us when they are older? Will they feel the connection, and comfort of sharing things with Mama then? ...with affection~ A gentle feeling of fondness or liking. Physical expressions of these feelings.   These little eyes are watching us like a hawk. They do not miss a thing. They can sense joy, silliness, love, fear, frustration. My children are like sponges, and they respond to my cues. I can't hide my emotions very well, and they know it. Our children need to feel that they are liked. They need hugs, kisses, tickles. In the business of our day we need to always remember to express our love and not just assume they know we love them. Those extra kisses on the head, the random hug, or cuddle, can make all the difference in their little hearts. Keeping up with the daily demands of being a mom isn't easy for anyone. But being strong, and joyful, and not letting your stress and frustrations shine through is something I know we all need to work on. It is so important that our kids see Jesus in us; that they see the fruits of the Spirit "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control". To me, that is harder than giving birth any day :) A Mother's Influence I Took a piece of plastic clay And idly fashioned it one day, And as my fingers pressed it still, It moved and yielded to my will. I came again when days were passed; The bit of clay was hard at last, The form I gave it still it bore, But I could change that form no more! I took a piece of living clay And touched it gently day by day, And molded with my power and art A young child's soft and yielding heart. I came again when years were gone; It was a man I looked upon; That early impress still he wore, And I could change that form no more! Anon.   Some days I feel the task is too great. How can I effectively mold these precious lambs, and influence what they will be? But God is in us. He holds our hand, and says follow Me. Listen to His still, small voice. Be encouraged.You are not alone.