Sniffle season is well upon us. Some houses have a number of children under the weather, and we definitely want to get rid of it in time for Santa.
This time of year, I'm always scrambling for vitamins (in the forms of jellies) to give the kids, plying them with as much of the 'good stuff' as I can – note: by 'good stuff' it mostly means berries, peas, and on the odd
really lucky day (for me, not them), a miniscule piece of broccoli.
As much as you try to build their little immune systems as best you can with food, supplements, and sneaking clandestine veggies into their food in as many ways you can, you just cannot avoid the common cold sometimes.
So, I HAD to share this detox bath recipe, discovered on this nifty little
blog (which has some awesome healthy food for kids tips, by the way). The bath helps banish all the nasties in their systems, aids the absorption of minerals that will strengthen their immunity, AND helps with their sleep when they're feeling poorly. Win-win!
You need:
1/2 cup of Epson Salts or Magnesium flakes
2 tablespoons of baking soda
(Adults can use use 1 cup of salts and 4 tablespoons of baking soda)
(It's worth noting, for using epsom salts, typically, the dosage for an adult or child over the age of six is about two cups in a full bathtub, for up to 30 minutes in the bath In most cases, Epsom salt is not recommended for children under six. While the salt solution is not necessarily harmful, accidental ingestion may cause sudden diarrhoea).
Instructions:
Fill the bathtub halfway with warm water. Place the salts and baking soda, and stir with your hand to dissolve. Take a bath for at least 15-20 minutes. The body will extract the toxins first, and then start to absorb the minerals, but make sure they don't drink the water. Magnesium has a laxative effect.
Rinse well afterwards and towel dry. Make sure to have drinking water available; a detox bath can make a little one very thirsty. Magnesium also promotes sleep, so the kids will soon be ready for bed – here's hoping.
Do this at the first sign of a cold. Add to this, a drink with raw honey and lemon, some probiotic tablets or powder hidden in food, and as much garlic as you can get into them.
Good luck!
This information should not replace professional advice by a qualified doctor.
