Traditional Herbal Medicine
Using herbs to restore health and vitality by relieving symptoms has been used from caveman to present time. Ancient civilisations used plants to supplement their diet and to cure common ailments. Traditional Chinese Medicine is one of the few traditional medicines that has remained consistent and passed down in its entirety, western herbal medicine spent many years in the dark, largely ignored or disparaged by the emerging physicians and surgeons over the last century and more.
Before the 1920’ antibiotics and aspirin had not been discovered, with their emergence herbal medicine declined in popularity and use and became reduced to a ‘hippy’ status. Fortunately with WHO recognizing that two thirds of the worlds population are using the herbal system of medicine, TCM, Native American and Ayurvedic medicines are the most prevalent.
This tip sheet is not designed to replace medical advice or contradict it. Always seek medical advice if experiencing an ongoing complaint or worsening condition.
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Providing the best natural care for your child
Listen to your child, trust your instincts, you know your child best, the doctor will normally trust a mothers concern. You will know when you need the doctor. Let your doctor know if your child is taking natural products, even if they disapprove, preventative medicine is endorsed and promoted by the World Health Organisation – its what are grandparents relied on. However, the best help you can get is a qualified GP or specialist should a serious condition or concern arise. |
Not all herbs and supplements are suitable for children. Use shelf products that are made up for children if you are not seeing a practitioner; shelf products such as the Blackmores Range or Brauer are good starting points. Know the company and manufacturer, bear in mind that Australian therapeutic products are subject to rigorous TGA approval. Don’t buy on line from countries which may have dubious manufacturing standards. Read the directions carefully, don’t overdose, less is more. |
When to seek Healthcare: Be aware that seemingly simple conditions may worsen and become severe very quickly.
Seek help immediately if:
- Your child is under 3 months of age
- Your child is under 6 months of age and has a fever
- A fever presents over 39C
- Your child is lethargic and difficult to wake
- Your child cries constantly and complains of a headache
- Severe vomiting presents
- She/he has difficulty breathing or has bluish lips
- A tender groin in boys presents itself
- A purple of red rash appears that does not fade on finger pressure
- Has not passed s tool for more than two days, has continual diarrhea or cannot urinate.