Winter Wellness for the whole family

It is that time of year isn’t it, all the bugs and colds will be arriving. Here are ways to navigate this colder season

Some Tips & Tricks:

Massage – Massage for any age can really make a difference when there is illness in the house – massage those feet, the chest area, the back and the face and round the ears (especially for ear infections). Massage aids the release of pain relieving endorphins, oxytocin and relax the nervous system which in turn boosts the immune system. Never underestimate the power of massage in your home.

Tummy Time – For the babies & toddlers Tummy time can really help to release blocked noses and mucus from the lungs – Am I talking about plonking baby on the floor all the time, No! This can be over your leg, on a gym ball (pop a cosy blanket over it) or if you have been in yoga do some dips when baby is settled and happy. For toddler pop a comfy cushion on the floor and let them read a book or dare I say it…watch their favourite video on their tablet while lying on the cushion, have the hankies at the ready as their noses unblock.

Eucalyptus Salve – Our staple winter salve. You can use this on the feet, chest, in warm water, in the bath, mixed with massage oil for those chest and feet massages (and yes that is massage for the whole family!)

Eucalyptus Essential Oil – One bottle lasts a whole winter. Pop some in a diffuser, or warm water, pop a few drops on a tea towel/muslin and hang on the radiator, add some to the bath. For older children and adults pop a few drops under your pillow at night.

Probiotics/Vitamin D – This is especially essential if any little ones end up on antibiotics over the winter as these can deplete the good bacteria from the gut, you may even find they lose their appetite, become fussy and irritable and just generally not themselves. Probiotics can help to balance the gut again and get them back to their usual selves.

Video normal breathing – With the rise in RSV over the past few years it is good advice to video your little ones normal breathing pattern so that you can check on this if their breathing ever becomes different or you suspect RSV. If they do end up with RSV don’t use plug ins or anything with menthol on the ingredients list because this can narrow nasal passages and airways. 

Get Outdoors – Fresh air and getting out into nature is a true healer and can settle little ones very much. Wrap baby up and head out on a walk. If toddlers are under the weather wrap them up warm and get them into some fresh air for a little while, even if it is just in the back garden.

These are just a few tips and I hope they do help you over the coming months. I have made a wee list of recommendations for you below….