By Dr. Nicole Sundene
Scottsdale Naturopathic Doctor
Being a Naturopathic Doctor's kid means you grow up thinking about health and medicine quite differently. My daughter has a sore throat today, so she asked me to whip her up some “throat tea.” This made me laugh because I am sure not many kids out there think to ask their parents to make them an herbal tea for their symptoms.... although it SHOULD be how we all think and raise our kids.
Cloves are the first thing I know I have in the cupboard that come to mind as they are a natural analgesic and numbing agent for pain, the proanthocyanidins in blackberries are also powerful anti-inflammatories and immune supporting.
So the Naturopathic Doctor is out of elderberries today and is thus dumping a whole bag of frozen blackberries in as potent 2nd choice medicine. Blackberries have the most flavonoids, followed by blueberries and then raspberries. Strawberries are pretty worthless for flavonoids although high in Vitamin C.
Licorice is soothing to the throat, antiviral and gives a sweet flavor acting as an important “Synergist Herb” or the harmonizer which is the herb in Naturopathic Medicine that binds all the other herbs together. Honey is antiviral and antibacterial (Do not give honey to babies.) Cinnamon is antiviral and Star Anise is a powerful herbal antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
Basically the purpose of these oils in nature for ALL of these aromatic spices is to repel bugs and microbes naturally for the plant which is why they also work as amazing Naturopathic Medicine! I drink this straight but recommend giving about 1 Tbl to a child over 2 every 2 hours diluted in warm water. Work with your own Naturopathic Doctor.
Testimonial: “This tea is totally nasty, Mom. But my throat feels so much better!”
So there you have it! Naturopathic Medicine works!
Dr. Nicole Sundene, NMD
Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is considered a Female Hormone Expert in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause, Thyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology , Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School. With over 22 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones she presents to women the best integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease. She has been an Herbalist for over 27 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones and Naturopathy!
Hahaha! So funny your daughter actually gave her own little testimonial but it did work. I love how she knows to ask for herbs and not drugs. What a refreshing change!