Natural Practitioner June 2012 : Page 19Guild and a classical homeopath, said she will often see a parent and child after they have seen many doctors and the child is still suffering from the same condition. “Most moms and dads want to be really heard when it comes to their chil-dren. I include the parents in the detec-tive work as we try to find the cause of the problem and then we come up with a plan together,” said Chana. “Besides the fact that herbal and homeopathic treatments are more gentle than con-ventional medicine, I believe that when parents feel involved with their child’s healing they feel more confident, and that confidence makes the child more confident. That self-assurance and safe feeling alone helps heal the child.” Chana explained that she uses classi-cal homeopathy and/or herbal tinctures with her clients. “I find they really get better when we make the herbal mixes match their exact symptoms rather than just a general medication like ones that allopathic doctors give,” she said. “With herbal tinctures, I mix anywhere from three to 10 herbs depending on the patient’s specific symptoms.” Topical BioMedic’s Paradise noted that, in more than 50 percent of chronic Eustachian tube blockage, there are no bacteria present, so the allopathic treat-ment with antibiotics is inappropriate. “Whether over-prescribing or giving the wrong kind of antibiotic can actually cause a resistant strain of bacteria in the lining of Eustachian tube,” he said, not-ing that natural options can prove more effective for children. “Rather, using probiotics and eardrops containing mullein and garlic oil instead of antibi-otics can provide relief and supports optimum immune function so the infection doesn’t return. In addition, doctors continue to report that using Topricin Junior under the ear lobe at the lower jaw has done wonders for pain relief. When this is done in place of acet-aminophen, the children are the winners,” Paradise added. A popular product from Gaia Kids line is its Ear Oil, which includes herbs infused into organic olive oil provid-ing soothing qualities and local immune support, as well as mullein leaf and flower, gar-lic, goldenseal, St. John’s wort and lobelia to support the JUNE 2012 WWW.NATURALPRACTITIONERMAG.COM healthy mucous membrane function of the ear. Bill Chioffi, director of herbal educa-tion for Gaia Herbs, pointed out that Dr. Bove developed the Gaia Kids line of herbal products specifically for children. “The ingredients, strengths and dosages have all been developed specifically for children ages 1 to 13 years,” he said, not-ing the products are delivered as alcohol free herbal extracts, syrups and two top-ical applications including a chest rub and ear oil. Dr. Psota also shared that there’s significant evidence supporting the anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties of elderberry, which is great for chil-dren with upper respiratory tract infections or influenza. 1 “Elderberry not only has an excellent safety pro-file, but it tastes pretty good, too—two essentials in a pediatric practice. It’s always helpful to reassure parents that a product has been proven safe and effective, and that getting the child to take it won’t be a fight.” Supplements Counseling children with ADHD, Dr. London recommends a quality fish oil, a good multivitamin with a good mix of minerals like magnesium and amino acids like suntheanine to increase alpha wave activity to create a calm clear focus during the day and more REM sleep at night. “Keep in mind none of these are a replacement for consistently providing healthy food choices, daily exercise and organizational tools; they are a comple-ment to a healthy diet and lifestyle.” When talking about allergies, remov-ing foods such as nuts, gluten, dairy, etc., that cause the reactions is a first step, according to Nordic Naturals’ Dr. Marshall. Then one needs to tackle the inflammation, help children build up their immune systems and ensure they’re getting the nutrients that might be lacking. Where anxiety, depression and other attention issues are con-cerned, she offered that it’s important to provide nutri-ents essential for brain devel-opment. Omega-3s, particu-larly from fish oil, can be the answer on both fronts. “Fish oil provides essential nutrients kids typically aren’t getting through their diets. If kids have an allergic compo-nent, then parents should sup-plement with an algal-based supple-ment,” she said. “When dealing with kids who have attention issues, anxiety or depression, they need nutrients for healthy brain tissue, and DHA is a fun-damental part of the cell membrane specific to the brain.” Dr. Marshall added that Nordic Naturals has more than 150 different products in a variety of flavors, concen-trations and delivery forms. The compa-ny’s website features all the clinical research done on its products; currently 20 studies have been done with another 40 plus with clinical trials underway. “Of those more than 40 studies, 25 percent of them are on children, from autism to allergies,” she said. “With supplements, it comes down to the individual child— what their deficiencies might be and what they’re capable of taking. Taste and delivery are important considerations.” Dr. Dean said that, over the years, she has challenged supplement companies to come up with a safe product that kids will actually take. “Currently only one compa-ny meets my criteria: Kids Natural Calm Multi from Natural Vitality,” she said. “It provides a good-tasting liq-uid supplement using organic flavors and organic non-sugar sweeteners. The multi includes Natural Calm magnesium, zinc, EFAs, methylated B vitamins (B6, B12), vitamin C and a trace mineral complex. Plus, the com-pany added a blend of 24 organic veg-etables and fruits most kids don’t get in their current diet,” she said. “Our objective with Kids Natural Calm was to create a calm-focus formu-la that combined key nutrients in an easy-to-take daily liquid multi,” said Ken Whitman, president of Natural Vitality in Texas. “A very important distinguish-ing factor is that this multi contains omega-3s, so a separate EFA supplement is not required. Additionally, most children like the taste, but it can easily be added to juice or a smoothie.” Another standout for Dr. Psota is a quality probiotic due to the over-whelming amount of positive stud-ies on their use in children. “They are safe in pregnancy and in infants, and have been shown to help prevent (Continued on page 48) NATURAL PRACTITIONER 19 Publication List Using a screen reader? Click Here |
