As a mom, I’ve learned that some of the best tools for keeping my family healthy don’t always come from a pharmacy, but from nature itself. Over the years, I’ve turned to simple, natural remedies for everything from colds and coughs to stomach aches and restless nights. They’ve often brought us comfort, supported healing, and given me peace of mind knowing I could help my family in gentle, effective ways.
This guide is a collection of practical and time-tested remedies that can be used by both adults and children. You’ll find instructions, dosages, and easy to follow steps for each condition, so you don’t have to second-guess how to use them.
Of course, I want to be clear: I’m not a doctor, and these remedies are not meant to replace medical advice or treatment. They’re simply tools that have helped me and many others, and they might be helpful for you, too. Always check with your healthcare provider, especially for little ones, or if you’re dealing with more serious health concerns.
My hope in sharing this is to make natural care feel less overwhelming and more doable—like something you can reach for with confidence when your family needs it most. Nature has always offered us support, and this guide is here to help you tap into that in everyday life.
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new remedy, especially for children, during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or if you have underlying health conditions.
Table of contents
- Cold & Congestion
- Sore Throat
- Cough
- Fever (Low-grade)
- Upset Stomach / Nausea
- Constipation
- Ear Infections (Mild)
- Teething (Babies)
- Skin Rashes / Eczema
- Headache
- Anxiety / Sleep Trouble
- Diarrhea
- Immune Boost
- Sinus Infection
- Motion Sickness
- Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
- Bug Bites & Itching
- Sunburn
- Cradle Cap
- Growing Pains
- Nosebleeds
- Hiccups
- Bedwetting
- Bruises
- Diaper Rash
- Indigestion / Bloating
- Seasonal Allergies
- Cramping (Muscle or Menstrual)
- Minor Cuts & Scrapes
- Lice
- Warts
- Cold Sores
- Poison Ivy/Oak
- Asthma Support (Mild)
- Sore Nipples (Breastfeeding)
- Yeast Infections (Candida Overgrowth)
- Kidney Stones (Supportive Remedies)
- Abscesses (Skin Boils / Infections)
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (Underactive, Autoimmune)
- Graves’ Disease (Overactive, Autoimmune)
1.Cold & Congestion
- Elderberry Syrup
Adults: 1 tbsp 2-3x/day
Children (2+): 1 tsp 1-2x/day
- Steam Inhalation (Eucalyptus or Thyme)
Adults & Children (6+): 2-3 drops in hot water, inhale steam for 5-10 minutes
2. Sore Throat
- Warm Saltwater Gargle
Adults: ½ tsp salt in 1 cup water, gargle 2-3x/day
Children (6+): Same if able to gargle
- Honey & Lemon Tea
Adults: 1 tbsp honey + lemon juice in warm water
Children (1+): 1 tsp honey + splash of lemon
3. Cough
- Thyme Tea
Adults: 1 tsp dried thyme per cup, steep 10 min
Children (4+): ½ tsp, 1-2x/day
- Onion Honey Syrup
Adults: 1 tbsp every few hours
Children (1+): 1 tsp every few hours
4. Fever (Low-grade)
- Lukewarm Bath or Compress
Adults & Children: Use lukewarm water on forehead or in bath
- Chamomile Tea Adults: 1 tsp dried per cup
Children (6+ months): 1-2 oz cooled tea
5. Upset Stomach / Nausea
- Ginger Tea
Adults: Simmer ½ inch ginger, drink 2-3x/day
Children (2+): 1-2 oz mild tea
- Peppermint Oil (Topical)
Adults: Rub diluted oil on abdomen
Children (2+): 1 drop per tbsp carrier oil
6. Constipation
- Prune Juice or Pear
Adults: 4-8 oz prune juice
Children (6+ months): 1-2 oz puree or juice
- Chia Seed Gel
Adults: 1 tbsp soaked in water daily
Children (4+): 1-2 tsp in applesauce
- Flaxseed Meal
Adults: 1 tbsp daily in food
Children (4+): 1 tsp daily
7. Ear Infections (Mild)
- Warm Garlic Oil Drops
Adults: 2-3 drops 2-3x/day
Children (2+): 1-2 drops 1-2x/day
- Onion Poultice: Warm slice of onion wrapped in cloth, placed over ear 10-15 min
- Warm Olive Oil Drops
Adults: 2-3 drops in ear (if no rupture), cover with cotton
Children (2+): 12 drops, pediatrician-approved
- Garlic Mullein Oil
Adults & Children (2+): Apply as above, 2-3x/day
8. Teething (Babies)
- Chamomile Tea Cloth: Dip cloth in tea, freeze till cool, let baby chew
- Clove Oil Gel: 1 drop clove oil in 1 tbsp olive oil, rub small amount on gums (6+ months only)
- Cold Washcloth or Silicone Teether
Infants: Allow supervised chewing for comfort
9. Skin Rashes / Eczema
- Oatmeal Bath
Adults: 1 cup oats in warm bath
Children: ¼ -½ cup oats in cloth bag
- Coconut Oil or Calendula Balm
All Ages: Apply 2-3x/day to affected areas
- Avoid Triggers
All Ages: Fragrance-free laundry, food sensitivities (especially dairy, gluten)
10. Headache
- Peppermint Oil (Topical)
Adults: Dilute 1:2 and apply to temples/neck
Children (6+): 1 drop in 2 tbsp carrier oil
- Magnesium
Adults: 200-400 mg before bed
Children (4+): 50-100 mg (confirm with pediatrician)
11. Anxiety / Sleep Trouble
- Magnesium (Epsom Salt) Bath
Adults: 1-2 cups per bath
Children (2+): ¼ -½ cup per bath
- Lavender Oil (Aromatherapy) Diffuse 2-3 drops
Children (2+): 1 drop or diluted rub
- Chamomile or Lemon Balm Tea
Adults: 1 cup before bed
Children (2+): ¼ – ½ cup cooled tea
- Magnesium Lotion
Adults & Children (2+): Rub on feet/legs at bedtime
12. Diarrhea
- Slippery Elm / Marshmallow Root
Adults: 1 tsp in tea, 1-2x/day
Children (2+): ¼ – ½ tsp with food
- BRAT Diet + Cinnamon or Ginger Tea Use bland foods and mild teas for soothing
13. Immune Boost
- Astragalus Root
Adults: 500-1000 mg daily
Children (4+): ¼ tsp tincture or ¼ capsule
- Probiotics
Adults: 5-10 billion CFU
Children (1+): 1-5 billion CFU
14. Sinus Infection
- Neti Pot (Saline Rinse)
Adults: Use daily with distilled water + ¼ tsp salt
Children (4+): With pediatric approval, very diluted rinse
- Horseradish or Garlic
Adults: 1/2 tsp grated horseradish or 1 raw garlic clove per day
Children (6+): Small amounts garlic mixed in food
15. Motion Sickness
- Ginger Chews or Tea
Adults: 1 ginger chew or 1 cup ginger tea before travel
Children (2+): Small piece of ginger candy or mild tea
- Peppermint Essential Oil (Inhalation)
Adults & Children (4+): 12 drops on tissue to inhale
16. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
- Chamomile Tea Compress
Adults & Children: Use cooled tea bags over eyes 5-10 min, 2-3x/day
- Breastmilk Drops (if available)
Infants & Children: 12 drops in each eye 2-3x/day
17. Bug Bites & Itching
- Baking Soda Paste
Adults & Children: 1 tbsp baking soda + water, apply to bite
- Aloe Vera Gel
All Ages: Apply fresh gel 2-3x/day
18. Sunburn
- Aloe Vera + Lavender Oil
Adults: Mix fresh aloe with 12 drops lavender oil, apply
Children (2+): Aloe gel only or very diluted lavender
- Apple Cider Vinegar Spray
Adults: 1 part ACV to 2 parts water, spray on skin
Children (4+): Mild diluted rinse, test first
19. Cradle Cap
- Coconut Oil Massage
Infants: Apply to scalp, let sit 15 min, brush gently
- Gentle Oatmeal Wash
Infants: Soak oats in warm water, strain, use the liquid to wash scalp
20. Growing Pains
- Magnesium Lotion
Children (2+): Rub on legs before bed
- Warm Epsom Salt Soak
Children (4+): Soak in bath with ¼ cup Epsom salt
21. Nosebleeds
- Cold Compress
All Ages: Apply cold pack to back of neck and bridge of nose
- Vitamin C & Bioflavonoids
Adults: 500-1000 mg/day
Children (4+): 100-250 mg/day
22. Hiccups
- Swallow 1 tsp Honey or Sugar
Adults & Children (1+): 1 tsp swallowed slowly
- Breathing Technique (Hold Breath)
Adults: Hold breath for 10-15 seconds
Children (4+): Encourage slow, deep breathing
23. Bedwetting
- Magnesium & B-Complex Support
Children (4+): Pediatric magnesium supplement and B-vitamins (consult pediatrician)
- Chamomile Tea
Children (4+): 12 oz cooled tea before bed
24. Bruises
- Arnica Gel or Cream
Adults & Children (2+): Apply 2-3x/day externally (do not use on broken skin)
- Cold Compress
All Ages: Apply immediately for 10-15 minutes
25. Diaper Rash
- Coconut Oil or Zinc Oxide Cream
Infants: Apply after every change
- Air Time & Gentle Oat Soak
Infants: Let baby go diaper-free a few minutes daily; oatmeal water rinse
26. Indigestion / Bloating
- Fennel Seeds or Tea
Adults: Chew 1 tsp or drink fennel tea
Children (2+): Mild fennel tea (1/4 tsp seeds per cup)
- Warm Compress on Abdomen
All Ages: Use 10-15 minutes after meals
27. Seasonal Allergies
- Local Raw Honey
Adults: 1 tsp daily
Children (1+): ¼ – ½ tsp daily
- Nettle Leaf Tea or Tincture
Adults: 1 cup tea 2x/day or tincture
Children (4+): Mild tea or glycerite tincture
28. Cramping (Muscle or Menstrual)
- Magnesium Oil Rub or Bath
Adults: Rub on calves or abdomen, or soak in Epsom salt
Children (6+): Epsom soak 1-2x/week
- Chamomile or Raspberry Leaf Tea
Adults: 1 cup tea 2-3x/day
Children (6+): ¼ – ½ cup cooled tea
29. Minor Cuts & Scrapes
- Raw Honey or Calendula Salve
All Ages: Apply to cleaned area, cover if needed
- Lavender Essential Oil (Diluted)
Adults: 1 drop per tsp carrier oil
Children (2+): 1 drop per tbsp oil
30. Lice
- Neem Oil or Tea Tree Oil Treatment
Adults: Apply oil overnight, comb out, wash
Children (2+): Dilute neem or tea tree with carrier oil, avoid eyes
- Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
All Ages: Rinse hair with 1 part ACV, 1 part water
31. Warts
- Raw Apple Cider Vinegar Compress
Adults & Children (4+): Soak cotton in ACV, tape over wart overnight
- Banana Peel Patch
All Ages: Rub inner peel on wart or tape small piece overnight
32. Cold Sores
- Lysine Supplement
Adults: 500-1000 mg/day during outbreaks
Children (6+): 250-500 mg/day
- Lemon Balm or Tea Tree Oil (Topical)
Adults: Dab diluted oil or balm 3-4x/day
Children (6+): Lemon balm only, very diluted
33. Poison Ivy/Oak
- Jewelweed Soap or Salve
All Ages: Wash exposed area ASAP
- Baking Soda Paste
All Ages: Apply to rash for relief, 2-3x/day
- Cool Oatmeal Bath
All Ages: Soak 15-20 minutes as needed
34. Asthma Support (Mild)
- Butterbur or Quercetin Supplements
Adults: As directed (standardized form)
Children (6+): Pediatric formulations
- Honey & Ginger Tea
Adults: 1 cup 2x/day
Children (1+): 12 tsp warm tea
35. Sore Nipples (Breastfeeding)
- Coconut Oil or Lanolin
- Free Balm
Adults: Apply after nursing
- Breastmilk
Adults: Rub expressed milk onto nipples to heal
36. Yeast Infections (Candida Overgrowth)
- Plain Yogurt or Kefir (unsweetened, with live cultures)
Adults: Eat ½–1 cup daily to restore gut/vaginal flora.
Children (2+): 2-4 tbsp daily (mixed with food if needed).
- Probiotic Supplement
Adults: 5-10 billion CFU daily.
Children (2+): 1-5 billion CFU daily (age-appropriate formula).
- Coconut Oil (Topical): Apply a thin layer externally to relieve itching/irritation, 2-3x/day.
- Apple Cider Vinegar Sitz Bath: 1 cup ACV in a shallow warm bath, soak 15-20 min, once daily.
37. Kidney Stones (Supportive Remedies)
(Helpful for prevention and passing small stones; severe pain or large stones require urgent care.)
- Adults
Lemon Water (Citrate): Juice of ½ -1 lemon in warm water, 2-3x/day, helps prevent stone formation.
Dandelion Root Tea: 1 tsp dried root in 1 cup hot water, steep 10 min, drink 2-3x/day as a diuretic.
Magnesium Supplement: 200-400 mg/day to reduce recurrence risk.
Hydration: At least 2-3 liters of water per day to flush the kidneys.
- Children (4+)
Lemon Water: Small splash of lemon in water 1–2x/day.
Hydration: Encourage frequent sips of plain water throughout the day.
Magnesium (pediatric dose): 50–100 mg/day (only with pediatrician approval).
38. Abscesses (Skin Boils / Infections)
- Adults
Warm Compress: Apply warm, moist cloth 10–15 minutes, 3–4x/day to encourage drainage.
Turmeric Paste: Mix 1 tsp turmeric powder with water, apply as paste to skin, cover with gauze, 1–2x/day.
Tea Tree Oil (Topical): Dilute 1 drop tea tree oil in 1 tsp coconut/olive oil, apply with cotton swab, 2–3x/day.
Internal Support (Anti-inflammatory): ½ tsp turmeric in warm milk or water daily.
- Children (2+)
Warm Compress: 10 min, 2–3x/day.
Turmeric Paste (very mild): Can apply small amount externally if skin not sensitive.
Honey (Raw, Topical): Apply thin layer to affected area, cover with clean bandage, change 2x/day.
39. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (Underactive, Autoimmune)
- Adults
Selenium: 200 mcg/day (shown to reduce thyroid antibodies)
Zinc: 15–30 mg/day to support thyroid hormone production
Ashwagandha (Adaptogen): 300–600 mg/day, supports thyroid & lowers stress
Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Gluten-free, dairy-free if sensitive; emphasize leafy greens, omega-3s
Vitamin D: 1000–2000 IU/day (adjust based on blood levels)
- Children (6+ with doctor approval)
Selenium: 25–50 mcg/day (age-appropriate supplement)
Zinc: 5–10 mg/day
Dietary Support: Whole foods, limit processed sugars, encourage omega-3s
Vitamin D: 600–1000 IU/day
40. Graves’ Disease (Overactive, Autoimmune)
- Adults
Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus): 20–40 drops tincture 2–3x/day (supports overactive thyroid)
L-Carnitine: 2,000–4,000 mg/day (shown to reduce hyperthyroid symptoms like palpitations)
Lemon Balm (Melissa): 1 cup tea 2x/day or tincture (calms nervous system, may slow thyroid overactivity)
Magnesium: 200–400 mg/day to calm anxiety & muscle tension
Stress Reduction: Yoga, meditation, deep breathing (stress worsens autoimmunity)
- Children (6+ with doctor approval)
Lemon Balm Tea: ¼–½ cup cooled tea 1–2x/day
Magnesium (pediatric): 50–100 mg/day
Dietary Support: Limit caffeine/sugary drinks, support with whole foods, omega-3s
Carrington Family Farm 
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