“Mom, my stomach hurts”.

Being a mom of 5, I’ve had more than one ailment that required Dr. Mom’s attention.   “Where does it hurt?” “Let me feel your head.”   I ask questions until I can tell if we need to rush off to a doctor or if I can do something at home.

If it’s not necessary to see a doctor, I go to my “medicine cabinet”.   Our medicine cabinet has a variety of odd sounding concoctions that have proven to be effective over the years.  Things like Stomach Soothing Complex, Calendula Cream, Defend and Resist, and Rescue Remedy are staples.  I’m careful to purchase supplies from places that test their herbs for potency and purity.

Doing your homework on any herbal remedy is important.  Two resources that I’ve used over the years are from Duke University and the Rodale Institute.  Duke University has both written publications and an online herbal directory .  This site is very thorough and includes drug interactions that might occur with herbs.  I’ve also used Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs as a reference book. 

Now, how about some ginger tea for that tummy ache?