Our friend Kelly of Lola-K’s Photography and Children’s Boutique took Tank’s Easter Photos this week.
You may remember some of Kelly’s other work. She took our maternity photos, newborn photos, and Tank’s 3 month photos.
We just wanted to share these with you all and wish all our patients, clients, and readers a Happy Spring and/or Happy Easter!
We’ve had some clients ask us recently for natural advice to help with teething, so their babies can be as pain and stress free during the teething process as possible… but maybe not as relaxed as my son Tank is at this moment here at the office:
In folk medicine, one method for toothaches in adults suggests chewing a whole clove and letting the clove sit around your tooth that hurts. For most of us, the clove in our spice rack is too old to contain any oil, so it may be to your advantage to buy clove oil for your toothache to apply to your gums instead. You can dilute some clove oil with water and massage it onto the gums to relieve pain. Some debate whether or not clove oil is safe for babies. Ask your caregiver what they think, and research for yourself on the facts.
You can find this clove oil available on Amazon.com by clicking on the picture to the left.
One internal herbal formula that is good for teething babies is available in our online herbal store, DrHeathersHerbs.com, is Blue Poppy’s Teething Formula: Tender Teeth. This would be a good option for parents that want a natural alternative to drugs to relieve teething discomfort.
Another natural remedy that doesn’t involve drugs is baltic amber teething necklaces. This is something that I have been interested in even before I was pregnant with my son. This baltic amber teething necklaces pictured below are made by Aligmantas of Baltic B Amber on etsy.com
For more information on how these necklaces work, let’s ask the people who make them. Here’s the 411 according to Algimantas of Baltic B Amber Teething Necklaces on Etsy.com:
Healing properties of Baltic amber:
Amber healing properties and therapeutic effect is based on magnetic properties of amber – amber could “get charged” and “permeates” energy. It acts as a magnet; it amplifies or diminishes radiation of the body’s internal magnetic field. Bio stimulation of amber in the body induces production of hormones. Hormones influence supply of blood to unhealthy organs, so they heal faster. Regular amber applications reduce or sometimes and completely soothe chronic pain of back, menstrual, muscular and abdominal, headache and toothache. It was examined, that direct application is the most effective way of amber therapy. A body has about 360 biologically active points, which are responsible for specific internal organ systems. Amber pieces put on the biologically active points radiate energy and stimulate special points. Sometimes with amber treatment it is possible to reduce normal quantity of taken medicines by half. One more therapeutic effect: it is considered that amber facilitates delivery, protects a mother and a child from diseases and other illnesses. In many countries pregnant women wear amber beads, and they needle a piece of amber in the child’s clothes. Massage balls, used to make the eruption of teeth less painful, could also be made of amber.
How does it work?
When a baby is wearing amber teething necklace on the skin, the skin’s warmth releases healing oils from the amber (a resin) which are absorbed via the skin into the bloodstream. Amber is not a stone and therefore warm to the touch, as well as very comfortable and light to wear. Children wearing amber is a very old traditional custom in Europe and the Far East. Amber is known to reduce inflammation of the throat, ear and stomach and to fight inflammation, infections and respiratory disease. Traditional beaded amber necklaces are a less intrusive remedy for the pain and side effects of teething, such as lack of appetite, upset tummies, ear ache, fevers and colds. A natural analgesic, amber will help calm a baby without resorting to drugs. Amber’s anti-inflammatory and therapeutic properties are also recognized by allopathic medicine. These necklaces are long known for the healing properties of amber which include calmative, analgesic, antispasmodic, expectorant, and febrifuge (anti-fever) function. The necklace can be worn from 8 weeks and up. Although you can start you child wearing this necklace at any time, the earlier the better. If your child wears it at a young age they will not even know it is there and they will not touch it or pull on it.Who are they for?
Baltic Amber baby teething natural pain relief necklaces are suitable for babies (toddlers) and children. They are not designed for chewing them with teeth, parent supervision is recommended at all times when baby is wearing necklace. Amber is associated with sunlight and warmth and reputed to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and accelerate the healing of wounds and is thus the perfect help for babies and toddlers who wear it when they are teething. Designed for boys and girls. These necklaces are a must have for teething symptoms. Baltic Amber is completely natural pain relief with no side effects.
When choosing a necklace, choose one that is of the highest grade Baltic amber, so when worn close to skin it can offer natural pain relief. Make sure the necklace string is knotted in between each bead. Never leave your baby unattended wearing one. These necklaces are for wearing and not for chewing as other teething products are.
There are also some great all natural handmade organic wooden teethers available out there.
I’ve found two husband and wife teams that make quite stunning teethers (which I love, since my husband I work together as well on DrHeathersHerbs.com and also onLittleOneApparel.com, PaperJunk.com, and MadeOfJunk.com).
The first is Smiling Tree Toys, is composed of husband and wife Justin and Kathleen and their one-year old daughter Amana. They began their family business in 2010 after serving in the Peace Corps in Niger, West Africa. They are fun-loving kids at heart with a deep appreciation for living simply, being kind to Mother Nature, and creating thoughtful, handmade gifts. Their teethers are made from non-splintering hardwood, hand sanded to silky smoothness.
Smiling Tree Toys also makes other organic wooden toys that spur creativity from children. You can check out their store online: Smiling Tree Toys
The second husband and wife team is A Summer Afternoon composed of Aaron and Erin and their two young boys. All their items are made with love out of quality, natural, eco-friendly materials, and tested by their 2-year-old and 6-month-old boys. Whenever possible, they use untreated re-purposed wood, and recycled packaging materials.
Their Wooden teethers are made of quality hardwoods, sanded to satin smoothness, and finished with a food-grade beeswax wood finish. Soothing to a baby’s gums, and simultaneously fun to play with!
A Summer Afternoon also makes wooden rattles and cars. Check out their beautiful natural organic wooden toys at their online store: ASummerAfternoon.com
Something that we’ve tried with Tank, is giving him the mesh bag rings with fruit in them. We choose a very ripe banana for him at this stage. For babies with discomfort during teething you could try frozen or cold fruit or vegetables inside the mesh bag for them to chew or suck to reliever their gums. Tank is shown below at just 4 months old sucking on one with no problem.
Another method we try when he’s not hungry is letting him suck on a cold washcloth. Wet a washcloth and freeze it for a little bit before giving it to the baby to chew. Sometimes he’s interested, and sometimes he’s not, but the cold should help relieve some of the discomfort associated with teething.
Teething not only hurts, but it can also be emotionally draining on a little one. You could also try a few drops of lavender oil in the bath water when giving your baby a bath to help soothe them and help them sleep better at night. We carry Hill Country Lavender’s essential oil, made by Dr. Heather’s friend Tasha in Blanco, Texas in our clinic and online.
Finally, all teething children out there need this little shirt designed by my husband Dave Palmer of LittleOneApparel.com. He has many styles available online and in boutiques, but this proves to be a favorite of many:
Be Happy Healthy & Wise!
-Dr. Heather
Disclaimer: The information here is not intended to diagnose any aliment, but rather for academic purposes. This website and conditions listed are not a substitute for proper evaluation and treatment. If you are sick you should seek the medical advice of your physician or go to the emergency room.
We recently has a little one come into our lives. Since then, we’ve been searching for more natural products and ways to raise and take care of children. One way that has been helpful for us has been using the Dunsten Baby Language.
A few years ago I happened to see Priscilla Dunsten on Oprah. She shared five sounds babies make regardless of race or culture. These sounds are:
“Eh”: Burp me
“Heh”: Change Me
“Owh”: I’m sleepy
“Eairh”: I have gas
“Neh” (my baby says “Meh” instead): I’m Hungry
This has made being a new mom so easy (well, as far as figuring out what Tank wants). Of course, sometimes he cries and we don’t know what he wants, but those times are rare. Sometimes he’ll start to cry and immediately we know he has gas, wants to be fed, or needs to burp. The first day Tank was here we heard “eh” when my brother-in-law was holding him. I told Davin to hold Tank upright like he was going to burp him and immediately Tank stopped crying.
You can view the youtube video below to learn what those sounds sound like. You’ll be amazed! I know we have been. I can’t imagine what it would have been like not knowing these sounds. Thank you, Priscilla Dunsten!
Dr. Heather, Dave, and Tank would like to wish you all a very Happy Valentine’s Day this year. We hope you enjoy the day with little treats and get to spend time with your loved ones. We will be delivering Valentine’s and celebrating Tank’s first Valentine’s day.
Our friend Kelly Young of LOLA-K’s photography and Children’s Boutique (shop online by visiting the link) took some more awesome photos of Tank recently. We wanted to share them with everyone and also recommend Kelly for any of your photography and children’s clothing needs.
Our friend Kelly Young of LOLA-K’s photography and Children’s Boutique (shop online by visiting the link) took some more awesome photos of Tank recently. We wanted to share them with everyone and also recommend Kelly for any of your photography and children’s clothing needs.
Dave Palmer and his wife Dr. Heather Johnson, D.O.M. would like to announce the birth of their son Tank Owen Palmer. Tank was born on September 30, 2011 at Milton Memorial Birthing Center and delivered by midwife Maria Milton.
The new family would like to thank Ms. Milton for all the excellent care she provided mother and baby during the prenatal visit and the birth of their son. 
Dr. Heather Johnson, D.O.M. with husband Dave, midwife Maria Milton, and son Tank.
Midwife Maria Milton with Tank
The happy grandparents Dr. Joe Johnson, D.C. and wife Karen
Dr. Heather Johnson, D.O.M. with son Tank.
We are happy to carry Hill Country Lavender products, which is grown and produced by Dr. Heather’s friend Tasha Brieger at Texas’ oldest commercial lavender farm in Blanco.
Lavender is one of the most widely know essential oil today. Many people like the smell of lavender and use it for stress relief. While using lavender to calm the mind is a very popular use, there are also many other uses for lavender as well.
Essential lavender oil can be mixed with a “carrier oil” such as almond oil, sunflower oil, or jojoba oil to make a massage oil that is calming in nature. Such a massage oil could be used for headaches by applying to the area of the headache or neck or for period or labor pains and applied to the abdomen (a lavender massage oil is available at our online store).
Lavender has been used as a insect repellent. Add some lavender oil to a water bottle and mist around you.If making your own lavender products is too overwhelming for you, we have a variety of products available online at DrHeathersHerbs.com
Lavender Oatmeal Soap
Lavender Buds for Culinary or Craft Use
Lavender Bug Spray
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender Headache Stick
Lavender Massage Oil
DrHeathersHerbs.com
Disclaimer: The information here is not intended to diagnose any aliment, but rather for academic purposes. The FDA has not approved any of this information. This website and conditions listed are not a substitute for proper evaluation and treatment. If you are sick you should seek the medical advice of your physician or go to the emergency room.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products and statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Please consult a licensed practitioner of Chinese herbal medicine and/or more in-depth reference materials. Consult your healthcare professional and the special dosage instructions for use in children under age 12. This information is not intended to replace the advice given by your doctor.
Here are some herbal products we now have available in our clinic and online to help new and expectant mothers. For herbal formulas for children, click here to go to a previous post.
Mother’s Milk Organic Tea to Promote Lactation by Traditional Medicinals
This tea is formulated by Traditional Medicinals to promote healthy lactation and uses herbal remedies that are traditionally used to increase breastmilk production. The traditional combination of anise, fennel and coriander has been used for centuries by European women, often recommended by lactation counselors and medical herbalists.
Organic Pregnancy Tea by Traditional Medicinals
This tea is formulate by Traditional Medicinals to support a healthy pregnancy by using a formulation of herbs used for thousands of years by women in Europe and North America to tone uterine muscles, provide nourishment and prepare the womb for childbirth. Modern pharmacological studies on raspberry leaf, a primary ingredient in this tea, substantiate its traditional uses in preparation for childbirth.
Desert Babies Product Line is Fragrance Free, Hypoallergenic, Pediatrician Tested, 100% Vegan, Gluten Free, Wheat Free, No Nuts, No Soy, No Parabens, and No Sodium Laurly/Laureth Sulfates, Phthalates, BPA, Artificial Fragrances or colors, silicones, EDTA, glycol, phosphates, or petroleum based ingredients.
• Treats and prevents diaper rash and minor skin irritations
• Provides baby’s skin with natural moisture barrier
• Gently soothes dry or irritated skin
• Nourishes baby’s sensitive skin • Moisturizes and soothes dry or reddened skin • Leaves baby’s skin feeling healthy and protected
Oh so Clean 2 in 1 Gentle Foaming Hair and Body Cleanser
• Soothes as it gently cleans baby’s skin and hair
• Enriches with vitamins A,C,D and E for healthy skin
• Maintains skin’s natural moisture
Branam Pacifiers designed for Good Oral Health
These Branam Ortho-Gibby pacficers are designed by a leading pediatric dentist in consultation with hundreds of parents of small children.
The patented design promotes normal tooth eruption and jaw development while minimizing the sucking force that often leads to the spread of bacteria in the ear, nose, and throat.
These pacifiers are Made in the USA, BPA free, Phthalate free, and Dentist Recommended.
Two sizes available: 0-1 year and 1-2 years
Baby Gel Toothpaste by Branam in Bupplegum and Grape Flavors
The Xylitol-rich toothpastes and gels are:
DrHeathersHerbs.com
Disclaimer: The information here is not intended to diagnose any aliment, but rather for academic purposes. The FDA has not approved any of this information. This website and conditions listed are not a substitute for proper evaluation and treatment. If you are sick you should seek the medical advice of your physician or go to the emergency room.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products and statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Please consult a licensed practitioner of Chinese herbal medicine and/or more in-depth reference materials. Consult your healthcare professional and the special dosage instructions for use in children under age 12. This information is not intended to replace the advice given by your doctor.
With kids back in school, there is a lot of demand for more focus and concentration. Here are some herbs we have available in our clinic and online that are commonly used to help little ones and big ones stay focused.
Quiet Calm is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for some of the symptoms commonly associated with ADD or ADHD.
Possible symptoms could include: mood swings, crying spells, gloominess, agitation, anxiety, timidity, tantrums, distractibility, inability to focus, difficulty paying attention, difficulty falling or remaining asleep, insomnia, night frights, nightmares, headache, mucus, congestion, irritation in the sinuses, throat, or ears
For more information click here to see the full list of specifications.
Bach Kids’ Rescue Remedy is used as a herbal remedy to help children with stress.
Dr. Edward Bach’s original blend of five individual flower remedies is newly-available in a non-drowsy, alcohol-free fomula just for children.
This combination of five flowers works to ease your child’s stress. Dr. Bach’s system selects each of the five flower remedies in Bach Kids’ Rescue Remedy based on their unique contribution to your child’s overall sense of calm:
More more information click here to see a full list of specifications.
Click here for the adult alternative
Bach Kids’ Daydream Remedy - is used to help children face countless difficulties associated with lack of concentration. Trouble focusing and misdirected energy causes unnecessary problems for young children.
Created from the extracts of the Clematis flower, Dr. Edward Bach’s choice for bringing focus in to the present, and encouraging children to flourish both socially and academically.
For more information click here to see a full list of specifications.
Click here to see the adult alternative.
Bach Kids’ Confidence Remedy - Lack of confidence can get in the way of your child reaching his or her highest potential. Bach Kids’ Confidence Remedy was created specifically to give children a safe and all-natural confidence boost to aid in overcoming the frustrating obstacles of self-doubt.
Using the essence of the Larch flower, Dr. Bach’s personal choice for alleviating fears of failure and restoring confidence, helping combat the crippling effects of lacking self-esteem that can hinder children’s performance in school, on the playing field, and in challenging social situations. Confidence Remedy helps do away with that typical shyness that can keep children from getting the most out of their young lives and puts them on a steady course for success.
For more information click here to see a full list of specifications.
Click here to see the adult alternative.
DrHeathersHerbs.com
Disclaimer: The information here is not intended to diagnose any aliment, but rather for academic purposes. The FDA has not approved any of this information. This website and conditions listed are not a substitute for proper evaluation and treatment. If you are sick you should seek the medical advice of your physician or go to the emergency room.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products and statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Please consult a licensed practitioner of Chinese herbal medicine and/or more in-depth reference materials. Consult your healthcare professional and the special dosage instructions for use in children under age 12. This information is not intended to replace the advice given by your doctor.
