Elderberry for Kids

[schweppes]

autumnbronze:

jen18j:

What is the brand of the oregano oil that u used?

Hi there jen18j,

I am using Oreganol, oil of oregano.

Its from Vitakids.

If I am not wrong, Guardian may be selling it, but am not sure if its the same brand.

Schweppes jie,

R u using the same one as well?

I'm using the Oreganol oil (under the brand Herb & Spice) from Vitakids. The one selling at Guardian is of a different brand. I'm not sure how good this one is as have not used it before.

However, the Oreganol oil from Vitakids is rather expensive. Costs about $60+ (for kids) and that's the smaller bottle. The bigger bottle (for adults) costs about $120+, if not mistaken.

The oreganol oil comes in both capsules and in pure oil form (with a dropper).

During the bday months, where we can enjoy 20% discount, I will stock up and buy the $60 bottles in capsules and oil form. Will give it to my kids and my dh and myself when we are not well - good for sore throat and flu-like symptoms. As we don't take it often, each bottle can last some time if you put in the fridge. I find that when taken with Manuka honey, the healing effects are faster.

If the kids are very young (say about 3-4 years and below), shake 2-3 drops on the palms of your hands and rub your palms together. Then place your warmed hands onto the chest of the child - front and back.

Next, you can gently massage the soles of their feet with the oil too as the benefits of the oil will be absorbed into their body better (no one taught me this - but I adapt it from foot reflexology principles).

Make sure to apply the oil when the child is sleeping. It is a very spicy oil so has a warming sensation. You dont want the child to accidently touch the oil and rub his/her eyes after that.

I shared this with my brother who has a 3yo daughter and he's happy to report that it has helped her to sleep better and somewhat clear her nasal passage - not totally - but it did help as my niece can breathe easier at nite.

:lol:

[schweppes]

autumnbronze:

I think its worth a try. My DS really sleeps like a baby when I use it on him. I also use it on the soles of his feet.

wah... so glad that it worked for your ds. i feel like a quackie sinseh now

[schweppes]

Personally, I find that taking the oil in its pure form is more effective. I imagine the oil killing the germs and virus as it goes down the throat.


With the capsule, as one swallows, it goes directly to the gut, so somewhat by-passes the throat area. I find the capsules better for those with digestive tract problems, for example stomach upset, etc.

If your kids are between 5 - 11yo, prepare the recommended dosage of Sambulco or Indian Wild Cherry Bark (which u can get at Vitakids) onto the medicine spoon and mix with 2 drops of the oil onto the spoon. This way, as the child takes in the cough mixture, it is mixed with the oregano oil. Reduces the \"unpleasantness\" of the oil taste, esp to a child. This was how I used to administer to my kids at that age.

For those 12years and above (including adults), you can take it neat, ie 2 drops directly under our tongue.

[autumnbronze]

schweppes:

I'm using the Oreganol oil (under the brand Herb & Spice) from Vitakids.

Okie, yup, we'er using the same one :hi5:

[mrswongtuition]

Won't it be much cheaper to buy from here? http://www.iherb.com/Search?kw=Oreganol&p=1&sr=0


can use discount code YAF688 to get $5 off & they ship direct to SG at v reasonable prices, no need bdl or vpost or cgw.

[schweppes]

mrswongtuition:

Won't it be much cheaper to buy from here? http://www.iherb.com/Search?kw=Oreganol&p=1&sr=0


can use discount code YAF688 to get $5 off & they ship direct to SG at v reasonable prices, no need bdl or vpost or cgw.

thanks mrswong. will check it out!!

[schweppes]

Mrs Wong,

Need to check if the price is in S$ or US$? Also, on average, how much do you pay for shipping charges?

Thanks :celebrate:

[mrswongtuition]

schweppes:

Mrs Wong,

Need to check if the price is in S$ or US$? Also, on average, how much do you pay for shipping charges?

Thanks :celebrate:

USD. Shipping depends. Small orders less than 1.5kg (& lesser than $80) will be flat fee of US$4.

For larger orders, the larger the order, the cheaper the shipping gets. On average (if not ordering shampoo or very heavy items), it's around US$1 - 1.50 per bottle of supplement.
My most recent order was US$199. Total 22 items (got alot of shampoo & large bottles of liquid vitamins). Shipping via DHL to SG was US$30.
So if yours are not so bulky items, could be cheaper for the shipping

Sometimes they have promo on shipping & it's super worth it to stock up cos they show the expiry dates of individual products!

[schweppes]

mrswongtuition:

Sometimes they have promo on shipping & it's super worth it to stock up cos they show the expiry dates of individual products!

Am checking out now as we \"speak\". Thanks for this lobang :love:

[pqy]

mrswongtuition:

Just to share my experience:


My son is currently 3.5yo. Breastfed baby until 18mths old and entered CCC once he turned 18mths.

2 months before he started CCC, my hubby and I decided to give him supplements to boost his immune system as I was running out of breastmilk at that time too (I stopped expressing/latching when he was 1yo. From 1yo till 18mths old, he was drinking frozen EBM which I managed to stock up in our chest freezer).

I actually chanced across iHerb while searching for Organic Mother's Milk (to help boost my breastmilk supply). Cheap and reliable

My usual shopping hunts for ORGANIC or NATURAL products:

- Supplements/Toothpaste/Shampoo/Bodywash/Snacks:
http://www.iherb.com (Use YAF688 for US$5 discount.)
This website is reliable. I've been purchasing from them since JAN 2007. Loyal customer due to their reliability and efficiency. They direct ship to SG through normal mail (for light items) or DHL. DHL has been very flexi with delivery timings, even had a special delivery to me at midnight before cause I requested for them to send it to me immediately.
EXPIRY DATES for products all clearly listed on the website. Great for those who like to stock up (like me).

- Organic food: NTUC (AMK Hub), Brown Rice Paradise (Tanglin Mall)

- Occasionally: Vitakids (Paragon) -> They have the same things as iHerb. Sometimes too urgent and iHerb needs at least 3-5 workings days, so I will buy from Vitakids first. Price is 30-50% higher than buying from iHerb (include shipping charges).

In 2007, I started buying from iHerb.com. However, at that time, they did not have international shipping and we had to go through 3rd party shipping forwarders (http://www.vpost.com.sg or http://www.borderlinx.com). It added to the cost. Then in 2008, they started to offer international shipping, which meant that they shipped DIRECT TO US! I was hooked and have been purchasing from them ever since. I personally have recommended many mummies to purchase from them too and they have given me very positive feedback!


Let me share more information about the products I purchase regularly:

At first, we started off with this supplement: http://www.iherb.com/Childlife-Colostrum-with-Probiotics-Orange-Pineapple-Flavor-50-g-Powder-1-7-oz/10630?at=0
(FYI: GNC is selling this exact same product for $70+, even with their massive member discounts, you can't match the price you get from iHerb!)
Now, we've changed to this brand (cheaper due to large pack): http://www.iherb.com/Symbiotics-Colostrum-Plus-Powder-1-lb-5-oz/4091?at=0
They also have pill form for adults: http://www.iherb.com/Symbiotics-Colostrum-Plus-Capsules-240-Capsules/4090?at=0

It's COLOSTRUM and it's known to boost immune systems, just like how breastmilk helps to boost immune systems.
After my boy started, his CCC teachers commented to us on many occasions that my boy did not fall sick at all though many others kids are ill (cough and runny noses). They said that on an average, young kids who attend CCC will fall ill at least once a month. However, during his 1.5 years at that CCC, he only fell ill 3 times. Once was HFMD (very mild) and the other two times were bouts of flu where he was still active but we decided not to send him to school so that he won't spread it to other kids.

I also bought it for my nephews and nieces who often had to be hospitalised for bronchitis (rather often, around once every 2-3 months). After they started on colostrum, they do fall ill, but it's not as serious until they have to be hospitalised and my cousin did feedback that her kids recover faster and are in less discomfort when they fall ill. Now, they are 8yo, 7yo and 5yo. All three are still on colostrum and now, my cousin has started fish oil for them too.

A few other mummies from a motherhood forum have also given positive feedback ever since they started their kids on it. In fact, they were so impressed they bought the pills for themselves and loved it. Feedback from them is that they do not fall ill as often (she mentioned she used to have constant sore/itchy throat) and do not feel as tired all the time.


Another product I love:
http://www.iherb.com/Nature-s-Way-Sambucus-for-Kids-Berry-Flavored-8-fl-oz-240-ml/9342?at=0
It contains POLLEN, which is not recommended for young children as some might be allergic.

Another brand which is also sambucol but no pollen added:
http://www.iherb.com/Sambucol-Black-Elderberry-Immune-System-Support-Liquid-For-Kids-Berry-Flavored-4-fl-oz-120-ml/16697?at=0

Both brands are available at VitaKids if you are keen to take a look at the actual products. Due to the urgency at that time, we purchased our first bottle from VitaKids (so exp). Subsequently, we actually ordered from iHerb

In 2008, my son had a mild bout of HFMD. Someone in another forum recommended SAMBUCOL (Black Elderberry). This was very effective when my boy had HFMD. His symptoms were super mild and he ate, played and misbehaved as usual. Usually kids will suffer alot during HFMD with ulcers in the mouth/throat, unable to eat, unable to rest well, etc. My boy was a perfect monkey, other than the red spots and 2 small ulcers in his mouth. Many of my friends who tried it on their kids when they had HFMD also reported good improvement and lesser 'suffering' on their kids.

Now, when he shows sign of runny nose, itchy throat, cough, etc. I immediately give him SAMBUCOL/SAMBUCUS. It is a herbal remedy that's good for viral infections. I do not give daily because it's rather strong.


Another product I love is PROBIOTICS!
Although this is easily available at supermarkets (Vitagen & Yakult), I do not like the sugar content in those products (I'm very strict about sugar content in my son's food).

So I give this:
http://www.iherb.com/Source-Naturals-Acidophilus-Powder-Freeze-Stabilized-2-oz-56-7-g/1012?at=0

It is heat stable which means it can tolerate shipping better.
This is taken by the whole family (my maid included)


Now, I know many parents think I'm mad by being so strict and fussy with my boy's diet.

Why are you so strict about his food?
- Healthy habits start from young.
My boy was not exposed to any form of seasoning until he tasted adult food at 2.5yo. And adult food for him is a rare treat (when we dine out).
He does not like sweet or salty foods now. Mac fries, without salt pls. Give him a sweet, he'll give it back to me. Jelly, only unsweetened ones. Potato chips, he'll use a tissue to wipe off the seasoning.
We dont't have to delibrately control his 'junk food' intake now that he's old enough to express what he likes & wants.

- I was not given vege regularly when I was young, so end up growing up to dislike vege. I don't want the same thing to happen to my boy. So we encourage him to take vege. He loves crunchy vege, so we give him long beans, french beans, cucumber, etc.

- Healthy diet = healthy child
Less oil, no sugar, no salt.
Before he was 2.5yo, all his 'junk food' like chips and fries are HOME MADE. Slice up the potatoes, pat them dry, bake in oven
Snacks = raisins, dried cranberries (also from iHerb: http://www.iherb.com/Eden-Foods-Organic-Dried-Cranberries-4-oz-113-g/13843?at=0), dried apricots, etc. I have a food dehydrator at home to dry fruits on our own too When he was younger, we puree fruits to make fruit rolls which I cut into small squares to give him as 'sweets'. It's like rewards for him when he finishes his meals

- Healthy snacks?
My boy eats organic cereals or those adult cereals (low sugar/salt).
Or plain cornflakes with fruits. Yum Yum!

For parents who do not mind giving their kids sweets, here's something to make you feel better: ORGANIC LOLLIPOPS! Made from natural fruit juices! http://www.iherb.com/Search?kw=organic+lollipop

I buy these for my students & they love them. Some flavours have a natural sourness to them and my students keep wanting more!
Guardian/Watsons do sell them, but the price is much higher!
They also have candy drops (sweets with the stick).

There are alot more fantastic products I get very often from iHerb. You can visit my blog for more info. I will be uploading more links the next few days: http://thelittleonesinmylife.blogspot.com