Only natural

Snot is not everybody's idea of suitable dinner table conversation. But for June Tranmer it is a riveting topic for post-prandial discussion - much to the chagrin of her children. "I'm fascinated by all aspects of health, and snot is one of my favourite topics," she said. "My children have been put off a lot of meals by my snot talks."

June, a leading light at The Healing Clinic in Fulford Cross, York, is an enthusiastic practitioner of traditional remedies, with a particular interest in childhood ailments.

She treats children with all manner of problems, from earache to hyperactivity, and teaches their parents how to use natural healing techniques to keep them healthy.

She runs a 12-week course - the next starts in January - in which she takes parents through numerous traditional children's remedies, including sea salt compresses for earache, garlic poultices for tonsillitis and acupressure, which involves applying light pressure with the hands to various key points on the body, for relaxation.

"Acupressure is a wonderful technique for parents to learn," she said. "Not only does it help children to relax and sleep soundly, it also aids digestion, helps to soothe teething pains and is an ideal way of giving your child some love and attention."

June started running the parents' classes because she wanted a good night's sleep.

"People were constantly calling me in the middle of the night to deal with an earache," she explained. "I got a bit fed up of having to get on my bike at three in the morning to put a sea salt compress on a child's head."

She has not had manufactured western lotions and potions in her medicine cabinet at home for more than 20 years, preferring instead to rely on natural remedies based on traditional Chinese thinking.

"Arnica is great for bruising and shock," she said. "Grapefruit seed extract is a wonderful disinfectant and calendular helps soothe skin complaints.

"All are natural, and all are effective. I would never tell a parent they couldn't give their child Calpol or Bonjela, but if they want to learn about natural alternatives, I am here to teach them."

June is a natural collector of information and she obviously takes great pleasure from passing on her knowledge to others.

Her classes are packed full of useful information and practical demonstrations, but she still manages to keep them very informal and fun.

"A lot of the stuff might sound a bit off the wall, but it works," she said. "Small changes can make a big difference."

Natural cures for common ailments

Bumps and bruises

Most children have clumsy moments when they walk into tables, cupboard doors or other children, so it's wise to have something soothing close at hand.

TRY Bach Flower Rescue Remedy or arnica. Both are soothing and relaxing solutions for everyday emergencies.

Colic

Babies cry for many reasons, but bouts of prolonged crying could mean they are suffering from colic. Affecting up to 30 per cent of all newborns (between the ages of three and 13 weeks), colic is an extremely distressing condition for both babies and parents. A recent report in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics confirmed transient lactose intolerance as one of the key causes of infant colic and showed that pre-treatment of feeds with lactase typically reduced crying time by 45 per cent or more. Lactase is the enzyme our bodies normally produce to break down the complex sugar lactose so it can be more easily absorbed.

TRY Colief Infant Drops, a lactase enzyme. For help and advice call the Colief Infant Drops helpline on (0800) 0281187.

Nappy rash

The ammonia produced by stale urine can make the skin under and around a baby's nappy very sore and red, with red spots, blisters and broken skin. The natural protective barrier of the skin is broken down, causing redness and inflammation and allowing germs to attack.

TRY Allergenics Cream or calendular, which are both emollient treatments providing relief from nappy rash without the use of preservatives and steroids that can weaken a baby's soft, delicate skin.

Teething

Some teeth come through with no trouble at all, but in other cases the gum becomes sore and red and can cause distress to the baby.

TRY Nelson's Teething Granules, which help relieve restlessness and irritability due to pain and tenderness associated with teething.

Coughing

Tickly coughs and sore throats can be difficult for baby to shift - and they can be difficult for parents if they keep baby awake through the night.

TRY Holland & Barrett Junior Cough Syrup, which helps soothe tickly coughs and sore throats, with glycerine to calm mucous membranes and citric acid for a mild fever reducing action.

Colds

All babies and children get a cold at some point - they wouldn't be children if they didn't have a snotty nose - but you can make it less likely by boosting their immune systems so they are strong enough to fight off flu bugs when they attack.

TRY Echinacea, which was widely used by American Indians and remains a very popular herbaceous perennial plant in Europe and the United States. It is used to boost the immune system and ward off flu and colds during the cold winter months.

Earache

This is a common problem for young children, usually occurring in the middle of the night when parents are tired and kids are tetchy.

TRY Sea salt. Roasted and formed into a compress, this soon helps to ease the pain and relieve inflammation.

- When shopping for your natural medicine cabinet, try Boots, Holland & Barrett or your local independent health store.

Read the labels carefully and, if in doubt, call The Healing Clinic for advice on 01904 679868.

Treatments for babies and children

Aromatherapy

Over-the-counter oils are too strong for children's delicate skin. However, an aromatherapist can create a treatment plan that incorporates more gentle, diluted oils. Camomile and lavender are particularly calming and have a mild sedative effect, and eucalyptus acts as a natural decongestant.

To find a qualified aromatherapist, contact the International Federation of Aromatherapists on 020 8742 2605 or click on to www.int-fed-aromatherapy.co.uk. Diluted oils specifically designed for children are available from Aromakids; call Hippy Chick on 01278 671461 or click on www.aromakids.com for stockist details.

Osteopathy

Gently manipulating parts of the body can help treat development disorders, sleeplessness, glue ear, colic, bed-wetting, allergies and asthma.

To find a qualified practitioner, call the General Osteopathic Council on 020 7357 6655.

Reflexology

A range of ailments can be treated by examining the feet and applying pressure with the hands to relevant areas which correspond to organs elsewhere. In children it can help to treat hyperactivity, glue ear, headaches, digestive problems and poor circulation.

To find a qualified reflexologist, contact the Association of Reflexologists on 0870 567 3320 or click on to www.aor.org.uk

Art therapy

Bit of an oddity this one, but worth knowing about. Therapists help children develop self-esteem and awareness, improve their social skills and gain confidence through painting, drawing and self-expression.

For further details call 020 7487 3416 or click on to www.art4theheart.com

Updated: 08:46 Monday, September 16, 2002