Spuki's Natural Medicine Cabinet
Gentle, natural remedies for everyday family life – from chamomile tea to arnica ointment. What nature provides for our well-being.
Chamomile
Helps with:
Stomach aches, sleep aid, irritated skin
How to use:
As tea (1 tsp dried flowers in 200ml hot water, steep 5-10 min) or as bath additive. Also as compress for minor skin irritations.
Lavender
Helps with:
Calming, sleep aid, mild headaches, insect bites
How to use:
Dried flowers in pillow or as scent sachet. Lavender oil (diluted with carrier oil) on temples or wrists. A drop on an insect bite relieves itching.
Arnica
Helps with:
Bruises, bumps, swelling (external use only!)
How to use:
Apply as ointment or gel on closed skin. Ideal after falls on the playground. Never on open wounds!
External use only. Not for children under 1 year.
Calendula (Marigold)
Helps with:
Minor wounds, scraped knees, dry skin, nappy rash
How to use:
As ointment on minor wounds and scrapes. Promotes natural wound healing. Also as bath additive for sensitive skin.
Tea Tree Oil
Helps with:
Disinfection, minor scratches, insect bites, fungal infections
How to use:
Always apply diluted (1-2 drops in 1 tbsp carrier oil like coconut oil). Dab on minor scratches or bites. Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Never undiluted on children's skin! Do not ingest.
Coconut Oil
Helps with:
Skin care, light sun protection, dry lips, tick repellent
How to use:
Apply directly as natural skin care. Offers light natural sun protection (approx. SPF 4-8). Apply thinly before forest walks – ticks dislike the scent.
Coconut oil alone is not sufficient in intense sun. Use additional shade and protective clothing.
Peppermint
Helps with:
Nausea, headaches, colds, concentration
How to use:
As tea for nausea or colds. Peppermint oil (diluted) on temples for headaches. A fresh leaf to smell helps with concentration.
Do not use peppermint oil on children under 3 years (airways).
Honey (from 1 year)
Helps with:
Sore throat, cough, minor wounds
How to use:
A teaspoon of regional organic honey for sore throat or cough (from 1 year!). Applied to minor wounds, honey has antibacterial properties. Best: Manuka or local beekeeper honey.
Never for children under 1 year (botulism risk)!
Ginger
Helps with:
Travel sickness, colds, immune support
How to use:
Cut fresh ginger into thin slices and pour hot water over them. With some honey (from 1 year) and lemon as warming tea. Chew a small piece for travel sickness.
Thyme
Helps with:
Cough, colds, bronchitis
How to use:
As tea (fresh or dried) for coughs and colds. Thyme has expectorant and antibacterial properties. Also as steam bath: hot water with thyme in a bowl, towel over head, inhale carefully.
Steam baths only under supervision and not for very young children.
Magnesium
Helps with:
Restlessness, sleep issues, muscle cramps, concentration, overwhelm
How to use:
Dissolve magnesium citrate or glycinate powder in water (follow age-appropriate dosage). Taken in the evening, it promotes restful sleep. Also as magnesium oil on the soles of feet or in a warm bath. Especially helpful for high-energy children who struggle to wind down.
Choose age-appropriate dosage. Reduce amount if diarrhoea occurs.
Healing Crystals
Helps with:
Calming, grounding, emotional balance, sense of protection, focus
How to use:
Amethyst (calm, sleep), Rose Quartz (comfort, love), Clear Quartz (clarity, focus), Tiger's Eye (courage, protection), Sodalite (inner calm during overwhelm). Carry as a pocket stone, place under the pillow, or hold as a 'courage stone' before challenges. Children intuitively choose the right stone.
Incense & Smudging Sticks
Helps with:
Room cleansing, calming, rituals, managing transitions, sleep preparation
How to use:
Natural incense sticks (no synthetic fragrances!) from sandalwood, lavender or Nag Champa. Light briefly before bedtime or during transitions (school → home). The ritual of lighting and blowing out provides structure. For sensitive noses: incense cones instead of sticks (shorter, less intense).
Always with an open window. Never leave burning unattended. Watch for smoke sensitivity.
Homeopathy
Helps with:
Teething, exam anxiety, sleep issues, growing pains, emotional transitions
How to use:
Chamomilla D12 (teething, restlessness), Argentum nitricum D12 (exam anxiety, stage fright), Coffea D12 (sleep issues from racing thoughts), Phosphorus D12 (fearfulness, noise sensitivity), Pulsatilla D12 (separation anxiety, tearfulness). Let globules dissolve on the tongue – children love the little pellets. 3× daily 3 globules or as needed.
Homeopathy works on an energetic level. For persistent issues, consult an experienced homeopath.
Omega-3 (Algae Oil)
Helps with:
Concentration, healthy development, inner calm, patience
How to use:
Plant-based Omega-3 from algae oil (DHA + EPA) supports brain development and can help with concentration difficulties. Mix drops into muesli or smoothies. Especially valuable for children who think and feel intensely.
Bach Flower Remedies
Helps with:
Emotional balance, fears, transitions, tantrums, shyness
How to use:
Rescue Remedy (acute crises, shock), Mimulus (known fears), Walnut (changes, transitions), Cherry Plum (loss of control, tantrums), Larch (self-confidence). 4 drops in water or directly on the tongue. Also as cream on wrists or temples.
Harvesting by Moon Phases
Ancient wisdom teaches us that the moon influences plant vitality:
Waxing Moon (New → Full)
Harvest above-ground parts: leaves, flowers, fruits. The rising sap strengthens their healing power.
Full Moon
Peak vitality! Ideal for harvesting flowers and preparing tinctures.
Waning Moon (Full → New)
Harvest roots and bark. The sap retreats into the earth.
New Moon
Rest and renewal. Good for cleansing rituals and setting healing intentions.
Room Cleansing with Smudging
Smudging is one of the oldest healing rituals. The smoke cleanses the energy of a room and creates a calm, protected atmosphere – especially helpful for sensitive children.
White Sage: Powerful cleansing. Clears negative energies.
Frankincense: Calming and grounding. Creates a sacred, protected space.
Lavender: Gentle and child-friendly. The mildest option for children's rooms.
Palo Santo: Sweet scent. Invites positive energy and joy.
Always smudge with an open window. Let children participate – they can hold the shell or fan the smoke with a feather.
Spuki's Task
Can you find 3 of these plants in your garden or on a walk? Draw them in your nature journal! Spuki's favourite is lavender – because it smells so good and helps him fall asleep in his dragon cave.
Tip for Parents
The wisdom of plant-based healing has been passed down for thousands of years. These gentle remedies support the body's own healing power – for minor bumps, colds, and restless nights. Involve your children: let them help prepare teas, pick herbs, or make ointments. This teaches them body awareness, connection to nature, and self-care from an early age. When you harvest herbs together, you pass on ancient knowledge that strengthens both body and soul.
These tips were developed in collaboration with the Humanistic School Switzerland and Inclusion Switzerland. For all children – because natural remedies respect every body.
These tips are for general guidance. For health questions, trust your intuition and seek professional support if needed.