Natural Health: It’s been non-stop since the school holidays started – I’m tired when I wake up.

The short and simple answer is yes – calendula lotion can help relieve itching and breakouts almost immediately and is a great topical solution to have for relieving symptoms. your son. A long-term solution is to consult a health professional who can look at the root cause of her eczema.

Eczema will usually respond well to dietary changes and nutritional support with supplements if needed. Gut health is the first place most doctors will start, usually starting with restoring the gut flora by using a good quality probiotic. If you wish to try this route, be sure to choose a product designed for babies and children, free from artificial flavors and colors, such as BioCare.

Reducing or eliminating dairy can help eczema sufferers. Grains, especially those containing gluten, can also cause breakouts. Often these food groups and foods can be slowly reintroduced to the diet once the eczema is completely healed, however in some cases this is a lifelong change.

Sugar is another food ingredient that can worsen skin conditions and allergic reactions. Testing for sensitivities, intolerances, and allergies may be helpful if you feel that certain foods or food groups are the trigger for your eczema flare-ups.
You may also need to look at household and personal products that may cause eczema flare-ups. Switching to clean, natural and unscented hair care, soaps, dish soap, laundry products and cleaning supplies is a good place to start.

I have four children under the age of ten and it has been non-stop since the school holidays started. I’m tired when I wake up. What would you suggest?

With four young children you are doing very well to get through the school holidays! When it comes to stress and anxiety, the herbal remedies I usually recommend are Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), and/or Ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera).
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps reduce cortisol levels, calming the body and mind by facilitating the release of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. You can take it as a tea, tincture, or in capsule form.
Siberian ginseng provides gentle adrenal support, balancing your body’s response to stress. Another adaptogenic herb, Siberian ginseng helps improve mental and physical stamina and energy, can help with brain and concentration problems, and is a great immune tonic.

Your body will have an increased need for B vitamins, as stress (emotional, mental and physical) is very hot in our stores of this vitamin group. In terms of supplementation, a good place to start is with vitamin B-complex.
The B vitamin group helps support nerve health, and it is very common for people with chronic stress to be deficient in one or more of the B vitamins. There are many B-complex supplements available, including a B-vitamin tonic made by Floradix.

Mineral-wise, magnesium is also a nerve-supporting nutrient, and can help with insomnia, muscle pain and stiffness, anxiety and restless legs. Magnesium is absorbed most effectively when applied topically as a spray, gel, or cream, but it can also be taken internally as a capsule or powder.
Because it helps improve sleep quality and nerve health, magnesium is worth considering if you find yourself tired before starting your day. Deep restorative sleep is very important for the body’s vital repair and regeneration processes, and a lack of good sleep will naturally lead to fatigue, increased stress and deterioration of the ‘ immune system.

Try to make time for some breathing exercises – you can do these together with your children. There are many free tools and guided breathing exercises available, or you can stop and do a few rounds of ‘4-7-8 breathing’. This is taking a deep breath through your nose to the count of four, holding the count of seven, and exhaling to the count of eight.

Go easy on yourself – I have no doubt you are doing a great job.

• Have a question for Megan Sheppard? Email it to [email protected]
• NOTE: The information in this column is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a doctor.