As parents, we all want to do what’s best for our kids, especially when they’re sick. But so often, the default response is to grab Tylenol, antibiotics, or conventional over-the-counter meds—without really questioning what’s in them or how they impact long-term health. What if there was a better way?
My guest today, Kate Tietje, is on a mission to provide truly clean, natural, and effective alternatives to conventional medicine. Her and her husband Ben are the founders of Earthley, a company dedicated to making herbal remedies accessible to all—without the synthetic fillers, preservatives, and isolated compounds that dominate the wellness market.
With over 16 years of experience in herbalism, they believe in harnessing the whole plant for healing, rather than isolating compounds like Western medicine does.
In today’s episode, we’re diving into why so many kids seem to be sick all the time, how conventional medicine can sometimes create an endless cycle of illness, and the natural remedies that can support kids’ immune systems without harmful side effects.
If you’ve ever wondered how to swap out Tylenol, support your child after antibiotics, or build a natural medicine cabinet that actually works, this episode is for you!
The Dangers of Tylenol
One of the first topics we tackled was the common use of Tylenol among parents. Many of us reach for it without a second thought when our children have a fever or are in pain.
However, Kate highlighted two significant issues with this approach. First, even when used correctly, Tylenol depletes glutathione, an important amino acid and antioxidant that helps the body recover from illness. This means that by giving Tylenol, we might actually be slowing down our child’s healing process.
The second concern is the risk of overdose. Tylenol has a low threshold for overdose, and even a slight increase in dosage can lead to serious liver damage. In fact, it is currently the leading cause of liver failure in the U.S. Kate emphasized that there are many better alternatives to Tylenol that parents can consider.
Managing Fevers Naturally
When it comes to fevers, Kate shared her personal experience with her own children. She believes in allowing the body to do what it needs to do during a fever, rather than rushing to lower it.
For her almost 12-year-old son who recently had a fever, Kate used a warm bath with Epsom salt, ensured he was resting comfortably, and provided him with herbal remedies like Feel Better Fast and Pain Potion.
She advised that as long as a child is comfortable and able to drink fluids, parents shouldn’t be overly concerned about the fever itself, especially if it’s not reaching dangerously high levels like 104 and 105 degrees. Instead, she encourages parents to pay attention to their child’s behavior and comfort level and let their body do the work!
Supporting Immune Health
This year, many parents have noticed an increase in illnesses among children, and Kate believes this is partly due to the lack of exposure to germs during the pandemic. To support immune health, she recommends a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, avoiding excess sugar and processed foods.
Kate also shared some of her go-to herbal remedies, such as echinacea, astragalus root, and elderflower, which can help bolster the immune system. Additionally, she mentioned the importance of good sleep and hydration, as well as using products like Earthely’s Adaptogenic Immunity and Gut Health Oil.
Earthly’s Herbal Remedies
As a mother of six, Kate has firsthand experience with the challenges of parenting and health. She shared some of her family’s favorite Earthely products, including:
- Feel Better Fast: A go-to remedy for when anyone in the family isn’t feeling well. It contains a blend of herbs like cinnamon, elderflower, and echinacea, making it both effective and tasty for kids.
- Good Night Lotion: A magnesium lotion that helps with sleep and can also soothe sore muscles and headaches.
- Teeth Tamer: An essential for teething babies, which many parents swear by.
Kate emphasized that these products are designed to be accessible and effective, harnessing the power of whole plants rather than isolated compounds.
Addressing Eczema and Allergies
Eczema and allergies are common issues that many children face today. Kate shared her own journey with her daughter, who struggled with eczema as a baby.
They found success with the GAPS diet, which focuses on gut healing. She also Kate recommends using Earthley’s Gut Health Oil and Soothing Skin Balm to help manage these conditions. (Yes, they really do have a natural remedy for everything!)
Probiotics are also crucial for gut health, and Kate encourages parents to incorporate fermented foods like kombucha and kefir into their children’s diets.
The Role of Antibiotics
I loved chatting with Kate about antibiotics, because we all know they are often prescribed for common childhood illnesses, but are they really necessary? And in our conversation, Kate cautioned that they can sometimes do more harm than good.
Many ear infections, for example, are caused by fungi, and antibiotics are ineffective in these cases. She encourages parents to ask questions and consider natural remedies before resorting to antibiotics.
If antibiotics are necessary, Kate recommends focusing on gut health afterward. This includes consuming bone broth, avoiding refined grains and sugars, and using products like Earthley’s Gut Health Oil to restore balance.
Trusting Your Instincts
Throughout our conversation, Kate emphasized the importance of trusting your instincts as a parent. She encourages parents to do their research, ask questions, and not be afraid to challenge conventional wisdom.
As a parent myself, I found Kate’s insights incredibly valuable. The world of health and wellness can be daunting, but with the right information and resources, we can make informed decisions for our children’s health!
If you’re interested in learning more about natural remedies and how to support your child’s health, I highly recommend checking out Earthley’s products and resources. You can find a wealth of information on their website and follow them on social media for tips and advice!
