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Are Pukka Teas safe for teens?

55 replies

Meckity1 · 02/05/2020 11:09

Posting for traffic.

Son, who is thirteen, has a lot of issues going on, like huge list of stuff. One of which is insomnia. Is the Pukka Night Time tea safe for young teens? I read the ingredients and it contains Valerian.

Son is currently taking serious doses of paracetamol and I don't know how to google to see if that will interact with the Pukka Night Time tea.

We are doing the 'no screens before bedtime', strict routines, no caffeine (he doesn't really have it anyway), etc. We're just desperate, poor kid is falling apart.

Baths and showers can be difficult due to the physical issues he is having, and exercise is not really possible. He loathes the scent of lavender. Camomile tea wasn't as helpful as I hoped.

Thank you for your help.

OP posts:
StirCrazy2020 · 02/05/2020 13:19

For clarity I wasn't recommending codeine as a new idea just sharing my observations on its effects - OP had mentioned it was something that was being considered presumably via GP. I agree it's a very powerful drug which requires a lot of caution esp for a child.

Mutedgrey · 02/05/2020 13:21

Hi.
It just sounded like you are way beyond the point where a tea is all that is needed.
If he is doing all the obvious things to help aid sleep and still suffering then for me it may be time to go back to the GP. You say he is in lots of pain. That obviously impacts his ability to really rest, and then the lack of sleep will be taking a huge toll on his body and it’s opportunities to try and heal and recover from all the strain it’s under.

My concern with something like melatonin would be around psychological dependence. But given he is already on high dosages of other drugs then it’s not a factor that you will already have to be working with.

Otherwise what about some audio sleep aids? There are apps specially designed for it. In an ideal world you’d have a Bluetooth speaker in his room and you’d control it from your phone so that his room stays device-free. But appreciate that might not be possible.

Meckity1 · 02/05/2020 13:59

Thank you for all the ideas and help. I really appreciate it

OP posts:
CustardySergeant · 02/05/2020 14:16

"Cars go bonkers for the pukka night time tea bags because of the valerian."

Sounds a bit dangerous. I wouldn't want to get into a bonkers car. What do you do, push teabags into the petrol tank?

MitziK · 02/05/2020 17:26

Hmmm. I assume he's had blood tests to see the level of inflammation in his body? Is he hypermobile? Have they considered steroids rather than bog standard Ibuprofen or Naproxen that'll likely make him feel like puking his guts up after a few days? Is there history of autoimmune diseases in the family, like Psoriasis, Crohns', AS, RA, PsA or suchlike? It's very common to say to kids that they're just growing (I wish that phrase was fucking illegal, it isn't normal to be in pain) when they've actually got something that would almost completely disappear into remission if given the correct medication.

In the meantime, however, I'll look at it from the point of view that I get almost identical issues (with a diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis) when unmedicated.

Look at the quality of his bed and mattress - children's/singles are generally of fucking atrocious quality. To have muscle and joint pain and then have to lie down on the nasty things that come with single beds feels like you have somebody pressing their knuckles into a hundred thousand bruises. And when you eventually wake up, assuming you've made it all through the night without waking up constantly due to pain, you feel rather like you've been put in a cement mixer together with a bag of cobblestones. A memory foam topper would be relatively inexpensive but might take some of the pressure off. An S shaped foam pillow helps to keep the head and neck in the correct position, so reduces neck, upper back and shoulder pain, along with headaches that come from the back of the head. Trying to sleep on your side can help if you use a standard pillow between the knees to take the pressure of them and the hips/sacroiliac joints.

Stretching and trying to maintain a good range of movement is very important. Pain can make you slouch and hunch over, which creates more stress on the joints - does he poke his head forward, roll his shoulders towards his chest and slouch his upper back, for example? Posture is so important. And teenagers tend to have the worst posture of all.

A good and non harmful exercise is to stand in the door way and gently use it to give a little stretch to shoulders, back and arms. Another is to lie on the floor, knees up and just move slightly to lengthen the back, neck, arms, legs down to try and reach a little more. A sharp pain = stop immediately. It should just feel like a little stretch.

Vitamin D. Vitamin D levels have been found to be very low in many, many people with autoimmune disease and can cause osteomalacia/rickets - one of the symptoms is pain. Lots of it. Most teenagers aren't that likely to eat a great deal of food that's high in Vitamin D. A multivitamin would help the levels and isn't contraindicated unless you have been specifically told that he must not have any vitamins (which I doubt). IIRC, sleep disturbance is also very common with inadequate vitamin levels.

And, no matter how hard it is, staggering and limping into the shower each morning is really good for getting things moving. Could you fit a seat under the shower? It seems like the most awful effort at the time when you wake up in pain, but something like 'Your bath is run/shower's ready, I'll give you a hand to get there' can make it less of a chore.

A mixture of those might help him feel slightly better.

Meckity1 · 02/05/2020 19:05

@MitziK Thank you, that is so helpful! I don't want to make it about me, but I'm absolutely at my wits end. No blood tests, but local hypermobility and issues with muscles. I've been frantic. I guess any mother watching their kid suffer feels the same. And of course there's always other stuff - it's a real mess.

We've tried to do all the right things. We've stuck to what the GP said, we've not gone for the weird stuff in alternative medicine (yes, some is awesome, but some is really not and quite dangerous and I'm not educated enough to know the difference), we've jumped through all the hoops.

I can get onto a new mattress (currently an IKEA one) and Vit D straight away. Thank you!

OP posts:
woodencoffeetable · 02/05/2020 19:22

IKEA matresses are generally good, but older foam ones stop being as supportive after 7 years. plus you dc has most probably grown a lot and his mattress just isn't the right one.

DianaT1969 · 02/05/2020 19:33

You can get blood test kits online with Thriva. I think the vitamin panel one is around £40. The results would be back in a few days and at least you'd know what you were dealing with and if a loading dose is required.
I had insomnia in my 40s but I could drift off during the day outside on a sun lounger. Fresh air and exhaustion I guess. I'd encourage him to do that just to get some sleep in the bank if you have a garden.

JemimaTab · 02/05/2020 19:39

I’ve not tried the Pukka teas but the Clipper Sleep Easy Infusion is really nice (has an orangey flavour), and does make me sleepy. It has valerian, but I can’t imagine in enormous amounts.

Lessstressedhemum · 02/05/2020 20:07

I have fibro, arthritis and me, so know a bit about muscle and joint pain.

Have you tried. Magnesium supplement and a vitD one? They can help greatly with pain. Also B12. If you can't get him to take magnesium, try Epsom salts in a hot bath.

The only thing that gets me moving in the morning is a very hot shower. Even when I'm in tears with the pain, that helps loosen things off.

If he doesn't like the pukka sleep tea, try the pukka peace tea or Slàinteach Peace tea, that's loose leaf, though, so you need a pot and strainer.
My autistic ds4 takes the Tesco version of Kalmd, they are exactly the same and really help him.

woodencoffeetable · 02/05/2020 20:10

wrt magnesium, decathlon do a chewable one with a nice flavour.

Meckity1 · 02/05/2020 21:09

Really appreciate the tips and advice. I'll look into magnesium, and someone has recommended tumeric. I've always been really cautious, but poor kid is struggling. I don't think I've got the nerve for a home blood test kit, though, at least not yet.

I'll see how he goes with teas - thank you for the recommendations. I go out once a week so can always see what's in store.

Thank you all so much!

OP posts:
HappyHedgehog247 · 02/05/2020 21:17

I have muscle and joint pain. Heat, movement, stretching all help with the pain. Sitting still for ages makes it worse. Mine is autoimmune. Change of diet as well as meds works well. Massage is amazing. Hard during lockdown but can do self massage on some bits.

2ndStar · 02/05/2020 21:24

No blood tests?

One of mine had similar issues, vitamin d levels were 10. High dose oral prescription of D have made a huge difference in a few months.

colditz · 02/05/2020 21:26

Phenergen

Lessstressedhemum · 02/05/2020 22:44

Turmeric is good, so is Boswelia. You can make a massage oil with frankincense, ginger and black pepper which really helps with muscle pain.

Gentle stretching should help as well, but start very slowly and build up.

Breathing techniques are good for emptying the mind. In through the nose for 5, hold for 7, out through the mouth for 8. Do that a few times when anxious or before bed. It sounds ridiculously simple but it really does help.

TreacleMoon123 · 02/05/2020 23:30

A low dose of melatonin for a few months might help. I wouldnt be worried about dependency tbh.
My dd had huge sleep issues & after many many years of sleepless nights and anxiety the paediatrician prescribed melatonin. To say it was life changing is an understatement! She was on it for about a year & became a new person. Thankfully she doesn't need it anymore.
Hope your ds gets some relief soon.

Catworrier · 02/05/2020 23:55

Weighted blankets are an absolute dream for me. Quite literally.

I really struggle with sleep due to Todd's syndrome (it's like living an Alice in wonderland adventure)

My weighted blanket switches it off for me. I won't go back. And I don't take any medication anymore.

PickAChew · 02/05/2020 23:59

You google paracetamol valerian interactions and make up your own mind, based on the results.

PickAChew · 03/05/2020 00:00

None, btw.

loubieloo4 · 03/05/2020 00:26

I would be wary of phenergan as it can make some people hyperactive. Melatonin is fantastic, I also agree with trying the placebo effect. Maybe using a magnesium & vit d tablet.

We managed to convince dd when she was a similar age that wilko's paracetamol was a strong one from the hospital after breaking her ankle and having pins put in.

MiniMum97 · 03/05/2020 01:38

Your son has a "huge list of stuff" going on but the GP has not completed ANY blood tests?!? Just prescribed painkillers? If that is what has happened that is not right at all. With the few symptoms you describe, I would expect some bloodwork to have been done at first visit- FBC, thyroid possibly and vitamin deficiencies definitely. I would be pushing for these. And if that is what has happened I would be seeing a different doctor. You need to be your son's advocate here, don't just follow the doctor blindly. If you don't think investigations or treatment is adequate then go and see someone else.

And multivitamins won't do anything to treat a vitamin deficiency. The amounts are simply too low. And a lot of vitamins in a multi conflict with the other vitamins and so won't be absorbed (eg iron and calcium) so that are not worth the money. Get some proper tests done and see what he needs (if anything) and treat as per NICE guidelines.

TuMeke · 03/05/2020 03:39

Your poor DS - bad sleep is just absolute misery and I really feel for him (and you). Another vote for magnesium - you can also get balms which you can rub onto stomach and inner elbows before bed.

I’ve also found using a meditation app really helpful. I use one called Insight Timer: its free and has lots and lots of sleep meditations he can try until he finds the style that suits him, including nature noises, guided meditations, music and so on. They even have some specifically for children and teens. Meditation could actually help him with managing the pain generally, too - in my experience it has made a big difference.

StopMakingATitOfUrselfNPissOff · 03/05/2020 06:58

Just say, that Pukka tea tastes of lavender so he might not like it!

Reginabambina · 03/05/2020 07:02

The paracetamol will screw up his kidneys. You really need to stop giving it to him immediately.

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