Miso soup to prevent measles? Why Alicia Silverstone is feeding her two-year-old son a plant-based diet instead of getting him vaccinated

Alicia Silverstone has revealed that her two-year-old son Bear has never been vaccinated for the usual run of childhood diseases including chickenpox and measles or had a 'drop of medicine' because she prefers a natural approach.



The 39-year-old vegan actress writes in her new parenting guide The Kind Mama that she believes a 'plant-based diet' is an 'essential part of well-being' and works with a doctor who shares these views.

In an interview with People magazine Ms Silverstone, who is married to musician Christopher Jarecki, says that she feeds her son a light miso soup for breakfast and he has 'never been sick.'

Earth mother: Alicia Silverstone has revealed that her two-year-old son Bear has never been vaccinated for the usual run of childhood diseases including chickenpox and measles because she prefers a natural approach

She continues: 'I'm not against Western medicine. The problem is we're using it as a first step for everything, even when it's not needed.'

In her new book she includes a passage focused on the 'Vaccine Debate', passionately writing: 'There is increasing anecdotal evidence from doctors who have gotten distressed phones calls from parents claiming their child was "never the same" after receiving a vaccine.



'And I personally have friends whose babies were drastically affected in this way.'



The Clueless star points out that 'vaccines are a very completed issue' and advises other parents to 'get educated and make a decision that feels best for you.'



'Because his body is a super-clean , healthy machine it can flush out all the nasty stuff much more quickly than a baby whose diet isn't as kind'

However, she notes that little Bear is the perfect example of how a 'chemical-free' approach can benefit the immune system.



'Because his body is a super-clean, healthy machine it can defend itself and flush out all the nasty stuff much more quickly than a baby whose diet isn't as kind.'



In a later chapter she reveals some of the 'healing' dishes she likes to rustle up for Bear at the family home in Los Angeles.



In a chapter titled Cooking For Baby she lists recipes for Immune-Boosting Miso Soup, Boiled Vegetables and Grain Milk.

And Ms Silverstone's all-natural approach to diet translates to the bathroom cabinet.

First time mom: A photograph of the Clueless actress showing off a large baby bump kissing her musician husband Christopher Jarecki, when pregnant back in 2011 Spreading the word: Ms Silverstone seen with her husband and their toddler Bear (left) is already the author of vegan cookbook The Kind Diet which claims with help people 'feel great' and 'lose weight'

For instance, if Bear has a snuffly nose she uses eucalyptus oil to help him breathe more easily and feeds him cooled Japanese 'ume kuzu tea' if his temperature runs high.

Another thing she recommends is to soak a child's socks in vinegar or cold water and wrap them around the feet to 'bring down the fever.'

A 'cooled cabbage leaf on the back of a baby's head' is another suggestion.

'I'm not against Western medicine. The problem is we're using it as a first step for everything, even when it's not needed'

For earache Ms Silverstone says squeezing 'a few drops of breast milk' into an infant's ear will 'help alleviate discomfort and clear the tubes.'

Already the author of vegan cookbook The Kind Diet, Ms Silverstone's 'earth mother' way of living has attracted her fair share of criticism, especially when she posted a video of herself prechewing her son's food last year.



'It was a moment and I was trusting my instincts,' she explained recently on LIVE with Kelly and Michael.



'He couldn't chew. He had like one tooth. And he wanted the food in my mouth. He was determined. And so, I gave it to him.

'I know [my new] book is going to help women be their healthiest strongest selves and really start to understand the connection between food and wellness,' Ms Silverstone said