When your child is not feeling well, as a parent you just want to help them feel better. Home remedies have been around for a long time but it is important to be sure you are treating your child safely. Depending on the age of your child and the symptoms they are having, that will determine which home remedies will be more suitable.
Sore throat.
If your child has a sore throat a great home remedy is lemon water with honey. You just have to boil the water with the lemons, add a couple of teaspoons of honey, and be sure it is not too hot when you give it to you child to drink. Do not give honey to a child under 12 months old. Encourage your child to sip on the warm drink to help soothe a sore throat. Another good home remedy is a salt water gargle. Mix a small amount of salt in some lukewarm water and have them gargle and spit it out.
Cough and congestion.
It can be concerning is your child has a cough that is troubling them. A cough can often be worse at night as mucus drains down the throat. A home remedy is to use steam. Get a cool mist humidifier or vaporizer; you can add liquid menthol made for the humidifier. You can put a vapor rub on their chest. If you don’t have a humidifier and your child is very congested, go in the bathroom with your child. Close the door to keep the humidity and turn on the hot shower. The steam helps to break up the congestion. Keep in mind that if they are struggling to breathe or have a high fever also go to the emergency room or call 911.
Ear ache.
If your child is having an ear ache a home remedy that always seems to help is to apply a warm compress to the outside of the ear. I prefer to use a warm salt sock. A few drops of coconut oil or olive oil mixed with lavender and applied to the outside of the ear also helps.
Cold.
It can be frustrating to fight colds every cold season. The common cold is caused by a virus and has no medical cure. To treat a cold with home remedies remember to rest, ensure hydration by encouraging fluids like chicken noodle soup and juice. Your child should start feeling better in a few days to a week. If it is not improving take them to see their pediatrician. Rest is important to help restore the body and fight illness. Hydration and fluids help to keep your child from becoming dehydrated and aid their body to thin mucus and flush out toxins. A good warm tea can aid in soothing and flushing. It can be helpful to boost the immune system. One of my favorite ways to do this is with elderberry syrup.
Fever.
Check your child’s temperature with a thermometer. If you child has a fever they will probably not want to move around and play. My go to home remedy is to put a cool compress on their forehead, take off warm clothing but be sure they don’t get a chill. You can also put them in a lukewarm bath being careful to avoid being too cold. If you use essential oils and your child is over the age of 10 peppermint oil has also been known to be helpful. Be sure to keep your child out of school if they have a fever to help stop the spread of the sickness, and protect your child from other illnesses.
Bug bites.
When it is warm outside kids love to play but they may be plagued by mosquito or other bug bites. To help stop the itching make a paste of baking soda with a little bit of water. Apply the paste to the bite to relieve the swelling, itching, and inflammation.
When your child is sick check their temperature, ask them their symptoms and treat it accordingly. Encourage your child to rest, eat soft foods and drink plenty of fluids. Be supportive and help keep your child healthy and happy.
Disclosure: The information provided is in no way an alternative to seeking medical advice from your doctor. It is simply intended to give additional advice on every day, non-emergent situations from a mother. If your situation is urgent, please contact your doctor immediately (or 911 if an emergency).
