‘Tis the season for sniffles, earaches, fevers, and coughs. No matter if you’re a germaphobe or the “It-builds-their-immune-system!” type of parent, children always find a way to get sick – and it’s no fun! The unfortunate thing about colds and coughs is that they’re almost always viral and have no cure. No magic shot or pill can stop the yuckiness. Instead of waiting it out or grabbing OTC products that just mask the problems, there are some natural remedies and tips to combat sickness and get the littles feeling better faster with the least amount of side effects.
14 Natural Remedies for Sick Kids
*This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
1. Elderberry Syrup
You can make your own or buy a bottle at Walgreens, Amazon, or natural food stores. Elderberries are an excellent general immune system booster, are a natural laxative and may ease allergies.
2. Tablespoon of Honey
If your child has a sore throat, honey coats the throat and may even be an effective cough depressant. (Only intended for children older than 1).
3. Take a Walk Outside
Especially if baby is having a hard time breathing, sometimes a breath of cold air is all that’s needed to open up baby’s airways.
4. Steam and/or Cool Mist Humidifier
A hot, steamy bathroom and a cool-mist humidifier are great natural ways to open up the airways and help kids breathe. You can even diffuse oils like lavender, tea tree, peppermint, or eucalyptus (if child is over the age of 2) for added benefit.
5. Garlic or Olive Oil
If baby has an earache, try a drop of garlic or olive oil in the ear. Garlic is soothing for infections and is antibacterial. You can make your own oil or buy a bottle at natural food stores or co-ops. (This should only be tried if ear drums are NOT ruptured. Only a doctor can confirm).
6. Raise the Mattress
Prop your little one’s head up with a pillow or put the pillow under the mattress to keep it at an angle for babies too young for pillows in their crib. This helps with congestion and drainage.
7. Bone Broth
Your grandma was onto something when she said chicken noodle soup was good for sickness. While the canned stuff is full of salt and preservatives, homemade soup using bone broth is an excellent way to boost the immune system because it’s rich in healing compounds, and can heal gut lining and intestinal inflammation
8. Water, Water and More Water!
Water helps loosen and thin mucus as well as keeps your child hydrated. If your baby can’t drink water, drink breast milk or formula!
9. Limit Dairy Products
Dairy products make phlegm thicker. Drinking milk and yogurt make the throat more irritated, but it doesn’t actually produce more phlegm.
10. Chiropractor
Getting your baby adjusted isn’t as scary as it sounds. A simple and gentle touch of a finger can align baby’s spine and help relive baby of aches, gas, and optimize the nervous system.
11. Warm Tea
Try a bit of decaf chamomile, cinnamon, or peppermint tea to soothe the throat and offer relief.
12. Zinc and Vitamin C
Try to avoid the sugary processed OJ and take vitamin C and zinc in real food form. Oranges, red peppers, kale, broccoli, strawberries, beef, spinach, pumpkin seeds, nuts, chicken, beans and mushrooms are good sources.
13. Apple Cider Vinegar or Salt Water Gargle
It’s not going to taste great, but if you’re sick enough, you won’t taste it anyway! ACV and salt water alkalize the body and helps kill off viruses and bacteria.
14. Rest
If all else fails, sleep is the best medicine. Let your kiddo sleep off the sickness (if they’re able to).
Sick kids are no fun. Soak up the snuggles and hope they are able to fight off the germs soon. Godspeed, mama!
What remedies do you use for sick kids?
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