When your little ones are feeling under the weather, making them feel comfortable plays a key role in helping them to recover. And while there a range of cold and cough medicines out there, they’re not always the only option. Instead, there’s plenty of natural remedies that can help, enabling your young ones to relax as best as possible.
Here we’ve listed a handful of tried and tested cold and flu remedies for children, meaning you can act quickly if your kids are ill.
A spoonful of honey
If your child has a cough, a spoonful of honey before bed can do wonders. Research suggests this simple method not only settles a sore throat but also prompts a good night’s sleep.
Honey boasts an array of antibacterial and antimicrobial properties which are great for fighting infection, while it can easily be mixed with water if you struggling to drink it.
However, note that if your child is under the age of one, it’s important to avoid this treatment as it can cause a rare but life-threatening condition called infant botulism.
Drink plenty of fluids
Whether you’re an adult or child, ensuring you stay hydrated (especially when feeling unwell) is a must! Both coughs and colds can make children feel lethargic, which means they’ll often feel less like eating or drinking. Ice pops, smoothies and soups are great alternatives to water.
Herbs
The likes of ginger and mint are two great natural remedies, both of which boast anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger, derived from the root of the Zingiber officinale, has long been used to treat flu ailments, especially blocked sinuses. It’s also used to treat nausea and indigestion.
You can make your own ginger-infused herbal tea at home by simmering freshly sliced ginger and cinnamon sticks in hot water for 30 minutes. Sweeten with a little honey. If mucus and phlegm are the issues, opt for mint tea instead.
As well as making a tea using fresh mint leaves, you can also place a few mint leaves under your nose, breathing in heavily, to help ease congestion.
Bromelain
This enzyme comes from pineapples, with the majority being found in the core of the fruit. Giving pineapple juice to your little ones when they’re feeling under the weather is a great home remedy.
That’s because Bromelain boasts an abundance of anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as mucolytic properties, which break down mucus, helping to remove it from the body.
Invest in extra pillows
Use an extra pillow to raise your toddler’s head at night. This will help you to open their airways, encouraging mucus to drain. If your baby has a cough, elevate the head of the crib by placing a pillow or wedge below the mattress.
House plants
It has been proven that plants boast an array of beneficial properties, including air-purifying powers, an asset to those suffering from coughs and colds. Certain plants are able to rid the air of impurities and chemicals, while also helping to combat influenza and colds.
Spider plants, aloe vera, and areca palms are just some of the options renowned for their air-purifying qualities.
Saline spray
If your children are blocked up, try the saline spray. This remedy, which contains salt, helps to loosen mucus, making it easier to breathe.
As well as sprays, gargling with salt water is a great way to ease a sore throat. Simply dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.
Humidifiers
Investing in a humidifier is a great idea and one that certainly comes in handy when your child is feeling unwell. Placing a humidifier in your little one’s room can help to combat colds and coughs as it’s proven to keep airways moist.
Bouquets of flowers
As well as brightening up interiors, bouquets of beautiful blooms are also beneficial in the flu season. Both blooms and common household plants, such as palms, ferns, and ZZ plants, are proven to decrease the infectivity of airborne viruses.
They do this by heightening humidity levels in the home. Today, you can buy both house plants and bouquets from online florists. There are a number of options to choose from, many of which are available for same and next day delivery.
Sponge bath
If your child is showing signs of a fever, instead of reaching for the medicine cabinet, run them a warm bath. Scientific evidence has revealed that a sponge bath, combined with anti-inflammatories, can help to calm a fever in as little as an hour.
Vicks VapoRub
This remedy has been around for as long as many of us can remember, with the strong scent bringing back childhood memories. Whilst it’s not your average home remedy, this ointment is still a prevalent option and one that is available over-the-counter.
Colds and coughs are a fact of life and it’s highly likely our children will suffer from a handful throughout their childhood. Trying any one of these home remedies is certainly one way to comfort your little ones, ensuring they get some much-needed healing rest.
Sources: healthline.com, webmd.com, verywellhealth.com, amodrn.com
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