All the preventive measures in the world won’t keep a child from catching a cold every now and then. In fact, it’s not uncommon for youngsters to get between six and ten colds a year. And when the coughing, sore throat and stuffy nose become unbearable, you may be willing to do whatever it takes to make your tyke feel better. Over the counter cold medicines are widely used to ease cold symptoms, but natural remedies can provide relief too.
Eucalyptus Oil to Relieve a Stuffy Nose and Cough
Eucalyptus oil is extracted from the leaves of a eucalyptus tree. When eucalyptus oil is combined with steam, it relieves congestion, and improves breathing. To relieve a stuffy nose and cough associated with the common cold virus, add three to four drops of eucalyptus oil to the water in a dehumidifier, and let the aroma fill the room.
Warm Honey and Lemon for a Sore Throat
People have used honey and lemon as a natural way to relieve cold symptoms for ages. The soothing power of honey, combined with the antiviral and antibacterial properties of lemon, makes these two ingredients perfect for knocking out a sore throat. Mix a tablespoon of honey and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice in four ounces of warm water. Let your child sip the mixture slowly. This cold treatment can be repeated several times throughout the day.
Before giving the warm honey and lemon water to your kid, use a medicine dropper to test the temperature of the water on your wrist to make sure it's not too hot. And due to the risk of botulism, never give honey to children under the age of one.
Vitamin C to Shorten the Duration of the Common Cold Virus
Nobody wants to suffer from a cold virus any longer than necessary. Vitamin C boosts the immune system and shortens the duration of the common cold. So when a youngster’s cold has got him down, boost the amount of Vitamin C rich foods in his diet.
The common cold virus in kids can sometimes lead to inflammation of the sinuses, ear infections, strep throat and croup. If a child has symptoms that include a fever of 103 degrees or higher, chills, breathing difficulty, abdominal pain, vomiting, severe headaches or a fever that last more than four days, contact a doctor immediately.
Administering drugs to your child is not the only way to relieve his cold symptoms. Giving on warm honey and lemon water, filling the room with the aroma of eucalyptus oil, and boosting vitamin C intake are all natural treatment options for common cold relief.
Reference:
Mayo Clinic. Accessed December 3, 2009.
Charlina Stewart - Charlina has dedicated more than a decade of her life making a positive difference in the lives of children. During her time as an early ...
