Natural Tips and Remedies for When Your Child is Sick

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It’s that time of year when we’re dodging illnesses left and right. We do our best to avoid getting sick, but sometimes it’s inevitable. As moms, our deepest desire is for our children to feel better fast. That said, it can be difficult to know when it’s necessary to see the doctor, try an over-the-counter medicine, or perhaps a natural remedy.

Over the years, I have found some of my best natural home remedies through other moms. I always appreciate learning helpful tips that can save us a doctor’s visit or a trip to the drugstore.

Of course, there are times when seeing the doctor and using medicine is absolutely necessary, but more often than not, I can find a solution to help my child feel better using what I have on hand in my home.

Use your best judgment and contact your doctor if you are unsure how to treat your child. I am not a medical professional, just a mom who’s had sick children before.

Here are some home remedies that have worked for us at one time or another. They are a great place to start to prevent or treat early symptoms. However, if you don’t see improvement or new symptoms develop, please talk to your pediatrician.

Pink Eye 

This solution can be used if exposed to pink eye or as prevention. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda into one cup of boiling water. Let it cool to room temperature. With clean hands, drench a cotton ball in the baking soda solution. Hold a paper towel under the chin to catch drips. Close the eye, then gently sweep the soaked cotton swab from the top inner corner diagonal to the bottom corner of the eye. The warm water will loosen the eye crust. Use a new, clean cotton ball each time and wash your hands immediately. Keep the clean solution covered and on the counter for the rest of the day. Do not dip the used cotton ball into the solution. Repeat as often as needed throughout the day.

Breathing and Congestion

Avoid synthetic fragrances found in perfume, laundry detergent, and spray or plug-in air fresheners, as these can be irritants and exasperate the problem. Use a cool mist humidifier or an essential oil diffuser with peppermint and eucalyptus oils. Keep head and chest elevated throughout the night.

Immunity Booster

Bone broth is a natural way to strengthen the immune system and calm down an irritated gut. Homemade is best, but you can find some wonderful brands in the health food section of your grocery store. In addition to vitamin c, elderberry syrup/gummies also have immune-boosting properties and are a wonderful supplement.

Image Credit Forty Seven Moments Photography

Sore Throat

Gargle with salt water. Drink herbal tea with lemon and local honey (avoid sugars, artificial sweeteners, food dyes, and dairy, which can all cause inflammation). For a boost, add a splash of apple cider vinegar. 

Upset Stomach

Eat small amounts of soothing foods such as homemade jello with 100% juice, bone broth, and applesauce. For spasms and cramping, use a heating pack you can warm in the microwave and add a couple of drops of lavender essential oil for calming.

Dehydration

Drink coconut water, bone broth, or organic Pedialyte. Again, try to avoid sugary drinks with anything artificial.   

Fever

Take a lukewarm bath with Epsom salt to ease aches and pains and reduce fever. Add a few drops of soothing lavender essential oil. Dress in light clothing and place a cool washcloth over the forehead. 

Nausea

Sip on peppermint or ginger tea.

Again, these are just some natural tips and remedies for when your child is sick. There are many more out there, and I’d love to hear what natural remedies have helped your family during sickness. I’m always looking for more ideas!

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