Everyone knows how miserable colds can be. The untoward physical manifestations like sneezing, sore throats, nasal congestion, runny nose, coughing and fatigue can be difficult for most people. However, these issues can be even more difficult for children to cope with.
Complicating matters is that children typically suffer from such minor upper respiratory maladies far more than others. Young children in kindergarten and younger often contract anywhere from 8 to 12 colds per year.
Parents hate to see their children feeling so terrible and yearn to do anything to relieve their kid’s discomfort. Unfortunately, over-the-counter preparations might not always be suitable for children and even the ones safe for consumption by young persons still might elicit side effects like drowsiness and malaise.
Fortunately, however, certain natural remedies might prove effective in treating young children with colds, including:
1. Optimal Fluid Intake
Maintaining an optimal fluid quantity often proves critical in helping children regain strength during a cold. Therefore, it is imperative for parents to ensure their children drink enough water when they’re sick. For children who do not like the taste of water or are reluctant to drink, offering them with other types of beverages or water-laden items might suffice. Consider giving them any of the following:
- Popsicles
- Applesauce
- Fruit juices
- Flavored teas
Additionally, soup is an excellent source of liquid. A nice hot bowl of chicken noodle or tomato soup don’t just provide young people with sufficient water intake. It can also help relieve symptoms like nasal congestion.
2. Honey
Scientific studies show that a spoonful of honey can do wonders for children suffering from colds. Honey contains anti-inflammatory and microbial-killing properties that may alleviate associated symptoms and shorten the illness’s duration. That said, make sure not to give honey to infants because of the risk of infant botulism.
3. Sleep
Adequate rest is especially critical for young people at all times, particularly when they are ailing. Sleep often proves vital to helping a young person’s immune system fight the offending pathogen.
4. Saline nasal sprays
Saline nasal sprays preparations contain two potent cold-fighting ingredients, salt and water. Salt possesses anti-microbial properties that may eliminate cold viruses and expedite the healing process. Water can soothe the discomfort associated with nasal congestion and promote easier breathing, which could contribute to more restful sleep.
5. Garlic
Children might not like the taste or smell of the quite pungent herb. That said, garlic is a noted germ fighter. The product contains allicin, a powerful nutrient that has been scientifically proven to eliminate microbes like viruses and bacteria. For children who do not enjoy the taste, parents are encouraged to include the spice as an ingredient in foods said individuals might enjoy like pasta sauces.
Parents must remember that there is no surefire cure for the common cold. Fortunately, illness is typically minor and runs its course over a period of a few days to as much as a week or two. Nonetheless, administering the preceding home remedies eliminates the need for medications and might provide a certain degree of relief from the associated untoward symptoms.
