Are home remedies for a cold and runny nose really helpful?

Every change in weather means it is snuffles time at home. Babies and children are more susceptible to colds than adults as they are still building up their immunity. Mothers are often seen rushing to the nearest pharmacist to buy over the counter medicines, but these medications are not effective for the common colds, and in some cases can even be dangerous for children under 6 years of age. Although there is no cure for a common cold, but there are a few simple quick fixes one can try when your little one is under weather. Here are some simple and gentle remedies for cold and cough to bring some comfort to your baby.

Easy home remedies for cold and fever

• Plenty of fluids 

For babies under 12 months, breastfeeding or bottle feeding is the best way to keep them hydrated. For babies older than a year, plain water is your best bet. Fluids help them stay hydrated and make the mucus thin. Herbal teas, ginger ale, clear broths,tea with lemon are helpful too. Chicken soup or any other hot soup helps to relieve congestion and makes breathing easier. Clear chicken soup can be given to babies above 8 months who are getting accustomed to solid foods.

•  Vitamin C 

Vitamin C for treating colds is as legendary is eating chicken soup during a cold. Scientific studies have also proven the efficacy of Vitamin C in reducing the duration of common colds. Side effects are uncommon, though large doses of vitamin C can lead to a stomach upset. However, as it is a water soluble vitamin, it is not stored in the body and only rarely causes any toxicity. It can be used as a supplement or taken naturally from citrus fruits. Children under 5 years of age can take upto 250 mg twice a day of supplemental Vitamin C. It is best to give babies vitamin C from natural sources. So use citrus fruits, peppers, and citrus juices. For babies over 12 months, mix lemon juice in warm water and honey and give them at bedtime. 

• Ginger

You can also learn how to make hot ginger tea here.

Source: Healthy Living

One of the most useful home remedies for babies during a cold and runny nose is ginger. An everyday cooking basic, ginger helps to warm up the body providing instant relief from feeling chilly. Also, ginger possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help in relieving congestion. For babies over 2 years, a decoction of ginger and honey,  or adding some ginger pieces to your soup can fight the colds in a jiffy!

• Honey 

Honey, a timeless remedy is known to be a natural antiviral agent that tames a baby’s cold. It is known to work better than most OTC cough and cold remedies. The antioxidants present in honey help in quicker recovery. For maximum benefits, simply give your baby half a teaspoon full of raw and organic honey daily at bedtime. You may give your child a spoonful of money mixed with lemon juice in warm water to add the benefits of Vitamin C. However, do not give honey to a child less than a year old. It could cause a severe allergic reaction.

• Onions

Who can forget the good-ol’ onions when it comes to remedying a baby’s cold? One of the best home remedies for cold and fever, onions contain many antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and act as an expectorant. The active ingredient allicin helps to loosen up the mucus and make the air passages clear so that the mucus can be easily expelled from the chest. For babies who are still in the crib, slice up an onion and place it in a clean sock or a paper envelope with holes, near his pillow at night. The sulfur content in the onions will help to dry out the mucus and open the air passages. For children over five years old, a slice or two of honey soaked onions or grated onion in their soup helps to restore the air passages back to normal.

Disclaimer: The information in the article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor.

Also Read – Home Remedies For Curing Cough And Cold In Children

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