by on 25/09/2013 8427
A child with the cold spell or fever is not something parents look forward to. It drains their energy, making them lethargic and as parents, we hate to see our children that way.
Other than the medication given by their pediatricians, there are also alternative medicines that are readily available at home that can be used as natural remedies.
Natural ingredients like garlic, ginger and honey contain numerous beneficial properties that are good for health. Using these ingredients to treat fever, cold or flu is inexpensive and they can be easily prepared.
Natural Ingredient |
Main Properties |
Benefits |
Garlic |
Allicin Phytoncide (anti-fungal compound) Vinyldithiins Ajoene B vitamins |
|
Ginger |
Carminative Gingerols Antispasmodic |
|
Honey |
Methylglyoxal (Antibacterial compound) Magnesium Potassium Iron Phosphate |
|
Cinnamon |
Manganese Fiber Calcium |
|
Peppermint |
Menthol Menthone Menthyl acetate Manganese Rosmarinic acid Antispasmodic |
|
Turmeric |
Curcumin |
|
Use the ingredients above to prepare your own remedy for fever, cough, cold and/or flu.
Sore Throat Relief
Coconut-Honey Paste
Mix everything into a paste. To be taken orally to relief sore throat
Honey Ginger Tea
Steep ginger root in hot water and drink once cool enough
Saltwater Gargle
Dissolve salt in warm water and gargle. Salt acts as mild anti-septic and breaks down mucus or phlegm layer on throat
Fight off the Flu
Peppermint Tea
Steep leaves in hot water and drink once cool enough
Vapor Steam Treatment
Place hot water in a large bowl and add few dollops of vapor rub or few drops of eucalyptus oil. Lean over bowl and take slow, deep breaths to clear congested nose and chest. Drape a towel over head to ensure better inhalation.*Supervise child closely as hot water can cause scalding and serious injury
Nasal spray
Dissolve salt and baking powder in warm water. With a bulb syringe, carefully squirt solution into congested nostril. Repeat for several times until congestion is relieved
Ward off Fever
Garlic as antibiotic
Crushed garlic and add into vegetable soup or broth.
Tamarind poultice
Mix a little water into tamarind paste and turmeric powder into a thick paste. Form into poultice and place on forehead to reduce body temperature
Garlic Tea
Place garlic and water in a pot and bring to boil. Let steep for a few minutes or until cool enough. Drink small amount throughout the day
You can also help to control fever and flu through:
With these natural remedies, your child’s fever or flu can be reduced without the need of commercial medication. However, if symptoms persist, it’s always wise to bring them to see a doctor so serious illness can be avoided.