Natural Remedies to Treat Cold / Flu / Fever

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.

Use the ingredients above to prepare your own remedy for fever, cough, cold and/or flu.

Sore Throat Relief

Coconut-Honey Paste

• 2 tbsp of coconut oil
• 2 tbsp of honey
• 1 tsp of ground cinnamon

Mix everything into a paste. To be taken orally to relief sore throat

Honey Ginger Tea

• Raw ginger root, cleaned and sliced thinly
• 1 tbsp of honey
• Hot water or weak tea

Steep ginger root in hot water and drink once cool enough

Saltwater Gargle

• 1 tsp of salt
• 150ml warm water

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

• Few peppermint leaves, rinsed and dried
• Hot water or weak tea

Steep leaves in hot water and drink once cool enough

Vapor Steam Treatment

• Vapor rub or eucalyptus essential oil
• Hot water

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

• ¼ tsp of salt
• ¼ tsp of baking powder
• 230ml warm water

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

• Few cloves of garlic
• Soup or broth

Crushed garlic and add into vegetable soup or broth.

Tamarind poultice

• Tamarind paste
• Water
• Turmeric powder

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

• 1-2 garlic cloves
• Water

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:

1. Keep temperature down – Sponging them down or taking cool bath every 4-5 hours helps to reduce body temperature *Avoid cold water as this can shock the body. Avoid hot water too as it will only raise body temperature
2. Stay hydrated – Get your children to drink a lot of water especially if their fever is accompanied by diarrhea
3. Eat food – Despite the possible loss of appetite, your children still need to eat, as it will help to boost immune system. Go for easily digested food like yogurt, chicken soup or fruits. Choose fruits and vegetables that are high in Vitamin C and beta carotene like oranges, bananas, broccoli, carrots and blueberries

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.