Which home remedies are suitable for colds in children?
March 9, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Hildegard Hirschfeld
Dear pediatrician,
My name is Wolfgang Schulz and I am concerned about my son, who is currently suffering from a stubborn cold. He is only five years old and has had a runny nose, cough, and sore throat for several days now. I am worried because he gets sick several times a year and I would like to know what home remedies I can use to help alleviate his symptoms.
So far, we have been giving him a lot of tea and warm soups to help relieve his symptoms. We have also tried inhalations with chamomile. However, his condition does not seem to be improving and I am wondering if there are any other home remedies that can be specifically used for children. I want to offer my son the best and help him get well quickly.
Could you please give me some recommendations on home remedies suitable for children with colds? Are there specific types of tea that are particularly effective? Or does, for example, rubbing with a salve help? I would like to help my son naturally and I appreciate your advice.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Best regards,
Wolfgang Schulz
Dear Mr. Schulz,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as a pediatrician. I understand your concerns about your son, especially if he suffers from frequent colds. I would be happy to provide you with some recommendations for home remedies for colds in children that can provide relief.
First and foremost, it is important that your son consumes an adequate amount of fluids. Tea is a good choice, especially herbal teas such as chamomile tea, sage tea, or fennel tea. These have a soothing effect on the respiratory tract and can help loosen mucus. Honey can be added to the tea, as it has anti-inflammatory properties and can help relieve sore throats. Make sure the tea is not too hot to avoid irritating the mucous membranes.
Inhalation with chamomile is also a good idea to moisturize the airways and loosen mucus. You can also use essential oils like eucalyptus or mint, which have additional anti-inflammatory effects.
Rubbing with a salve, for example a special cold salve for children, can help open the airways and relieve coughing. Make sure the salve is suitable for children and does not contain any irritating substances.
Other home remedies that can be helpful for colds in children include warm compresses, for example with potatoes or onions, which can be placed on the chest or throat. Drinking warm soups or consuming vitamin C-rich foods like oranges or kiwis can also strengthen the immune system.
It is important that your son gets enough rest and does not overexert himself to give his body a chance to recover. If his symptoms worsen or last longer than a week, I recommend seeking advice from a doctor to discuss further treatment options.
I hope these home remedies help alleviate your son's cold symptoms. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
Hildegard Hirschfeld
