Cold, Flu, Chicken Pox Oh My

Kick the Symptoms Naturally

With the school year about to begin if it has not for some and entering into fall season of yes the dreaded flu, bring out the Kleenex.

Did you know there are greater than one hundred strains of cold affecting rhinovirus, yes the reason we need the Kleenex. Children from first grade and up manage to get a cold on average six to ten each year.

As we all know there is no cure for the common cold but the cold sure does come with an array of associated symptoms like fever, aches and pains and the dreaded cough.

A great many parents have concerns now about over the counter medications especially since the recalls on a lot of medication such as Tylenol. They have every right to be concerned. There are no home remedies that can make that cold go away faster however, they can alleviate a lot of the symptoms and make the child feel a whole lot better. Dr. Sheela R. Geraghty, assistant professor at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in Ohio, states that medicines will receive symptoms is now debatable. Dr. Geraghty advice is fluids and make them comfortable. So know that over the counter medicines are either subject to recall or may not even work, why should we even subject our children to the substances that are in them. We can use the things available that our ancestors used before there were such things as a Wal-Mart pharmacy.

First thing we need to know off hand is that the cold and flu are two totally different illnesses. Therefore, they need to be treated slightly different.

Colds

Fever can reach up to 102 degrees

Stuffy and or runny nose

Sore Throat

Cough

Wheezing

Fatigue

Muscle Aches

Headache

Watery Eyes

Flu

Fever goes over 102 degrees

Stuffed Nose

Nausea

Chills and Sweats

Fatigue

Muscle Aches, usually in area of arms, legs and back

Cough

Headache

No Appetite

Supplements

These are the most used cold and flu supplements that are recommend by a number of healthcare practitioners.

Vitamin C (colds) and not given in high doses. Some studies have shown that Vitamin C can decrease the length of a cold by 24 to 36 hours.

Recommended Doses:

ages four to eight either sex 25mg a day

ages nine to thirteen either sex 45 mg a day

ages fourteen to eighteen for boys 75mg a day and girls 65mg a day

Echinacea (colds) studies are half and half on the effects. One half states it works well as a treatment the other side states it will reduce the duration of the cold and the severity of it by 10% to 30%. Besides the debate many of the healthcare practitioners do agree on one point, that it does aide as a treatment for colds. One issue with echinacea if there is allergy to ragweed or any flowers consult primary care physician before using. The dosage is based on age and weight so check amounts on bottle.

Zinc (colds) give zinc as in lozenges. Some studies have shown it can shorten the duration of the cold and ease symptoms. According to the National Institute of Health the proper dosage for children under eighteen years of age 10 mg a day by mouth if capsule and for lozenges 23 milligrams every two hours do not go past six each day.

Elderberry Extract (flu) referred to as Sambucol. Sambucus Black Elderberry Extract is available for children. Dosage is one teaspoonful in a small amount of water, mix well and use four times a day.

Indian Echinacea has been studied and the outcome has shown it does improve colds greatly. As long as providing it is taken within three days of the start of the cold.

Honey mixed in either tea or warm lemon water helps relieve the coughing at nighttime so the child can get some rest. Studies have indicated it does suppress coughs. You need to use two teaspoons at bedtime.

Hyland's Products for children are all natural and homeopathic medicines. They have a whole assortment for children for colds and flu. The difference in homeopathic medicines which are sold is they must be made according to the guidelines set forth of the FDA finished pharmaceutical Good Manufacturing Practices(GMP's). All the facilities of Hyland's manufacturing are inspected by the FDA. They even have a store locator where you can find the products. One place that carries the products is most Walmart stores.

Essential oils can provide numerous benefits for colds and help alleviate the symptoms of a child's cold.

Lavender can be used two ways. First by taking a cloth which can be wrapped around child's feet. Soak the cloth in water containing a few drops of lavender. Wrap around their feet. This can bring down the fever. Second method is to soak a cloth in warm water which contains two drops of lavender oil. Dab their forehead, neck, arms, legs with the cloth.

Eucalyptus is used to help decrease congestion. Two ways can be applied. First by using cold mist humidifier. Besides the obvious reasons of they do cost less price wise and on your electric bill, they are much safer for children. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil in the humidifier. Second method, take a cotton ball with a few drops of the oil and dab on child's pillowcase.

Remember when using humidifiers they need to be wiped down each day with nine parts water and one part bleach.

Thyme can also be used to decrease congestion in lungs and nose. Add four drops of the oil to humidifier.

Chamomile tea can help relax them to sleep. Sage tea is used for decreasing congestion and reducing fever or you can use Lemon Balm tea instead.

For headaches try ice pack and getting rest in dark room. Also, lavender, chamomile or peppermint in humidifier. A few drops can be placed on cloth to inhale. Use a few drops of preferred oil mixed with carrier oil (like olive oil) and rub in temples.

Chicken Pox those tiny red spots usually on upper back or chest. As a mom from experience I can honestly say your child can be thoroughly covered with them.

Baking soda can help reduce the itching. Put some baking soda in some water. Mix. Sponge down the child with the water. You can also have them take a cool bath with the baking soda added to the water.

Vitamin E oil will also relieve the itching and it does help the marks left by the pox fade away.

Herbal teas used such as chamomile, basil and lemon balm help alleviate the symptoms. You may add honey, cinnamon or lemon. Give several cups each day.

Bergamont oil used in humidifier or add a few drops to a cool bath. If you purchase a base cream you can add a few drops in the cream. It will relieve the itching.

Oatmeal can be used to relieve itching. In blender grind up two cups of rolled oats till it is a fine powder. Add the oatmeal plus one cup of baking soda to warm bath water and have child soak for about fifteen to twenty minutes.

The most known and common one that does have health benefits mom's homemade chicken soup.

As far as I am aware all these remedies are perfectly safe for children and have been known to be effective.

Special notation if you do notice your child become worse instead of showing signs of improvement contact health care practitioner immediately.