COLDS
AND FLU
With their still-developing
immune systems, children are
especially susceptible to colds and
flu. If your child does come down
with something, try the following
remedies to relieve symptoms and
speed recovery.
BOOST IMMUNITY WITH ECHINACEA,
ELDERBERRY, AND LICORICE.
At the first sign of a sore throat, sniffles, or chills,
try a mixture of echinacea (Echinacea spp), elderberry
(Sambucus nigra), and licorice root (Glycyrrhiza
glabra). Echinacea boosts immune activity, and elderberry
and licorice have antiviral properties. Combine 1/2 ounce
of echinacea extract, 1 ounce of elderberry extract, and
1/4 ounce of licorice root glycerite. Give your child 1/4
to 1/2 teaspoonful 4 times a day for up to 10 days.
RELIEVE CONGESTION
WITH GINGER-ANISE TEA.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale), anise (Pimpinella
anisum), and licorice root help thin mucus in the respiratory
tract. Simmer 2 cups of water with 2 teaspoons of fresh
chopped gingerroot, 2 teaspoons of anise seed, and 1 teaspoon
of licorice root in a covered pot for 10 minutes. Strain,
then sweeten if desired. Give 1/2 cup every couple hours,
up to 3 cups a day.
EASE BREATHING
WITH EUCALYPTUS AND PEPPERMINT.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) and peppermint
(Mentha piperita) essential oils help open respiratory
passages and fight infection-causing microorganisms. Make
an aromatic chest rub by combining 10 drops each of eucalyptus
and peppermint essential oils with 2 ounces of olive or
almond oil. Massage a teaspoonful
or more onto your child’s chest and
upper back twice daily.
CALM A COUGH
WITH THYME-CHERRY BARK SYRUP.
The pungent essential oils in thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
and peppermint alleviate congestion and have antimicrobial
and antispasmodic properties. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
and licorice root soothe irritated respiratory passages,
while wild cherry bark calms spasmodic coughing. Combine
11/4 cups of water with 2 teaspoons each of these herbs
in a covered pot. Slowly bring the mixture to a boil over
medium heat, and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Remove from
heat, and steep for 30 minutes. Strain and add 1/2 cup of
honey, warming the tea if necessary to completely dissolve.
Give one teaspoon as often as needed.
DIARRHEA.
Children develop diarrhea for a
variety of reasons, including
overeating (especially oily foods,
fruits, or cold foods like ice
cream), infections, and food allergies.
Most cases of diarrhea
resolve by themselves within a day
or two. (If it doesn’t, or if it accom-
