Children are the most fragile individuals in the family when it comes to health and wellness. These kids are the most exposed to harsh weather or disease-causing organisms. They also don’t know how to express themselves well when sick due to their minimal knowledge. Hence as a parent, you always want to remain alert for any eventuality, especially when they are unwell.

While conventional medicine is available from your nearest hospital, sometimes you might want to know which other treatments for common ailments you can administer at home. These remedies are meant to treat or offer relief even as you seek medical help. Home remedies are usually made from natural compounds that are gentle and have fewer side effects.

Curious about natural remedies? Find out if ginger can help relieve heartburn and reflux symptoms. This guide will also take you through the available alternative treatments for our top five common health issues children face.

Heartburn and Reflux

Heartburn can be an uncomfortable and painful experience for children. While there are various treatment options available, a natural and gentle remedy worth considering is the humble banana.

Bananas are known for their low acidity, with a pH value of 5.7, making them a soothing choice for the esophagus. Unlike citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges, which can aggravate heartburn symptoms, bananas are mild and unlikely to further irritate the sensitive lining of the esophagus.

When incorporated into a balanced diet, bananas can be a helpful addition for children struggling with heartburn. They can be enjoyed on their own as a snack or used as an ingredient in smoothies, where their low acidity can help balance out other slightly more acidic foods like berries.

Colds and Coughs

Cold seasons come with allergic reactions that trigger coughs and colds. In most cases, these ailments aren’t severe and can be treated with honey. This natural remedy has been used for centuries to relieve coughs and sore throats by coating the linings to reduce irritation.

It works very well for children over one year old, as younger infants may be at risk of botulism. Honey is a sweet compound, and your child would love to lick a few drops without any problem. You may also add a teaspoon of it with warm water or herbal tea for ease of swallowing. It is best used at night to enable your child to have good sleep.

The other alternative for colds and coughs is steam inhalation from a bowl of hot water mixed with a few drops of eucalyptus oil to help loosen mucus and ease throat and nose congestion. This is a simple and effective remedy for older children to ease breathing. Let your child lean over the bowl, covering their head with a towel to trap the steam, and breathe in the steam continuously for a few minutes.

Ear Infections

Ear infections are characterized by pain and discomfort. Compression using a warm cloth over your child’s ear for about a few minutes can relieve this. The warmth increases blood flow to the area, which can promote healing.

The other remedy is to use garlic oil which contains antibacterial properties. Hence, it is used to help fight ear infections. If you dont have the raw garlic to make your own oil, you may purchase its oil at your nearest health stores. Just warm lightly small amount of garlic oil and put a few drops into the infected ear using a dropper.

Mild Stomach Aches

Another benefit of ginger is its ability to calm stomach aches and reduce nausea. The natural remedy for children is to add a few slices of fresh ginger to hot water, then strain and let it cool. If you lack ginger, chamomile tea is an excellent substitute remedy for stomach aches, as it also contains anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Adding a bit of honey can improve the taste of both ginger and chamomile to make it tasteful to children. Give your child a small cup of either drink in small sips.

Constipation

Sometimes your child may experience a problem with passing stool as often as required or a difficulty in the same. For such a condition, prune juice is a known natural laxative that can help your child empty the bowels and relieve the tension. It contains adequate fiber and sorbitol, which is helpful in softening the stool. Have your child take a small glass of prune juice in the morning, followed by regular intake of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

Alternatively, flaxseed is also rich in fiber and will do the magic like prune juice. It’s easy to add to your child’s diet by sprinkling pinches of ground flaxseed on other cereals, yogurt, or smoothies.