Colds and Flu are a common occurrence for children and adults alike, 6 per year is average until around 7-8 yrs old when the immune system matures.
Prevention involves strengthening your child’s immune system and you can do this by:
- Dressing appropriately for the weather – keep those tootsies warm & don’t sleep in front of an open window on cold nights. Polar fleece vests are great as they keep the core warm but the rest of the body cool
- Avoiding a diet hight in sugars, fats and processed food
- If necessary vitamin and mineral supplements can be good – Vit C (<3 yrs 2000mg max, >3 yrs 5000mg max – reduce if diarrhoea presents), zinc (<3 yrs 10mg, >3 yrs 25mg) and fish oils all boost immunity
- There are wonderful Chinese Herbal Formulae that can boost the immune system and are beneficial to take throughout autumn to prepare for winter
- Get enough fresh air but come inside before it gets too cold & don’t allow your child to become over tired
- Maintain proper humidity – A bowl of water near heaters or air conditioners (use these minimally)
- Chronic Lung conditions also need exercise, but don’t over do it – swimming is great
Should a cold set in stay home, rug up, drink plenty of soups or broths and double or triple the dose of cuddles.
- Pure saline nasal spray from a chemist may be used if nose is blocked
- Poke root ointment is great to rub on the sinuses
- Fenugreek tea helps clear mucous – 1 tsp crushed seeds to 1 cup water, simmer 5 min, add Manuka 15+ honey if needed. 1-2yrs 15-30 ml, 3-4yrs 40-60 ml, 5-6yrs 70-90 ml, >7yrs 100-150 ml. Dose 3xday
Determine if you have a ‘hot’ cold (fever, sore throat, green mucous – bacterial) or a ‘cold’ cold (chills, aching muscles, clear mucous – viral).
For a ‘hot’ cold try some peppermint tea or everyone’s favourite Lemon & Honey Soother (Juice 1 lemon, add 1 cup Manuka 15+ honey & ½ cup Olive oil. Gently simmer over low heat for 5 min stirring frequently, cool & store in fridge in a jar. Slowly sip 1 tsp every 2-3 hrs.)
Also a peppermint and rosemary bath can help cool off the little ones: 125 g fresh or dried peppermint, 125 g fresh or dried rosemary & 8 cups cold water. Combine herbs and water, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain & pour the tea into a bathtub and fill with lukewarm water and have a 15-minute bath.
For a ‘cold’ cold make a cup of tea from the following: 1 whole cinnamon stick (broken into pieces) & 2 cm fresh ginger (sliced), Manuka 15+ honey. Put ingredients in cup, add boiling water, drink while warm, refill cup 2 more times, rug up and sweat it out.
If there is also an ear infection try ‘Rainbow Herbal Ear Drops’ available at health food stores (follow the directions on the bottle) and antiviral, antibacterial Chinese Herbs available from Ambrosia Health Centre.
If there is a cough or difficulty breathing the following Chest Rub (or humidifier oil) is useful: 25 ml almond oil, 8 drops frankincense, 6 drops lavender
- Humidifiers are very useful to help loosen phlegm so it can be coughed out – use eucalyptus or tea tree or the chest rub mentioned above if child is over 2yrs or steam alone if younger.
- Cook up some pears and Manuka 15+ honey (steamed or poached in a little water) or Lemon & Honey Soother.
- We have great Cough syrups for wet or dry coughs
Avoid things that can make a cough worse including:
Cold food straight from the fridge or freezer (this includes ice cream)
Dairy products – use rice milk while you have a cough
Bananas & Oranges (incl. juice)
Peanuts (incl. peanut butter) – try ABC (almond, brazil & cashew) spread instead (from supermarket)
Additional advice and stronger remedies can be obtained by visiting Tania at Ambrosia Health Centre in Randwick
