It’s no surprise that your child can be fussy and clingy when he or she isn’t feeling well. Here are some natural ways to help make the flu go away.
Children who are having the flu may lose their appetites. Even their favourite foods may be unappealing to them. Blocked, itchy noses and sore throats make the situation even worse.
Nonetheless, there is nothing unusual about this. It’s all part and parcel of having the flu. You’ll find that their appetites will soon return to normal when they are well. Most importantly, ensure that they stay hydrated and if they are hungry, provide them with healthy, nutritious options that will help them get better, faster.
Best natural home remedies for flu
These natural home remedies for flu will boost your immune system and help your body fight off the cold.
Honey
Honey is a natural antibiotic that can work wonders for cough, runny nose and sore throat. In fact, research shows that honey can be as effective as certain cough suppressants.
All you need to do is mix a spoonful of honey with warm water and have your child drink it before bedtime. And because it tastes good, you’ll find that your child will be much more willing to take it compared to flu medications.
However, honey is not suitable for children below one year of age as it can cause infant botulism, a serious type of food poisoning, although this is rare. Nonetheless, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Chicken soup
One of the popular home remedies for flu is the ultimate comfort food, chicken soup. It can help with the flu and colds by:
- Helping to clear nasal congestion.
- Thinning mucus so that you will be better able to cough it up and thus, providing relief from blocked noses and phlegm.
- Providing your body with the energy it needs to fight off the cold
- Provides your body with the nutrients it needs. This is especially true if you add healthy ingredients such as vegetables into the soup.
Besides chicken soup, you can also opt to give your child other types of soups and broth.
Fruit rich in Vitamin C
Fruits that are rich in vitamin C can help your child to help fight off the flu. This is because vitamin C helps boost immunity and thus, strengthens your body’s defence system.
Fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C include:
- Citrus fruits such as oranges
- Strawberries
- Broccoli
- Tomatoes
- Papaya
- Kiwi
- Pumpkin
- Sweet potatoes
If your child is not keen on eating fruits or vegetables, opt for juices or fruit smoothies.
Lean meat
Lean meat contains vitamin B12, selenium and zinc, all of which are powerful immune boosters that will help your child’s body fight off bacteria and viruses. Eating lean red meat is also a fast way to increase iron levels.
Garlic
Studies show that garlic can help reduce the risk of becoming sick and for those who are already sick, reduce how long you stay sick. Additionally, it can also help reduce cold and flu symptoms.
It is full of antioxidants that will help you fight off the virus and stave off the flu. Nonetheless, children may not like the taste or smell of garlic. As such, you might have to find creative ways to include it in meals. Try using it in soup or adding it into vegetable dishes.
Other ways to cure the flu quickly
Other tips to help cure the flu fast include:
- A few drops of saline can help clear blocked nasal passages, making it easier to breathe. You can do this for your child three times a day.
- Drinking an adequate amount of water will help with blocked noses and phlegm.
- If your child has trouble sleeping due to blocked nasal passages, prop her head up so that it’s easier to breathe.
- Use a humidifier
- Encourage your child to eat even though he or she might not have an appetite.
Old fashioned flu remedies
Besides the above-mentioned tips, here are some old fashioned flu remedies that are said to be able to help:
- Take oregano oil, which is supposed to have antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Gargle with salt water to ease a sore throat.
- Ginger root can help with upset stomachs, although most children will not like the taste.
- Inhale eucalyptus to help break up mucus.
- Honey lemon cinnamon tea can help soothe your throat and clear blocked nasal passages.
However, do consult with your doctor before using any of these remedies for your child. You want to make sure that they are safe and appropriate for young children.
When to see a doctor?
Most children will get better once the cold has run its course. You’ll find your child returning to his or her usual active self within the week. However, bring your child to the doctor if your child has difficulty breathing or has a fever. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Here’s a list of pediatricians if you ever find that you need to head to the doctor’s office with your child.
Conclusion
Getting the flu is all part and parcel of life. While you can take steps to prevent it, there are times when your child will fall sick. Even the healthiest of kids can get sick sometimes. Hence, just be prepared – give your child healthy food, vitamin C and if needed, head to the doctor for some medication. Your little one will be all recovered in a week or so.
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