No one likes to see his/her little one suffering. But, if your toddler has caught a cold he must be suffering from stuffy nose, cough and headaches. He may also be sneezing quite a lot. There are numerous viruses and bacteria floating around in the environment, and when one or more of such foreign body enters the respiratory system it causes inflammation of the respiratory tract.
The immune system of your body tries to defeat the infection by secreting excess amount of mucus. This may help in burying the virus or bacteria but ends up causing nasal and chest congestion, stuffy nose etc.
You will be tempted to buy over the counter medicines to offer some relief to the child, but stop: Over the counter medicines may be harmful for your toddler in the long run. It is better to take herbal remedies. These have fewer side effects and can provide relief in a natural way. Let us explore some of these remedies.
Herbal Remedies For Toddler Cold
Eucalyptus
One of the best remedies for cold is steam inhalation. Steam can loosen the mucus. Combining it with some essential oil will fortify the effect of steam. Eucalyptus oil is antibacterial and expectorant in nature. It helps in reducing the inflammation and diluting the mucus.
So add some eucalyptus oil to a bowl of steaming water and try to make the child inhale it. It may be difficult to keep him/her seated, but if you can do that it will help the toddler immensely. The child also needs to take a lot of rest.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has been used for centuries to treat cold conditions. It is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and a remedy for headaches. It is also soothing for the mucus membrane.
You can also dilute the mucus if you take cinnamon mixed in a cup of warm tea. Give two cups of cinnamon tea daily to the toddler, and he will be cured of pain, pressure and congestion.
Anise Seed
This herb has a sweet aroma which also has medicinal qualities. It has been seen that the scent of anise seed can help you break up the thick mucus and breathe freely.
It also eases a dry cough. You can steep some anise seeds in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. After that strain the solution and let the child sip on the hot liquid. With regular use the child will feel comfortable within three to four days.
Black Cohosh
This herb has a special quality. It has been seen that it can cure night time hacking cough that keeps the child and its parents awake throughout the night. You can give the child black cohosh tea for benefit.
Comfrey Root
The respiratory tract of the child is under attack and it has inflamed. You need something to provide relief to the mucus lining of the respiratory system.
For this you can use comfrey root. This herb has a ameliorative effect on the mucus membrane. It can offer some relief from the irritation and sore throat. You can make some tea with this root. Let the child take it sip by sip. He will feel quite relieved within two days.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.