Natural Remedies for Kids with Flu

Guest Post

As a parent, it can be upsetting and difficult to see your child unwell. Thankfully, there are actually several remedies which can easily be used at home to help your child recover faster on the road to recovery. It's important to note here though - if your child seems very unwell or their condition is worsening rapidly to get proper medical help quickly. 

A warm drink is a great way to soothe kids who are feeling poorly. In particular, teas such as camomile, or decaffeinated regular tea can be great for children of all ages who are suffering from the flu. If your baby is over one year old, they can have a small amount of honey added to their tea, which is a great natural soothing tip for many common illnesses.

Although many children will lose their appetite when suffering from flu and other illnesses, trying to get them to eat some soup, which will help a lot. Whilst it won't cure the illness, it will help them get back to full health quicker. Adding some garlic and fresh herbs will give further benefits. Ensure soup is just the right temperature to eat and let them sip it at their own pace. 

Keep Your Child Warm When They Have The Flu 

Giving your child a bath can also help ease the symptoms of a flu. If they are feeling feverish, a cooler bath may help them return to a more comfortable temperature. If they are not experiencing a fever, a warm bubbly bath might and then some long John to help them to relax and feel more comfortable and cosy-warm. It can help temporarily ease aches and pains and can help them relax before bedtime. A simple cuddle and massage can work wonders too, if your child doesn't mind it. You can use a homemade massage oil to help ease congestion too. There are plenty of recipes available online, which you can tailor to your child's symptoms and preferences. 

If your child is feeling congested, a humidifier can help. You can also try placing a bowl of boiling water with a few drops of tea tree or eucalyptus oil in the room. The child can also breathe in the steam from the bowl, if they are old enough to be careful with the boiling water. Leaving a bowl of water in your child's room at night can be particularly helpful if they are waking themselves up due to feeling congested. 

Supplements and Vitamins That Help with The Flu 

Depending on the age of your child, they can take extra vitamin supplements to help fight signs of illnesses. Vitamin C is great for boosting the immune system, as is Vitamin D. If you don't want to use supplements, these can also be found naturally in certain foods, if your child is well enough to eat. Echinacea is a classic herbal cure for colds and flu. It acts as an anti-inflammatory, which can help shorten the duration of a bout of the flu. Elderberry is also a great, natural remedy for flu-type illnesses. It is also likely to be one of the most palatable options for younger children. It's ideal for helping reduce pain in the sinuses, as well as helping the immune system. 

As you can see, there is a lot that can be done to help a child suffering from the flu. Sometimes, the best thing to do is stay at home and rest, as a trip to the paediatricians can result in spreading the virus further. However, if your child is getting worse after trying some of these home remedies, it's important to seek advice as soon as possible. 

About Emily Dick 
 

Emily Dick is a mom and has several years of experience being a parent. She currently holds an Honors Degree in social science from the Open University. She lives in Scotland, raising her daughter Daisy, aged 2, and her two cats. 

Emily is new to the world of writing and blogging, and currently writes for buzzparent.com on topics such raising children, kids toys, ranging from baby to toddler discourse.  Her love of animals and children has made her one of the main writers for Buzzparent.