With the arrival of winter, little ones become more susceptible to catching colds and coughs. While adults may experience these ailments two to four times a year, infants and toddlers could face them as often as 8 to 12 times within the same period. The silver lining is that colds and coughs can play a role in strengthening an infant’s immune system. In this article, we explore a world of natural remedies, harnessing the power of herbal solutions to provide gentle relief for your little one during the season of sniffles.
Garlic and Carom Seeds Remedy
Combining garlic and carom seeds creates a powerful remedy against colds and coughs, thanks to their antiviral and antibacterial properties. Roast large garlic cloves and a tablespoon of carom seeds without oil or fat. Once comfortably warm, tie the mixture in a muslin cloth pouch and place it near your baby’s sleeping area. The garlicky carom smoke helps relieve congestion and unblocks stuffy noses, providing comfort during a cold cough.
Turmeric Elixir
Turmeric’s compound “curcumin” brings forth antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. By thwarting the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses, turmeric aids in managing coughs, colds, and chest congestion. Roast turmeric roots until slightly charred, grind them into a fine powder, and gently apply it to your baby’s nostrils. Alternatively, create a turmeric paste with lukewarm water and apply it to your baby’s chest, forehead, and feet for immediate relief from cold symptoms.
Nourishing Mustard Oil Massage
Harness the natural heating properties of mustard oil for fruitful treatment of colds and coughs in infants. Warm the mustard oil gently and infuse it with garlic cloves. After cooling and straining, use this oil to massage your baby’s feet, chest, back, forehead, and the bridge of their nose. The massage eases chest congestion and nasal blockage, providing comfort and relief.
Soothing Honey Syrup
Choose honey as a superior alternative to conventional cough syrups, given its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant characteristics. Honey’s potent properties combat germs and inflammation associated with colds while boosting energy and strengthening the immune system. Give your child half a tablespoon of raw, organic honey daily to soothe their symptoms, but avoid this remedy for babies under six months due to the risk of infant botulism.
White Onion Magic
White onions, renowned for their medicinal benefits, become reliable allies during the flu season with their antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic properties. Place slices of white onion near your infant to absorb germs and provide relief from congestion. For babies six months and older, you can also give them a few drops of white onion juice.
Steam Therapy
Steaming remains one of the best remedies for your baby’s cold and cough. Whether using a vaporizer or enjoying a warm shower together, this comfortable and safe method soothes phlegm and clears congested noses, effectively easing cold symptoms in infants.
Healing Rasam Soup
Rasam, a tomato and garlic soup, proves beneficial for infants above six months of age. Rich in antioxidants, this nourishing soup aids the body in fighting coughs and colds while providing essential nutrients for overall well-being. Offer mild and non-spicy rasam to your little one before bedtime for added comfort during congestion.
The Power of Breastfeeding
Essential for proper growth and development, breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and contains antibodies that boost your baby’s immune system. Breast milk helps infants combat various health-related issues, including colds and coughs.
Holy Basil and Coconut Oil Rub
Harness the antibacterial, antiviral, and antibiotic properties of holy basil by combining it with coconut oil. Massage your baby’s chest, back, and forehead with this mixture to eliminate germs and viruses responsible for respiratory issues.
Saffron Elixir
Enriched with essential nutrients and antioxidants, saffron serves as a tonic for colds and coughs. Prepare a saffron drink with milk for babies above one year old or create a saffron paste to apply on their forehead, nose, chest, and feet.
Vicks Vapor Rub Comfort
A gentle application of Vicks vapor rub on their chest and forehead can alleviate discomfort during colds and coughs for babies above five months old. Be cautious not to overdress your baby after applying the rub, especially in winter, to avoid overheating.
Conclusion
With herbal remedies offering natural and safe solutions for cold and cough relief, your loving care combined with these remedies will help your baby sail through sniffles with greater comfort and ease. Remember to seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen, ensuring your infant receives the best care during their early stages of life.
