How To Handle Cough And Cold Of Infants
Firstly it is important to note that one of the most common ailments that can affect children is cough. This is not an acute affliction although the cough may appear and sound very unpleasant. On the contrary a cough is an essential reflex which is helpful in the protection of the passages of the respiratory system of the body. Rarely a child’s cough may require a visit to the pediatrician for an expert diagnosis.
There are a number of home remedies effective enough to be used for children when they are afflicted with a cough and cold, especially toddlers under four years of age. Holy basil is believed to be a powerful herb with anti oxidant, antibacterial and anti viral properties that is found to be effective in treating children with cough and cold. A sprig of holy basil leaves can be crushed and the juice strained from the crushed leaves can be administered drop by drop to the child. Alternately dried basil leaves can be boiled in about four to five cups of water, once cooled the liquid can be administered to the child throughout the day. Remember to reduce the boiled mixture to about half a cup. You can also add fresh lemon juice to the basil water, if needed. The child can be fed about 20 ml of this mixture twice a day, in the morning as well as in the night for about a week. The mixture is known to help in the resolving the symptoms of the cold. Folk remedies also point to the advantages of eating fresh basil leaves after thoroughly washing the leaves, as this is known to help build the immunity level. Another option that can be used is humidifiers which can prove helpful in making the child feel comfortable. Adding essential oils such as eucalyptus, thyme or sage oils in the humidifier can make it more effective. If the child seems to be suffering from excessive congestion, run a hot shower for the child in the bathroom. The congestion in the child’s lungs will be loosened by the steam in the shower.
Most parents resort to the easily available over the counter medications when their child is affected with an awful cough. However, whilst these medications promise an instant fix from the symptoms affecting the child, it is best to avoid them and instead just go with the flow. Do bear in mind that conditions such as the common colds, coughs and minor sniffles are caused by viruses, therefore antibiotics do not provide long lasting relief against them. The best thing to do is to ensure that the child has plenty of rest and liquids.
