My Natural Health Blog

 Winter – often a daunting season for parents and children alike.

Pre-schoolers on average get between 4 – 10 colds per year. While frequent colds are annoying and certainly not fun for anyone, they are sadly part of growing up and how an immune system grows.

Colds in themselves often pass with no real drama apart from some discomfort and annoyance. However, when it then merges into a chest infection this can be where concern may arise. Coughs and chest infections not only increase the likelihood of fever, and symptoms such as sleeplessness, breathlessness, and fatigue but they can also progress into more serious infections and bronchitis.

So, what do parents do?

In 2009, Medsafe NZ followed the rest of the world and advised no pharmaceutical cough and cold medication should be given to children under 6years due to fatalities and serious side effects caused by the medicines. In 2013, they extended their ruling to include not recommending them for children under 12.

A perfect natural children’s cough medicine should relieve symptoms and build immune resistance.  With a strong immune system, a child’s body is better equipped to fight off and prevent future infections.  When choosing a natural cough medicine consider the following:

·         Formulated specifically for young children, not adults

·         Potent – high-grade medicinal plants for maximum strength

·         Organic – free of pesticides and herbicides (hypo-allergenic)

·         Safe - herbs that have been well documented as safe for children

·         Taste – children need to like the taste so that they will take it

·         Sugar Free - no natural or artificial sweeteners

·         No honey - especially important in children under 1

Plant medicine that is safe to use for coughs and colds in children

·         Marshmallow root relieves dry, unproductive coughs and bronchitis due to its inflammation and pain-relieving properties.

·         Mullein relieves irritated mucous membranes in the throat by forming a protective layer.  Its anti-inflammatory properties provide relief and reduce fevers.  Beneficial to sufferers of nasal congestion (like catarrh) and irritating coughs and bronchitis.

·         Plantain is nature’s own antibiotic, traditionally used to treat colds, coughs, fevers and sinusitis.  It helps to expel phlegm and soothe inflamed and painful mucous membranes in the nose, throat and lungs.  With antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immune enhancing properties it is clinically proven to ease coughs in children.  Particularly useful to treat wheezing and asthma.

·         Thyme fights bacterial and viral infections and is classified as a natural antibiotic to help build immunity.  Effective at relieving wet and dry coughs, as well as asthma.  Its expectorant action helps clear the air passage of excess saliva and mucous.

Important extra tips:

Unwell children often have difficulty sleeping, especially when coughing regularly or blocked up from a cold.  It is important to help the child relax and wind down.  Californian Poppy has been used successfully to relax children and ease chest spasms.  It has pain-relieving properties that are especially useful for sufferers of hacking coughs.  It is not a chemical sedative, but it allows them to relax and obtain the healing sleep they need to get better.  

Unfortunately, coughs and colds are a necessary part of growing up. They challenge the immune system and strengthen the child’s defence mechanisms, which leads to an overall healthier childhood. While they are necessary, providing relief of the symptoms is important to reduce their suffering.

Artemis Kids Chest Relief Day and Night formulas give the whole family 24-hour support.

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