Fighting Colds and Flu (Part 3)

The only thing worse than suffering from a cold or the flu yourself, is when your kids come down with it.

Children with colds or flu need gentle reassurance and time to rest in the warmth and quiet.

Don’t worry if your child goes off food temporarily, just be sure to give them plenty of fluids, including water, diluted fruit juices and clear soups.

Most self-help remedies used by adults are also suitable for children, but the dose may need to be reduced. With herbs, nutrients or homeopathic remedies, follow the guidance from a qualified practitioner.

Essential oils can be used successfully, but don’t massage them into a part of the body (e.g. an arm or a foot) that an infant could put in their mouth. Avoid steam inhalation, and use oils in a burner (kept well out of reach) instead.

HERBAL MEDICINE

Herbalists use the restorative power of plants to aid the body’s own natural healing mechanisms. A number of herbal preparations may be used to treat or prevent colds and flu, including teas, tinctures and fluid extracts.

Diaphoretic herbs (herbs that make you sweat) can be very useful in the early stages of a cold or flu to help clear out the infection. Examples include elderflower, peppermint and yarrow, which can all be made into a tea.

Elderflower is doubly useful as it also helps reduce the amount of mucus produced, and elderberry extract has been proven to speed recovery from colds and flu.

Thyme is antibacterial – useful if there is secondary infection – and also acts as an expectorant and appetite restorative.

If colds are recurrent, or there is a deep-seated infection or complications, such as night sweats, herbal practitioners may need to prescribe stronger herbs and will tailor the prescription specifically to the individual.

AROMATHERAPY

There are some essential oils that are very useful in the fight against colds and flu.

Tea tree or lemon can help act against viruses and bacteria, and help to boost the body’s immune response. Try burning either oil in a vaporiser to prevent colds spreading.

Lavender and marjoram can help soothe aching Iimbs. Add 4-8 drops of either pure essential oil to a hot bath, or try a combination of the two.

Clary sage and cypress help with coughs by calming muscle spasm. Add 1-2 drops of pure essential oil to 5ml of carrier oil and use to massage the chest and neck. Alternatively, add a few drops of essential oil to a handkerchief and inhale as required.

Eucalyptus, frankincense or pine can be used to loosen mucus and ease congestion. Add 2-4 drops of pure essential oil to a bowl of hot water. Inhale the vapours for 5 minutes with a towel over the head. Repeat 2-3 times per day for a few days (do not use steam inhalation if you have asthma as the steam may trigger an attack).

Bergamot or marjoram can help you sleep, just sprinkle a few drops onto your pillow at night.

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