8 Natural Cold Remedies

With the cold season if full swing, here are some natural cold remedies. My son's eyes bugged out of his head when I read him #3 (...turn off the wii...) he said "it does not really say that does it mom?" It was too funny! I have to say he did love doing number six though! What remedies work for you??

1. Vitamin D: is an important infection fighter and most children are not getting enough. The AAP recommends 400 IU per day. An eight-ounce glass of milk has about 100.

2. Probiotics: Some research suggests that bacteria found in foods like yogurt and keifer may help prevent respiratory infections. You can also simply purchase an over the counter pro-biotic for more bacteria for your buck! In one study of kids ages 3-5, those who consumed active lactobacillus cultures daily for six months during cold season were less likely to get sick and if they did the duration was shorter. It is especially important to give a pro-biotic if your child is on an antibiotic.

3. Sleep: Sleep and immune function are intertwined. People who don't get enough sleep are more susceptible to colds. If your child does get sick, let him stay home from school, turn off the Wii for a while, and let him rest.

4. Salt: A study last year in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology found this natural anti-inflammatory can help release mucus and ease breathing as well as soothe sore throats and coughs. For congestion, make a saline rinse with a half to a full teaspoon of salt per pint of warm water and administer it with a dropper (inexpensive saline nose rinses are also widely available). To treat a sore throat or cough, try teaching your child to gargle with the same warm saltwater solution. Try to make it a game and they may actually do it!

5. Moist air: Either a cool-mist humidifier or a warm vaporizer in your child's bedroom can help steam-clean nasal passages, reducing congestion. (Just make sure you keep whichever model you choose clean and out of your child's reach.) You can also steam up your bathroom, then take your cranky kiddo into this homemade sauna.

6. Honey: A study in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine found that honey at bedtime was more effective at quieting coughs than honey-tasting cough medicine. The dose is similar to that of over-the-counter cold medicines: a half teaspoon for kids age 1 to 5, a full teaspoon for kids 6 to 11 and two teaspoons for children 12 and up. (never give honey to a child under 1) The study used buckwheat honey, but other kinds should work fine too Dr. Kemper says (my son agrees).

7. Chicken soup: It's the go-to-get-well meal for a good reason-it helps! Research has shown that chicken soup has anti-inflammatory powers that stimulate the release of mucus reducing congestion (probably due to all the salt!).

8. Relaxation: That means you, Mom! "Parents stress when their child is sick," notes Dr. Bernstein. "Meanwhile, the kid's on the floor, playing with his toys, happy as can be, with snot coming out of his nose and coughing." Of course, if your child develops a fever or his symptoms seem to worsen, consult your doctor. Otherwise, try to remember: a normal cold will run its course over a week or so.

Thanks Laura Beil from Parenting Magazine's November Issue for the great tips!