Natural Remedies for Common Childhood Issues

All children and adults are different and consequently some remedies will have more of an effect on individuals than others. Similarly there can be large differences between alternative health practitioners. If, at any time, you feel uncomfortable with any practitioner (whether it be an alternative health practitioner or a medical practitioner) don't be afraid to question their advice and do your own research. When it comes to the short and long term health of our children and ourselves, independent research is vital to make truly informed decisions

In order to assist parents who wish to take a more natural approach with regard to the treatment of childhood illnesses, I have compiled a small sample of alternative health remedies for some of the more common concerns experienced by parents.

These suggestions are a starting point and do not represent all of the natural health remedies available. These suggestions are NOT meant to replace the advice of a trained health professional. In cases of emergency or critical conditions please seek the appropriate care.

• Asthma Asthma is a common childhood illness often treated with medications prescribed by a doctor. There are however a number of natural steps you can take to either prevent asthma or at least limit its effects on children. Find more information on how to treat asthma naturally here.
• Croup  Croup is a common childhood illness that can result in painful bouts of a barking cough. This illness is often treated with drugs such as steroids.  Croup can often be treated successfully with homeopathic remedies.  The standard homeopathic remedies for croup are as follows:  Aconite - at the first sigh of croup, Spongia - if the cough has developed past the initial stages and finally Hepar Sulph - as the cough is slowing down and becoming less severe.  It is also recommended that you use Thyme Essential Oil in a humidifier when a child has croup.
• Cough Coughing can be tiring on children. There are remedies that can be used to both calm bouts of coughing and soothe over sore throats that are aggravated by coughing.  See information on natural cough remedies here.
• Conjunctivitis  This common childhood complaint can be quickly healed at home without the need for eye ointments or drugs as natural treatment can commence as soon as eye reddness is noticed. See information on natural healing of conjuctivitis here.
• Colic  Colic is an extremely common diagnosis for babies who appear to be in pain and distress. Whilst parents are often told there is not much that can be done about this distress, natural therapies have offered babies and their parent’s relief from the symptoms of colic for many years. See information about treating colic with natural remedies here.
• Teething  Some babies experience more discomfort than others when they are teething.  Rather than regularly ingesting local anaesthetics or pain medication babies can experience some relief from the use of natural remedies.  Visit this page for more information on natural teething remedies.
• Nappy rash  Understanding the mechanics of nappy rash helps to adopt strategies that minimise or avoid the risk of nappy rash.  When rash does occur,  see here for natural remedies for nappy rash that are gentle on the skin.
• Eczema/dermatitis  Unfortunately eczema and dermatitis have become very common amongst young children. Children are often prescribed creams containing chemicals that do little more than suppress the symptoms associated with eczema and dermatitis.  Information about how to treat eczema and dermatitis naturally is available here.
• Colds  Colds are one of the most common illnesses experienced by children.  Whilst they are just a normal part of developing a healthy immune system there are some natural remedies available that can assist in lessening the severity and length of a cold. For more information on these products click here
• Gastro  Caused by an imbalance in the natural balance of gut flora, the symptoms of gastro can be very distressing for children and this can potentially be worsened with the effects of conventional treatment. Click here to find out more about gut flora and alternative health treatments for gastro.
• Anxiety stress Babies and children can experience anxiety and stress in a number of situations. If you would like some information on gentle, effective and natural ways to assist your child in times of stress please click here
• Sleeplessness  At various times in a baby or child's life they can experience disturbances in their sleep.  Whilst many of these disturbances only last a short time and can occur for a range of developmental reasons there are some natural products which may assist children to relax and sleep easier.  Click here for more information on natural remedies that can assist children experiencing sleeplessness.
• Pain and fever  It is distressing for parents to see their children ill and in discomfort. Fever is a common concern for many parents, but understanding the mechanics of fever is vital in knowing when to act and when to leave it to run its course. There is information on natural remedies for supporting children through pain and fevers here.
• Head lice  A very common problem especially in schoolage children, head lice can literally drive everyone in the family crazy with itching and sleeplessness! There are natural alternatives to the harsh chemicals on the market for treating lice infestation. Read here for tips on combating lice and treating head lice naturally.
• General  There are a number of ways you can assist your child's general health.  The use of probiotics or ongoing osteopathic treatments (as well as many other methods) can be utilised by parents to maintain overall health and vitality in their children.  For more information on the ways parents can assist their children's general health please click here

Often these natural remedies are gentle and non-invasive as well as having very few, if any, side effects. These natural alternatives include homeopathy, naturopathy, the use of pro-biotics, osteopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, traditional chinese medicine, various herbs, massage and ayurvedic medicine just to name a few.

Children can often experience a range of issues or illnesses which cause concern for parents. However a number of these issues have been treated with natural remedies for many years with great success.