While over-the-counter medicines offer quick relief for most symptoms of allergies and infections, they fail to address the root cause of the issue and may cause severe side effects in children. Alternatively, natural remedies not only offer relief but also help restore your child's immune system. Use these easy home treatment methods to help speed up your child’s recovery process.

1. Common Cough and Cold

A cold and cough may take a while to cure, making it tough for parents to see them suffer. Headache, running nose, stuffy nose, sore throat, etc. can make your child irritable and cranky. Your child may not be able to eat well or sleep well and may feel drowsy and exhausted due to regular medications.

Eucalyptus oil. Add a few drops in your child’s bath tub with hot water, or a small drop of eucalyptus oil on your child's handkerchief, keep it beneath the bed at night. Eucalyptus oil is recognized for its anti- inflammatory and antibacterial properties and acts as a natural expectorant.

Honey and ginger. Squeeze some juice out of fresh ginger (roughly half an inch) and add 1 teaspoon of honey. Give 1 teaspoon of this mixture to your child on a daily basis. Ginger contains anti-inflammatory elements that help soothe the throat and relieves cough while honey acts as a natural expectorant.

2. Diarrhea

Children get diarrhea as a result of infection, food poisoning, or intake of contaminated water or food.

Bananas. An unripe, greenish banana with white rice (brown rice being difficult to digest) can help to ease the disease out. In addition, bananas contain plenty of potassium which restore electrolytes lost during diarrhea. In case your child doesn't eat bananas, you can prepare a smoothie with banana and yogurt which has a similar effect. Bland foods such as boiled potatoes, clear broths and rice water can prove helpful as well.

3. Stomachache

Nearly every child suffers from stomachaches at some point of their life. It can be a result of gas, constipation, indigestion, stomach flu, acid reflux, overeating, food poisoning, etc.

Fennel seeds. Dry roast, crush and sieve some fennel seeds. Take half a teaspoon of this powder and add it to small quantity of water. Give it two times a day to your child. Fennel seeds can relieve stomach related issues like indigestion or gas in children.

Additionally, give your child warm water for drinking from time-to-time during a stomachache in order to expel constipation and gas.

Boost the Immune System

Vitamins and plant-based foods can play a vital role in boosting the immune system among small children. Stewed vegetables, bone broth and soups are easier to digest than raw vegetables.

It’s generally recommended that your child gets nutrients from natural food sources instead of a multivitamin. However, some supplements such as cod liver oil can be worth taking. It's a superb source of vitamin A, and D, as well as omega 3's that can help improve the immune system of your child.

Dr. Ruth Rodriguez is a board-certified osteopathic pediatrician with over 24 years of experience using both traditional, western medicine and natural holistic remedies for children. She offers consultations and telemedicine. For more information, call or text 321-427-6538 or visit NaturalSolutionsWithDrRuth.com.