During the winter months, colds and illnesses are common, and school-aged children easily pass them on to one another. If your child comes home from school with a cough and other cold symptoms, you may be wondering how you can help. Fortunately, the majority of kids recover quickly from the cold, but in the meantime, you can do things to help your child feel better. Including things like Wellements immune support will also shorten recovery time and prevent future illnesses.
Manage the Symptoms
For most children, home remedies are sufficient for managing the symptoms. Sleep is one of the best things to help your child get better, as this allows the body to heal and the immune system to get stronger. Extra sleep at night and naps throughout the day are important.
It is best to avoid over-the-counter medication, as many are not intended for younger kids, and they just cover up symptoms. However, if your child is coughing, this can interfere with sleep. If this is the case, try Wellements cough syrup. It not only promotes sleep, but it also contains organic ingredients and is free from artificial colors, flavors, and other ingredients.
Giving your child lots of liquids also helps speed recovery. Avoid sugary items, such as sodas or fruit juices, as sugar inhibits immunity. Instead, give water, clear broths, decaffeinated teas, and coconut water.
Steam is another good way to manage symptoms, as this loosens mucus and keeps the respiratory tract moist. A hot, steamy bath or shower works, as does placing your child’s face over a bowl of hot water with a towel over his or her head. A humidifier also keeps the surrounding air moist.
Essential oils are also good for cold symptoms. Effective ones include:
- Rosemary
- Eucalyptus
- Tea tree
- Lemon
- Thyme
- Oregano
Boost the Immune System
While managing the symptoms of a cold, you may also want to focus on boosting your child’s immunity. A stronger immune system shortens the duration of a cold, minimizes symptoms, and prevents future sickness.
Certain foods contain nutrients that are necessary for immunity. Good choices include citrus fruits, ginger, garlic, and berries. If your child does not feel like eating, you can make an herbal tea with ginger and lemon, or mix up a smoothie made with various fruits.
Another way to boost immunity is to take immune supplements. This includes vitamins like C, A, and D, as well as echinacea, zinc, and elderberry. Gummy supplements are a good choice for children, as they taste yummy and are easy to eat. If wondering what is the best time to take gummy vitamins, typically the morning, and with food, is the best. However, if you forget to give them in the morning, any other time of the day is better than not at all.
Other ways to boost immunity include sleep, fresh air, light exercise, and low stress. Even when your child feels well, continuing to do things that keep the immune system strong is important for overall health and well-being.
We are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice and we cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research before using.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.