FREE SHIPPING! On online orders of $74+. Use code: SHIP74 
Access Denied
IMPORTANT! If you’re a store owner, please make sure you have Customer accounts enabled in your Store Admin, as you have customer based locks set up with EasyLockdown app. Enable Customer Accounts
Natural Approach to Colds, Flu and Ear Infection for Kids
Paula Gallagher on
Colds, flu and ear infections are some of the common reasons parents bring their children in to see their doctors. The best approach to a cold or flu is to prevent it in the first place. Teach your children that regular hand washing, good nutrition, and restful sleeps are all important factors in maintaining a healthy immune system and warding off cold and flu viruses.
If all the precautions have taken place and your little one still has come down with something, you can try a natural approach to colds, flu and ear infections. Here are some tips to get them back on the road to health.
Probiotics and vitamin D. Both probiotics and vitamin D have the ability to regulate immune functions and, when taken consistently, have been shown to decrease the frequency of upper respiratory tract infections.
Echinacea, zinc and vitamin C. If your child catches a cold, start echinacea, zinc and vitamin C right at the onset of symptoms. The root of Echinacea purpurea may help lessen symptom severity, while zinc and vitamin C may help shorten the duration of illness.
Black elderberry. Black elderberry may also help reduce cold duration and symptom severity, but is better known for its flu-fighting capabilities.
When to take your little one in to see a doctor for a cold or flu:
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty keeping food or fluids down
• Difficulty swallowing
• Fever higher than 100 F, lasting more than 3 days
• Cough or nasal congestion that doesn’t improve, or worsens over the course of 14 days.
Ear infections, also called acute otitis media (AOM), are often secondary to an upper respiratory infection. So, to prevent ear infections, follow the guidelines for cold and flu management. AOM can be viral or bacterial in nature, and mild cases often resolve without antibiotics with time, patience, and the appropriate supportive therapies.
Garlic and mullein. The classic supportive herbal remedy for ear infections is garlic mullein ear oil. Garlic is both antibacterial and antiviral in nature, while mullein is a natural analgesic and helps to soothe ear pain.
Do not put anything in the ear if the eardrum is ruptured or if there’s drainage from the ear. In cases where ear pain does not resolve or improve in 48 hours, antibiotics may be needed.
When to take your little one in to see the doctor for earaches:
• Ear pain lasting longer than 48 hours
• Fever of 102 F or higher
• Rapid onset of symptoms
• Severe ear pain
• Drainage from the ear.
Photo from here, with thanks.
Categories
Categories
Humanized Health - NEW!
Learn about personalized health from top experts! Check out our fascinating new shows every week, available as videos, podcasts and transcripts.:
Our Bloggers
-
Paula Gallagher
Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
read more.. -
Margo Gladding
Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
read more.. -
Dr. Neal Barnard
Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
read more.. -
Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
read more.. -
Debi Silber
Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
read more..
SEE ALL OF OUR BLOGGERS
Invalid password
Enter
Learning Resources
Consultations
Green Initiatives
Pharmacy/Compounding
Humanized Health
Village Green Blog
Stay Connected
Village Green Apothecary
5415 W Cedar Ln
Bethesda, Maryland, 20814
(301) 530-0800
Toll Free: (800) 869-9159
The information provided on this site is not intended to be a substitute for advice or treatment from a qualified physician, nor is it intended to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Consult your physician prior to starting any new health program or if you any questions regarding a medical condition.
© 2023 Village Green Apothecary - All Rights Reserved.