Nature's Way

with Alan Hayes

Protecting toddlers from colds

With winter upon us we all know how miserable and unpleasant it is to have a cold.

In fact, for most people it's downright unbearable, but what about young children? It must be twice as bad for toddlers and young children who quite often may not understand what's happening to them. Especially if they are continually coughing and having to blow their nose.

The front-line attack is to build up the body's resistance to infection. A whole food diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and fresh herbs, including garlic, will help the body systems to combat harmful bacteria and viruses. Garlic is especially useful in building up the body's resistance, as it contains vitamins A, B and C, and copper, sulphur, manganese, iron and calcium and is considered to be a natural antibiotic if it is taken in large enough doses.

Rose hip tea, reputed to be high in vitamin C, can also be used to build resistance to colds and other infections. Most colds will also respond to fruity treats. Add the juice of half a lemon to a cup of boiling water, sweeten with honey, and give this to the child three times a day.

Essential oils can also be used effectively when cold and 'flu is prevalent, because they are very efficient in destroying harmful bacteria and viruses. They are especially useful when toddlers and babies have colds. A simple solution for the young ones is to place a small bowl of boiling water, to which you have added the following blend, under the bed or cot at night, but not directly under their head, whilst they are sleeping. The steam will rise, gently releasing its aroma molecules into the room.

To make your steam blend, mix together 50 drops each of eucalyptus, tea tree and lavender oils and store them in an airtight, amber-coloured glass bottle for future use. Use within two months, because begin to oxidise once they are blended together. Add 3 drops of the oil blend to a bowl of hot water at night, and again during the day. If breathing is very difficult, place 2 drops of the oil blend on a cotton wool ball and place it under the edge of the child's pillow.

One drop of the oil blend can also be added to babies' bath water. For young ones between one and five years, add 2 drops to their bath.

In older children vaporising is also effective for relieving a stuffy or blocked up nose. Moisten a small sponge with boiling water and add a few drops of the essential oil blend. Place the sponge in a dish in their room, and moisten it with boiling water twice a day, refreshing it with a few drops of the oil twice a week.

A portable inhalant can also be used by older children. Simply put a couple of drops of the oil blend on a tissue or handkerchief so that the child may inhale deeply whenever possible.

It must be remembered that colds are often the forerunners of something more serious. So if the young one has a temperature, is feverish, off food or crying or winging a lot, have the child checked immediately by your medical practitioner.

Alan on the Web - www.itssonatural.com