Treating Child Sickness with Alternative Methods

Medications sold over the counter are considered safe to treat symptoms of the common cold or stomach upset - as long as the medications are created with children in mind. This does not mean over the counter medications for child sickness are the best or only option. Alternative medicine has been around for thousands of years, but a small number of parents understand the power of home remedies so they choose to stick with traditional medicines. Some alternative treatments for child sickness are more than just a quick fix or a mask for symptoms.

Ginger Tea for Upset Stomach - Ginger is a natural root that is wonderful for treating upset stomach and nausea. Adults may remember being give ginger ale as a kid when sick or may drink ginger ale today when suffering from stomach upset. The same ginger used in ginger ale can be found in tea form. The tea bags take only a few minutes to steep in warm water and offer a gentle, alternative treatment for child sickness.

Lollipops for Cough - Those little bear pops in the health care section of the local grocery or mega-retailer are made from sugar. The price is inflated because the lollipops are sold as an alternative treatment for child sickness, but parents can get the safe effect from safety lollipops found in the candy section for a fraction of the price. The sugar coats the throat and stops the tickle commonly associated with child cough.

Chest cold, Aches and Pains - One of the greatest alternative treatments for child sickness is petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly can be used as skin lotion, a protective barrier to prevent skin irritation with tissue use and as a base for menthol rub. Parents simply need to purchase a vial of menthol oil from the local vitamin shop or from an online store. Mix a small amount of menthol oil into the petroleum jelly to create a super alternative treatment for child sickness. The menthol jelly can be massaged into skin where muscle aches and pains are a problem, but the best use is under the nose and on the chest during a chest cold. The menthol may reduce cough, ease sinus pressure and help children to breathe better.

Just because over the counter medications are quick to pick up and easy on the wallet, does not mean they are the most effective or safe alternative treatment for child sickness. After trying a few alternative treatments for child sickness, parents may leave over the counter behind.

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