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Today I’m here to talk about every mother’s enemy: the viral cold. Nothing makes me feel more in the midst of all the frustration that motherhood has to offer than when one of my children brings home a virus and carries it with them. single. child. Below are tried and true ways to relieve a child’s cold symptoms at home. These are the remedies I use to help my children overcome pain and attacks so that I do not lose my sanity and they can have a quick and peaceful recovery.
Soothe a child’s cold symptoms at home with these remedies
After 81 months of pregnancy, approximately 72 months of breastfeeding, nine children, an average of 5 hours of sleep on a good night, countless sack lunches, and (what feels like) a billion snot, I consider myself a seasoned parent. It’s not experienced to the point of being a grandmother where you look back on almost all the good memories. No, I mean seasoned and still cooking in the pan, kind of like mom. My kids range from 12 years old to Mr. Chubbs who is nine months old, and they have given me lots of flavorful condiments! At this point in my mothering career, I don’t waste my time on remedies that are purely placebo; Here is a list of things I have found that really work to treat your child’s cold symptoms.
Epsom salt baths
You can buy it in bulk HERE like I do or your local grocer can sell it. Sometimes it comes scented with Lavender. The truth of the matter is that pouring a cup of Epsom salts into a hot tub will not only soothe your child’s aching body, but it will also give them some alone time (which, in my opinion, sick, grumpy kids can use). The last time my six-year-old son had the chills, I poured him a tub and when I came out he sank into it sighing, “Oh, that’s good.” It also makes them feel a little pampered, which calms the soul 🙂
Vaporizer rub on the feet
Hack all night? Worst! Listening to your child NOT sleep when you know that’s exactly what they need to recover, how frustrating! Try this trick and soap the bottoms of your feet with a generous layer of Vicks VapoRub, then put on some clean socks. Some of the rubbing will stain your socks, but most of it will soak those little piggies and give the boot to the hack.
There are also some great essential oils you can use. However, be sure to do your research, especially if you are using it on children. THIS VAPO RUB METHOD HAS ALWAYS WORKED FOR ME. The good news is that it is quite affordable. (Note: This method should not be used in children under 6 months according to the warning on the Vicks label.)
I love these natural, calming teas from Birds & Bees Teas that boost family immunity and relieve symptoms of stress and illness. There are even teas for calm pregnancies!
Mint Herbal tea-
The other cough remedy I insist on every time I cough up a lung is this herbal tea and honey concoction. My kids like it too and since it doesn’t contain caffeine, I’m fine with giving it to them. Drink a mint-flavored tea (to open your sinuses, we like the BARLOW brand) and steep it in very warm water.
Add as much honey as you can drink. (I use local honey to get the benefits of overcoming local allergies and avoiding commercial supplements). The more honey you can load up on, the better – it will coat your throat and offer sweet itch relief! I do this right before bed and fall asleep as quickly as I can.
cracked noses
My next secret weapon is a product called Bag Balm. It seems strange. I know. But seriously, this product has serious moisturizing capabilities. (It’s also my secret weapon against diaper rash.) Those poor noses get quite cracked from all the blowing and rubbing. I apply a little bit of this around their chapped nose when they get out of the bath and are clean. It helps create a barrier against the dripping faucet and allows the area to heal. Ahhhh. Far better.
Pillows and books
Elevate your child, start by adding pillows to give them a steep incline, and end by reducing screen time. It may seem like they are resting by watching that program, but it is actually very stimulating and, in many cases, prevents sleep. Instead, put a book in front of them, something that would be interesting to look at for a while; My kids love books with lots of pictures of animals, marine life, and volcanoes. I bought some old National Geographics at a thrift store and will look at them forever. Except when they are very tired and sick, then they watch as long as they can keep their eyelids open, which isn’t very long when they are so comfortable! Getting them to rest is the key.
Five ways to relieve a child’s cold symptoms from a mom in the trenches like you. Good luck, my friends, and may the cold season come to an end soon!
(NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.)
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