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When your baby gets sick, your first instinct is likely to head straight to the medicine cabinet. However, there are some natural alternative practices – such as aromatherapy, homeopathy, and probiotics – that are equally effective as medical treatments. In many cases, natural medicine is also healthier medicine.
If your child is exhibiting symptoms of a cold, such as a cough or congestion, you can use steam to relieve them. The moist air loosens up congestion and can help to stop the cough. You could use a humidifier, but a simple warm bath with a few drops of eucalyptus oil has the same effect, and is much more soothing.
If sniffles are the issue, natural health experts advise draining your child’s nasal passages rather than taking medication. You can use a saline rinse or try postural drainage to loosen up the mucus naturally.
However, don’t be quick to discount modern medicine. There are some circumstances in which natural therapy is less effective than medical prescriptions. If your child is exhibiting any of the following symptoms, take them to a doctor or hospital immediately:
– a fever
– coloured mucus (not white or clear)
– a rash
– constant vomiting
– any type of pain