As a parent, you will run into a collection of childhood ailments that you must make sure your child is vaccinated against and receives treatment if they should ever become afflicted. For starters, chicken pox is one of the most common of childhood infections and a pain to deal with. In this article, you will learn how to ease the symptoms of chicken pox and whooping cough.
Generally, chicken pox is considered a mild childhood ailment, but it is still quite contagious, which is why your little one will not be attending school for a little while. Chicken pox brings a rash that turns into white spots that become blisters and then forms scabs. A child may also suffer from a mild fever, nasal congestion, and a sore throat. It is important to remind kids not to pick at scabs or they can lead to scarring. When looking for an herbal remedy to treat a child, you may consider witch hazel, skullcap, and jin yin hua.
Witch hazel bark acts as an astringent with the power to cool and soothe irritation. Dilute a witch hazel tincture or create a cooled decoction in a compress that is then sponged over the body. The flower buds of jin yin hua is used to cool fevers, as well as provide anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This herb is administered as an infusion or a tincture. You may also add additional herbs such as catmint, peppermint, and elderflower.
The aerial parts of skullcap can sedate and calm children who are completely irritated by fever and itchy scabs. Skullcap infusions are suggested and can be combined with lemon balm, elderflower, or chamomile. Some people will also give echinacea capsules or drops of tincture in addition to the skullcap treatments.
Whooping cough starts out with a mild cough and cold, that brings about a sticky mucus that only worsens. Over a week, the cough progresses until it is near convulsions. The distinct “whoop” is seen after two weeks has passed and is often followed by vomiting. A child may also suffer breathlessness. Additionally, younger children must always seek professional help for whopping cough. Wild lettuce, coltsfoot, and white horehound are typical herbs used in treating whooping cough.
Wild lettuce can sedate, soothe, and relax children who are exhausted by the symptoms of whooping cough. One can make a tincture or infusion of wild lettuce. Wild thyme and licorice are often combined with this kind of remedy. It is also important to note that large doses can cause a child to become drowsy and confused.
White horehound is used to battle bronchial spasms, as well as aids in the clearing of mucus and phlegm. When digestion needs stimulation, this herb is also helpful. An infusion or syrup containing white horehound is suggested. Each dose may contain a pinch of ginger or cayenne pepper. Coltsfoot flowers treats convulsive coughing and is good at clearing mucus and congestion. The herb makes effective infusions, tinctures, and syrups.