Cold season is upon us and it's time to check your cupboard for a supply of natural remedies. The first thing to look for is Echinacea. This herb, which helps to strengthen the body's immune response, comes in many forms, both tablet and liquid, and should be used 4-6 times per day for 2-3 days, at the very first sign of illness. Do not continue beyond that time as effectiveness is lost. For children, you can now find several brands of flavored herbs that are very palatable or easily disguised. Often times your first indication of an oncoming sickness will be a fever. This is a natural and very healthy response by the body to the onslaught of offending organisms. Keeping your patient hydrated and comfortable should be your primary concern, hydration being 4-6 oz. of fluid/hour during an active fever. Fluids may take many forms but should generally not include soda or caffeinated beverages. Black currant syrup (1T.) mixed with a glass of water is well tolerated and acts as a good immune tonic. 

Baths are a simple way to comfort and rehydrate. The temperature of the bath should be warm except in extreme cases. You do not want to shock the body. Two ounces of dried pennyroyal combined with 2 quarts of water simmered for 20 minutes on the top of the stove may be added to the bath water. Save the herbs and wrap them in a washcloth and rub the body all over. That will stimulate the skin and open pores, making the bath doubly effective. 

Fresh lemon may similarly be used when pennyroyal is not available. Just squeeze into the water and allow the skins to float or rub the body with them. Always wrap up and thoroughly dry before leaving the bathroom to avoid a chill. 

In the first 24 hours, a fever should not be suppressed, although a few cautions do exist: fever in an infant under 3 months should be evaluated by a physician. Fevers that rise very rapidly and fevers that are more than 104 orally and 103 rectally may be cause for concern. 

Evaluate carefully to determine how well the fever is being tolerated: are they listless, or limp, refusing to drink or even sip? Are they inconsolable? These are indications that the child is not managing well with the fever. 

A general rule of thumb is that if the hands and feet are ice cold while the body core is hot, the fever is not done rising. Keep covered and warm at all times. Rest is very important and should not be overlooked. A feverish person should be home and quiet. Giving a fever reducing medication and then running around freely further adds to the stress that the body is under. 

In treating childhood illnesses, it must be remembered that it is a normal, and in general, unavoidable part of life. Our job as caregivers is to minimize the child's discomfort and allow them the time to recover. We can offer a special kind of healing touch by comforting, holding and spending some extra time with a sick child. 

Frequently, this fever will be followed by THE COLD. This may involve a myriad of symptoms in addition to nasal and chest congestion. Any mucous situation should be treated with a moderated diet that eliminates milk, white flour, red meat, and sweets.

An increase in fluids is always appropriate. One teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar in 8 ounces of juice or water 2-3 times/daily helps to reduce mucous. For a child, the dose may be cut in half. 

Fresh carrot juice is a wonderful immune tonic. A Hot Toddy is a very comforting beverage. Combine 1 cinnamon stick, 1 and 1/2 cups water and simmer for 5 minutes. Add 2 slices fresh ginger and simmer 5 minutes more. Allow to cool slightly, then add 2 teaspoons lemon juice and honey to taste. 

For the nose that is not able to drain, steaming is a useful technique. Bay leaf or fresh thyme added to boiled water makes a wonderful steam. Another is made with 2 quarts water, 2 drops each of wintergreen, pennyroyal, and rosemary oils. Boil the water first, then allow to cool for 10 minutes before adding the oils. One more useful steam is with 1/4 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar in 1 quart of boiled water. Care to avoid burns must be taken. Humidifiers should be used during the dry winter months, but they must be kept clean and free of mold. 

Chest congestion will often follow or accompany the nasal congestion. Steaming is also useful in this situation and may be accomplished in the hot shower as well. Wrapping a small child in a towel and holding him or her in the shower is very effective. 

Massage directly on the chest is valuable. Castor oil or eucalyptus oil make very good lubricants. Always massage gently with strokes in a downward, central direction and /or percuss (tap using a cupped hand) on the back. 

Warm compresses applied directly to the chest help to loosen congestion. Fresh ginger sliced or grated and steeped in boiled water, then wrapped in moist muslin or an old diaper may be applied for 10 to 15 minutes, 3-4 times /day. A moist heat pad or hot water bottle may be applied directly over to keep the compress warm, not hot. 

Another good poultice to relieve chest congestion is made of comfrey and eucalyptus. Bruise 1 ounce of eucalyptus leaves and combine with 1 ounce of comfrey root pieces and 1 quart water in a covered pot. Simmer for 5 minutes. Strain out the herbs and discard the water. This may be applied to the chest and the back for 5 minutes at a time or until the skin is visibly warmed. If congestion is not resolved or improved in 2-4 days, consult your physician. 

___________________

Dr. Karen Sexton is the mother of two girls and a chiropractor practicing in Marstons Mills. Her practice specializes in Applied Kinesiology and Chiropractic Manipulation. Also in this practice is a Certified Massage Therapist and a Licensed Acupuncturist. All the women share a similar philosophy of healing. They can be reached at 508-420-5787.

References: Natural Child Care by Maribeth Riggs, Harmony Books, 1989. A Guide to Child Health by Michaela Glockler and Wolfgang Goebel, Anthroposophic Press, 1984.