Children under six shouldn’t have over-the-counter cough and cold remedies, including decongestants, unless advised by a GP or pharmacist, according to NHS. Every General Practitioner will have a checklist of questions-

• “Is your child drinking, eating or breathing normally” and after 1^st line of examination
• “There’s no wheezing hence a cough isn’t usually anything to worry about you can go home, your child is slightly under the weather”.

It helps to go back to age old Ayurvedic home remedies for healing and cure, if you have had gone through couple of more sleepless nights. Here are some of the top tips to minimize sore throat, runny nose and congestion which will eventually help in overall health conditions:

1. Honey-A well-loved – and tasty – natural remedy, honey is a sure-fire way to ease a ticklish throat. Honey soothes irritated membranes by coating the throat, making swallowing less painful. (To be given only if cough is associated with phlegm)

2. Ginger juice-It has anti-inflammatory properties.Due to its anti-inflammatory compounds it helps relax membranes in the airways, which reduces coughing. The researchers mainly studied the effects of ginger on human cells and animals and more research is necessary. (1/2 Ginger boiled in 500 ml water can give it to your kid with running nose and cough. Give it every now and then to drink for few days)

3. Fluids-Though difficult with babies but staying hydrated helps alleviate a cough, runny nose, and sneezing.However, with older children additional symptoms of cold or flu may benefit from warming up their beverages. The same study reports that hot beverages alleviate even more symptoms, including sore throat, chills, and fatigue.

4. Steam inhalation-Children love to be in water, play with water and splash water all around the tub.Fill up the baby tub or allow the bathroom to fill with steam. Let your child enjoy as much and play in hot water. This helps a whole lot of runny nose come out immediately and clears the system. Add herbs or essential oils, such as eucalyptus or rosemary, which relieves congestion. Repeat the process every day if required twice a day. Alternatively, for older children make a steam bowl or use steam inhalers and add just plain water for steaming purpose.

5. Enough Rest-It might sound obvious, but tiredness and stress can lower a child’s resistance to infection. A rested child is better equipped to be able to fight off an illness. Don’t expose your child to pollution and bad weather conditions. It takes energy to fight an infection and so sick children will need more time to rest and allow their body to heal.

Trying to follow all the above, surely after a week or so child is healthy, and all symptoms usually clears away. Pharmacies and supermarkets are full of cough and cold medicines which claim to relieve symptoms of the common cold and some decongestants. But it is a known fact that all are not suitable for babies, children or pregnant women.

The truth is we have an age-old Ayurvedic magic cure in our kitchen and you don’t need to go beyond your spice cupboard for your family and loved ones. About time to go back to our roots.