{"id":1785,"date":"2017-11-20T12:20:28","date_gmt":"2017-11-20T20:20:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/healthykidshappykids.com\/?p=1785"},"modified":"2025-11-21T16:58:15","modified_gmt":"2025-11-22T00:58:15","slug":"pediatrician-approved-natural-remedies-flu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vps37072.inmotionhosting.com\/~healt472\/2017\/11\/20\/pediatrician-approved-natural-remedies-flu\/","title":{"rendered":"Pediatrician-Approved Natural Remedies for the Flu"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Flu season is right around the corner, and hopefully by now you’ve read my article on the Top Ways to Boost Your Child’s Immune System<\/a>. But now you’re wondering, what if my kid actually gets the flu? Are there any natural options besides Tylenol, Motrin, Benadryl, Sudafed, or just waiting and watching?<\/p>\n

YES!<\/strong><\/span> If you understand how to use <\/span>natural medicines, you CAN do something to not only help your child feel better, but to help her recover faster!<\/p>\n

Starting homeopathic and herbal medicines at the very\u00a0beginning<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>of flu symptoms can significantly shorten the duration and severity of illness and even knock it out of your child\u2019s system within a day or two. So let\u2019s take a look at some of the tools we have to treat your child\u2019s flu naturally. The following are some of what I give to my own kids, and recommend for patients at the start of a cold\/flu:<\/p>\n

Homeopathy<\/h3>\n

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Oscillococcinum<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

By now you\u2019ve probably seen Oscilloccinum lining the shelves at Whole Foods. This is\u00a0THE<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>homeopathic flu remedy, and a\u00a0MUST <\/strong>at the very beginning of a flu or flu-like illness. Studies have shown that taking Oscillococcinum at the onset of flu significantly reduces symptoms and shortens the duration of illness1, 2<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

The recommended dosage is 1 vial 3 times over a 24-hour period, preferably at the very beginning of flu symptoms or any illness. The dosage is the same for children and adults. Just down that whole vial of tasty sprinkles and suck on them until they dissolve, ideally at least 10 minutes away from food or drink. For an infant, you can dissolve the pellets in water and give with a syringe or in their bottle or sippy cup.<\/p>\n

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Individualized Homeopathic Medicines<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Specific homeopathic medicines are also very helpful for fevers, colds, coughs, and flu. Homeopathy is one of the safest and gentlest, yet most effective and proven forms of medicine to use when your child is sick. There are virtually no side effects, and no interactions with any other medicines. This is why homeopathic medicines are often my preferred choice of medicine for infants and children, and pregnant and nursing moms. If you haven\u2019t ever used homeopathic medicines, it\u2019s definitely time to try! To learn more about what homeopathic medicines are and how to use them, just take a look at my blogposts\u00a0What Is Homeopathy \u2013 Part 1<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0What Is Homeopathy \u2013 Part 2<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The particular homeopathic medicine(s) used will depend on the specific symptoms that your child is having. What matters most is how she is experiencing her illness. For example, your daughter may have a high fever with sudden onset, a red, dry face and lots of agitation. Your son, with the same flu, may have a low-grade fever with gradual onset. Even though they caught the same flu virus, they are experiencing their flu differently. Your daughter would benefit from homeopathic Aconitum Napellus while your son would benefit from homeopathic Ferrum Phosphoricum.<\/p>\n

There is a vast array of homeopathic medicine to choose from, and it can seem daunting to know which medicine to use. But when you get it right, the results can be amazing! So be sure to stick with me and follow Healthy Kids Happy Kids as I guide you through how to use homeopathic medicines effectively for your child. In the meantime,\u00a0Boiron\u2019s Coldcalm<\/em><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0is a combination homeopathic formula that is great for general cold\/flu symptoms, especially when you\u2019re not sure which specific medicine to give.<\/p>\n

If you haven\u2019t already, be sure to download my FREE e-book on natural ways to treat your child\u2019s fever:<\/span><\/h3>\n

The Top 5 Mistakes Parents Make When Their Child Has a Fever … and What You Can Do Instead!<\/a><\/h3>\n

Herbal Medicines<\/h3>\n

There are a variety of very effective herbal medicines that work amazingly well to help your family recovery faster from the flu. These are a few of what I have found to be incredibly helpful.<\/p>\n

\"\"Windbreaker<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Windbreaker is a Chinese herbal formula by Kan Herbs. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, fever and flu are caused by an attack of \u201cwind\u201d. \u00a0It works GREAT for cold\/flu, fever, even allergies! This is my \u201cgo-to\u201d for me and my kids. No, I won\u2019t lie \u2013 it is a bit bitter, but it\u2019s definitely worth a try. I don\u2019t go anywhere without it, and it will definitely be on my packing list for when we travel over winter vacation! (In fact, we travel with 8-ounce bottles so we always have enough to go around if multiple people get hit with a cold\/flu on the road!). My kids have been taking this since they were infants, and love the taste. But if your kids are a bit pickier, you can mix with honey or a bit of tart juice like pomegranate or lemonade to mask the flavor. The typical dosage for toddlers is 1-2 droppersful 3x\/day; for older kids 3 droppersful 3x\/day, and for teens and adults 4 droppersful 3x\/day.<\/p>\n

\"\"Pelargonium Sidoides<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Pelar-what? Also known as Umckaloabo, this traditional African herb can significantly shorten the duration and severity of colds, bronchitis, sinusitis, and throat infections. It has been found to improve macrophage activity, kill bacteria and viruses, and improve the ability to clear mucous from the lungs. We carry an alcohol-free syrup of Pelargonium Sidoides called V Clear. It can also be found over-the-counter as Umcka ColdCare Syrup by Nature\u2019s Way. The recommended dosage is \u00bd tsp 3x\/day for children ages 2-6 years, 1 tsp 3x\/day for children ages 6-12 years, and 1.5 tsp 3x\/day for children over 12 years and adults.<\/p>\n

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Elderberry Syrup<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Elderberry has been found to prevent invasion by viruses and bacteria, and also improve cough. A study found that elderberry has the ability to inhibit H1N1 infection in vitro. The authors of the study note that \u201cthe H1N1 inhibition activities of the elderberry flavonoids compare favorably to the known anti-influenza activities of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu).\u201d The typical dosage for kids is 1-2 teaspoons 4x\/day depending on their size, and for adults 1 tablespoon 4x\/day.<\/p>\n

Essential Oils<\/h3>\n

\"\"Essential oils have amazing healing benefits and can be a powerful tool to help alleviate those troublesome headaches in your child.<\/p>\n

Lavender is my all-time favorite essential oil to use for colds and flus. Lavender reduces inflammation and spasm, alleviates pain, helps fight infection, calms anxiety, improves mood, and relaxes the body and mind. Perfect for when your child is cranky and feeling achy all over!<\/p>\n

Essential oils are very safe and effective for use in kids, and school-age kids can even learn to use essential oils on themselves. Some essential oils like lavender can be applied directly to the skin, while others like thyme should be diluted in a \u201ccarrier\u201d oil such as coconut oil as direct application can irritate the skin.\u00a0Essential oils can be used topically and massaged into the soles of the feet, acupressure points, or anywhere else that feels good. Your child can rub that essential oil blend together in both palms, cup his hands over his nose and mouth and take a slow inhalation through his nose so the oil gets transported straight to the limbic system in his brain to have direct and immediate calming and headache-relieving effects. You can also use a diffuser with 5-10 drops of essential oil to fill the whole house with healing power, or put a few drops in her Epsom salt bath for added\u00a0calming benefits.<\/p>\n

Acupressure<\/h3>\n

\"\"Acupressure is an amazing way to give loving yet therapeutic touch to your kids when they’re sick.\u00a0One of the easiest and most effective acupressure points to use for any illness, fever or flu is Large Intestine 4 (LI 4). LI 4 is located on the top of the hand, in the webspace between your thumb and index finger. Put your thumb on the point, and your index finger on the palm side of your child\u2019s hand. Squeeze your thumb and index together, make small circular motions with your thumb with firm but gentle pressure. Aim for several minutes or 100 circles. And better yet \u2013 massage essential oils right into LI4 to have an even more potent effect on getting rid of that flu!<\/p>\n

Additional Immune Supports<\/h3>\n