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Acute BronchitisWhat you need to knowMost of us know how exhausting just a heavy cough can be, but it’s particularly distressing to see a child or baby struggling with this very uncomfortable condition. Of course they need conventional medical attention - if only to get a correct diagnosis - but it’s often possible to avoid the use of antibiotics, which are no help for viral infections anyway, by using natural remedies and complementary therapies.The most useful Herbs:These are the most effective herbal remedies. Use them as teas (1 tspn per cup and sweetened with pasteurised pasteurised honey for the over-12s, half strength for the six-12s, quarter strength for the three-sixes, one-tenth strength for toddlers and babies).
HomoeopathyThe homoeopathic remedies Rumex, Stannum and Bryonia may also be effective.AromatherapyUseful Aromatherapy oils include Sandalwood, Benzoin, Eucalyptus, Frankincense and Tea tree - use them as steam inhalations or mix with an appropriate carrier oil and massage into the throat and chest.Dietary changes that may be beneficial:It’s also important to boost the child’s immune system. You need to make sure they have a well-balanced diet with plenty of complex carbohydrates - wholemeal cereals, pasta, wholemeal bread, rice - at least five portions (500 g in weight) of fresh fruit and vegetables and two litres of fluid a day. Obviously the quantities will vary with the age of the child, and if they’re very poorly and off their food try to give them smaller meals every two or three hours.It’s tempting to give them sweet foods which they may find more appealing, but remember that sugar makes the body less efficient at destroying bacteria, so does too much fat. Live bio yoghurt, however, produces acids that destroy invading bugs, so try to get them to have at least one carton, preferably organic, a day. Getting enough sleep is important, too, especially for older children and teenagers who, no matter how ill you know they are, can still muster up the energy to sit in front of their computer or television late into the night. You should also try to make sure that, if they’re well enough, they get some fresh air every day and, where possible, do some sort of exercise - even if it’s just taking the dog for a quick walk. The most useful Supplements:
There are a number of herbal expectorants and other remedies that can be used as a complementary aid to other prescribed medication, but they need to be made up by a qualified medical herbalist and used only with the knowledge and consent of the child’s doctor. Specific drinks can also help loosen the chest - the best is hot water mixed with lemon juice and sweetened with pasteurised honey - you can also use pineapple or blackcurrant juice, or rosehip syrup in the same way. Naturopathy is the most effective natural therapy and many practitioners would suggest using hot packs and postural drainage. This encourages the infected mucous to drain out of the lungs, so you’ll need to have a small bowl and a packet of tissues handy. Older children can do the exercise themselves; with babies and toddlers, lay them over your knees.
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