IMPORTANT
Unless otherwise stated on the package, most supplements and herbal remedies aren’t suitable for children under 12.
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Pleurisy

What you need to know:

Happily this excruciatingly painful condition isn’t common in children and teenagers, but naturopathic advice on dietary changes can help and there are several natural anti-inflammatories which are safe for children. They include:

The most useful Herbs, Supplements and Creams:

  • Devil’s claw pills - for over-12s only
  • Devil’s claw gel for all age groups - rub it on the chest
  • Ginger tea - for over-12s only
  • Cod liver oil - over-6s only
  • Arnica pills, tincture or cream - for all ages

Aromatherapy

Lavender oil used for massage or in the bath can help loosen the chest and there’s also and exercise you can do at home. Older children and teenagers can do it themselves. If you’re unfortunate enough to have a younger child or baby with pleurisy, you’ll need to do the exercise with the baby lying chest-downwards on your lap. This will expel the mucous from the lungs, so you’ll need a bowl and a packet of tissued handly.

Other useful advice:

  • Put a heated pad or a well-wrapped hot water bottle on the chest for 20 minutes
  • Lie face down on a bed with the head and chest over the side and the weight supported on the forearms or hold the child or baby over your lap
  • The mucous should then be loose enough to spit into the bowl
  • You can help by patting the child’s back with your cupped hands
There are also a number of herbal expectorants 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.
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The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.