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

Most kids get the occasional heavy cough at some time, but this condition is caused by viral or bacterial infections. It’s often possible to avoid the use of antibiotics – no help for viral infections anyway – by the use of natural remedies and complementary therapies.

For asthmatics and anyone suffering chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a chest infection on top of their existing illness can be extremely serious. As with any illness caused by infection, boosting the immune system is a key to quick recovery and natural medicine can help.

The most effective herbal remedies - use them in teas (1 tspn per cup and sweetened with honey) are:

  • Thyme
  • Elecampane
  • Mullein
  • Cowslip
  • White horehound
  • Iceland moss
  • Garlic – raw or in tablet form
  • Bromelain

    You can also make a syrup of onion and turnip, sliced thinly and layered with honey and left overnight – but we have to say that most kids won’t take kindly to this instead of their cornflakes for breakfast.

    The Homoeopathic remedies Rumex, Stannum and Bryonia may also be effective and Reflexology and yoga will also help.

    Aromatherapy cures 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.

    To boost immunity, take Vitamin C, Echinacea, Vitamin A, bioflavonoids and Zinc.

    Diet is extremely important. Give them plenty of fluids - especially hot drinks of honey, water and lemon juice, hot water and pineapple juice, hot water and rosehip syrup.

    In France and East Anglia, thick onion soup is a traditional remedy for bronchitis.

    Natural therapies which help are naturopathy – hot packs and postural drainage would be advised. Apply a hot heating pad or well wrapped hot water bottle to the chest for 20 minutes, then tell the child to lay face down on the bed with head and chest over the side and their weight supported on their forearms. This encourages the infected mucus to drain out of the lungs, so they need to have a small bowl and a packet of tissues handy.

    For young children, you can do the same exercise by laying them over your lap.
    This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk).
    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.