via Stylecraze: Olive oil is renowned for its wide array of benefits for your skin, hair, and health. In fact, this multipurpose oil can be consumed as well as applied topically on your skin and hair. The beneficial qualities of olive oil make most of us presume that it is good for our babies as well. But is it really so in all cases? The question needs to be answered as there is a big difference between adults and babies in terms of their skin, hair and health conditions.

Is Olive Oil Safe For Babies?

As we all know, infancy is a tender stage of life. Babies are extremely delicate and sensitive. They require special attention in all aspects of their health, be it their diet, skin or hair. When it comes to massage oils, it is important to remember that oils, which have proven to be beneficial for your skin and hair, might cause allergic reactions when applied to your babies. As far as olive oil is concerned, it is considered as a safe bet for babies. However, it is possible for your baby to be hyper sensitive or allergic to this oil. So if you are thinking of using olive oil for your baby, you need to have a look at the possible benefits and side effects that can be caused by this oil.

1. Olive Oil For Baby Massage:

Lots of people all over the world use olive oil for massaging their babies without any adverse effects whatsoever. It promotes relaxation, reduces instances of crying and has a positive influence on the hormones that control stress in your baby. Olive oil has a high content of oleic acid and lesser amount of linoleic acid. While linoleic acid strengthens your baby’s skin barrier, oleic acid increases the permeability of some layers of the baby’s skin.

The safety concerns of olive oil for massage depend upon the condition of your baby’s skin. If your baby’s skin is more permeable, then olive oil and water can be easily absorbed into it. Generally, no side effects or hazards are reported from the usage of olive oil on baby skin.

2. Olive Oil In Case Of Skin Problems:

Is olive oil good for baby skin? As stated above, olive oil can be safely used on the healthy skin. But, the same does not hold true if your baby’s skin is damaged. For example, if your baby has eczema, use of olive oil can worsen the problem as the oleic acid in it can increase moisture loss through your baby’s skin. Even if you have a family history of eczema or dry skin, you need to exercise caution. It would be better to avoid using olive oil as it might trigger this problem. It is advisable to follow the instructions of your physician in such a case. For sensitive skin of babies, baby mineral oils or vegetable oils that are high in linoleic acid are a better option.

3. Olive Oil In Baby’s Diet:

Olive oil is considered as a great option when it comes to cooking because of its rich nutritional value incorporating monounsaturated fats, Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B vitamins as well as antioxidants. But, is it safe to iinclude olive oil in baby food?

Well, olive oil can be used in baby food but only after 6 months of age. Besides, when using olive oil in baby food recipes, it is advisable to stick to extra virgin olive oil as it, being the purest form of olive oil, contains greater amount of antioxidants. The oleic acid present in olive oil enables the growth and development of your child’s brain. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which help prevent and reduce the severity of asthma. However, excess consumption of olive oil can cause diarrhea, so ensure not to use more than ¼ teaspoon of olive oil in 2 ounces of baby food.

4. Olive Oil To Treat Constipation:

Olive oil, being gentle on your child’s stomach, is often used as a laxative for curing constipation. However, excess consumption of olive oil can cause diarrhea. So it is advisable not to use olive oil as a home remedy to cure constipation in your baby. It is always better to get their constipation treated by a physician.

5. Olive Oil For Baby’s Hair:

Olive oil can be used to strengthen your baby’s hair and soften frizzy and coarse hair. Olive oil offers an effective natural remedy to remove cradle caps in infants. Cradle cap can be defined as a form of dandruff that causes a layer of dry flaky skin to form on the baby’s head shortly after birth. Severe cases may lead to the formation of oily yellow patches on the scalp. Olive oil can be used to loosen this cradle cap. All you need to do is cover the cradle cap with a thin layer of olive oil, massaging it with a soft brush or wash cloth. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes. Now wash off with a baby shampoo and rinse with warm water. You need to wash the scalp 2-3 times to remove the oil completely. This is a painless and easy method to get rid of cradle caps.

6. Olive Oil To Treat Diaper Rashes:

Diaper rashes are a common problem among babies—common but rather uncomfortable. Olive oil can help combat diaper rashes. You can mix 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil with 1 teaspoon of water and whip this mixture thoroughly. Apply this emulsion on your baby’s bottom. This will erase the rashes and prevent their recurrence.

No matter how safe olive oil is considered to be, but it is always better to follow your doctor’s advice when it comes to your baby’s health.

When used right, olive can give your baby a multitude of benefits, without causing any side effects. So, do try it!


via Dabur Honey: Honey is nature’s sweetest gift to mankind. There is something magnificently magnetic about this sweet liquid form of gold that has attracted the attention of many since time immemorial. As a super food, it not only taste wonderful but also packs a punch when it comes to providing multitude health benefits to people across ages especially children.

Its seductive colour and flavour aside, Honey forms the base of most of the Ayurvedic medicines and is widely used in home remedies to treat diseases and illnesses like cough & cold, flu, eczema, and wounds etc.

Rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, minerals, vitamins and other essential nutrients and antiseptics and antibacterial properties; Honey is one power food you can safely rely on when everything else fails.

While the benefits of honey are many, did you know administering honey to kids in times of emergencies or illnesses like cold and cough can provide them with quick relief? It is any day better than rushing to a paediatrician every time and exposing your child to medicines, which can prove dangerous for their developing digestive system and other vital organs in future.

What are the health benefits of honey for kids?

  1. To get relief from cough & cold
  2. For promotion of healthy digestive system
  3. Helps heal wounds faster
  4. Boosts energy
  5. Natural supplier of multivitamins
  6. Strengthens immune system

Have a look at the benefits of honey for kids in detail and the ways in which you can use honey to make natural home remedies:

1. To get relief from cough & cold :

Children are most vulnerable to illnesses and problems that come with season change. Cough & cold being most common among them. Benefits of honey for children include providing them relief from symptoms of cold and cough like runny nose, mild fever, irritated or sore throat and sneezing etc. Honey has antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant properties that helps fight the viral, bacterial or fungal infection that cause these problems and treat the underlying symptoms from the root.

Prepare this effective honey based home remedy to treat the symptoms of cold & cough in your child:

Method:

  • Mix 1 tbsp of lukewarm Honey with ¼ spoon of cinnamon powder
  • Give it to your child twice a day daily or till the time the symptoms have vanished

Preferably, give it during bedtime as it will aid in giving your child a good night’s sleep

Using the combination of Ginger and Honey is also one of the well-known home remedies for treating cough and cold. If you want to get this remedy without any hassles, just use Dabur’s Ginger and Honey for cough.

2. For promotion of healthy digestive system :

Among the many known benefits of Honey for kids, using it for improved digestive system is the most commonly practised one. Consumption of honey benefits the digestive tract by keeping it clear of any blockages and regularise the bowel movement. It also aids in providing relief during stomach infections like indigestion, constipation, bloating and flatulence etc. If your child often complains of stomach disorders, prepare this below given recipe and feed it to him/her on a regular basis to soothe the stomach and keep the digestive system healthy & happy.

  • Prepare a cup of black tea
  • Add few drops of freshly squeezed ginger juice
  • Stir in a teaspoon of Honey
  • Give it to your child to drink at least twice a day for effective results

3. Helps heal wounds faster :

Benefit of Honey for children also include helping in healing wounds caused due to an abrasion, burn or cut etc. The therapeutic qualities of Honey and its rich antibacterial and antifungal properties help an infected wound to heal properly and in an orderly fashion. In case your child comes home with a cut or a wound, just wash it properly with water and squirt a small drop of Honey on the affected area. Rub it gently and if the cut is deep, apply bandage to it.

4. Boosts energy :

When it comes to pepping up the energy levels in your child, there can be nothing better than giving him/her a spoonful of Honey. It not only tastes fantastic but is also a rich source of carbohydrates, which provides the fuel the body utilizes to stay energetic all day long. A tablespoon of Honey provides roughly 17gms of carbohydrates. Honey also has good amounts of vitamins, minerals, calcium, magnesium and amino acids that complete the everyday need of nutrition in a child.

5. Natural supplier of multivitamins :

Honey for children is not only good because of its medicinal and other benefits but also because it happens to be a natural source of multivitamins that are essential for a child of growing age. As a rich reservoir of essential nutrients and vitamins, a daily dose of Honey can easily cover up the requirements of multivitamins, the developing bones, muscles and body of your child would have.

6. Strengthens immune system :

Honey is known to stimulate the production of immune cells in the body thereby keeping the immune system healthy & strong. It’s antibacterial and antioxidant properties help fight against germ and bacteria attack and provide the strength to withstand any attack on your immunity.

Though Honey is considered to be a wholesome diet for kids, one must not give it to a child of less than one year of age. Before introducing your child to Honey, always make sure to keep these pointers in mind:

  • Check your child for Honey allergy. Most kids are unable to digest Honey or it causes botulism, a form of food poisoning in them. Once you have given your child Honey, look out for any sign of discomfort or stomach disorder in them. If the child complains of stomach ache, do get in touch with your paediatrician.
  • In some cases, a child might also get pollen allergy. As there are some traces of pollen left behind in Honey, there are chances your child’s delicate digestive system might not take too easily to it.
  • When choosing a Honey suitable to your child, opt for a certified pure variety of Honey. Buying local or non-certified honey, just because it costs less, can prove fatal for the health of your child. A trusted brand of Honey like Dabur Honey is always a better bet than the locally sourced ones. Ranked the number 1 Honey by Consumer Voice, its benefits definitely goes beyond its delicious flavour.

Fever or high temperature occurs when our body increases its own temperature above its regular level, which is generally around 98.6°F or 37°C. It is a common illness that happens to kids. It was found that 60% or more parents of kids from 6-months old to 5 years old say that their kids experienced fever.

Fever in kids is commonly triggered by a cough, a cold or other minor viral infection. At most cases, parents can treat the high temperature in kids at home.

Parents need to be alert when their kids have fever as it indicates that their body is fighting against some infections.

Watch this video about home remedies for fever in kids that you could make use of when your kids are suffering from fever.


Via The Terrific Five: 12 Natural Cold and Flu Remedies for Kids

Sick kids suck. Sick kids suck more than:

  • Killing your phone because you forgot it’s in your pocket when you ran into the ocean.
  • Losing your wedding ring 2 days after the wedding on the honeymoon.
  • Getting food poisoning 4 times in 12 months.
  • Going on a diet that does not allow carbs.
  • Breaking your wedding ring after your son chucked it on the ground.
  • Going scuba diving with a near-empty air tank and then emptying it while deep underwater.
  • Losing your wedding ring after your son took it off your finger in the ocean.
    (All of these happened to Marc or I…. I will let you guess who did what.)

Why do sick babies especially suck? Well, having a cold usually means a lot of mucus, and your little ones do not have the ability to blow their noses or spit out phlegm. Therefore, we as parents must help them as much as possible to be comfortable through the duration of the cold.

Having been through my fair share of sick kids, here are 12 natural remedies to try and help your kids feel better. Natural remedies are gentle on the kids’ bodies and have fewer side effects than over-the-counter medications. And if you are anything like our household where if one person gets sick, everybody gets sick, then some of these remedies could apply to mommy and daddy as well!

Sleep and Rest

Your body is like a race car, running hard and fast every day to get to places and get things done. However, no matter how well-designed a race car is, it needs to be shut down for maintenance from time to time to ensure that it can continue to perform at its best. Similarly, sleep is when the human body recovers and heals from a hard day of work…or in a toddler’s case, a hard day of trying to kamikaze off the table or run away from his/her own shadow. Rest and sleep are essential for recovering from sickness so stay home and do quiet activities instead of play at the park and make sure he/she gets enough sleep at night and during naps when sick.

Run a Humidifier

A humidifier adds moisture to the air and helps loosen the mucus in your baby’s nostrils to relieve congestion. Either a warm-mist or cool-mist humidifier will work, but most pediatricians recommend cool-mist humidifiers due to concern for safety. A warm-mist humidifier should be kept well out of reach of your kid since the hot steam may cause burns. Also, make sure you clean your humidifier regularly to prevent mold, bacteria, and mildew from building up and being sprayed into the air. We have a humidifier in every bedroom to keep the indoor humidity around 45-50% as recommended by the EPA. My favorite ones for children’s rooms are Crane humidifiers – they come in many adorable animal designs!


Drink More Fluids

Make sure your kid is drinking a lot of fluids to stay hydrated. Fluids also help flush out the germs from your kid’s system. We like to buy some organic oranges and make fresh squeezed orange juice to get an extra boost of vitamin C. If you are breastfeeding your baby, then increase the feeding frequency. Breast milk contains antibodies that will help strengthen your baby’s immune system.

Use a Nasal Rinse

Argh. I absolutely hate shooting up nasal rinse up a baby’s nostrils, but the saline solution really does help clear his/her nasal passages. We like to use Boogie Mist because the ingredients are only purified water and salt with no other added chemicals. If you are nursing, then you can try and squeeze some breast milk into the baby’s nose to flush out the mucus – the antimicrobial properties of breast milk should help with the baby’s congestion. I usually squeeze the breast milk into a small cup and use a small medicine dropper with a squeeze bulb because it is pretty much impossible to manually squeeze breast milk from your nipple and drop it directly into your baby’s nostrils – trust me, I have tried. Many times. Usually the baby gets a face full of breast milk and of course, none makes it to the nose. Why I hate nasal rinse so much? Because the babies hate it! They will turn away and try and fight you and scream like a banshee, but you just have to hold them still and power through it because they need clear nostrils to breathe and nurse.

Suck the Boogers Out

After you managed to wrestle your baby and get the nasal rinse in his/her nostrils, you need to suck out all the mucus that you just loosened. There are several options:

  1. Bulb syringe: The hospital usually sends you home with a couple of bulb syringes. Simply squeeze out all the air from the bulb, insert it into your baby’s nose, and release the bulb to suction the mucus out. CAUTION: Do not stick the bulb syringe too far into your baby’s nostrils as the inside of the nose is extremely thin. Inserting it too far may cause your baby to have a nosebleed – I have had experience with this and I was so traumatized that I hurt my baby. Also, the bulb syringe is difficult to clean and inside of the bulb tends to grow mold, so I would recommend using another nose sucker or replace your bulb syringe often.
  2. NoseFrida The Snotsucker Nasal Aspirator: NoseFrida has a wider tube, so you do not have to insert it far to create a seal with the outside of the baby’s nostrils that helps you suck out the mucus. And don’t worry, there is a filter that blocks the mucus from entering your mouth as you suck.
  3. Use your mouth: I know, EW. I heard about this method from my mom, who learned it from my grandmother. You just put your mouth gently over your baby’s nose, create a vacuum seal with your mouth, suck the snot out, and spit it out. I know this is gross, but when you have a screaming baby with a stuffy nose who refuses to let you stick anything up his/her nostril, you resort to desperate measures. Ah, the power of motherly love.

Soothe the Nose

Using tissues to wipe the baby’s nose may cause irritation since the little one’s skin is so delicate. Use a wet washcloth instead to wipe away the boogers. If you and your baby are on the go, pack some Boogie Wipes! Boogie Wipes are gentle saline wipes that help dissolve mucus and dried-on snot on your baby’s tender nose. When I get a runny nose, I like to use these wipes as well because after wiping my nose all day, these wipes help keep my nose moisturized so my nose doesn’t get all red and painful.

Steam the Room

I remember distinctly when Alex first got sick around 6 months old. I was so traumatized that I let my little baby get sick that I kept blaming myself for being a bad mother. I tried the nasal rinse and sucking out the snot, but he still couldn’t breathe through his nostrils – a huge issue when it comes to breastfeeding. He didn’t even start on solids yet at that time, so an alternate food source was not an option. Then I remember hearing about steam helping babies breathe. So, I turned on the shower to the hottest temperature, let the water run for a while with the bathroom door closed, and then sat in the bathroom while nursing Alex. With the help of the steam, Alex was able to power through the snot and started nursing happily. I sat in the steamy bathroom for as long as Alex wanted to nurse, happy that he was able to breathe and feed. Plus, the warm steam is good for our pores, right?

Use Homeopathic Remedies

There are a number of homeopathic products to try. The following products have worked well with my children, and have been recommended by several of my mom friends as well:

  • Hyland’s Nighttime Mucus + Cold Relief
  • Hyland’s Baby Nighttime Tiny Cold Syrup
  • Hyland’s 4 Kids Cold and Cough Liquid
    *** Please read the instructions carefully to ensure that you give your children the correct dosage. Some of the products listed above are not recommended for children under 2 years old.

Elevate the Head

Sleeping flat may cause some discomfort for your babies when they have a cold due to post-nasal drip. Use some towels or books underneath the head of the mattress to help the baby sleep on an incline. Be careful that the incline is not so steep that your baby may slide down. When nursing, hold the baby more upright so that gravity can help drain the mucus and clear their nasal passageways.

Apply Chest Rub

Gently massage the chest rub onto chest, check, and back to help the little ones breathe and get a peaceful night of sleep. Although it may be an urban legend, some people swear that rubbing chest rub on the bottom of their feet and covering their feet with socks is effective in clearing the nasal passages. I say, if it doesn’t hurt, why not? We like Honest Company’s Organic Breathe Easy Rub because of its natural and organic ingredients.

Give Probiotics

Probiotics, or the “good bacteria” found in our digestive system, help boost the body’s immune system. We give our kids probiotic supplement (Biogaia Protectis Drops) on a daily basis to help them defend against the cold as well as promote a healthy gut. Another way to get probiotics in their bodies is to feed them yogurt. When Alex was a baby he just loved plain, whole milk yogurt and we were happy to give it to him!

Use Essential Oils

The use of essential oils to treat the common cold has been around for centuries. In fact, the chest rub mentioned above has many essential oils in its ingredients. There are many ways you can incorporate essential oils in your cold-fighting arsenal. You can purchase an essential oil diffuser that spread essential oil into the air. You can dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil and use it topically by applying it to the affected area. You can ingest the oils orally by making cough syrup out of lemon, peppermint, lavender, and frankincense essential oils. Caution: Many essential oils are not considered safe for babies or small children. Always check with a doctor or healthcare provider if you have questions about using essential oils on young children.

Yes, colds suck. We can help make them suck a little less and go away faster for our children by applying natural, home remedies. If I have a choice between losing my wedding ring and a month of cold-free kids, guess which one I would pick?

What other natural remedies do you use to help your children with getting over their colds?

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. Always seek the advice of a pediatrician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.


Via Parenting Nation: 10 Fiber rich foods that will relieve constipation in kids more effectively

Constipation is extremely common in both kids and adults. Unhealthy eating habits take a toll on the digestive system which in turn upset the bowel movements. When we talk of constipation in kids, then it generally occurs once they reach the age of toilet training i.e. their toddlerhood (1-3 year old) and soon after they hit school in kindergarten.

Though constipation can be treated via medication or laxative, but to make sure that it’s fully uprooted, you must encourage your kids to have healthy food eating habits. Including fiber rich foods in their diet can play a major role in curbing constipation and smoothing the bowel movements. Adding fiber rich foods to your diet is the best home remedy for constipation and it also helps in avoiding many many health issues like obesity, blood presure, skin problems etc.

How Fiber Rich Foods Help?

Fiber happens to be the prime nutritive agent present in our food that aids digestion and helps in flushing out the waste in a painless way. Lesser intake of fiber results in constipation, both in kids and adults. Let us here find out what are the major fiber rich foods that can help curb constipation in kids.

Fiber Rich Foods For Treating Constipation in Kids

1.Wheat

It can be a great substitute to make some healthy snacks for your kids. If your child is fond of pasta, ditch the regular one and switch to the wheat pasta. It’s not just healthy but is also great in taste. For sandwiches also, avoid using the white bread and instead opt for the whole wheat bread. This helps in reducing the dullness which often is caused by white bread.

2. Breakfast Cereals

Refrain from serving choco-chips and rather pick the multi-grain cookie for a healthy and yummy breakfast choice. Encourage your child to have oatmeal in place of corn flakes. Make sure that the cereal brands you buy have ‘bran’ and ‘whole-wheat’ as prime ingredients.

3. Fruits with Edible Skin

Fruits are great sources of fiber and the fruits with edible skin can be a great choice for curbing constipation in kids. Apples, pears etc. have edible skin and can be given to kids in abundance. Papaya is another fruit which is not just rich in fiber but is a great source of vitamin A too. Also, papaya has digestive properties that makes it an ideal choice for treating constipation.

4. Beans

Be it the chick peas, the kidney beans or the black beans, all are rich in fiber and protein. You can cook them in a variety of ways. Roll them up in a wrap, serve as a puree or feed as soup, whatever the form be, beans provide complete nourishment.

5. Brown Rice

Health experts have been stating this since long, and it’s time you pay some heed to their advice. Put away that pack of white rice, and bring in the brown rice. White rice contains lowest of fiber and does no good to your body. On the contrary, brown rice is abundantly rich in fiber and is way too healthier.

6. Green Peas

Green peas are also rich in fiber. Whether you use the fresh one or the frozen lot, richness of fiber remains intact. You can prepare a soup of it adding little pepper and salt. Cooking it with potatoes is also a great choice.

7. Dried Nuts

Raisins, almonds, etc. not just make for a perfect snack or add on to your dishes, but are even rich in fiber. Most kids love nuts, and if you want to offer a distinct taste every time, try mixing it with other dishes.

8. Popcorn

As compared to the highly popular French Fries and potato chips, which are decked with carbohydrate, popcorn provide the right amount of fiber for treating constipation in kids. If you want to keep it healthy, avoid using butter or cheese. Just keep it plain, simple and healthy!

9. Soya Beans

Soya milk is quite similar to the regular milk except for the fact that it has no fat or lactose like the latter. It makes for a great choice for the lactose intolerant and ones who swear by vegetarian diet.

10. Sprouts

They are not just fiber rich foods, but have good amount of Vitamin B complex and Vitamin C, known to boost immunity. The longer they are sprouted, the more healthy and nutritious they turn out to be.

Including these fiber rich foods in your child’s daily diet can control constipation to a greater extent. Regular intake will surely help your kids get rid of constipation!


Via The Health Site: 5 tried and tested home remedies to relieve ear pain in kids

Ear infections in babies and young children are common. It often happens in the middle ear, which produces secretions that drain into the back of the throat through the Eustachian tube. If the tube is blocked for any reason, fluid builds up in the middle ear causing pain, irritability or fever. Your pediatrician might prescribe medication depending on the type of infection – bacterial or viral. However, these tried and tested home remedies also work to give your child relief.

Use warm compress

Place a warm compress on your child’s aching ear and keep it pressed for five to six minutes. Do this for 30 to 40 minutes for short term pain relief.

Warm oil massage

If you don’t suspect anything as serious as a ruptured eardrum or there is nothing oozing out of your little one’s ears, but she complains about pain, try warm oil massage. Don’t pour oil into the ear, instead, just massage the outer ear for some relief. Warm olive oil and mustard oil are the best.

Offer more liquids

Sipping fluids can help unblock the Eustachian tube as it creates pressure during swallowing. Since swallowing morsels of food might be painful, sipping liquids keeps your child hydrated and can also help to counter the pain in a subtle way.

Keep your baby’s head elevated

Keep your baby’s head elevated during sleep to help the built-up fluid drain properly. Since it is not advisable to give an infant pillow, so place one or two pillows under the mattress to elevate the bed.

Use paracetamol

Use this as a last resort. Give few drops of paracetamol if nothing else worked to give her pain relief. However, don’t go overboard with it, I prefer to call my paediatrician before give paracetamol. If the pain doesn’t settle within a day, it is best to go to a doctor.


You might have came accross some far-fetched home remedies such as tieing a dirtty sock around your neck to heal a sore throat) but how well do you know about the most trusted traditional old-fashion home remedies that works?

Instead of off-shelves modern medication, try these natural home remedies that have been passed down by our ancestors!

Via The Old Farmer’s Almanac: Big Help For Little Hurts: Old-Fashioned Home Remedies For Kids

Quick, easy and time-tested!

Next time you need some health help, check your pantry for some old-fashioned home remedies! Here are some of our favorites from The Old Farmer’s Almanac for Kids!

5 Old-Fashioned Home Remedies

1. Problem: Stuffy nose due to allergies.

Solution: Drink peppermint tea. The menthol in peppermint helps to thin mucus.

2. Problem: Too much pool time causing swimmer’s ear.

Solution: Carefully place a few drops of white vinegar inside the aching ear. Vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties. See more uses for vinegar!

3. Problem: Pain from a bee sting.

Solution: Remove the stinger, then cover the area with lots of toothpaste. Its alkalinity helps to neutralize the acidic venom.

4. Problem: Indigestion from eating too much.

Solution: Have a slice of kiwi or papaya. Both of these fruits can help to ease stomach discomfort.

5. Problem: Poison ivy causing itchy rash.

Solution: Relieve the itch with a pantry paste: Mix together 3 teaspoons of baking soda with 1 teaspoon water. Apply to the rash and allow the paste to dry completely. Repeat as necessary. The baking soda will dry out the area and ease the itch.


Via Mommy Republic: Home Remedies for Indigestion in Children

Avoiding medicine and instead using home remedies for indigestion in children is always a better option. Maintaining the healthy gut bacteria is key to good health. My grandmother said “the root of all illnesses comes from an upset stomach”. Each time I complained of a headache or any discomfort she made me drink pudin hara or heeng pani and it usually worked.

It’s actually true that a healthy gut makes a happy person! And “Dadi ki gharelu nuskhe” are always effective. It’s upsetting to see your baby cranky and it becomes all the more hard because you have to guess what the problem is.

Why do kids and babies suffer from indigestion?

While constipation is a common problem is young children, indigestion can occur primarily because of the following reasons.

  • Lack of quality sleep
  • Being overweight
  • Drinking too much carbonated drinks
  • Eating while running around
  • Heavy or spicy meal

Is my child suffering from Indigestion?

If your child is feeling pain and discomfort in the tummy and is not acting normal, it could be indigestion or heartburn. Other symptoms to look out for:

  • Flatulence or passing of wind and belching more than usual
  • Feeling of fullness and not wanting to eat or drink
  • Acid reflux (food or water coming into the mouth from the stomach)
  • Frequent vomiting

Although it’s natural for children to show symptoms of indigestion as their digestive system is not as strong as ours. If your kid is fond of junk or fatty food, he may suffer indigestion more often.

When to consult a doctor?

You can try some of the home remedies for indigestion, but if you see your child in pain and vomiting after every meal, you should consult the doctor immediately.

  • If the child is suffering from anemia or iron deficiency.
  • If the child is losing weight or not eating at all.
  • If you see your child sweating more than usual.
  • If the child is vomiting after every meal.
  • If you find blood in the vomit or stool of the child.

Home Remedies for Indigestion in Children

If the above mentioned symptoms are absent in your child, and he is experiencing general discomfort you can try the following home remedies for indigestion. Avoid indigestion tablets or indigestion medicines and opt for any of these home remedies. They will surely provide comfort to your child.

#1. Water

Water is the best home remedy for most of the stomach problems. Water helps to flush out the excessive food clinging to the food canal and stomach lining. It also reduces to acid reflux bringing you some instant relief from indigestion.

Try this: Add a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water as drink throughout the day to help reduce indigestion.

#2. Ginger

Ginger is a great way to relieve indigestion. It helps the digestive system by stimulating the digestive enzymes. Ginger acts as an anti-inflammatory to our digestive system. It contains antioxidants like gingerols, which help to reduce nausea and indigestion.

Try this: Take one table spoon of ginger juice with a spoon full of honey and lemon for instant relief.

#3. Mint leaves

Mentha Spicata or Mint leaves is an fast and effective home remedy for indigestion. The calming and numbing effect of peppermint reduces calcium ions that cause the cramping. This in turn relaxes the involuntary muscles of your digestive tract, reducing the cramps. The accumulated painful gas can then pass both upward and downward relieving bloating and nausea.

Mint leaves also relieves heart burn and indigestion. Mint is rich in antioxidants, phytonurients and menthol. These help the digestive enzymes in our stomach to digest food. The aroma of mint activates salivary glands in our mouth.

Try this: Give a table spoon of mint leaf juice to the child to comfort the stomach.

#4. Fruits

Fruits are a great source of fiber which is good for the digestive system. Fruits are also very easily digestible so, if your child is experiencing indigestion fruits will be easy on his tummy.

  • Papaya: Papaya is known to contain papain, an enzyme that dissolves protein, aiding in easy digestion.
  • Pineapple: Pineapples have strong acids in them which help to regulate the bowel movements and fights indigestion.
  • Orange: A glass of orange juice in the morning does wonders for the stomach. Though it is a citric fruit (considered acidic) it surprisingly provides instant relief from indigestion and heart burn.
  • Grapefruit: Grapefruits are rich in antacids which help soothe the stomach and relieve indigestion. You can give a glass full of grapefruit juice for quick relief or let them eat the fruit itself.
  • Banana: It may sound strange to give bananas for indigestion but it helps.

#5. Buttermilk:

A glass of buttermilk everyday is a great way to keep the digestive system in order. It helps the immune system as well as prevents indigestion. The lactic acid bacteria present in buttermilk contains probiotics, which are friendly bacteria that promote gut health and play a role in digestion.

Try this: Add half teaspoon of powdered cumin and a pinch of salt for extra flavor and effect. Have your child drink a glass of buttermilk right after breakfast to sooth the stomach for the day.

#6. Garlic:

Garlic is the best way to fight indigestion. Add garlic daily to the food you serve your child be it curries, khichdis or paranthas.

#7. Fennel seeds:

Fennel seeds are packed with volatile oil that reduces flatulence and nausea. The best ways to use fennel seeds is to dry roast them and grind them into powder. Have your child drink it after eating fatty food. Add half teaspoon of this powder in half a cup of water and have your child drink it at least twice a day for best results.

#8. Cumin:

Cumin is every grandmother’s favorite home remedy of stomach problems. It helps regulate the secretion of pancreatic enzymes to help indigestion. Take a spoon full of roasted cumin powder in a glass of water and have the child drink it twice a day for instant relief.

#9. Coriander:

Green is good! Take a few leaves and twigs, squeeze them and add the juice with half cup of warm milk. Have your child drink it empty stomach in the morning. You will see a happy child in minutes.

#10. Cinnamon:

Add two teaspoons of powdered cinnamon in a glass of water drink after an hour of a heavy meal. It prevents and cures indigestion and heartburn.

#11. Ice:

Yes, you heard me right. Ice helps. Put an ice pack on the stomach of the child suffering from indigestion. It stimulates the blood flow and helps the stomach to digest faster.

I hope the above home remedies will help your child and bring back that smile on his/her face. It is important to know that each child is different and different methods may work for them. You can try several ways to comfort the child as none of these have a side effect. If you see that these remedies are not helping get it checked by the doctor as there might be some other problem with the child.

How to prevent Indigestion in children?

It is very important to limit the intake of fatty food in children. You will see some children eating about anything and digesting it but there are kids who have very sensitive stomach and may get sick often. Certain things are important to keep in mind when you want to prevent indigestion.

  • Limit the intake of chocolates.
  • Teach your child to eat slowly by chewing the food properly instead of gulping it.
  • Avoid watching TV or mobiles during eating.
  • Avoid any physical exercise right after meals.
  • Give small meals instead of large meals to your child.
  • Have your child eat early at night
  • Have your child eat in a relaxing environment to avoid stress
  • Make sure your child is getting regular exercise; it is a must to maintain weight and prevent indigestion.
  • Don’t forget to give at least 6 glasses of water to your child during the day but avoid too much water right before bed time to avoid bed wetting.

Certain things you need to do to prevent indigestion

  • Make sure your child is not over eating, don’t forcefully feed the child.
  • Avoid fatty and greasy meals. Limit it to once a week
  • Too much carbonated drinks and chocolate cause’s indigestion.
  • Avoid giving fruits and vegetables together to avoid indigestion.
  • Don’t let your child run and play right after meals.
  • Cold water and cold drinks with food slows down the digestive system therefore do not let your child take it with food.
  • Avoid giving meat to the child if it is suffering from indigestion. It is hard to digest and worsens the system.

At the end I want to tell all the mothers that mother hood is the best and the most difficult phase of our lives. We try our best to do what is best for our child. Always try home remedies for indigestion first before opting for medicines.

Sometimes we succeed and sometimes we fail but what is important is that we are always there for the child to love and comfort him/her. A mother’s touch is the best remedy for a child so be patient and don’t stress yourself over small illnesses, they come and go. Be a happy mother, you will raise a happy baby.


Via Tip Hero: The Correct Way to Get Rid of Hangnails

There are few things less annoyingly painful than a hangnail. We’ve all gotten them before – they’re those pieces of cuticle that have broken free from your nail bed and are quite literally hanging from your finger. They tend to get red, irritated and be quite painful, especially when caught on clothing.

Chewing them off is a universally acknowledged bad idea and getting them plucked off by your manicurist is really, really not fun. So how do you get rid of these painful nuisances? Wait until they go away on their own?

Luckily, you don’t have to wait it out. There is a safe, effective way to get rid of hangnails! But first, it’s important to know what causes hangnails and how to prevent them before they can begin.

What causes hangnails

Primarily dry weather. Winter is prime time for hangnails; the delicate skin of your nail beds tends to get dry and cracked very easily, causing the hangnails to lift away from the skin.

On the flip side, overexposure to moisture (keeping your hands submerged in water for too long) or some chemicals will have a similar effect on the nail beds. Pruning and irritation causes the hangnail to lift up from the cuticle.

Finally, hangnails can come as a result of poor nail care. Biting nails, cutting cuticles down too far, or getting cuticles inflamed by your manicurist are all causes of painful hangnails.

How to prevent hangnails

One you’ve identified the most likely cause of your hangnails, you can take measures to prevent them in the future. Most of them are pretty straightforward.

In winter months, make sure to keep your nail beds moisturized. A regular old hand lotion around your nails will do the trick, and your cuticles will stay moisturized right up until the warmer summer months.

If you work in water or with harsh chemicals, you should be advised to wear gloves. This layer of protection will keep your cuticles healthy.

And finally, DON’T BITE YOUR NAILS. This is a bad habit that is hard to break, but it’s a huge cause of hangnails. If you’re noticing hangnails post-manicure either ask your manicurist politely to be more gentle or find a new manicurist.

If the hangnails persist, it may be wise to consult your physician to see if there are any underlying problems.

How to get rid of hangnails

If prevention is too late and you’re already dealing with a hangnail, you’ll want to get rid of it fast.

Beyond just being a painful annoyance, hangnails left uncovered or untreated can result in paronychia, or hangnail infection. So do not rip the hangnail out – you’re just making the nail more prone to this bacterial infection.

Instead, try this technique.

  • STEP 1: Soak the hangnail in warm water for five minutes to soften the skin.
  • STEP 2: Cleanse your nail with an antibacterial soap, to prevent infection.
  • STEP 3: Clip the hangnail at the base. REMEMBER DON’T RIP IT OUT!
  • STEP 4: Apply Vaseline or a Bacitracin to the clipped hangnail. Wrap a Band-Aid around the hangnail.

This technique should rid you of your hangnails without pain and ward off infection! But prevention is key. Make sure to keep your cuticles moisturized with nail oil and lotions to prevent further hangnails.


Via Parenting: When It’s OK to Use Home Remedies on Kids—and When It’s Not

Chances are, you’ve probably used at least one home remedy on your child, whether it’s a “magic potion” cold remedy concoction of essential oils or a simple bee sting cure-all made out of baking soda and vinegar.

Whether you’re a believer in home remedies or not, the plethora of websites, books, and online courses available on the subject—from the not-so-natural medicine cabinet miracles to 100 percent organic homeopathic cures—suggests that many parents are not only believers but proactive embracers of treating their children with alternative methods.

But recent horror stories and warnings—such as the Canadian parents who were convicted for their toddler’s death from meningitis because they used home remedies instead of taking him to the hospital; the infant who suffocated from a plastic bag home lice remedy; and the Tennessee poison control center’s warning that more children are being accidentally poisoned by “essential oils”—have sparked a rather heated debate among parents online about the safety of treating kids without a doctor’s supervision.

Amid this sometimes angry dialogue, the crux of the conversation seems to hinge on this question: How do you know when it’s okay to use home remedies on your kids, and more importantly, how do you know when it’s not okay?

In hopes of empowering parents with information on the dos and don’ts of home remedy treatment, we spoke to two pediatric professionals to get their advice. Here are their thoughts:

The Traditional Doctor

Dr. Joseph Gigante is a professor of pediatrics at Vanderbilt University and Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

When it comes to parents treating their children’s common ailments at home using either a “home remedy” or a homeopathic treatment option, what’s your overall philosophy?

“My philosophy regarding home remedies and homeopathic treatments is “first do no harm,” which echoes the Hippocratic Oath. There are many home remedies that might have minimal if any benefit to the child. However, if the parents feel like they want to try something and the treatment will not harm the child, then I don’t have a problem with the treatment. A second situation is one that is more worrisome and dangerous. This is when parents choose not to use a traditional medicine therapy that is known to be effective and instead opt for a homeopathic treatment that is ineffective, resulting in a delay in treatment and harm, and possibly death, of their child, as we have seen in a few cases recently.”

What symptoms or ailments do you think are safe for parents to treat at home—at least in the beginning?

“There are many symptoms and illnesses that are safe for parents to treat at home. The most common of these is the cold. Parents can support their child and make them feel more comfortable if their child has the common cold symptoms: cough, congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat. Fever can also be managed at home. Parents often get very worried about fever, but fever is a response to an infection and helps fight the infection. Giving your child Tylenol or Ibuprofen helps bring the fever down and makes the child feel better. Vomiting and diarrhea are also common symptoms children get, which parents can treat at home by being sure their child stays well hydrated by encouraging fluid intake. Children will often also complain of headaches and stomachaches. In most instances, these symptoms are not serious and can be managed at home.”

Are there ailments and symptoms that you think parents should never treat at home?

“Yes. A fever that’s equal to or greater than 100.4 Fahrenheit in an infant less than 3 months of age should not be treated at home. The fever may be a sign of a serious bacterial infection. Fever associated with a severe headache and a stiff neck should also not be treated at home as these may be signs of meningitis. A parent should have their child evaluated if a fever lasts more than 5 days. A child who is having difficulty breathing, which may result in a blue color to their lips/mouth should also be seen immediately. Children who have had vomiting and diarrhea and now are not drinking at all, have decreased urination or are not acting like themselves may be severely dehydrated and need IV fluids.”

What are the most common errors that parents make when treating their kids at home?

“The most common error I see that parents make when treating their children at home is not giving their child enough Tylenol or Ibuprofen to treat a fever. The doses of these medicines are based on the child’s weight. As infants gain weight, their dose of Tylenol or Ibuprofen should increase; however, parents often dose based on a previous weight and as a result under dose their child. The other error I often see is parents using the wrong kind of thermometer. The most accurate way to measure an infant’s fever is using a rectal digital thermometer. Another common mistake is using over the counter cold/cough medicines. These medicines don’t work in children and can cause serious side effects.”

A couple of recent headlines have showcased tragic endings for parents who treated their kids at home, what can parents learn from these two tragic stories?

“Thankfully, tragic stories of children dying at home instead of seeking medical care are not common, but they are avoidable. They are probably due to a combination of lack of common sense, false beliefs by parents and false claims made by naturopathic practitioners. Parents should always be leery of practitioners who shun traditional medicine completely, are anti-science and make false claims about childhood immunizations. Medicines work; immunizations prevent disease and have saved millions of children’s lives. These practitioners may recommend treatments that are not effective and may result in a delay in seeking medical attention, as was the case in the Stephan meningitis case. If parents are using home remedies, they should seek medical attention if their child is not improving or getting worse within 1-2 days.”

The Naturopathic Physician

Dr. Jamie Oskin is a naturopathic doctor at Arizona Natural Health Center with expertise in homeopathy and natural pediatrics.

As a naturopathic doctor specializing in pediatrics, what is your overall philosophy as it relates to helping parents make the best choices for treating their kids at home?

“[I believe] lifestyle is very important for children to be healthy. For example, I work with parents to [not only cure ailments but also to] improve their child’s nutritional status—i.e., exercise more and get better quality sleep. These lifestyle components of health are essential for a child to live up to their fullest potential. Lifestyle medicine and homeopathy work hand in hand. The homeopathic remedies stimulate the body’s innate capacity to heal (in Latin: vis medicatrix naturae). In other words, homeopathy stimulates the “nature” side of the equation to help make the child healthier. Lifestyle medicine promotes an environment (i.e. “nurture”) for the child to achieve optimal health. The “nature” + “nurture” is a perfect combination to help most children with most health concerns.”

What symptoms or ailments do you think are safe for parents to treat at home—at least in the beginning?

“Minor bumps and bruises can safely be treated at home without a doctor’s help with over the counter, Arnica. Self-limiting coughs and colds can be treated with over-the-counter products. Self-limiting allergic rhinitis (hay fever) can be treated at home with over-the-counter homeopathic products. Basic earaches can also be treated with over-the-counter products since most ear infections are viral, self-limiting and will resolve on their own within 48-72 hours.”

Are there symptoms or ailments that you encourage parents to not treat without calling you first?

“Any condition that is acute and intense, such as a high fever, delirium, unresponsiveness, neck stiffness, strep throat, excessive vomiting or diarrhea, dehydration, difficulty breathing as in pneumonia or asthma, should be treated with the help of a physician. Any condition which is chronic and ongoing that does not resolve with simple over-the-counter treatments should be treated with the help of a physician, example, recurrent ear infections, chronic eczema or psoriasis, ADHD, autism, PANS, tic disorders, asthma, autoimmune disease, etc.

If a patient has an acute life-threatening condition, such as meningitis, appendicitis, etc., then they must be treated in the emergency department or at a hospital. Safety and “first do no harm” always come first.”

A couple of recent headlines have showcased tragic endings for parents who treated their kids at home, what can parents learn from these two tragic stories?

“These two tragic stories are heart wrenching. In both cases, there seemed to be some misguided parents and/or even negligence. Home remedy or not, it is never a good idea to put a plastic bag over a child’s head, and it is downright dangerous to do so and then leave the child unattended. The other family’s child showed clear signs of meningitis—high fever, severe neck stiffness—and should have been seen immediately in an emergency department. Both cases highlight the importance for parents to yield to common sense when trying home remedies and also to always put their child’s safety first. Because these stories were tragic, they received a lot of media attention and shine alternative medicine in a poor light. But in both cases, alternative medicine was not the problem, but rather misguided parent decisions.”