By: Shanna McGinnis, MD
With the continued rise of social media, sharing of home remedies seems to be at an all time high. Of course, home remedies are not a new thing. Although there were trained medical professionals during ancient times, the practice of “modern medicine” that utilizes scientific methods and research was established during the 19th century. Until then, most treatments were essentially home remedies. The goal of this article is to provide some recommendations for remedies that are potentially helpful, not likely harmful, and a few with scientific evidence demonstrating their benefit.
There is still no cure for the common cold. However, parents often seek symptomatic relief of their kids’ symptoms. In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration recommended against using over-the-counter cold and cough medications for children under 4 years old. This left parents of the young children feeling somewhat helpless. Fortunately, there are other options. Honey has been used for years as a remedy for cough and now, the treatment has scientific research to justify its use. At least one study demonstrated that 2 teaspoons (10 mL) of honey prior to bedtime improves cough. It is important to note that children under 12 months old should never ingest honey because of the risk of infant botulism. Also, be aware that children with a history of wheezing or asthma, or children with fever or persistent cough may be dealing with a more significant illness. Have your doctor evaluate your child if this is the case.
Saline drops along with bulb suctioning is a common remedy for infants with stuffy noses. The drops help loosen mucus so it can be cleared more easily with the bulb. Commercial preparations are available at pharmacies and grocery stores. However, you can make your own at home. Simply combine 1 cup of warm water with 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Use a dropper to place 1-2 drops in each nostril. After a few minutes, use a bulb syringe to clear out the mucus. This is especially helpful prior to feedings and prior to bedtime. Discard the solution and make a fresh batch each day to avoid contamination.
There are other foods and drinks that may be beneficial during a cold. Chicken noodle soup has some potential anti-inflammatory effects in addition to tasting yummy. Spicy foods, such as horseradish, can provide some temporary relief of sinus congestion. Garlic is thought to have some anti-microbial effects and lemon may thin mucus secretions. Green tea may also have some anti-viral properties, but remember that it contains caffeine, so don’t over do it. Fluids, in general, may decrease congestion by keeping mucus thin.
Ginger ale is frequently used to relieve nausea. That is because it contains real ginger. Ginger is a flowering plant, but the root is used as a cooking spice and has been used as a medicine for centuries in China and India. Some research has shown ginger to be effective in alleviating nausea. Peppermint is another remedy for nausea, though no firm research supports this. However, there is no harm in giving your kids peppermint candy for an upset tummy as long as they are at least 4-5 years old.
Nosebleeds are a common problem during cold weather months when dry, heated indoor air dries out the inside of the nose. They are also common in children due to digital trauma, also known as nose picking. To keep the nasal cavity moist, a saline solution can be used during cold weather months. Also, keep nails trimmed and discourage nose picking. Frequent or recurrent nosebleeds should be evaluated by your doctor.
Warts are skin lesions that occur due to a viral infection. They are not typically painful, but are cosmetically unappealing. One of the most common mechanisms to remove warts in a medical office is cryotherapy, or freezing the area with a liquid nitrogen solution. Most warts require multiple treatments over several weeks to resolve. Limited research suggests that duct tape is as effective or more so than cryotherapy. A piece of duct tape is placed over the wart for 6 days. Then, the tape is removed, the area is soaked in water to soften the skin, and filed gently with an emery board or pumice stone. The duct tape is replaced the following day and the cycle is repeated. The main side effect during the study was mild skin irritation. This process should not be used on plantar warts on the soles of the feet or any sensitive area, such as the face or genitalia.
Heat therapy is often recommended for sprains, strains, and sore muscles. If you do not have a heating pad, you can make your own by placing dry rice or beans into a sock or pillow case. Microwave it until warm, but not hot, and place it on the ailing body part.
Be sure to call your doctor with any questions or concerns regarding your child’s illness. They can help you clarify when a home remedy is not appropriate or sufficient and a visit to the office is necessary.