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PrintKeeping Kids Healthy Naturally
Prevent illness by boosting kids’ immunity
Photograph by Kyle Chesser
The average school-age kid catches three to eight colds each year. That’s a lot of runny noses, sore throats, and fevers—and it’s also a lot of missed school days. While there’s still no cure for the common cold, it is possible to keep your kids healthy before sickness strikes so their bodies are better prepared to fight off what may ail others. I have used natural therapies with my kids successfully over the years. For the best results, I suggest you work with an M.D. who includes natural modalities in his/her practice.
Here are a few natural ways to boost your children’s immune systems. Just don’t tell them this could lead to fewer absences!
Aromatherapy
In aromatherapy, high-quality, fragrant essential oils distilled from plants are either inhaled or applied to the skin in order to improve mood and health. There are several oils known to help strengthen the immune system, including lemon, rosemary, and grapefruit. Because they are naturally derived, they are perfectly safe for use on children as long as they are used correctly (never apply an oil directly to the skin without first combining it with a carrier oil). Others, like tea tree, have antiseptic properties that can kill germs. Peppermint and eucalyptus help cool and clear up inflamed and clogged sinuses, as well as ease the respiratory system. At the first signs of sickness, or even before symptoms start, try adding just a few drops (less is more in aromatherapy) of any of these oils to a warm bath, then let your kids relax and breathe in the aromatherapeutic steam.
Nutrition
Little bodies that are deficient in certain nutrients can have weakened immune systems, leaving them more susceptible to germs and viruses. Make sure your kids don’t fall short on vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, or zinc, all of which help to strengthen the immune system. A balanced diet that is low in processed foods, and high in fruits and vegetables and oily fish, should provide plenty of these nutrients, but still, some kids may require supplements. Talk to your doctor about supplementing with certain vitamins that might be lacking in your children’s diet.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a healthcare system that uses natural ingredients to stimulate the body’s own healing abilities. The basic theory is that “like cures like”—in homeopathic medicine, small doses of substances known to produce the symptoms of various illnesses are carefully administered. This sounds less crazy when you consider that the same theory is used in the making of vaccines, which are harmless versions of a virus given in order to bolster the immune system against that particular virus. Choosing the right remedy is complex, so it is best to work with a qualified homeopath. Expect him or her to ask lots of questions about your child’s personality and sleeping and eating habits; the answers help to “type” your child in order to formulate the best plan of remedy and prevention. For a list of recommended M.D.s that practice homeopathy and do phone consultations, visit californiababy.com.
Jessica Iclisoy is the founder of California Baby, a natural skincare line for babies, kids, and sensitive adults.
