The New Mother Nature: What You Need To Know About Natural Remedies For Kids:

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

With more and more medications on the market to cure everything from coffee and cigarette cravings to children’s inattentativeness, many parents are looking into natural alternatives, especially for ensuring and maintaining the health of their children.

Yet, with just as many options in the natural market as in the pharmaceutical market, but without the regulation of the Food and Drug Administration, parents are often perplexed by the choices and what exactly defines a safe alternative. Some of the most popular are outlined below:

Nausea And Motion Sickness:

The Natural Cure: Ginger

Basic How Tos: Opt for candied ginger or boil chopped gingerroot in water, for a soothing tea.

Notes Of Caution: Recommended for toddlers and older kids. Children however, may not like the taste

“Curing” The Common Cold:

The Natural Cure: Zinc

Basic How Tos: Give kids a zinc lollipop or lozenges (for older children) at the first sign of a cold. Both last up to 8 hours.

Notes Of Caution: Okay for toddlers and young children. Should be taken with food to prevent an upset stomach.

“Preventing” The Common Cold:

The Natural Cure: Vitamin C

Basic how Tos: Give children up to age 3, 250 mg per day. For children 3 and up give 500mg per day. Mix powdered C into liquids or with foods.

Notes Of Caution: For use with children 6months and older. May Cause diarrhea due to overdose.

Colic And/Or Stomach Aches:

The Natural Cure: Chamomile (Tea)

Basic How Tos: Prepare 4 ounces of warm tea up to 4 times daily.

Notes Of caution: Potential allergic reaction.

Soothing and Healing Burns:

The Natural Cure: Aloe Vera (Gel)

Basic How Tos: Apply topically to the affected area several times daily as necessary

Notes Of Caution: Use only on children 6 months of age or older. Avoid internal administration.

Treating Minor Skin Afflictions Such As Infection Or Acne:

The Natural Cure: Tea Tree Oil

Basic How Tos: Apply topically only between 2 to 4 times daily.

Notes Of Caution: For use with children 6 years old and up. Never give internally or apply to broken skin.