Home remedies for minor childhood ailments

ParentsWorld interviewed respected medical experts and dieticians to recommend science-backed home remedies for common, minor childhood ailments writes Poornima Dilip, Mini P. & Cynthia John The onset of winter brings with it a host of illnesses including the common cold, respiratory infections and skin-related ailments. And most often, the first and natural response to early symptoms of minor illnesses is a home remedy. Sore throat? Do a warm salt water gargle. Digestive problems? Some jeera water or ginger tea is the first option. For several millennia, households have resorted to home remedies to treat minor illnesses of children and adults. And modern scientific research has endorsed the benefits of numerous natural remedies earlier dismissed as old wives’ tales. For instance, several research studies have endorsed turmeric — commonly used to relieve pain — and found that its main ingredient curcumin reduces arthritic pain better than 50 mg of diclofenac sodium, an anti-inflammatory drug. Similarly, another study confirmed that a couple of teaspoons of honey at night reduces cough symptoms. “Home remedies are often effective in treating mild illnesses. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, they have no side effects. But it’s important to use them judiciously and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen,” says G. Sushma, a Hyderabad-based clinical dietician. In this first-ever lead feature, ParentsWorld interviewed respected medical experts and dieticians to recommend science-backed home remedies for minor childhood ailments. Skin problems Dr. Swapna Priya, a Hyderabad-based dermatologist, says that common skin problems in children, teenagers and adults can be treated with natural ingredients. She recommends natural treatments for four common skin problems: Acne Acne is caused by an oily substance, sebum, which clogs skin pores. It causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples to manifest on the face and neck. This is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages. Here are some effective home remedies for acne. Tea tree oil. Mix one part tea tree oil with nine parts of water. Apply this solution to the affected areas on face/neck using a ball of cotton. It will reduce acne and inflammation. Honey and cinnamon mask. Create a paste by mixing honey and cinnamon powder. Apply this mixture to your face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. Honey has antibacterial properties, and cinnamon reduces inflammation. Aloe vera gel. It is soothing with anti-inflammatory properties. Apply pure aloe vera gel directly to the affected areas to reduce redness and aid healing. Dry skin In winters, dry skin is common. It develops when the skin loses water too quickly and becomes dehydrated. Some useful natural treatments may alleviate this condition. Coconut oil. After a bath, apply coconut oil when skin is slightly damp. This locks in moisture and hydrates skin. Olive oil bath. Add a few tablespoons of olive oil to bathwater. The oil moisturizes skin, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated. Oatmeal bath. Add colloidal oatmeal to a warm bath and soak in it for 15-20 minutes. Oatmeal has soothing properties that relieves dry and…