Naturopathy for kids

Due to its use of only natural ingredients, naturopathy has come to be regarded as one of the safest choices in child healthcare. The right combination of herbs and spices, along with a balanced diet, can do wonders to stave off common childhood diseases. Here are some of the most common illnesses that trouble little ones, and the remedies to treat them.

Common Cold

A weak immune system—common among children—is the foremost cause of getting infected with this easily spreading virus. To avoid this, a wide variety of fruits and vegetables should be included in the diet.

Try this

Brew 2 tbsp of ginger juice +

1 tbsp of garlic juice +

a pinch of turmeric [haldi] +

2 green cardamoms [elaichi] in 100 ml water.

Bring to a boil and allow it to simmer for two minutes. Strain, add 1 tsp of rock sugar [mishri] and feed it to your child while it is still warm. Repeat 2 – 3 times per day until the cough and cold subside.

Fever

In children, causes of low-grade fever range from teething to immunisation. When a child has fever, the body temperature should be checked constantly and be kept under 100 degrees. If it crosses 100 degrees, the child should immediately be sponged with lukewarm water and should be wrapped in a woollen blanket until the fever subsides.

Try this

Dill seed [suva dana] decoction acts as the perfect alleviant in this condition. Roast 1 tbsp dill seeds along with 2 peppercorns and 1 tsp onion seeds [kalonji]. Boil this in 100 ml water for 3 – 4 minutes. Allow to steep for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture. Add 1 tbsp of honey and a pinch of cinnamon powder. The child should be made to drink it warm whenever the fever crosses 100 degrees.

Anaemia or iron deficiency

Anaemia is a common condition among children and teenage girls. A diet rich in iron is of utmost importance in order to aid health. The foods rich in iron include apricots, beans, cereals, dates, dark green leafy vegetables, eggs, red meat, lentils, and seeds. Iron is better absorbed when combined with vitamin C. Garlic and onions also assist with the absorption of iron. On the other hand, tea, coffee and colas prevent iron absorption.

Try this

Iron Man’s Secret juice

Blend together 20 black grapes [use soaked black raisins when fresh black grapes are not available] +

1 small bowl pomegranate +

2 tomatoes +

1 carrot +

10 spinach leaves +

Juice of 1 lemon.

Strain and drink fresh. You can add a pinch of rock salt to enhance the taste.

Indigestion

Children should not be allowed to stay for long on an empty stomach. It’s best if you feed them small meals at regular intervals. Make sure that they chew their food well and slowly, and should not drink large quantities of water along with the meals.

Try this

Make a mix of jeera, saunf, black salt and tulsi and store in an airtight container. Give your child 1 tsp of this mix after each meal and the indigestion will soon vanish.

Lethargy

Due to their highly active lifestyle and their improper diet, many children remain deficient in nutrition and are plagued by languor. As a result their studies and concentration levels suffer.

Try this

Add ½ lemon +

4 – 5 strawberries +

1 star anise to 1 litre of water.

Make the child drink it at regular intervals.

Nausea

Children are rash eaters and often fall prey to illnesses of the stomach. Many a times they feel nausea in such situations.

Try this

Mix 1 tsp coriander seeds and 5 sage leaves to 1 litre of water. Give the child sips of this water and it will alleviate the symptoms.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is a dangerous ailment in children and needs serious and immediate attention.

Try this

Make a paste of ¼ tsp nutmeg, grated and powdered +

1 tsp jeera +

1 tsp saunf +

¼ teaspoon dried ginger powder [soonth] with 2 tbsp water.

Give them this mix thrice a day. This concoction also promotes good sleep.

Constipation

Improper bowel movement is common among children. However, it is necessary to regulate bowel movement lest it leads to further illnesses.

Try this

To bring constancy in bowel movements, give your child a mixture of coriander seeds, flax seeds and mint powder thrice a day.

This was first published in the September 2013 issue of Complete Wellbeing.