Home remedies for minor CHILDHOOD AILMENTS

ParentsWorld interviewed respected medical experts and dieticians to recommend science-backed home remedies for common, minor childhood ailments

- 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