1. HONEY
Honey has a powerful anti-microbial power: it softens the throat and helps your children to sleep more easily. In addition, honey strengthens the immune system and therefore helps your child’s body fight viruses. Preferably choose honeys with a high content of aromatic antiseptic molecules to fight against respiratory tract infections: thyme, eucalyptus, lavender or fir tree honeys. Many honeys in supermarkets are pure sugar derivatives: prefer certified organic honeys or honeys from small beekeepers.
Caution: never give honey to a child under one year old! It could cause infant botulism.
2. THE POLLEN
Pollen promotes growth and balances the nervous system. A study was conducted in Heidelberg, Germany, to test the desensitizing power of pollen on children suffering from hay fever and/or bronchial asthma, and found that 84% of the children who took pollen every day in spring and summer and three times a week in winter showed a decrease in symptoms.
It is recommended that you buy pollen from a beekeeper in your area so that it comes from a flora similar to the one you are familiar with. The daily dose is one teaspoon, to be diluted in a liquid.
3. THE PROPOLIS
Anti-infectious and antibiotic, propolis is recommended to fight against all infections and diseases with viral transmission (cold, flu, sore throat, bronchitis or angina). This miraculous substance should never be given to pregnant women or children under 3 years of age. Bees make propolis from their salivary secretions and substances of resinous and gummy origin taken from trees such as conifers (pine, fir, spruce). Punctual cures (from 3 weeks to 3 months) are to be encouraged.
4. LEMON
This citrus fruit has been recognized for millennia for its anti-infectious virtues. Thanks to the vitamin C it contains, it participates in reinforcing the immune system. Therefore, your child will have more energy to fight against colds.
To consume it, squeeze it and add hot water. This drink can be consumed as an herbal tea. It is essential to consume the lemon juice no later than 15 minutes after squeezing it.
5. THE TEAKS
Hot drinks are always recommended when you have a cold. This allows the body to be warmed up lightly and hydrated. Here are different herbal teas that will help you, each with its own particular property:
lemon, as explained above
Ginger (antiviral, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory)
Eucalyptus (antibiotic, antiseptic)
laurel (expectorant for respiratory diseases)
thyme (powerful anti-infectious)
Even onion can be used as an infusion!
6. THE MENTHOL
To unclog your children’s noses, mint will have a positive effect on breathing. As well as eucalyptus or rosemary. You can concoct ointments (to soothe muscles sore from colds or flu) or put essential oils in a diffuser. Some diffusers are designed as nightlights: they allow the child to fall asleep peacefully.
7. THE NASAL ASPIRATOR
To clear congested nasal passages, spray with salt water. This water will also moisten dry mucous membranes. Some children have difficulty blowing their nose properly. You can help them expel nasal secretions with a nasal aspirator.
8. THE ONION
Recommended at any age for its antiseptic and anti-infectious virtues, the onion is used to fight against the flus and colds. The effect is bluffing: it decongests the blocked nose. Offer your child a slice of onion before going to sleep or put a few on the bedside table.
