No Cold Medicines For Children - What To Do?

You have probably heard that cough and cold medicines sold over the counter will soon carry warnings that the drugs should not be given to kids under age 4. Government advisers said the medicines are risky for young children and do not work. Decongestants, in particular, are dangerous because they are cardiac stimulants. The investigation began after more than 100 reports of children's deaths between 1969 and 2006 which were linked to OTC and prescription decongestants and antihistamines. I feel so guilty now because I have a son who, every autumn, would get either a bad cold or asthmatic bronchitis. I was always told to give him Dimetapp or Robitussin, but even then it would make me nervous and I would check on him all night long. So what are parents to do now? The good news is that there are natural remedies for coughing. For instance, in one study buckwheat honey** seemed to allow children to cough less and sleep better than a dose of cough medicine. Here are some other natural recipes you may want to try: Homemade Cough Syrup 2 large onions juice from half a lemon 1 TBSP raw honey**

Slice onions and place in a pan. Drizzle lemon juice and honey over onions. Turn oven to lowest heat and place pan inside; cook 45 minute to 1 hour. Pour off juice and discard onions. Store "syrup" (juice) in a glass bottle and label. Makes about 1 cup cough syrup. Cough-Control Tea 1. Pour hot water over 2 teaspoons organic lemon rinds, 1 teaspoon sage, and 1/2 teaspoon thyme. (Dried or fresh herbs can be used.) 2. Cover and steep for 15 minutes. 3. Strain tea, then add juice of 1/2 lemon and 1 tablespoon honey.** 4. Drink two to three cups daily for cough relief.

Homemade Cough Syrup 2 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper 1/4 tsp ground ginger 1 Tbs honey** 1 Tbs apple cider vinegar 2 Tbs water Mix all ingredients. Take 1 tsp. every few hours as needed for cough. **Note: Honey should not be given to infants under 12 months. sources: http://www.redorbit.com/news/health http://www.prevention.com http://homemakerscottage.blogspot.com http://www.wholeliving.com http://www.recipezaar.com/56268