Your baby is the apple of your eye, and it is natural and justified that you make a mountain out of a mole hill when it comes to your little darling’s health! Isn’t it absolutely terrifying to wake up in the middle of one night to find your little one coughing uncontrollably, with stridor and hoarseness? Just when you cry out loudly “hell!” you might even notice a swelling in the delicate throat of your little one!
However, let the symptoms not terrify you, as though trauma-inducing, Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis), a viral infection of the respiratory system, is not usually a life threatening condition. But your child needs prompt treatment, as otherwise the infection may increase in severity and seriousness. Your physician will suggest anti-viral medications to treat this respiratory condition. You can aid the treatment of this upper airway infection that affects children in the age group of 6 months to 6 years, with effective herbal remedies.
Herbal Remedies For Croup
Marjoram
Marjoram has very effective antiviral properties apart from excellent antifungal and antibacterial properties. Hence, it is very effective in providing relief from Croup. Marjoram can be had in a number of forms.
The oil can be sprayed in the air so that your child inhales it. It may be rubbed, in a small quantity, on your child’s throat and chest. The child can also be given marjoram tea for preventing and curing croup.
Wintergreen Oil
Wintergreen oil is one of the most effective antiviral remedies, as it contains methyl salicyclate, which is a natural equivalent of aspirin, which is administered for throat problems for its anti-analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Care should be taken to administer wintergreen oil externally and not allow ingestion of this by the child.
This oil can be added to hot water during vapor therapy, for inhalation. It can also be massaged on the chest and the upper throat of the child suffering from croup. External usage should also strictly follow the prescribed dosage for such a usage, as otherwise this may result in salicyclate toxicity. Excessive dosage can also cause irritation and burning in the applied area.
Wild Cherry Bark
Wild cherry bark has a number of anti-inflammatory components including tannins, cyanogenic glycosides (prunasin) and scopoletin which work like astringents, and reduce infection and pain. This is particularly beneficial in reducing throat swelling, which is caused due to inflammation.
The wild cherry bark has a pleasant flavor and it can be included in beverages and foods. It can also be had in the form of a tea. It can also be added to water used for steaming and inhaled for fast relief.
Betel Leaves
Betel leaves have antiviral properties which are found to be effective in preventing and treating Croup.
A pleasant betel leaf tea can be made with water and given to the child, who can sip it in small quantities throughout the day or whenever the child experiences respiratory discomfiture.
Mullein
Mullein flower and leaves make an apt medicine for a number of respiratory conditions, including croup.
The emollient and astringent properties of these herbal products soothe the throat and act as an anti-inflammatory medicine and expectorant when administered to a person suffering from Croup. A bland and pleasant drink can be made by boiling 1 teaspoon of mullein leaves in one pint of milk.
Photo Credit: http://www.babble.com/baby/the-croup-got-my-babies/
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.