A cold will run its course, regardless of the medicine you give your child. Once the virus sets in, there is no way to get rid of it. All you can do is treat it to keep it from turning into a more serious condition. So treating it with over-the-counter medicines may not be the answer. Antibiotics may not help either.

Good hygiene habits at home are imperative to stopping the cold virus in its tracks. Make sure the sick child washes his/her hands regularly. Keep anti-bacterial gel around so that the whole household can use it throughout the day.

Also, make sure your child does not blow his/her nose with handkerchiefs. Use tissues only and throw them out as soon as they have used them. Do not leave them on tables, beds, couches or any place someone else can touch them.

There are remedies in our kitchens to keep a cold from turning into something worse.

Hot chicken broth or soup is one of the oldest remedies there is. Homemade is best, but canned will do. Chicken soup helps to keep the mucus loose and broth has a natural substance that has been shown to inhibit the cold virus.

Also, keep the phlegm moving so that it does not settle in the lungs. That can cause respiratory issues. One of the most effective remedies is a combination of honey and cider vinegar. Mix five teaspoons of the vinegar and with five tablespoons of the honey. Give your child a teaspoon of the mixture three times each day and the mucus will work itself out.

Honey helps restore energy, has a calming effect, and dissolve mucus. Note: Do not give honey to children under two. Cider vinegar has Vitamin C and fights inflammation and infection.

If you look in your cupboards and do a bit a research, you can find a number of items in your home that have healing properties for the common cold. Paying attention to these homemade remedy ingredients can save money, keep you and your family healthier, and help you learn some new techniques to a healthy, happy home.