Common colds are caused by viruses, and are highly contagious. They are spread through coughing and sneezing, which, together with runny nose and sore throat, are the symptoms of the illness.Herbal medicines for cold and flu ailments do not directly attack the viruses. They exist to help boost your immune system since only your own body can help you fight off these problems. Your immune system is the key to fending off viruses, and keeping it in working order can be key to keeping yourself healthy and well. When you have a cold cold, indulge your desire for heating foods and herbs: Drink lots of hot spicy herbal teas with honey*, such as ginger tea, cinnamon tea, or any of the spicy "Yogi Tea" type blends. Nourish yourself with chicken soup, beef broth, miso soup. Enjoy baked winter squash, baked potatoes, baked yams, baked garlic. Eat lots of olive oil, ghee, butter, olives, and avocados. Eat beans and eat the warming grains: kasha, rye, oats. Stay warm; take a hot bath or a hot shower and wrap up snugly before going to sleep. Herbal medications are drugs that are derived from natural sources, and just like conventional medication, they can have similar effects on the body. One of the most common misconceptions is that herbal medications are totally safe due to them being labeled as ?natural? or ?herbal?. It is important to note that all of the precautions that are given to conventional medications must also apply to herbal medications. In fact, many experts have recommended the children, pregnant and nursing women to avoid herbal medications all together.

Treatment

Ensure the child rests and drinks a lot of fluids, including hot water mixed with fresh lemon juice and a teaspoonful of honey.

Diet and Nutrition Offer plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in the child's daily diet.

Herbal Medicine Camomile, lemon balm, and rosehip teas will help reduce various symptoms.

Homeopathy Belladonna, Pulsatilla, Natrum mur., and Euphrasia are available in drop form for children.

Aromatherapy Two drops of cinnamon oil in a bowl of hot water, inhaled for a few minutes four times a day.

Croup

Croup usually affects children under five and manifests in a harsh barking cough with strained, heavy breathing. These symptoms are often accompanied by a high fever, irritability, and restlessness. It is caused by an inflammation of the main airways to the lungs.

Treatment

Avoid a hot dry atmosphere by turning off the heating in the child's bedroom, but make sure the room is well ventilated. Use humidifiers if you have them.

Hydrotherapy Steam inhalation is a useful therapy.

Herbal Medicine Make an infusion from 1 teaspoonful each of coltsfoot and vervain. Give 1 teaspoonful to a child ,aged under three, and 1 tablespoonful to a child ages under three, and 1 tablespoonful to older children, every few hours.

Aromatherapy Add two drops each of eucalyptus and sandalwood oils to a carrier oil and apply to the chest.