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Paging Dr. Mom: 8 Home Remedies For Little Patients

By Phebe Wahl August 6, 2013

With school starting back, ’tis the season for them to start sneezin’. Don’t dread the dozens of doctor visits just yet, as you may have the cure right there in your cupboard. We asked around and gathered up wisdom from women of generations past who raised their children (somehow!) without having their pediatrician on speed dial. From urban legends that prove true to family folklore, read up on these simple solutions that have stood the test of time.

Salt Water

Perhaps the most common of home remedies, saline solutions can be used to flush out nasal passages or gargled to treat tender throats. Dissolve half a teaspoon in eight ounces of warm water to make your own, or buy a baby-safe saline or kid-safe spray at the store. If they are congested, draw a warm bath and add salt and eucalyptus to create a clearing steam of vapors.
 Who Knew? Got a middle-of-the-night earache? Heat and brown several scoops of salt in a pan and wrap in a dish towel. Hold gently against the infected ear (using caution as salt will be hot at first) for 5-10 minutes.

PLEASE NOTE: This information is gathered by a mom, not a MD, so you should always consult your child’s pediatrician before trying to treat something yourself—and especially seek medical attention if the issue seems serious or if there are any pre-existing conditions.

Do you have a home remedy that works? Share your secret and tell us below!

–Phebe Wahl

All photos courtesy of Amazon and Creative Commons via Flickr