Advice from a Providence pediatrician: Natural remedies for kids

[4 MIN READ]

In this article:

• Some of the most common children’s health concerns, such as aches and pains or trouble sleeping, can be treated safely at home.

• Symptoms that continue, change or worsen should be addressed by your child’s pediatrician.

• A healthy diet, plenty of exercise and restorative sleep can ease the symptoms of many childhood health conditions. 

Natural remedies for kids

When it comes to some of the most common health issues our kids face, a visit to their pediatrician isn’t always convenient or even necessary. From simple aches and pains to seasonal allergies and trouble sleeping, we’re sharing some home treatment options that can help you get your kid back to feeling great in no time. 

“There are plenty of safe and natural ways to address some of the more common complaints we see in our offices,” says Providence pediatrician Anna Meyers, D.O., in a KATU Family Matters interview. “Of course, if your child’s symptoms continue, change or worsen, a visit to your child’s doctor is a good idea.”

Sleep

Many children have trouble sleeping from time to time. If your youngster has trouble nodding off at night, Dr. Meyers suggests taking stock of your family’s routine as you get closer to bedtime. She says that turning off screens an hour before can help. That’s because exposure to light can decrease your body’s production of melatonin and impact your natural sleep cycle. Setting aside time in the evening for relaxing activities, such as a warm bath or reading books in your child’s room, can also help signal to your child that it’s time to start winding down for the night. A cup of chamomile tea can also help your child nod off when it’s time for bed.

If these practices aren’t enough, Dr. Meyers says that boosting your child’s magnesium levels can help. Seeds, nuts and pepitas are all natural sources of magnesium and can be a great addition to your diet. Supplements are available as well, and Dr. Meyers prefers a combination powder because you can adjust the dosage depending on your child’s age.

Melatonin supplements are also an option and it’s important to start with a very low dose. Dr. Meyers says that .5 mg is a good place to start, and 5 mg is the maximum dose. She stresses that the supplement is not for children under the age of three and should not be used for more than two or three weeks. This is because taking melatonin too often can decrease your body’s natural production of the hormone.

Aches and pains

Occasional aches and pains caused by ear or tummy pain, headaches, ear or tummy pain, or sore throats are perfectly normal. Dr. Meyers says that the most common cause of stomach pain is constipation. In addition to boosting your child’s magnesium intake, increasing their fiber through whole grains, fruits and vegetables can help get their bowels moving. For other issues including general stomach upset and gas, she says peppermint tea, hard candy, ginger or gum (for older children) can be helpful.

Earaches that are likely caused by water in the ear canal can be treated with a drop of warmish olive oil. For pain caused by wax buildup, a simple mixture of apple cider vinegar and water can break down excess earwax. For pain that is behind your child’s eardrum, likely caused by fluid buildup that comes with a cold or other virus, Dr. Meyers suggests a warm compress or gently massaging your child’s jaw to get the fluid moving.

“For pain that doesn’t resolve with other remedies, an age-appropriate dose of over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen should be your next step,” says Dr. Meyers. “I always remind parents that ibuprofen should only be given to children over six months, but both medications are great for reducing pain, fever and inflammation.”

Seasonal allergies

“It’s impossible to avoid every allergen,” says Dr. Meyers. “If you have seasonal allergies and spend time outside, it’s crucial to change your clothes and rinse off in a warm shower to remove any pollen and allergens that are on your skin or in your hair.”

In addition, she recommends a nasal saline solution as a safe and effective way to cleanse sinuses and help relieve a runny nose. Available in both sprays, drops and rinses, saline can reduce both inflammation and mucus production, as well as soothe raw nasal passages. Dr. Meyers says that eating local honey can also have some benefits. However, she stresses that only children over the age of one year should consume any type of honey to reduce the risk of botulism.

Boosting immunity

Any parent knows that once kids start attending daycare or school, they bring home one virus after another. 

“I always remind parents that it’s totally normal for a child to have between 8 and 10 viral illnesses each year,” says Dr. Meyers. “That number will drop as your child gets older, their immune system develops and they become better at washing their hands.” 

Until that time, there are some natural remedies you can try to give your family a fighting chance against the germs your children bring home. Dr. Meyers says that vitamin D can help your child fight off viral illnesses and that vitamin C and zinc can help shorten the length of time they are down with a cold or flu. However, she recommends making sure that your family is eating a wide range of colorful fruits and veggies to boost your immune system before turning to supplements. 

“If you’re not sure where to start, I always suggest taking a look at your diet,” says Dr. Meyers. “A healthy diet and restorative sleep are two of your best weapons against the viruses that spread so easily in our communities.”

Teething

Watching your infant or toddler struggle with teething pain can be difficult. Dr. Meyers stresses that while painful, teething is a totally natural and harmless process. She says that it’s best to avoid teething tablets and gels as they can cause harmful side effects and they aren’t worth the expensive price tag.

“A cold compress, semi-frozen fruit or something cold to chew on can provide a break from teething pain,” says Dr. Meyers. “There are also a ton of safe teething toys and babies love them. Sometimes simple is best.” 

Contributing caregiver

Anna Meyers, D.O., is a pediatrician at Providence Pediatrics – Southwest.

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This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.