VIDEO: An All-Natural Mom’s Genius Tips For Treating Sick Kids

Most grown-ups can remember a time when mom or dad would break out the VapoRub whenever a cold or flu would strike. The smell. For many people, even not being able to breathe seemed better than inhaling that stuff!

With Vicks in mind, it’s easy to see why more and more people are choosing more natural remedies when it comes to treating sickness. Though some can be uncomfortable (e.g. putting saline solution up your nose), there’s no doubt that they’re milder than chemical-laden flu fighters, and often just as effective.

All-natural momma Zelana Montminy (@zelanamontminy) has all the best tricks for treating kids when they come down with a cold or infection. Press play to see everything you need to make things better for your little one. Spoiler: It might involve literally sucking up their snot.

Diffuser

Since dry air is not your friend when it comes to breathing easy, pick up a diffuser to help humidify the air. Just add water and an essential oil to improve air quality and provide some much needed aromatherapy.

Coconut oil

Baby noses can get so dry and irritated when they’re sick. Gently dab some coconut oil around the nose and upper lip to soothe and moisturize—it’s a mild, natural alternative to petroleum jelly.

Chest rub

Drop the VapoRub! No one likes it, especially not kids. Choose a natural alternative without parabens, chemicals, or synthetics to suppress cough and loosen mucus.

Essential oils

Not only can essential oils be used in a diffuser, but simply dropping them into an under-the-weather kid’s bath can work wonders. Eucalyptus is helpful for clearing nasal passageways and lavender is especially calming—getting a good night’s rest is one of the quickest ways to heal.

Saline solution

Pick up a simple saline solution made with only salt and water to help clear nasal congestion. Simply pour the liquid slowly into each nostril—it should exit out of the other nostril or through the mouth (make sure kids spit instead of swallow). It might be uncomfortable, but they’ll thank you for it later.

Nasal aspirator

Yup, a nasal aspirator is exactly what it sounds like—basically a snot-sucking device. Put one end in your kid’s nose, and suck out the mucus from the other end with your mouth. But don’t freak out—there’s a filter so the yucky stuff doesn’t get in your mouth, so it’s not that gross. Whew. We can see how this practice can be strangely gratifying.

Video credits
Produced and Directed by: Liza Glucoft
Director of Photography: Naeem Munaf
Editor: Stephanie Provence