Managing Colds
Randall Neustaedter, OMD, Lac, CCH
Symptoms
Usually a cold begins with a runny nose and
tiredness. Sometimes babies are just fussy.
These symptoms may be accompanied by fever
or sore throat. It may be difficult to distinguish
colds from allergies or teething. Viruses
cause colds, and they are spread easily from
one child to another. If it’s going around,
it’s probably a cold. If it’s not accompanied
by a change in energy or fussiness, it may
be allergies. If congestion persists, it may
be allergies or a sinus infection.
Often a child’s body will fight off a cold
in a few days without any treatment, but using
natural remedies will promote healing and
help prevent complications. Typical colds
last for seven days, though congestion may
persist longer. Complications include earaches
and chest colds. Colds are usually contagious
for the first three to four days. Keep your
child at home at the beginning of colds and
for 24 hours after fevers have abated.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to give a boost
to the immune system so that it fights off
the infection efficiently. This can be done
with herbs and homeopathic medicines. Both
can be given at the same time.
Echinacea:
Echinacea stimulates the body to produce more
white blood cells that fight invasion by viruses
or bacteria. Most health food stores stock
echinacea preparations. Avoid products that
contain other herbs or fillers. Golden seal
is not needed for colds. Echinacea is not
appropriate for allergic symptoms, and should
not be used over an extended period of time.
Stop when the cold symptoms improve, or after
five days.
Directions:
Mix with juice or water or give it straight.
Dosage:
Babies under one year: 10 drops three times
per day. Children over one year: 20 drops
three times per day.
Windbreaker:
This is a Chinese herbal formula designed
for children. Yin chiao jin junior is a comparable
formula. It stimulates a healing reaction
in the body, dispels invasion of cold, and
relieves mucus production and congestion.
Use it at the onset of colds and continue
as long as congestion persists. Shake the
bottle before each use. This formula contains
alcohol.
Directions:
Mix the drops in a small amount of steaming
hot water to evaporate the alcohol, then mix
this solution with juice.
Dosage:
Babies under one year: 10 drops three times
per day. Children over one year: 20 drops
three times per day
Homeopathic medicines
Dosage:
2 pellets three times per day regardless
of age. Babies may need the pellets crushed
or dissolved in water, but they will usually
suck on them if placed inside the cheek. Use
only one homeopathic medicine at a time. Stop
when symptoms begin to improve.
Stage 1
of the cold:
Allium
cepa: The first remedy to give for
clear, runny nose…or
Belladonna:
If there is also a fever with clear
runny nose.
Once the discharge has changed from clear
to yellow or green these remedies are no longer
indicated.
Stage 2
of the cold: Pulsatilla: thick nasal
discharge and clingy behavior.
Stage 3
of the cold: Kali bichromicum: thick
green nasal discharge.
First-aid tips
If a baby has difficulty nursing because
of nasal obstruction, or an older child has
trouble sleeping, take them into the bathroom
and steam it up with the hot shower. Let them
breathe the steam for five minutes. This will
loosen things up. Humidifiers and vaporizers
are inefficient, messy, and hazardous.
Dr. Neustaedter has practiced homeopathy
and oriental medicine for over 25 years, specializing
in child health care. An accomplished and
well-recognized author, he has written The
Vaccine Guide: Risks and Benefits for Children
and Adults (North Atlantic Books, 2002),
a book that helps consumers make informed
choices about vaccination. His new book, Child
Health Guide: Holistic Pediatrics for Parents
(North Atlantic Books, 2005), represents a
state of the art guide to raising children
with natural medical care. He can be reached
through his extensive website at www.cure-guide.com.
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Use the information provided on this site as an educational resource for determining your options and making your own informed choices. It is not intended as medical advice or to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any specific illness.