Q. Hi D! I read your column with much interest, and would like to meet you one day. I write to you because I am so tired of giving my 4 year old son medication and antibiotics (as prescribed by the doctor) for cold and cough, which he seems to catch every second month. I know it is not the best thing to do, since antibiotics actually lower the immunity in the long run. But I am clueless of alternative solutions which are effective for children. Please help me! – Rani Narang, Mother.
A: Rani, I can totally understand your frustration, which is shared by many mothers in the modern age. I have successfully treated many children suffering from this condition using the holistic nutrition approach, and I would be more than happy to share here the key aspects of my alternative approach. Of course, please bear in mind that all children are not the same, hence for a more effective treatment, it is wise to fine-tune the remedies to his metabolic type after a professional consultation. (Remedies for over 20 common ailments in children have also been rendered in my book, “A New Age Manual for Mothers, Postnatal and Beyond” which is available at Asia Books and Bookazine.)
Cold and coughs in children can be the pesky work of viruses, in which case there is mild to moderate fever and listlessness as co-symptoms. In most cases however, the child’s body is correcting itself of excess “coldness” from unwholesome food material which has been accumulated in his body system. This could be due to a less than ideal diet, or wrong food combinations on a daily basis, leading to gradual build-up of toxins in the digestive system. Other factors like dust and pollution in the environment are also accountable to some extent.
One of the most common food substances that lead to excess “cold” and mucus secretion is cold milk. Other food items like ice-cream, chips and crackers, instant processed food and sweetened juices and milk products in cartons (with extended shelf life) are some of the toxic evils of day.
I call them toxic because most processed and cartoned food and drinks are not natural – a lot is lost (in terms of nutrients) and a lot gets added ( in terms of preservatives and artificial flavors). Most children consume a lot of such tasty treats on a daily basis. And so, more and more children are suffering from mucus congestion, runny noses and coughs. These are actually the body’s natural healing responses to get rid of the excess mucus and come into balance. Medications only serve to suppress this natural response of the body, lowering our immunity in the process. However, you can aid the healing process and strengthen your child’s immune system at the same time by following some of these measures.
Diet & Lifestyle Mantra: Warm, natural food which is easy to digest; plenty of sleep and rest. Warm expectorant herbs to be included (in small amounts) in diet namely fresh ginger, black pepper, holy basil, mint and lemongrass.
Pound 3-4 leaves of holy basil and mix with ½ teaspoon honey. Feed this to the child early morning, followed with warm water. This is excellent tonic for lungs to clear it of mucus.
½ tsp of Amalaki jam or chavanprash would be a great tonic to boost the immune system, as amla is the highest source of vitamin C.
Feed the child warm khao tom (or khichadi), or soup seasoned with herbs like garlic, fresh ginger, lemongrass, lime leaves, sprinkled with fresh ground black pepper. Black pepper is excellent in chasing away mucus!
Fresh orange juice is a great tonic. This should be at room temperature and ensure the oranges are not too sour.
Dab a few drops of tea tree oil on the child’s pillow at bedtime, as the aroma opens up nasal passages. You could add a few drops to baby oil and rub along the child’s back.
Avoid soaks in bath tub and swimming sessions until condition is healed. Bathe with warm water.
Do not make the child sleep in air conditioned room if congestion is acute. Cool the room with 1 hour of a/c then switch off and use the fan.
Food To Limit or Avoid until condition improves:
– Yogurt, fruits, cold milk and carton milk early morning. Reduce quantity and frequency of milk feeds. When given, it should be warm, ideally medicated with herbs like elaichi, saunf and a crushed black pepper kernel
– Deep fried food.
– Fruit or fruit juice immediately after meals. Remember to give at least 90 minutes interim
– Cheese, cheese-based snacks, refined flour (donuts, pizza, etc.) and instant food.
– Sweet candies and cola drinks