Easy To-Do Yoga Poses for Kids

30 Easy To-Do Yoga Poses for Kids

Today’s competitive world has put a lot of burden and stress on everyone.  Even children and teenagers are not untouched with it. They are loaded with heavy books to make their future bright. No time for extra-curricular activities and consumption of junk food collectively makes your kid’s lifestyle unhealthy. The most excellent way to keep your little one healthy and hearty is yoga. Yoga helps to improve concentration, boost confidence and reduce the level of stress in children. So, here are 30 amazing fun yoga poses for your kids.

1. Viparita Virabhadrasana (Reverse Warrior Pose)

Benefits: This posture helps to open the ribs and makes the body more flexible. It also gives a boost to self-confidence.
Step 1- Stand erect and breathe in.
Step 2- Slide your right leg outwards, but both your legs should be in the same line.
Step 3- You can slightly bend your right knee while the left knee should be straight and locked.
Step 4- Keep your right hand upwards.
Step 5- Bend your right hand towards your left side. Keep in mind that your palm should be towards the ceiling.
Step 6- Keep your left hand downwards and straight.
Step 7- Place your left palm on your left knee.
Step 8- Bend your body a little towards your right side.
Step 9- Look upwards and keep your breathing normal.
Step 10- Stay in this position for 30 seconds.
Step 11- Return to the original position by putting your right hand down, straightening your left leg and standing erect. Repeat the same with the other side.

2. Navasana (Partner Boat Pose/Double Boat Pose)

This is really a fun yoga for your kids. Your kids will surely love this one.
Benefits: It improves the digestion system, strengthens your back bone and helps you to learn teamwork. It is a great stress-buster pose.
Step 1- Sit down facing your partner.
Steps 2- Both of you raise your legs slightly upwards. Join your toes with the partner’s toes.
Step 3- Now, raise your hands and hold each other’s hands.
Step 4- Use some pressure and push your partner’s soles.
Step 5- Breathe normally and return to the original state by first putting your feet down slowly and then, releasing your hands.
Step 6- Finally, sit in a relaxed position.

3. Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward Facing Dog Pose)

Benefits: It makes the spinal cord strong. This posture not only opens your chest but stretches it too. It decreases the stress level and helps in asthma.  
Step 1- Lie on the floor with your face down.
Step 2- Place your palms on the ground.
Step 3- Raise your hands up by your shoulders, keeping your elbows locked.
Step 4- Now, use a little strength and push your body from head to waist, upwards.
Step 5- Breathe normally.
Step 6- Keep your legs straightened, and knees should be straight and locked.
Step 7- Stay in this posture for 25-30 seconds.

4. Ardha Bhekasana (Frog Pose)

Benefits: This yoga posture maintains your health by improving the functioning of your heart. It also helps to tone your legs.
Step 1– Bend your knees and sit down.
Step 2- Place your palms on the ground, but make sure your knees don’t touch the floor.
Step 3- Breathe normally and shift your body weight on your hands by leaning forward.
Step 4- Slowly and gently raise your soles upwards and put a little pressure on your toes.
Step 5- Slowly, put your soles on the floor and stand up.

5. Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)

Benefits: It helps to stretch your back and neck. It is a great yoga posture to remove stress and depression along with strengthening the legs and improving the digestion.
Step 1- Breathe in and lie down supine on the floor.
Step 2- Put your hands on the floor with your palms facing downwards.
Step 3- Bend your knees. From knees to toes, your legs should be straight.
Step 4- Breathe out, use some strength and push your body upwards. From chest to knees, the body should be upwards.
Step 5- Stay in this pose for 5-10 seconds.
Step 6– Breathe out and lower down your body.

6. Mermaid Pose  

Background:  This is a pose created by Namastekid.com.  Namaste Kid provides great learning resources as well as lots of visuals to learn yoga for kids.  Be sure to stop by their site to get more detailed directions on many of these poses.
Benefits: It helps to make your body more flexible, especially the backbone and the lower abdomen.
Step 1- Bend your knees and sit down.
Step 2- Bend your left leg backwards and slide your right leg inside your left leg.
Step 3- The sole of your right foot should touch your right knee. Inhale and exhale normally.
Step 4- Place your left palm on your left toe.
Step 5- Raise your right hand upwards. Your right palm should be towards your face.
Step 6- Look at your palm, keeping your face upwards.
Step 7- Keep your body in this position for a few breaths.
Step 8- Lower down your hand and return to the original posture.

See the NamastaKid website above for a picture.

7. Dekasana (Airplane Pose)

Benefits: This yoga posture helps to increase the concentration level. It teaches kids to maintain balance and helps to strengthen the legs, the chest and hands.
Step 1- Breathe in and stand straight.
Step 2- Put your right leg forward. Both your knees should be straight and locked.
Step 3- Lean your body a little forward.
Step 4- Raise your arms upwards on either side to maintain your balance. Your body pose should be like a flying aeroplane.
Step 5- Stay in this posture for a few seconds.
Step 6- Put your arms down and stand straight.

8. Vriksasana (Tree Pose)

Benefits: It helps to balance your body and stretches the chest. It also assists in strengthening your legs and hands.
Step 1- Inhale and stand erect.
Step 2- Put your left sole a little bit upwards, but keep your toe on the floor.
Step 3- Your left sole should be on the floor and touch your right toe.
Step 4- To balance yourself, extend your hands upwards.
Step 5- Your right leg should be straight and right knee should be locked.
Step 6- Look upwards and breathe normally.
Step 7- Stay in this position for 5-7 seconds.
Step 8- Repeat this pose with the other leg.

Picture below is slightly changed.  Foot may be down and on floor instead of up.

9. Anjali Mudra (Salutation Seal)

Benefits: This yoga pose works as a great stress-buster, which ultimately relaxes your body and provides you peace of mind.
Step 1- Breathe in and sit down, crossing your legs.
Step 2- Join both your palms together while inhaling. Place your hands in such a manner as if you  are doing a prayer. Your back should be straight.
Step 3- Stay in this position for 1 minute or so and breathe normally, then deeply.

10. Balasana (Flower Pose)

Benefits: Flower pose helps to build strength, as well as helps to improve balance.
Step 1- Sit on the floor and keep your spinal cord straight.
Step 2- Bend your legs and both your knees should be pointed in the opposite direction.
Step 3- Hold your legs with your hands.
Step 4- Now, slowly lift your legs upwards.
Step 5- Stay in this position for a few seconds.
Step 6- Lower down your legs, gently.

11. Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

Benefits: Mountain pose helps to improve your body posture and helps to strengthen your legs and muscles.
Step 1- Stand straight.
Step 2- Take a deep breath and keep your spinal cord straight.
Step 3- Your legs should be straight and knees should be locked.
Step 4- Your toes should touch each other.
Step 5- Your hands should be downwards and straight.
Step 6- Inhale and exhale deeply and stay in this pose for 30 seconds or so.

12. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)

Benefits: This yoga posture helps to calm your mind and provides energy to your body. It stretches the upper body area, which helps to relieve headaches and back pain.
Step 1- Take a deep breath and stand erect.
Step 2- Now, bend your body from waist to head, downwards.
Step 3- Place your palms on the floor.
Step 4- Push your butt upwards. Your elbows shouldn’t be bent.
Step 5- Pull your soles upwards.
Step 6- Breathe normally and stay in this pose for a few seconds.
Step 7- Return to the original posture while exhaling.

13. Star Pose

Benefits: Star pose helps to improve your balance and also helps in stretching the chest and shoulders. This pose also helps to build-up the strength.
Step 1- Take a deep breath and stand erect.
Step 2- Slide your legs apart from each other.
Step 3- Raise your hands upwards on either side. Your elbows should not be bent.
Step 4- Your body posture should be in a star shape. Breathe normally.
Step 5- Stay in this posture for a few seconds.
Step 6- Lower down your hands and stand straight.

14. Kite Pose (Falling Star)

Benefits: This pose helps to strengthen the legs, stretches the arms and improves the balance.
Step 1- Start with the star pose.
Step 2- Slide your right leg backwards and raise it a little bit upwards from the floor.
Step 3- Shift your body weight on your left leg.
Step 4- Lean towards your left leg.
Step 5- Stay in this position for 5-10 seconds.
Step 6- Lower your hands down and stand straight.

15. Rainbow Pose

Benefits: This posture helps in stretching the arm,the abdominal andchest along with the spinal cord. It also helps to calm down the stressed mind.
Step 1- Begin with kneeling down on the ground.
Step 2- Keep your backbone straight. From head to tailbone, your body should be straight.
Step 3- Raise your left hand upwards and bend it on your right side.
Step 4- Keep your right hand downwards and don’t bend your right elbow.
Step 6- Stay in this position for several seconds.
Step 7- Repeat this pose with the other hand.

16. Ananda Balasana (Happy Baby Pose)

Benefits: Happy baby pose helps to pacify the mind and body, and decreases the level of stress. It also stretches the spinal cord.
Step 1- Inhale and lay down supine on the floor.
Step 2- Breathe out and bend your knees towards your belly.
Step 3- Hold your feet with your palms.
Step 4- Stay in this position for 5 to 7 seconds.
Step 5- Gently, lower down your legs.

17. Balasana (Child’s Pose)

Benefits: Child’s pose stretches the legs and hips. Besides this, it also helps in calming the mind down.
Step 1- Inhale, bend your knees backwards and sit down.
Step 2- Now, breathe normally and bend your body forward.
Step 3- Put your hands backwards and keep your knuckles on the floor.
Step 4- Put your head down and keep your forehead on the ground
Step 5- Make sure that your bent body touches your thighs.
Step 6- Stay in this position for a few relaxing breaths.
Step 7- Put your hands forward and sit down.

18. Dhanurasana (Floor Bow Pose)

Benefits: This yoga posture helps the kids in improving their body posture, stretching out their whole body and helps in strengthening the back muscles.
Step 1- Lie down prone on the ground.
Step 2- Bend your knees while exhaling.
Step 3- Keep your hands backwards.
Step 4- Hold your toes with your palms.
Step 5- Stretch your body and look forward.
Step 6- Stay in this position for 5-7 seconds.
Step 7- Then, release your toes and lie comfortably.

19. Crescent Moon Pose

Benefits: Crescent moon pose helps in relieving the stress. It stretches your abdomen, hands and spinal cord.
Step 1- Breathe in and stand erect.
Step 2- Raise your hands upwards while inhaling. Your fingers should be towards the ceiling.
Step 3- Join your palms.
Step 4- Exhale and bend your body a little towards your right side.
Step 5- Stay in this position for a few seconds.
Step 6- Then, inhale and stand erect. Bring your arms down while exhaling.
Step 7- Repeat this pose on the left side.

This image is (these images are) copyrighted and owned by Namaste Kid. We are using them with express permission from Namaste Kid. For more information on yoga for kids,

20. Marjaryasana Bitilasana (Cat Cow Pose)

Benefits: Cat cow pose massages the organs and spinal cord gently, and helps in stretching the neck and the torso.
Step 1- Kneel down. Remember, your knees should be underneath your hips and hands should be underneath your shoulders.
Step 2- Your hands should be straight and elbows shouldn’t be bent.
Step 3- Let your tummy slightly sink towards the floor while inhaling. Look towards the ceiling. (Cow pose)
Step 4- Now, exhale and slightly raise your tummy towards the ceiling. Look towards your belly. (Cat pose)
Step 5- Repeat this pose 2-3 times.

21. Shooting Stars Breathing Exercise

Benefits: This yoga pose relieves the body from mild depression, insomnia, and fatigue.
Step 1- Take a deep breath and sit cross-legged.
Step 2- Now, raise your hands upwards above your head.
Step 3- Then, bring down your hands to your sides while exhaling. Your hands should be in “V” position.
Step 4- Open up your palms, and your fingers should not touch each other.
Step 6- Stay in this position for several seconds.
Step 7- Lower down your hands slowly and sit for a while.

22. Savasana (Corpse Pose)

Benefits: Corpse pose is really helpful in relaxing the mind, vanishing the stress, and alleviating insomnia, headaches and fatigue.
Step 1- Lie supine on the floor.
Step 2- Keep your legs and hands straight.
Step 3- Place your palms on the ground.
Step 4- Close your eyes and try to focus for 10 minutes.

23. Dolphin Pose/Shark Pose

Benefits: Dolphin pose or shark pose provide many benefits, like stretching the hips and upper body, fights with depression, relieves the headaches and backaches, provides energy to the body, and strengthens the legs and hands.
Step 1- Kneel down. Put your hands below your shoulders and knees below your hips.
Step 2- Your palms should be on the floor and fingers should be spaced out from each other. Your back should be straight.
Step 3- Breathe out and lift your hips while straightening your knees.
Step 4- Raise your soles. Only your toes should be on the floor.
Step 5- From elbows to palms, your hands should be on the floor. Keep your breathing normal. Clasp the knuckles of both palms.
Step 6- Your body should be in “/\” shape.
Step 7- Stay in this position for a few seconds.
Step 8- Straighten your body and return to the original pose.

24. Virabhradhrasana II (Warrior II Pose)

Benefits: Warrior pose II helps in stretching the body, especially the spinal cord and the hands. It also helps to get rid of backaches.
Step 1- Inhale and stand erect. Your feet should be apart from each other.
Step 2- Breath out and bend your right knee.
Step 3- Slide your left leg backwards and lock your left knee.
Step 4- Keep your spinal cord straight.
Step 5- Stretch your hands and raise them up to your shoulders.
Step 6- From right palm to the left palm, your hands should form a perfect 180° angle. Your elbows should be straight.
Step 7- Look towards the fingertips of the right hand.
Step 8- Stay in this position for a few seconds. Then, lower your hands and straighten your legs while inhaling.
Step 9– Repeat this pose on the other side.

25. Table Pose

Benefits: This posture helps in strengthening your bones and increasing the balance.
Step 1- Breathe in and kneel down.
Step 2- Put your arms beneath your shoulders and palms on the floor.
Step 3- Keep your elbows locked and breathe normally.  Your backbone should be straight.
Step 4- Look straight.
Step 5- Stay in this posture for 1 minute and then, return to the original posture.

26. Simhasana (Lion Pose)

Benefits: Lion pose helps in stretching the lower body, relieving stress and calming the mind.
Step 1- Inhale, bend your knees backwards and sit down.
Step 2- Put your palms on your knees. Spread out your fingers.
Step 3- Exhale and bend your body a little forward.
Step 4- Inhale deep through nose.
Step 5- Open your mouth and take out your tongue.
Step 6- Exhale out through your mouth making a loud ‘Roar’.
Step 7- Repeat this pose many times.

27. Utkatasana (Chair Pose)

Benefits: This posture helps in strengthening the legs, as well as, stretches the shoulders.
Step 1- Stand straight.
Step 2- Inhale, raise your hands upwards and stretch your body a little.
Step 3- Bend your knees enough to stand properly.
Step 4- Breathe normally and hold this pose for a few seconds.
Step 5- Straighten your legs while breathing in and bring down your hands while exhaling.

28. Uttanasana (Ragdoll Pose)

Benefits: Ragdoll pose relaxes the mind and stretches your back, neck and legs.
Step 1- Breathe in and stand erect.
Step 2- Put your hands towards the ceiling.
Step 3- Bend your body from waist to head forward.
Step 4- Try to touch your toes with your palms.
Step 5- Take a deep breath. First, nod your head yes, and then, shake it no.
Step 6- Stay in this position for a few seconds.
Step 7- Slowly, straighten your back and stand straight.

29. Plank Pose

Benefits: Plank pose helps in strengthening and energizing the whole body.
Step 1- Start with downward facing dog. (Explained above in pose no. 12)
Step 2- Lower down your torso while inhaling till it becomes parallel to the ground. Keep your arms perpendicular to the ground.
Step 3- Only your palms and toe fingers should be on the floor.
Step 4- Stay in this posture for a few seconds.
Step 5- Lower down your body and lie down to relax.

30. Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)

Benefits: Triangle pose helps in stretching, as well as, strengthening the hands, spinal cord and chest. It also aids in improving the digestion system.
Step 1- Stand erect and inhale.
Step 2- Apart your feet while exhaling. Both your knees should be locked.
Step 3- Raise your hands towards the ceiling and stretch your body upwards.
Step 4- Bend your body on your right side.
Step 5- Lower down your right hand and put it on your ankle.
Step 6- Lock your elbows and look towards your raised left palm.
Step 7- Stay in this position for several seconds.
Step 8- Then, stand straight and repeat this pose with your left leg.

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Bedwetting

12 Home Remedies for Stopping Bedwetting

Bedwetting is called as “Nocturnal enuresis” in medical sciences. It is a condition, when a person, especially a kid, passes out urine, unconsciously while sleeping. It is one of the most common urologic complaints in kids and is a major concern for pediatrics. But, bedwetting is a condition that can be found not only amongst kids, but also among people of any age. If your kid continues to wet his/her bed even after attaining the age of more than 7 years, it’s important to know the possible cause and get rid of this problem.

Causes

• Comparatively smaller bladder
• Slow development of nerves that control bladder and instruct it to pass urine
• Imbalance of hormones
• Stress
• Infection of urinary tract
• Acute constipation
• Sleep Apnea
• Diabetes
• Use of Diuretics
• Excessive production of urine

Symptoms

• Sudden urge to urinate
• Pain while passing urine
• Constipation
• Change in the urine color
• Increase in thirst
• Snoring
• Rashes on the genital area

Home Remedies for Bedwetting

1. Cinnamon : Cinnamon powder is one of the most effective ways that can make your child stop wetting the bed at night. Make your child chew cinnamon bark once in a day. But, if he doesn’t want to chew it, then, powder the cinnamon bark and mix some sugar in it. Sprinkle the mix over the bread toast and serve it to your child during the breakfast.
2. Indian Gooseberries : Indian gooseberries, popularly known as amla, are extremely helpful in treating the problem of bedwetting in your child. Crush gooseberries and pour some honey over them and sprinkle a pinch of turmeric. Serve it in breakfast to your child. You can also add black pepper powder to the pulp of gooseberries and give it to your child, every night before he heads to bed.
3. Olive Oil : Olive oil is yet another effective and relieving home remedy to treat bedwetting. Heat some olive oil and gently rub it on the lower abdomen of your child, massaging gently over and around the lower abdomen. The heating effect will restrain the urination by your child in bed, during the night.
4. Cranberries : Cranberries are really blissful for various ailments of the body, including kidney infections and bedwetting. Although, it is said that you should not give any liquids to your kid before he/she goes to sleep, but cranberry juice can be given as it will solve the problem by treating it effectively.
5. Walnuts and Raisins : Children enjoy eating dry fruits and nuts as a snack. Give a handful of walnuts and raisins to your child before he/she is heading to sleep and continue to do so for a few months until you see some positive results.
6. Honey : Honey is a natural sweetener, and it doesn’t add any fat to the body. You can give a tablespoon of honey to your child, every night. You can even put a tablespoon of honey in his/her glass of milk, instead of sugar, to cure the ailment.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar : Apple cider vinegar regulates the acid levels in the stomach and hence, reduces the urge to urinate frequently. Simply, put some apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and make your child consume that water at least 3 times a day.
8. Mustard : Mustard and its seeds are really beneficial in treating the problem of bedwetting. Stir some mustard seeds in a cup of warm milk and serve it to your child an hour before he/she heads to sleep.
9. Jaggery : Your child won’t wet the bed if his/her body remains warm and jaggery is one such things that keep the body of your child warm from inside. Give your child a piece of jaggery to eat, post meals.
Else, mix black sesame seeds, jaggery and celery seeds in equal amounts. Give 1 tsp of this mixture to your child in the morning, followed with a cup of milk. Practice it for 1-2 months. This remedy will cure the problem of bedwetting in your child.
10. Fennel Seeds : Fennel is another important and efficacious remedy against the problem of bedwetting. Take a glass of warm milk and add a teaspoon of fennel to it, followed with 2 tbsp sugar syrup. Give it to your child every day for beneficial results.
11. Banana : Feed your kid 2-3 bananas, each day. It will help you to treat the problem of bedwetting in your child.
12. Bladder Exercise : Apart from trying all the above mentioned home remedies, you can make your child exercise to make his bladder stronger and better. Offer him lots of liquids throughout the day and when he feels the urge to urinate, tell him to control his urine for as long as possible as this is going to make his bladder stronger and will cure the problem, gradually.

Homeopathic Remedies for Bedwetting

Here is the list of homeopathic remedies to curb the problem of bedwetting.
1. Causticum : When the condition becomes moderate during summers but worsens in winters, this remedy is recommended.
2. Belladonna : This medication is useful for kids having a fair complexion, blue eyes, thin hair and those, who feel restlessness in sleeping and involuntary urination.
3. Rhus tox : When there is a constant dribbling of urine due to weak bladder, this remedy is used.
4. Kreosotum : This one is recommended when a person urinates while having a dream of urination. Many patients have been cured by this homeopathic remedy.
5. Borax : When a child urinates quite frequently at night due to fear, this remedy is prescribed.
6. Argentum nitricum : When a person urinates due to restlessness or nervousness, this one is helpful.
Other effective homeopathic remedies for bedwetting are Calcarea carb, Medorrhinum, Sepia, Sulphur, Ferrum met, Silica, etc.

Preventive Measures

The below given preventive measures will help your child to stop wetting the bed.

• Avoid giving fluid to your child during the night, especially before bedtime.
• Make it a habit of your child to go to the bathroom before sleeping.
• Reward your child or appreciate him/her with something for being dry whole night.
• Ask your kid after an interval of time if he/she wants to go to the bathroom for passing the urine.

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Chickenpox

19 Home Remedies for Curing Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a viral disease, which is caused by a virus, called Varicella Zoster, and it affects everyone at least once in a lifetime. Two days after getting infection, small, red and itchy blisters appear all over the body. Chickenpox is a contagious infection that quickly spreads from one person to another. Now-a-days, most of the people get the vaccination against chickenpox; but still, it is very common in newborn babies and pregnant women. Sometimes, it attacks adults too. Normally, it takes almost two weeks for the symptoms to subside after getting the infection, but there are certain home remedies that can cure it quickly.

Causes

The main cause of chickenpox is the virus, named Varicella Zoster. Other most prominent causes are:

• Coming in contact with the infected person
• Inhaling airborne droplets
• Weak immune system

Symptoms

• Red and itchy blisters
• Fluid-filled blisters before the normal blisters break out
• Crust-like covering on the broken blisters
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Headache

Home Remedies for Chickenpox

1. Baking Soda : Mix a tablespoon of baking soda in one glass of water. Now, dip a sponge in this solution and apply it all over the body. Baking soda is one of the best remedies to eliminate the itching and irritation, caused due to the chickenpox rashes.
2. Oatmeal : One of the safest home remedies to treat chickenpox is oatmeal. Take 2 cups of oatmeal and crush it into a fine powder. Now, put this powder in 2 litres of water and let it remain for about 15 minutes. Take a cloth bag and put this mixture into it. Place the bag in a bath tub, filled with lukewarm water and shake it properly till the water turns milky. Soak yourself in this water to get an instant relief from the itchiness due to chickenpox.
3. Calamine Lotion : Dab calamine lotion on the rashes. This will relieve you from itching, caused due to chickenpox.
4. Indian Lilac (Neem) : Indian lilac or neem has great anti-viral properties. Take some neem leaves and crush them into a paste. Apply this paste on the blisters in order to get relief from the itchiness. It will also dry out the rashes.
5. Honey : Apply honey on the affected area at least twice or thrice a day. Honey will quickly heal the blisters as well as also give relief from itchiness, caused due to chickenpox infection.
6. Marigold & Witch Hazel : Mix 2 tablespoons of marigold flowers along with a teaspoon of witch hazel in a cup of water. Leave it overnight. Apply this mixture, the next morning. This will greatly relieve from the itching, caused due to chickenpox.
7. Carrot & Coriander Soup : Take 100 grams of carrots and chop them well. Also chop 60 grams of coriander leaves and boil it with chopped carrots in water for some time. Now, strain and cool it down. Drink this soup once in a day. This will effectively heal the chickenpox.
8. Sandalwood Oil : Sandalwood oil is an excellent soothing treatment for chickenpox. Soak a cotton ball in sandalwood oil and apply it on the blisters. This will quickly heal the rashes while reducing the symptoms of chickenpox.
9. Brown Vinegar : Add ½ cup of brown vinegar to a tub, filled with warm water. Soak in it in order to get rid of irritation and aid in a quick healing of chickenpox while also reducing the scars.
10. Green Peas : Boil 200 gram of green peas in some water. After draining the water, crush it into a paste. Apply this on the chickenpox lesions and let it remain for an hour.
11. Ginger : Ginger is also effective in healing up the rashes, caused due to chickenpox. You can also add ginger to your bath water to get relief from itching.
12. Try Herbal Teas : Herbal teas are also beneficial in curing the chickenpox symptoms. You can try herbs, like chamomile, holy basil and lemon balm and take them in the form of tea. You just simply need to boil one of these herbs in water, and then, add a little bit of cinnamon powder, honey and a few drops of lemon juice. Drink this tea at least 2-3 times a day for better results.
13. Coltsfoot Leaves and Queen of the Meadow : Take 2 tablespoons of queen of the meadow, 1 teaspoon of coltsfoot leaves, and 2 teaspoon of marigold flowers. Steep these in 2 cups of boiling water for at least 20 minutes. Take one cup of this tea every day. This herbal remedy will quickly relieve you from the symptoms of chickenpox.
14. Echinacea : Echinacea is another herb, which can be tried for curing chickenpox. Other herbs, like goldenseal, burdock root, St. John’s Wort and pau d’arco bark are also useful.
15. Vitamin E Oil : Apply vitamin E oil on the chickenpox blisters in order to quickly heal them.
16. Tea Tree Oil : You can also apply tea tree oil, diluted with any carrier oil, to the chickenpox rashes. Tea tree oil is an excellent anti-bacterial, and therefore, it will help a lot in curing the infection. Lavender oil can also be applied to the rashes for a soothing effect.
17. Aloe Vera : Apply fresh aloe vera gel on the rashes to get a soothing relief from chickenpox symptoms. Aloe vera is one of the best natural medicines for healing skin infections.
18. Calendula : Apply a cream, based with calendula herb, for an effective relief from the rashes.
19. Over-the-counter Medications : Take over-the-counter medications, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and acetaminophen for treating fever and pain, caused due to chickenpox.
If the chickenpox blisters are causing too much itchiness, then it is better to take an over-the-counter antihistamine to get an immediate relief from it.

Homeopathic Remedies for Chickenpox

1. Antimonium tartaricum : This remedy is best-suited when the chickenpox lesions erupt slowly, and there is a feeling of nausea, especially among children. Also, if the person suffers from chest congestion, it is beneficial.
2. Rhus toxicodendron : If the blisters cause too much itching, which only gets relieved from warm baths or anything warm and is also accompanied by muscle ache and inflammation in the eyes, this remedy should be taken.
3. Belladonna : When the child feels feverish along with headache and drowsiness, this remedy is helpful in treating the condition.
4. Apis mellifica : When the chickenpox rashes cause stinging pain and itching along with redness and puffiness around them, this remedy is recommended.
5. Mercurius solubilis : When the lesions are really big, and the child drools, and perspires along with an offensive breath while sleeping, this remedy can be given.
6. Bryonia : If chickenpox is accompanied with prolonged fever along with a dry and irritating cough, this remedy is the most effective to take.
Apart from these, other homeopathic remedies, which are quite effective in curing the symptoms of chickenpox, are Pulsatilla, Antimonium crudum and Sulphur.

Preventive Measures for Chickenpox

• Don’t let yourself dehydrated; drink lots of water.
• Cut your child’s fingernails if he/she tries to scratch the blisters.
• Vaccinate your child.
• Avoid being in physical contact with the infected person, especially when the blisters break out.
• Make your immune system strong by having healthy and balanced diet.
• Take lots of rest and don’t go out.

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Cradle Cap

15 Home Remedies for Curing Cradle Cap Fast

What is Cradle Cap?

Cradle cap is the most common skin problem in toddlers. Cradle cap is the patchy, yellowish, scaly, greasy, and crusty appearance on the scalp of new born babies. It is neither contagious nor itchy. Cradle cap is characterized by the dandruff like dry flakes on the scalp of the baby. It mostly appears in first three months of new born baby. It is scientifically called as neonatal seborrhoeic dermatitis or infantile. It not only attacks sensitive scalp of the baby, but also eyebrows, eyelids, and area around ears.
Cradle cap is also common in adults, mostly less than 40 years. In adults, it appears as skin inflammation. Cradle cap in adults is termed as seborrhoeic eczema or seborrhoeic dermatitis. The greasy areas producing sebum in adults are attacked by a fungal infection.

Causes

Cradle cap is neither allergic nor bacterial infection, but can be considered as an inflammatory condition. Cradle cap is a fungal infection, which surfaces due to the antibiotics given to mother before the child’s birth. When the hormones passed by a mother to a child enlarge the oil glands, more sebum is produced. Various other causes of cradle cap are:

Causes of Cradle Cap in Babies

• Hormones passed from mother to baby
• Antifungal treatments
• Antibiotics given to mother during pregnancy
• Overstimulation of oil glands of baby
• Extreme weather
• Certain baby lotions, which includes alcohol
• Irregular skin cleaning
• Oily skin
• Skin disorders
• Food allergies
• Growth of yeast in the digestive tract

Causes of Cradle Cap in Adults

• Hormonal abnormalities
• Puberty
• Increased humidity
• Extreme temperature
• Emotional stress
• Immune deficiency diseases, like HIV
• Neurologic disorders, like Parkinson’s disease
• Growth of fungus, named Malassezia

Signs and Symptoms

Cradle cap appears different in every child and adult. It actually looks like dandruff on baby’s scalp. It is commonly seen on baby’s scalp, eyebrows, area around ears, and eyelids. Though, it is not contagious, but becomes severe when left untreated. It can easily be recognised by following signs and symptoms.

Symptoms in Infant/Baby

• Greasy patches
• Yellowish or whitish scales
• Thick and crusty flakes
• Red and irritating skin
• Patchy skin flakes (dandruff)
• Infants may undergo hair loss

Symptoms in Adult

• Formation of dandruff
• Mild patches starts developing on the scalp and face
• Itchy scales or patches
• Rashes start developing in oval or round patches
• Yellow or brown thick crust on patches
• Red rashes or sores on neck, face, groins, and armpits

Home Remedies for Cradle Cap

Though, cradle cap is not contagious, but looks very ugly on a child’s scalp. It is believed that cradle cap disappear itself after a few months, but as a parent, you cannot just sit and wait for its self healing. There are several natural remedies available for the treatment of cradle cap in toddlers, keeping in mind their soft and tender skin. You just have to go through these remedies and practise them to treat the disorder.
1. Shea Butter
Shea butter is a natural remedy for curing cradle cap. We all know that skin of babies is very soft and tender. Shea butter can easily be absorbed by the skin of scalp without leaving any greasy residue. It does not clog pores and prevent the development of oil or dandruff.
You are required to rub some shea butter onto the affected area and leave it for 20 minutes. After a stipulated time, use a soft toothed comb to pick out flakes. Wash baby’s head with shampoo. Gently wipe baby’s head.
2. Petroleum Jelly Or Vaseline
Vaseline is helpful in treating cradle cap. It is the most simplest and convenient remedy for cradle cap. Simply apply some Vaseline on the infected area. Leave it overnight. This will make scales soft, which can be removed with the help of soft toothed comb.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil works very effectively on cradle cap. It is one of the natural remedies for cradle cap. All you require to do is to apply some coconut oil on baby’s head covering the infected area. Use a fine and soft toothed comb to remove flakes. After combing, use a mild shampoo to wash baby’s hair, which will remove extra flakes. Use a soft towel to wipe baby’s head.
4. Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is a natural cure for baby cradle cap. You are suggested to apply some mineral oil on baby’s head. Let it be on baby’s scalp for a few hours. Then, rinse baby’s hair and scalp properly with a baby shampoo. While washing hair, gently rub baby’s scalp with the help of clean wet washcloth in a circular motion. This method will remove flakes from scalp easily.
5. Olive Oil
Olive oil is the commonly used oil for healing cradle cap in infants. To remove crust-like scales and flakes from baby’s scalp, apply some olive oil on his/her head. Let it rest for 15 minutes. Oil will soak the dry scales, which can be easily removed with fine toothed comb. You can also use a clean soft washcloth to remove flakes.
6. Fine Toothed Comb
When a baby suffers with cradle cap, use fine toothed soft comb to pick out flakes from head. The flakes or scales can easily be removed after oiling head.
Note: Do not put excessive pressure while using a comb to remove scales.
7. Baby Shampoo
Baby shampoo is also a good remedy for curing cradle cap. The mildness of shampoo helps in loosening the flakes of cradle cap. You just require to soak baby’s head with warm water. Apply some baby shampoo and gently rub the head. Wash it with warm water. Now, use a fine toothed comb to remove scales from baby’s head.
8. Tea Tree Oil
What to use for cradle cap other than olive oil, Vaseline, and baby shampoo? The answer is tea tree oil. Though, it is considered as wonder oil but is very toxic. It shouldn’t be applied directly on baby’s skin. For curing cradle cap, you need to dilute tea tree oil. You have to mix tea tree oil and almond oil in a ratio of 1:10. Stir it well and apply it on baby’s head. Leave it for 15 minutes. Remove flakes gently with fine toothed comb.
You can also mix 4-5 drops of tea tree oil in one tbsp of olive oil. Utilize it on the infected area. After 5-10 minutes, rinse with a mild shampoo.
Note: Tea tree oil is very volatile oil. Avoid its contact with eyes, mouth, and nose.
9. Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Medicated shampoos or anti-dandruff shampoos are very effective for removing cradle cap. These shampoos have tar, which works on flakiness and prevent skin from getting dry. It also contains salicylic acid and sulphur. You have to wash your baby’s hair gently with medicated anti-dandruff shampoo.
10. Almond Oil
Almond oil is very safe for treating cradle cap in infants. Since the skin of a baby is very sensitive, almond oil can be applied on the infected area. Let the flakes damp for a few minutes. With the help of a fine toothed comb, remove the flakes carefully. You can also use a soft washcloth instead of comb.
11. Hydrocortisone Cream
Hydrocortisone cream is a wonder cream, which treat cradle cap effectively. Hydrocortisone cream is also helpful against skin diseases, like eczema. Just apply pea-size hydrocortisone cream on the affected parts in the morning. Observe the effects and if necessary, apply some more cream before sleeping.
Note: Do not over apply hydrocortisone cream on the baby’s head because it has steroids.
12. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
The acidic property of apple cider vinegar (ACV) helps in removing cradle cap in toddlers. This remedy suggests adding apple cider vinegar in water in a ratio of 1:2. Now, massage it gently on the problematic area. Let it rest for 10 minutes. Wash it off at the time of bathing. Apple cider vinegar will fight against the dead skin.
13. Calendula
The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of calendula herbal plant help in relieving the symptoms of cradle cap. You need to apply some calendula cream on the troubling area. It will surely provide relief.
14. Baking Soda
Cradle cap is very common in toddlers. To relieve the symptoms of cradle cap, baking soda can be an effective home remedy. You are needed to form a paste by mixing a small quantity of water in 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda. Mix it well and place it on the infected region. Let it sit for some time and use a soft comb to remove flakes.
You can also make a paste by mixing some natural oil with baking soda. Combine both the ingredients in 1:1 ratio and apply it on the infant’s scalp. Use a soft comb to pick out flaky material.
15. Cradle Cap Brush
The skin of infants is very sensitive and tender. Keeping this in mind, several brushes are available in the market, which have soft bristles to remove cradle cap or yellowish flakes. Use it gently on baby’s scalp to remove dry skin. It can also be used after applying natural oils.

Preventive Measures for Cradle Cap

Though not dangerous, cradle cap can be distressing for the child and parent. be prevented. Here are some preventive steps to be followed by parents:

• Avoid frequent shampooing.
• Use a good shampoo, like medicated shampoo or anti-dandruff shampoo.
• Use a gentle exfoliator, i.e., baby combs with soft bristles.
• Apply oil or petroleum jelly, regularly.
• Do not comb scaly skin with force.
• Stick to breastfeeding.
• Use a humidifier in the baby’s room to maintain a moist environment.
• Use only mild baby shampoo.
• Rinse properly to remove traces of soap.
• Before shampooing, don’t forget to apply mineral oil.
• Ask pediatrician’s advice, if infection grows more.
• Use your fingers or clean washcloth on baby’s scalp while shampooing.
• Use natural oils for massage.

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Constipation in Babys

14 Home Remedies for Curing Constipation in Infants

Constipation is an irritating and painful condition not only for the adults, but for the babies as well. It’s very difficult to see your little one suffering and crying from this ailment. Introduction of solid food in baby’s diet, milk-protein intolerance or allergy, consumption of dairy products in large quantities by a breast-feeding mom, formula milk, and dehydration are some of the main reasons that lead to constipation. Distended stomach, intense abdominal pain, discomfort or crying before passing stool, dry and pellet-like poo, and less than 3 bowel movements per week are some signs that indicate that your ward is constipated. You can’t employ the same remedies for adults and infants to cure constipation, as some remedies which are used for grown-ups may have adverse effect on the health of your tot. Before opting for any home treatment, it’s crucial to consider the age of the child.

Natural Remedies for Constipation in Infants

1. Stomach Massage
Gently massage the stomach of your baby, in a clockwise direction with the help of your fingertips. Massage around the naval as well, in an outward, spherical motion. It will eradicate the tension out of your baby’s tummy and give him/her relief from the symptoms of constipation.
2. Exercise

• Keep your infant on his/her back. Hold his/her legs in a ½ bent position. Gently move baby’s legs in such a way, as if s/he paddling a bicycle. Do it at a steady pace. Leg bicycling is a great fun for your child and loosens up the intestines.
• Carry your newborn baby around in a squat position. Elevate his/her little legs in a way that s/he is squatting on your forearm like a bunny or frog. It will exert a little pressure on the kid’s rectum and help him/her to defecate.

3. Sugar Solution
Mix ½ teaspoon of sugar in an ounce of water. Give this solution to your baby thrice a day before feeding him/her formula food. Instead of white sugar, it is recommended to use brown sugar for preparing this solution.
Note- Utilize cooled boiled water for this remedy.
4. Prune Juice
Add diluted prune juice to newborn’s bottle of formula. It will help him/her get rid of constipation.

• If your child is older than 4 months, mix 4 oz of breast or formula milk with 1 oz of prune juice. Give it twice a day.
• If your little one is less than 4 months, just a tablespoon of prune juice in 4 oz of breast or formula milk, two times a day is enough to regulate the bowel movement.

5. Dark Corn Syrup
A combo of 4 ounces of water and 1 teaspoon of dark corn syrup is an effective remedy to cure baby constipation. Give this solution at least two times a day.
Note:
1) Utilize cooled boiled water for this remedy.
2) Don’t use this remedy, if you are already giving sugar solution to your infant.
6. Warm Bath
Utilize warm water for your baby’s bath. While drying him/her, give a gentle massage. Warm water relaxes the muscles of the stomach and relieves constipation.
7. Lubrication to Anus
Apply a water-based lubricant to your baby’s anus. It will lubricate the excretory passage, thus, decreasing the discomfort.
Alternatively, at the time of changing the diaper of your tot, rub around the anus, wiping gently. It will encourage him/her poop.
8. Brown Sugar
Take 1 oz of boiled, cooled water. Add half a teaspoon of brown sugar to it. Give this solution to your baby thrice a day just before feeding formula milk, until his/her stool softens.
Note- White sugar can also be used in place of brown sugar.
9. Castor Oil
Castor is the most commonly used remedy for relieving constipation in kids. Take a betel leaf and dip its stalk in castor oil. Introduce it in the rectum of the baby. If your child is more than 2 years old, give a mixture of castor oil (1 teaspoon) in a glass of milk. Adjust the dose as per the age of the child.
10. Raisins
Soak 5-6 raisins in water and keep them soaked for the whole night. Crush them well the next day. Strain it. Give the raisin liquid to regulate the bowel movement of the child.
11. Milk
In a glass of milk, add 2-3 teaspoons of honey or sugar. Stir well and give it to your kid on an empty stomach, in the morning. It helps the child to pass stool easily.

Herbal Remedies for Constipation in Infants

12. Herbal Tea
Take 2 cups each of fresh mint leaves and anise leaves. Boil 2 quarts of water. Pour it over the herbs. Allow to steep till the water gets cool down. Fill the tea in a bottle and give it to the baby, four ounces at a time.
13. Herbal Decoction
Boil a pint of water and add equal parts of licorice root and fennel seed to it. Simmer for 18-20 minutes. Then, let it to cool. Give 1 teaspoon after half an hour.
14. Herbal Teas

• Peppermint Tea
  Heat (not boil) the water.  Soak a peppermint tea bag in the water for at least 5 minutes. Pour 1 ounce of this water in baby’s bottle. Besides regular feedings, give this tea to your little one. It will sooth the tummy and ease the digestion, thus, regularizing the bowel movement.
• Chamomile Tea
  Another effective remedy is chamomile tea. Dunk a chamomile tea bag in boiling water. Brew it for some time. Give it to your constipated kid.
• Ginger Tea
  Grate some ginger roots (fresh) in a pot. Add some boiling water to it. Cover it and steep for 5-6 minutes. Strain it and allow it to cool. Ask your child to sip it.

Diet for Constipated Babies

The risk of constipation can be reduced to considerable amount by giving a proper diet to your child. Fluids (vegetable soups and fruit juices), bran cereals and fiber rich foods (spinach, beans, peas, raw tomatoes, sweet potatoes, etc.), ease the symptoms associated to constipation.
The diet differs according to the age of the kid.

• Less than 2 months – As the baby is too young, any food prepared outside can’t be given. It’s better to call up the doctor, instead of dealing with the situation at your own.
• 2 months and older – Include nearly 3 ounces of water, on a regular basis, in his/her diet. You can also give 2 ounces of diluted apple juice or grape juice.
• 4 months and older – Children of this age can have solid foods. So, you can include high fiber constituents such as peaches, beans, peas, and spinach in their diet.
• 5-10 months old – Feed pureed foods to your kid. Ensure that there are no lumps in the food.
• 1 year old infant – Give mashed food, if your tot belongs to this age group. There is no problem, if there are some lumps in the food.

Note- Do not give additional sugars (including corn syrup) and diluted juice simultaneously. Opt for only one cure.

Do’s

• Keep your baby hydrated. Give him/her fluids at equal intervals.
• Set up regular toilet time and encourage your child to poo.
• Before giving juices (apple juice, prune juice or pear juice) to the baby, dilute them with water; otherwise, it may cause diarrhea, bloating or gas.
• If you are a breast-feeding mom, eliminate dairy products from your diet.
• Include physical activities like jumping, running and walking in your child’s day-to-day routine. It helps digestive system function properly.

Don’ts

• Do not feed cow’s milk to your baby, as it is difficult to digest for some kids. Instead, feed soya milk which is nutritious and easy to digest.
• Don’t switch to a low-iron formula, as it’s not going to affect constipation, rather it will impede development of the child.
• Avoid giving rice cereal, carrots, bananas, applesauce, white bread, dairy products (except yogurt), potatoes or pasta. Besides, refrain from feeding refined or processed foods.

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Cough in Kids

22 Home Remedies for Cough in Kids

Cough is the most common ailment in children, especially in winters. It can be distressing and frustrating for your child to deal with this harrowing hack. Coughs are of different types- barky cough, whooping cough, and dry cough. The major causes of cough are upper respiratory infection, common cold, sinusitis, acid reflux and asthma. It is accompanied with several symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, sound while breathing, runny/stuffy nose, chest tightness, lethargy, wheezing, difficulty breathing, restlessness and fever. You should avoid over-the counter medications, particularly, if your tot is less than 4 years, as they may result in side-effects. Several ingredients available in your kitchen can spill magic. You must consult a doctor immediately, in case, cough persists for more than a week and the kid has chest pain, blood while coughing, turns red or purple, and high fever.
Here are some home and herbal remedies to treat cough in children.

Home Remedies for Cough in Kids

1. Honey
Honey soothes throat inflammation in children and suppresses cough, in a natural manner. Dosage hinges on your child’s age. If your tot is 2-5 years old, give ½ teaspoon, and if s/he is more than 12 years old, give 2 teaspoons of honey. It is suggested to give this therapeutic ingredient before bedtime.
Note

• Refrain from giving honey to infants below 1 year as it may cause botulism.
• Avoid buying honey cough syrups from the medical stores, as they contain chemical preservatives which alter its “natural flavor”.

2. Lemon Juice
A combination of 1 teaspoon each of fresh lemon juice and honey in 1 cup of warm water can also work great. Give this solution to your child twice or thrice a day.
3. Ginger
Mix ¼ teaspoon each of cayenne pepper and crushed ginger, 1 tablespoon each of apple cider vinegar and honey. Add 2 tablespoons of water to this mixture. Give 2 teaspoons of this syrup to your little one.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Take a glass of water. Add 1 teaspoon each of honey and apple cider vinegar to it. Stir well. It’s one of the best remedies for quick relief from cough for kids.
5. Steam
Give your toddler a steam bath. Run a hot shower and shut the doors of the bathroom. Sit inside with your kid at least for fifteen minutes before going to bed at night. It will not only help getting rid of cough, but also provides sound sleep. In the morning, repeat the same procedure for 15 minutes. It will loosen nasal and chest congestion, and make it easy for the child to blow the cough out.

• Or else, add a few drops of sage or eucalyptus oil into the tub filled with warm water. Bathe your child with this water, in order to open up the chest and soothe a cough.

Image Source : http://news.discovery.com/human/health/texas-whooping-cough-epidemic-130906.htm

6. Keep Her Head in Upright Position
If the age of your baby is more than one, put a few pillows underneath his/her head, back and shoulders so as to keep head elevated. It will facilitate easy breathing.
7. Use a Humidifier
Run a cool-mist humidifier for a night in your child’s room. It will keep the airways of the tot moist and clear. Open the windows in the morning to let humid air go out of the room, otherwise, it may result in the growth of molds.
8. Chicken Soup
Serve warm chicken soup to your kid. According to a research, chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties that temporarily thin mucus, relieves congestion, soothes throat and reduces cough. It also effectively alleviates the symptoms associated with cold.
9. Let Him/ Her Rest
Cough can exhaust a child, as it requires a lot of energy to wrestle with an infection. The more your child will rest, the sooner s/he will recover.
10. Keep Your Baby Well Hydrated
Assist your baby drink lots of water and other fluids such as decaffeinated tea, warm or cold juice. Fluids thin the secretions of the body and make it easy to blow the nose and cough.
11. Suction Bulb
Take a suction bulb, squeeze it, put it inside one nostril of your baby and release gently. It clears the airways and stuffy nose by removing the clogged mucus. Utilize it in a gap of few hours. It works wonders for 6 months old or even younger kids.
12. Warm Saline Water
Take a cup of warm tap water and add ½ teaspoon table salt to it. Put 2-3 drops of this saline water in each nostril one-by-one. Now, ask your child to blow. This remedy will clear the nasal congestion.

• Alternatively, fill a neti pot with warm salt water. Tilt the head of the child to one side and put the pot’s spout inside the nostril. Allow the water to flow through the nasal cavity gently. It will flow out from the other nostril. Instruct your child to breath via mouth during the rinsing process. Repeat the same procedure on the other side of nostril.
• Ask your baby to gargle with warm saline water twice or thrice a day. Add a few drops of lemon juice to make it tasty.

13. Suck on Popsicle
If your child is 4 years old or more, you can give him/her sugar-free hard candies, frozen berries, Popsicle, cough lozenges or crushed ice to suck on. These cold things will relieve him/her from scratchy throat.

Herbal Remedies for Cough in Children

Herbal remedies are free from side-effects and works wonders for kids.
14. Vapour Rub
Massage vapor rub or balms containing essential oils, beeswax, aloe and other herbs on the back, neck and chest of the child. Don’t apply it around the eyes, nose or anywhere else on his/her face.

• You can also prepare your own chest rub. What all you need to do is mix a drop each of sage, peppermint and eucalyptus essential oil in 2 tablespoons of organic olive oil. Massage it gently on the chest and neck of the kid.

15. Herbal Cough Syrup

• In one quart of filtered water, add 1 tablespoon cinnamon, ¼ cup marshmallow root, ¼ cup chamomile flowers and ¼ cup dried or fresh grated ginger root. Boil it down till the solution reduces to half. Strain it. Mix honey and lemon juice when the liquid is warm. Let it cool. You can store it for 2 months, in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. Give 1 teaspoon to the child when required.
• Steep 1 teaspoon each of thyme leaves and fenugreek seeds, ½ lemon (cut up and deseeded), 1 tablespoon of feverfew in 1½ cups of water for at least half an hour. Strain the liquid. Simmer the resultant liquid till it reduces to 1 cup. Then, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable glycerine and 2 cups of honey. Allow it to cool. Transfer it in a jar and store this jar in the refrigerator. Give one teaspoon for a 50 lbs. baby, two teaspoons for a 75 lb kid and one tablespoon for a 100 lb. tot, every 4 hours.
• Steep 1 tablespoon each of oregon grape root, mullein, thyme, pleurisy root and cherry bark in 1 quart of water for ½ an hour. Strain it and again put on flames. Turn off heat when the liquid reduces to 1 pint. Add two pints of honey in warm solution. Give one teaspoon to a 50 lbs. kid, two teaspoons to a 75 lbs child and one tablespoon to a 100 lbs child, every 4 hours. It will alleviate dry cough.
• Horehound has been used since ages to cure cough in children owing to its expectorant properties. A compound, called marrabiin, found in horehound triggers the secretion of bronchi and aids unclogging the nasal congestion. Take a pint of boiling water and add 1 ounce of horehound leaves (dried) to it. Steep for ten minutes and then strain. Finally, mix honey (twice as much as liquid). You can keep it in refrigerator for 2 months.  Give ½ to 1 teaspoon to your child, 4 times per day.
• In 1½ cups of water, add one teaspoon each of lemon balm leaves, thyme leaves, horehound leaves, marshmallow root, rose hips, mullein leaves and licorice root. Steep the mixture for 30 minutes. Strain it and add ¼ cup vegetabe glycerin, 1 cup organic fruit syrup or brown rice syrup and 1 cup honey. When the liquid cools down, fill it in a jar and place the jar in the refrigerator. For a 50 lbs. child, 1 teaspoon would suffice. If your kid is 75 lbs. or 100 lbs, give 2 teaspoons and 1 tablespoon, respectively.

16. Herbal Decoction
Prepare a decoction by combining equal amount of Acorus calamus roots, Cuminum cyminum seeds and Coriandrum sativum leaves. Give 10 ml of this decoction to your kid after meal.
17. Herbal Powder
Take Cyperus rotundus roots, Pistacia chinensis leaves, Piper longum fruit, Aconitum ferox bud and Ocimum sancum root. Churn them into a powdered form. Give it to the kid along with honey.
18. Allium Cepa
Mix 1 teaspoon of Allium cepa juice with1½ teaspoon of honey. Leave it for 3-4 hours and then give it to the child. It will give immense relief in cough and cold.
19. Abrus precatorius
Scrub 10 grams of roots of this herb in 10 ml of water. Give it to your kid two times a day for at least 3 days.
20. Aloe barbadensis
Roast some leaves of Aloe barbadensis and extract its juice. Add Syzgium aromaticum powder and honey to it. Give this to your kid 2 times a day.
21. Anise Seed
Anise loosens the secretions of bronchi, thereby making it easy for the child to cough up. Take 1½ cups of boiling water and add 1 tablespoon of crushed anise seed to it. Let it steep for ½ an hour. Strain it. Simmer the liquid till it reduces to 1 cup. Then, add two cups of honey. When it cools, transfer it in a jar and store it in the fridge. You can keep it for 2 months. Give ½ teaspoon to your baby to soothe cough.
22. Herbal Tea

• Mix 1 table spoon each of dried thyme leaves, mullein and white horehound. Store this mixture in a jar. When required, steep 1-2 teaspoons of this herbal mixture in 1 cup of boiling water for 8-10 minutes. Use ½ cup for 25 lbs. children and 1 cup for 50 lbs. kids, thrice a day. It’s one of the best remedies for whooping cough.
• Take 1 cup of hot water and add ½ teaspoon of licorice root to it. Steep it for ten minutes and then strain. Give 1-2 cups each day to your child. The expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties of the licorice will soothe the symptoms associated to cough.
• Prepare lemon balm tea by steeping 2 teaspoons of lemon balm leaves (dried) in 1 cup of boiling water. Strain the tea and give it to your little one. It is considered as one of the excellent herbal remedies.
• In a cup of boiling water, steep 2 teaspoons of dried hyssop for 10-12 minutes. Finally, strain it. Feed the tea hot to your baby, in order to relieve congestion.

Do’s

• Teach your child to wash his/her hands frequently. Ensure that s/he scrubs well. When you are on the go, use sanitizers or alcohol-based hand wipes.
• If your baby has caught cough, there are chances that other family members may get sick because virus spreads rapidly from one person to another. So, be extra vigilant about hygiene and cleanliness of your house.

Don’ts

• Don’t smoke when your kid is suffering from cough and cold, as it may irritate the airways making it difficult for the child to breathe. Besides, keep him/her away from other sources of smoke, like wood-burning fires and grills.
• Avoid use of nasal decongestion sprays or other over-the-counter medications without doctor’s consultation.

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Fever Blisters

26 Easy Home Remedies for Fever Blisters

Fever blisters (or cold sores) are painful sores, which occur on lips, cheeks, chin, fingers, nostrils, or even genitals. These are caused by a virus, named ‘herpes simplex’. Fever blisters are contagious, and are usually mistaken to be canker sores (which are actually mouth ulcers and occur inside the mouth). Several cures are available for soothing and healing fever blisters. Before going for any medication, you can also use the ingredients from your kitchen counter to get rid of the fever blisters.

Causes

• Kissing, hugging or close contact with a person, having fever blisters
• Through indirect contact, like sharing a towel/handkerchief or lip balm  of the infected person
• Virus can easily spread through cuts or bruises on the skin
• Cosmetic surgery
• Lip injury
• Dental treatment
• Stress
• Hormonal changes

Symptoms

• Small, red blisters filled with fluid
• Pain and irritation
• Itchiness
• Headache
• Fever
• Swollen lips
• Swelling of lymph nodes

Natural Home Remedies for Fever Blisters

Following are the remedies in order to get rid of fever blisters fast at home:
1. Apply Ice
This is the simplest home remedy for treating fever blisters on lips. Gently rub ice on the blister for some time, after every hour. Repeat this process until the blister lessens.
2. Lemon Balm Tea
Make lemon balm tea and soak a cotton ball into it. Now, apply it on the blister. Lemon balm is one of the best treatments for fever blisters.
3. Tea Bag
Gently press a warm tea bag on the blister for about 30 minutes. Repeat it several times a day.
4. Egg and Yoghurt
You can make a facial mask of egg and yoghurt and apply it on the blisters. You just need to mix 1 egg with one cup of yoghurt and a bit of manuka honey. Egg and yoghurt will help soothe the fever blister to a great extent.
5. Aloe Vera
Apply fresh aloe vera juice on the blister. Let it remain for a few minutes. Aloe vera is a good cure for fever blisters as it quickly heals any type of skin infection.
6. Witch Hazel
Soak a cotton ball in witch hazel and apply it on the fever blister. Witch hazel is a good remedy to put on fever blisters.
7. Common Salt
Moisten your finger and insert it in common salt. Now, place it on the blister. Common salt will help in healing the fever blister.
8. Baking Soda
Mix some baking soda in a little water to form a thick paste. Now, apply it over the blister. This will soothe and heal the fever blister.
9. Licorice
Take some licorice powder and spread it over the blister. This is another good cure for fever blisters.
10. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is one of the best things for fever blisters. Apply some peppermint oil on the blister to get away with the problem.
11. Cold Milk
Dip a cotton ball in cold milk and apply it on the fever blisters. It will heal the fever blisters.
12. Onion
Slice raw onion and gently rub it on the blisters. Onions are anti-inflammatory, and therefore, give relief from fever blisters.
13. Grapefruit Seed
Add some aloe vera to 2-3 drops of grapefruit seed extract and apply it on the blister. Grapefruit seeds have antioxidant and anti-microbial properties and quickly heal up the fever blisters.
14. Lysine Supplements
It has been found that lysine slows down the spread of virus – ‘herpes simplex’, which triggers fever blisters. Therefore, 1000 mg of lysine is recommended in a day to stop fever blisters.
15. Toothpaste
Toothpaste is another effective home remedy for fever blisters on lips. You just need to apply some toothpaste on the blister. Let it remain for some time. Repeat it several times to speed up the healing process. Toothpaste contains sodium lauryl sulphate that works to cure the fever blisters.
16. Plum Juice
Plum juice is one of the best home remedies for fever blisters in the mouth. Rinse your mouth with some fresh plum juice. Plum juice is also effective in relieving the pain, caused due to fever blisters. You can also apply it on the blisters using a cotton ball.
17. Rhubarb and Sage Cream
A combination of rhubarb and sage cream is an effective remedy for fever blisters.
18. Reishi and Astragalus
A combination of Reishi mushroom and astragalus is a useful home remedy for treating fever blisters as it controls the spreading of herpes simplex virus. You can also apply 600 mg of Reishi powder or can take its supplement once or twice every day in order to alleviate fever blisters.
19. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an excellent anti-bacterial and good for almost all skin infections. Therefore, you can treat the fever blister with tea tree oil by diluting it properly with enough water, and then, apply it when the initial symptoms of fever blisters begin to surface. Tea tree oil will prevent the blister from worsening more.
20. Vicks Vaporub
Apply a bit of vicks vaporub on the fever blister as it starts appearing. This will help to prevent the itchiness on the fever blister.
21. Apple Cider Vinegar
Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it on the fever blister. Apple cider vinegar is a good anti-bacterial and helps in drying out the fever blister while also maintaining the pH balance of the skin.
22. Hydrogen Peroxide
Dab a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide and place it on the fever blister for some time.  The anti-bacterial property of hydrogen peroxide efficiently heals the blister while killing all the bacteria.
23. Garlic
Garlic is one of the most common remedies that work for various skin ailments.  Make a paste of 2-3 cloves of garlic and apply it regularly. Let it be on the fever blister at least for 15 minutes. Garlic is a good antibiotic and helps to kill the bacteria, causing fever blisters.
24. Vaseline
In order to prevent the bacteria from spreading more, always cover the fever blisters with petroleum jelly.
25. Use Over-the-counter Painkillers
Painkillers, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen or aspirin can be taken to get relief from painful fever blisters.
26. Apply Anti-viral Ointments
Topical medicated creams can be applied to cure fever blisters, such as tromantadine and docosanol.

Homeopathic Remedies to Heal Fever Blisters

Besides home remedies, homeopathic remedies are also the economic and safe method to boost the natural healing ability of the body. Following homeopathic remedies work wonders in curing fever blisters.
1. Arsenicum album
This homeopathic remedy works well in alleviating the fever blisters, like itchiness, burning sensation and swelling.
2. Natrum muriaticum
It gives relief from itching and inflamed fever blisters.
3. Borax
This can be used to get relieve the itchy feeling, caused by fever blisters.
4. Apis mellifica
Fever blisters with a sensation of burning and tingling can greatly be relieved by this homeopathic remedy.
Other homeopathic remedies to treat fever blisters are Mezereum,
Capsicum Annuum, Ranunculus Bulbosus, Mentha Piperita and Rhus Toxicodendron.

How to prevent fever blisters?

Some common methods to prevent fever blisters are:

• Use zinc lozenges as these are good for boosting up the immune system and preventing fever blisters.
• Stress also causes fever blisters, so don’t take stress.
• Avoid touching the blister as it may spread the bacteria to other parts of the body, like eyes or chin.
• Avoid mouth-to-body contact with the infected person, like hugging or kissing.
• Apply sunscreen on your lips. Fever blisters are also caused due to excessive sun- exposure of skin.
• Change your toothbrush, once the fever blister has vanished, in order to prevent the infection again.

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Mosquito Bite

39 Home Remedies for Mosquito Bite

Mosquito bites are generally the itchy and irritating bumps that come into view after mosquitoes make use of their mouthparts to puncture your skin and feed on your blood to fill their stomach. Although, most mosquito bites are risk-free or harmless, but seldom, a mosquito bite may result in swelling, soreness, and redness.
Monsoon season is, of course, the favorite of mosquitoes to grow up. When mosquito bites us, we don’t realize it the same time. However, the after effects may be harmful and annoying, and may result in dengue or malaria. Some of the home remedies to treat mosquito bites are described below. Let’s have a look at them.
1. Ammonia
Ammonia is a well-liked and the most efficient anti-itch remedy. It changes the acidity (pH) of the skin, thus, opposing a number of chemical reactions that may cause itching. Moisten a dry cotton ball with ammonia and place it on the affected skin. This remedy is especially very useful for fresh mosquito bites.
Note- Utilize only household ammonia. Those who have a sensitive skin are suggested to not try out this remedy.
2. Rubbing Alcohol
This home remedy is very helpful in curing the itch. When alcohol starts to evaporate, it cools down and dries off the skin, thereby reducing the size of the bite and aids minimize the swelling. Pour some alcohol directly onto the bitten site or place a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol on the mosquito bite. Make sure that the affected area is completely wet by the alcohol.
Note: This remedy is not a permanent cure, so, the itching may return in a couple of hours.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
This works as an antiseptic and may help prevent infections caused by mosquito bites, if applied in a correct way. It also reduces swelling, itching, and redness.
Damp a cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide and apply it directly onto the bitten area. You can reapply it as many times as you want. This treatment is really helpful, especially for kids, and for those who have sensitive skin.
Note: Utilize only household hydrogen peroxide.
4. Hand Sanitizer
You may also employ your hand sanitizer. Almost all sanitizers contain alcohol plus some gel that cure the itch as well as prevent any further infection. All you need to do is, simply, apply a drop of hand sanitizer to the mosquito bite and leave it for some time.
5. Meat Tenderizer
If you apply it instantly after being bitten, it may neutralize the chemicals present in the mosquito saliva, thereby, preventing itchiness and redness. You may apply meat tenderizing powder directly onto the bite or combine it with some water. Leave it on for a few minutes, but do not leave it for a longer period of time.
Note: Do not try this remedy, if you have a sensitive skin.
6. Antiperspirant
Antiperspirant comprises of an aluminum compound that works as an astringent. It might not reduce the itching, but it surely minimizes the redness and swelling. All you need to do is, simply, spray or swipe antiperspirant on the affected site.
7. Soap
Rub a small piece of soap onto the bitten area. If you feel that the irritation and swelling is getting all the more worse, then immediately wash it off. The problem that you may come across using this remedy is that soap often causes skin irritation, so, the possibility of worsening the uneasiness of the mosquito bite might increase. If you are using this remedy, prefer a gentle/mild soap that is free from dyes and perfumes.
8. Toothpaste
Apply toothpaste on the mosquito bite to minimize the discomfort. It is recommended to choose that toothpaste which contains menthol and baking soda, or peppermint.
Note- Do not opt for gel-based toothpaste.
9. Mustard, Ketchup, and Other Spices
Mustard, ketchup, hot pepper sauce, cocktail sauce, and other mixed condiments may provide temporary relief from the uneasiness caused by mosquito bites, as they are either acidic and alter the pH of skin, or they are salty and dry off the bitten area, thus, reduce the itching. In addition, the cold refrigerated sauce may relieve the irritation for some time.

• Apply a dab of whatever you may find is easily available in the refrigerator to the bitten area.
• Leave it for a couple of minutes before washing.
• If you feel that it is helping you to relive the itching, then you may repeat the process using a cool, moist towel or with an ice cube.

10. Garlic
Rub a small piece of raw garlic onto the affected site. You might sense a tinge of burning sensation for a couple of minutes, but slowly and steadily it will provide respite from the irritation and itchiness. The strong smell of garlic will also repel the mosquitoes; hence, you will be rescued of mosquito bites.
11. Vanilla
Place a little dab of vanilla on the affected skin area and allow it to dry. You may re-apply it for a number of times, as required.
12. Table Salt
Salt is also effectual on mosquito bites, owing to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Make a thick paste by mixing a small amount of finely ground salt and a few drops of water. Apply this paste directly on the bitten skin area. Prefer iodized salt while trying out this remedy.

• Alternatively, you can also make a paste by using seasoning salt, garlic salt, and water in similar amounts. Now, gently apply the resultant paste on the affected skin area. In the beginning, it may cause a flaming sensation for a couple of seconds, but gradually, it will provide immense relief on the bitten area.
• If you reside near a beach, you can go swimming to rinse your skin in the natural salt water.

13. Transparent Nail Polish
Apply a solid coat of nail polish, in order to get rid of itchiness caused due to mosquito bite.
14. Lemon
Lemons have natural anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties, which make them one of the most efficient remedies for curing mosquito bites.

• Just slash a lemon into 2 pieces and massage your itchy skin with the inner part of one of the halves for speedy relief. You can also rub the yellow skin of the lemon over your skin.
• Or else, apply lemon juice to the bitten area, in order to reduce any further risk of developing an infection.
• Alternatively, you may also add minced basil leaves to lemon juice and apply the combination onto the affected skin area.

15. Freeze Gel
You may try freeze gel to relieve yourself from itchiness. Prefer freeze gel over ice, as it lasts for a longer period of time.
16. Heat
Another effective cure is to apply hot pad, so that the itchiness ceases permanently.
17. Apple Cider Vinegar
To get respite from the itching, use any of the following ways:

• Apply apple cider vinegar directly onto the bitten area.
  • Immerse a small cotton ball in apple cider vinegar.
  • Put the soaked cotton ball over the bitten area. In case, you don’t want to hold it, you may place a tape on it.
  • Leave it for a couple of minutes. After some time, you will feel that the pain and irritation has gone.
• Home-made vinegar paste.
  • Prepare a thick paste by mixing ACV and corn flour.
  • Smoothly apply the prepared paste onto the bitten area.
  • Let it dry. It will ease the itching.
  • After a short interval of time, rinse it off using warm water.

18. Calamine Lotion
Put some calamine lotion, in order to alleviate the itching and irritation.
19. Bleach
Just dab your finger tip with a little amount of bleach, and massage it on the affected area.
20. Atis Juice
Atis helps prevent the swelling which resulted due to mosquito bite. The juice prepared from its unripe seed and fruit eases itching and is one of the best and popular home remedies used by many people all over the world for healing mosquito bite.
21. Saliva
Saliva is the finest solution to get rid of mosquito bite. All you have to do is just lick your finger and then, rub your wet finger on the bitten area. This sounds weird and awkward, but it heals almost 90 percent of the bitten skin. After giving this first aid, if you still feel drowsy or sick, consult a doctor.
22. Ice Cubes
Hold an ice cube or wrap a few ice packs in a washcloth and massage on the bitten area, for approximately 10 to 20 minutes. This will temporary numb the affected area, giving you quick and immediate relief from swelling and itchiness.

• In case, ice is not available, you may hold the affected area under cold running tap for a couple of minutes. Besides, you can also utilize a bag of frozen vegetables or a cold water bottle on the bite.

23. Tea Bags
Natural tannins present in tea work as an astringent and draw the poison out of the skin, thus, minimize the uneasiness. Employ a used tea bag and press it against mosquito bite until the itching sensation vanishes.
24. Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is one of the most effective remedy to end the inflammation and irritation. Since it is alkaline in nature, it neutralizes the pH of the skin, and consequently, provides relief.

• Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass full of water and make a thick paste. Immerse a dirt-free clean cloth into the paste and place it over the bitten skin area, for about 10 to 20 minutes.

25. Crushed Onion
Onion reduces swelling and calms the itching sensation caused by mosquito bite. Furthermore, the strong and pungent smell of onion also repels various other insects and mosquitoes. Put minced onion directly onto the bitten area. Leave it for a couple of minutes, and subsequently rinse off.
26. Aspirin
As aspirin has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, it can efficiently control the swelling resulted due to mosquito bite. Crush aspirin into powdered form. Add some amount of water to make a thick paste. Apply the paste onto the bitten area and let it stay for a couple of hours. When it gets dried, rinse off using warm water.

• Alternatively, you may also wet the affected area and massage an aspirin over it.

27. Raw Honey
Just take a small amount of local raw honey and apply it directly onto the mosquito bite. Honey has anti-microbial properties that will help prevent any further infection.
28. Sticky Solution
Put a bandage (or a Scotch tape) on the bitten area. It will remind you to not scratch the bite, particularly at night.
29. Potato
Slash a potato and massage it on the mosquito bitten skin.
30. Mud
Apply a small amount of wet mud onto the bitten area and cover it with a bandage, in order to hold it in one place. Allow it to dry for some time. Rinse off the mud with water.
31. Banana
Use banana peel as a remedy for mosquito bite. It may sound strange, but it’s really effective. All you need to do is simply rub the inner side of a banana peel (skin) onto the bite.
32. Egg
Break an egg. You will find a flexible membrane inside the shell of the egg. Cover the mosquito bite with that membrane and let it dry for a couple of minutes. It will draw out some of the poison.
33. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is well-known for its anti-itching properties. Use breakfast oatmeal to prepare a paste out of it and apply it on the bitten skin. Let it dry, and subsequently wash it off.

Herbal Remedies to Cure Mosquito Bite

34. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is considered to be one of the best herbal remedies for healing the itchiness caused by mosquito bite, as it is a natural antibacterial agent. It will lessen the swelling, pain and itching, as well as assist quick healing.

• Slash the fleshy part of an aloe vera leaf to take out the juice. In case, you do not have an aloe vera plant at home, you may also make use of aloe vera gel readily available in almost all medical stores.
• Allow the extract to cool down in the refrigerator for about 10 to 15 minutes.
• Massage the ice-cold juice directly on the affected area of the skin.

35. Peppermint Poultice
The cooling effect of crushed peppermint leaves will give you instant relief from the bothering bites. Poultice made from plantain, jewelweed, or chickweed also works wonders on the bite.
36. Witch Hazel
Make a paste using baking soda and witch hazel. Apply it on the affected skin area and let it stand for approximately 10-15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.
37. Plantain
Roll leaves of plantain among your fingers to take out the juice, or alternatively, you may also massage the juicy leaf over the bite. The irritation caused by the bite will be vanished in less than a minute. You can also blend witch hazel and plantain, and use it as a soothing wash.
38. Basil Leaves
Massage a basil leaf on the mosquito bite, which will stop the itching slowly. Basil has anti-inflammatory properties that keep the mosquitoes away.
39. Essential Oils
There are a number of essential oils that can provide momentary relief from mosquito bites. Some of them are rosemary, witch hazel, tea tree, lavender, margosa, and cedar oil. Take some oil and dilute it with a small quantity of water. Then, apply it on the affected skin.

• Alternatively, you may also dab a little amount of lavender oil on the bitten area, which can ease the itching speedily.
• Tea tree oil cures redness and swelling. Dilute the oil with water and apply on the affected skin. You might feel itchiness after applying this oil, but these side- effects are short-term. You may also use creams or lotions containing this oil.

Note- Don’t use this oil, if you have a sensitive skin or allergies.

Do’s

• Wear long-sleeved clothes.
• If doors and windows of your house are not screened, keep them close to prevent the entry of mosquitoes.
• Chuck out water-holding containers, as they easily develop mosquitoes.
• Avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn as mosquito bite, generally, occurs during these hours.
• Massage the exposed parts of your body with a mosquito repellent.
• Use mosquito net on the bed.

Don’ts

• Avoid scratching the bitten areas, so that, it does not worsen.
• Many people use to put an ‘X’ with the help of their fingernails just in the middle of the bitten area. But, it should not be done, as it may cause infection.

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