If you live with children, your medicine cabinet probably contains an assortment of cough syrups, decongestants, anti-diarrhea treatments, and fever-reducers. Such over-the-counter and prescription medications often do a great job at providing temporary relief from symptoms. Unfortunately, they can also create their own problems in the process. For example, decongestants commonly cause drowsiness, restlessness, and rebound congestion. Antibiotics, when used excessively, invite the development of dangerous strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

While all children are exposed to virus, only a portion of these children will get sick to some degree and others will not succumb to the disease at all. This is because viruses and bacteria are not the sole cause of disease. The internal environment of the body determines whether a child will be susceptible to colds, flu or any other illness. Germs will only lead to illness when the body is out of balance and immunity is weakened. It is the strength of a child's immune system and overall health and vitality that determines illness, not the strength of the germs. A child with a weakened immune system will be more vulnerable to viruses, bacteria, and other germs that constantly circulate in our world.

What can be done at home to improve your children's resistance to disease? The most important factor in dealing with any illness, whether acute or chronic, is diet. A proper diet goes a long way to alleviating problems and illnesses that stem from inadequate nutrition. Were you aware that medical studies are proving that diet can profoundly affect illness in children? It has also been proven that dietary factors are responsible for worsening such problems as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), hyperactivity, and asthma. A child who is getting what his or her body needs through good nutrition is going to develop more normally, be less prone to illness, and the duration of common illnesses will be shortened.

Remember too that our children today are under a lot of stress, just as adults are. Peer pressure, pressures in the classroom, dealing with separation anxieties and broken families are just some of the things creating stressful situations for our children. As an Herbalist, I would be remiss in not mentioning the use of herbs. For most common childhood ills, herbal remedies offer a safe and effective alternative to pharmaceutical drugs-without the side effects. The majority of childhood ailments tend to be mild, and the best treatment you can give is one that bolsters your child's immune system while relieving uncomfortable symptoms. In my practice I have often relied on mild herbs to build a child's immunity and prevent common illness. Herbs such as Chamomile, Ginger, Thyme, Garlic and Peppermint are the ones I reach for first. This, coupled with plenty of rest and nourishing foods and liquids, often provides all that's needed to help your child bounce back to health.

Karen Rose
Clinical Herbalist
Sacredvibes Healing
Brooklyn, NY