Kids get sick! It’s a normal part of growing up. While there is a time and place for antibiotics, not every cough or rash needs a prescription. In many cases, natural medicines can help bolster your child’s immune response and help them feel better, faster.
Here are eight common childhood health concerns along with simple, holistic, at-home solutions parents can use. Of course, these should never replace urgent medical care but often can be used to support recovery and ease symptoms.
1. EAR INFECTIONS
A common cause of doctor visits, often occurring after or during a cold. Symptoms include pain, fussiness, and trouble sleeping.
Natural Supports:
Warm compress—Placing a warm, damp cloth over the ear can help increase circulation and reduce pain.
Ear oils—If the eardrum is still intact (check with a healthcare provider), ear oils containing garlic and mullein can offer local anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Probiotics—Supports immune function, especially after antibiotics. Helps prevent recurrence with research-backed strains such as Lactobacillus (salivarius, rhamnosus GG, reuteri), and Bifidobacterium lactis.
Xylitol nasal sprays—May reduce nose-to-ear spread of bacteria during cold season. Middle ear infections are ultimately caused by bacteria from the nose and throat becoming trapped behind the ear drum.
When to seek medical care: High fever, severe pain, suspected rupture of the ear drum.
2. ECZEMA (ATOPIC DERMATITIS)
A common condition causing itchiness, inflamed patches, and dried skin, especially on the cheeks, legs, and arms.
Natural Supports:
Moisturisers—Use fragrance-free creams like shea butter, coconut oil, or calendula to protect skin. Calendula may rebalance the skin microbiome by inhibiting Staph aureus, often overgrown in eczema.
Colloidal oatmeal baths—Helps soothe irritation and itching while supporting skin barrier repair.
Probiotics—Especially useful for kids with allergies or gut issues. Key strains include Lactobacillus lactis, fermentum, paracasei, salivarius, and rhamnosus.
When to seek medical care: If the skin becomes infected or is not improving.
3. CONSTIPATION
Commonly experienced and isn’t always a sign that something serious is going on. Quite often, constipation can be attributed to a lower fibre diet, inadequate hydration, and even holding in bowel movements.
Natural Supports:
Dietary—Increasing dietary fibre intake with fibre-rich foods such as berries, pears, prunes, and seeds. How much fibre do they need? An easy rule of thumb for children is their age plus five grams of fibre daily.
Magnesium citrate—In age-appropriate doses, magnesium can gently help relieve constipation by drawing water into the gut and causing an osmotic laxative effect.
Water intake—Make drinking water fun by using different cups or a splash of juice to encourage hydration. Aim for 4–8 cups per day.
Abdominal massage—Gentle tummy rubs or warm baths can help!
When to seek medical care: Persistent pain, blood in stool, or unresolved symptoms.
4. RECURRENT COUGH AND/OR COLD SYMPTOMS
Frequent viral infections are common in kids, especially in school or daycare settings.
Natural Supports:
Elderberry/Sambucus—Gummies, chews and syrups; Sambucus has been shown to have anti-viral activity, supports immunity, and may shorten colds.
Vitamin C and Zinc—These two nutrients are an immune-boosting duo! Best taken at the first sign of illness. Lozenges work well here.
Honey (for children over age 1)—Soothes coughs, sore throats, and may even be as effective as some over-the-counter medications.
Vitamin D—Supports immune function; dosing ranges from 600–2000 IU depending on age, and can be taken throughout cold season.
When to seek medical care: Fever over 39°C, breathing difficulties, or prolonged symptoms.
5. SEASONAL ALLERGIES (ALLERGIC RHINITIS)
Seasonal allergies are often accompanied by sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes triggered by dust, dander, and pollen.
Natural Supports:
Quercetin—Nature’s anti-histamine that can help reduce symptoms when taken preventatively.
Euphrasia eye drops—Soothes itchy, irritated, red eyes, often without the rebound redness commonly caused by over the counter eye drops.
HEPA air filters—By using a HEPA air filter in the bedroom, you can reduce airborne allergenic exposure, which helps provide restorative sleep and a much-needed breath of fresh air.
Vitamin C—When histamine is high, our allergic reactivity is high, and vitamin C can lower the amount of histamine released by our bodies.
When to seek medical care: Severe or persistent allergies, for testing, and for prescription options.
6. HAND, FOOT, & MOUTH DISEASE
A viral illness characterised by blister formation on the hands, feet, and mouth, typically occurring in children under the age of five.
Natural Supports:
Sambucus/Elderflower—Gummies, chews, and syrups; Sambucus has anti-viral properties that can help stimulate the immune system and get your little ones feeling better sooner. Commonly found combined with Echinacea, another powerful immune stimulating herb.
Coconut oil—Has a topical antibacterial, soothing, and hydrating effect. Can stimulate faster blister healing.
Cold foods—Like smoothies or popsicles. The coldness can help soothe painful mouth sores. While any popsicle will do, try to aim for natural or fruit-based popsicles that provide extra vitamins and nutrients.
When to seek medical care: If symptoms worsen, or your child can’t eat or drink
7. SLEEP DISTURBANCES
Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. This often occurs with anxious children and during growth spurts.
Natural Supports:
Magnesium—Apply topically to relieve muscle tension, or as an oral supplement to provide systemic anxiety and tension relief.
Chamomile tea—Is a great way to provide a tasty herb known for its sleep-promoting and anxiety-busting properties, and can be used as a regular addition to bedtime rituals.
Sleep rituals—Bedtime routines are an essential part of sleep hygiene as they train the body to expect relaxation at a regular time each night. These can include calming activities, restricting screen-time, and reading before bed.
Lavender essential oils—Can be added into bedroom diffusers. Lavender shows anti-anxiety and nervous system calming effects.
When to seek medical care: If sleep problems persist for weeks at a time, or impact daytime functioning.
8. TONSILLITIS
Tonsilitis is inflammation of the tonsils, usually caused by a virus, but occasionally by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes. Symptoms can include red, swollen tonsils, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and fever. In viral cases, it can also present with a cough or runny nose.
Natural Supports:
Saltwater gargles—This can ease sore throats and help reduce swelling. If your child is old enough, mix a few pinches of salt into warm water and instruct to gargle several times per day.
Honey and herbal teas—Honey (children 1 year and older) is well-known for its ability to reduce coughing, while herbal teas such as chamomile or licorice root can help soothe the throat while providing gentle immune support.
Echinacea and goldenseal—Commonly together in anti-viral formulas, these two herbs promote good immune function and may help resolve the infection faster.
Zinc and vitamin C lozenges—This is a good combination needed to fight off infections! Several formulations also include additional ingredients, such as slippery elm, which can coat the throat and provide additional relief.
Rest, fluids, and soft foods—These are key in fighting tonsilitis. Popsicles, broths, soups, and smoothies are a great way to help ease discomfort while keeping hydration and nutrition up.
When to seek medical care: High fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, drooling, or symptoms lasting longer than 3–5 days. Bacterial cases of tonsillitis often require antibiotics to prevent complications like rheumatic fever. Natural therapies can still support your child and provide comfort alongside medications.
When your child is unwell, you want to do everything in your power to make them feel better. Natural remedies can offer gentle and effective support for many common childhood illnesses, from earaches and coughs to eczema and constipation. These natural tools do not replace the need for medical care, but can be used to reduce the need for medication, prevent flare-ups, and support healing.
Every child is unique, so be sure to work with a knowledgeable healthcare provider to find the best approach for your family. With the right guidance, natural therapies can be a safe and powerful part of your child’s wellness plan.
