It’s back to school time but during this time comes all the common health problems. It can never always be exciting if your kid acquires health problems from surrounding kids in school and this is very much common! Classrooms and playgrounds are breeding grounds for nasty germs so here are some natural remedies for back-to-school problems :
HEAD LICE
Head lice are tiny insects that live on the skin covering the top of your head, called the scalp. Lice can easily spread from one head to another and once they are passed on, they flourish, grow and make their own colonies, and can be very tough to get rid of. Common drugs for head lice like the insecticide malathion, as well as lindane and benzyl alcohol, can be quite harsh on the scalp, especially on your kid’s scalp which can be sensitive. Always avoid using commercial products like those on kid’s scalp, instead opt for natural remedies.
Remedy: Try mixing tea tree, and eucalyptus oil in alcohol (10 drops each in 5-6 tablespoons alcohol). Apply the mixture on scalp and keep it overnight. Wash off using mild shampoo. Do this frequently depending on the severity of condition.
MINOR WOUNDS
Kids often fall down and get hurt in school especially when they play in the playground. To treat a wound, thoroughly clean it first by keeping the affected area under clean running water to get rid of any dirt, dust and other particles. Wash it with a mild antiseptic soap and pat dry. Apply extra-virgin coconut oil on the wounded area and cover it with a bandage. Repeat this remedy 2 or 3 times a day for a few days.
COLD AND COUGH
Cold and cough is one of the most common back-to-school problems. Raw honey is a good remedy for its anti-microbial properties. It also helps reduce nighttime coughing and improves sleep.
Remedy: Mix together 2 teaspoons of raw honey and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Give it to your child 3 or 4 times a day for a few days.
CONJUNCTIVITIS
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane that lines the eyelids. It is commonly known as pink eye. Symptoms of pink eye can includes blurred vision, pain, sensitivity to light, itching of the eye, redness, and over production if tears.
Remedy: Green tea has soothing properties that will help to reduce inflammation and discomfort. Place a organic green tea bag in hot water for few minutes and place it on the eyes for 15 minutes. Repeat 2-3 times a day till symptoms are no more.