5 Drug-Free Ways to End Your Sick Kid's Misery

Honey

A spoonful of honey quiets kids' coughs better than over-the-counter cough syrup and helps them sleep, according to a study from Penn State Hershey's College of Medicine. And Canadian researchers found that honey can kill bacteria that cause sinus infections. Look for darker honeys that have more antioxidants. Never give honey to children under the age of 1.

Chicken Soup

Chicken soup isn't just a comfort food anymore: Researchers at University of Nebraska Medical Center found that this age-old cold remedy actually reduces inflammation that causes cold symptoms.

Rest

Sleep and immunity are tightly linked, so it's best to keep the kids home, let them lie on the couch, and put them to bed early when they have the flu or a fever. A kid with a simple head cold can go about their normal activities.

Drinks

Fluids soothe a scratchy throat, prevent dehydration, and thin mucus so it drains more easily. Jell-O and Popsicles work well too (they offer organic varieties).

Disinfect

To keep germs at bay after your child's been sick, wash his or her sheets and clothes in hot water, change her toothbrush, spray furniture and carpets with a household disinfectant (such as Seventh Generation), and use germ-killing wipes to sterilize toys, doorknobs, light switches, and other hard surfaces.

Courtesy of Parents.com and Tips4green