The Best Natural Remedies for Kids

We've uncovered the natural remedies for kids that really work -- and the ones you should never try.

By Jan Sheehan

Robyn Lehr

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For lots of moms and dads today, non-pharmaceutical approaches to illness are more appealing than ever. In a 2009 survey of 6,000 parents conducted by Opinion Research Corporation, 40 percent of them said that they were interested in natural remedies for their kids, compared with 23 percent in a similar 2008 survey. "Parents want treatments that are gentle and natural, yet still effective," says pediatrician Hilary McClafferty, M.D., adjunct clinical assistant professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina, in Chapel Hill.

Of course, you should always call your pediatrician if your child has a health problem that may require traditional medical care. But which are the best science-backed and expert-recommended natural remedies? We've done the research for you.

What do you think of this story? Tell Us.

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Comments (8)

jessboscarini wrote:

Here are 7 more healthy remedies if your child (or you for that matter) are sick this winter: http://www.ocfoodandfitness.org/apps/blog/feeling-sick-natural-remedies-that-really-work

1/22/2012 03:24:00 PM Report Abuse

athome4mykids wrote:

My daughter suffered from severe allergies that causes colds and ear and sinus infections then she started seeing a chiropractic dr that practices natural methods to treat and prevent illnesses and wow..I am amazed at how much it has helped.. Also, if you want to work from home and earn some awesome money..go to www.athome4kids.awgreen.com you won't sell anything or touch inventory ever.

9/7/2011 05:14:49 PM Report Abuse

erin_adair wrote:

annoying that you can't just scroll down one page to see all the "tips." i'm usually reading these from my blackberry, while i'm breastfeeding in the middle of the night. would be much nicer to not have to click from page to page.

9/7/2011 03:46:13 PM Report Abuse

justneed4 wrote:

....my nephew would get really bad gas cramps when my sister would eat certain veggies!

3/17/2011 01:07:51 PM Report Abuse

sesims7171 wrote:

Mine was a temporary milk protein allergy. Each time I breastfed my child after consuming milk, ice-cream, eating cheese, yogurt, etc, she would get colic. She always was gassy, but this was full-blown all night colic, screaming for hours with not relief from the pain.

2/13/2011 11:42:37 AM Report Abuse