In the last month, my four kids have had colds, pneumonia, and flu-like symptoms. Runny noses, sore throats, little and big coughs. In the colder months, I rely on natural remedies to get my family through the typical cold and flu season.

It’s tempting to seek out strong and instant fixes. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned against the use of cough suppressants, antihistamines, and decongestants in young kids. Ingredients like pseudoephedrine, dextromethorphan, and guaifenesin have been shown to cause serious side effects such as convulsions without showing real effect in young age groups.

Plant-based remedies are a gentle alternative for us moms to feel safe giving our kids. But homeopathy and herbal medicine are like fraternal twins. They share plant DNA but differ in use and formulation. Here are some ways to tell them apart and when to use them for your little ones.

What’s the difference between homeopathy vs. herbals?

Homeopathic remedies use plants (and sometimes animal products) to impact your health. They also use certain minerals, metals, and compounds based on two main ideas:

• The principle of treating “like with like,” which means that a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person can be used to cure similar symptoms in a sick person (i.e. onion causes runny noses so can treat diseases causing runny noses like hayfever or colds).
  
• If you dilute plant extract, it becomes more powerful.

Herbal medicine also uses plants to treat pain and illness. Even drugs we know well are technically herbal medicines. Aspirin comes from willow bark and caffeine from coffee beans and cacao pods.

Using whole plants for treatment, however, often takes the form of teas, tinctures, powders, salves, and poultices. For example, dissolving an elderberry plant in hot water allows you to drink elderberry tea or inhale the vapor.

Unlike homeopathic remedies, herbalists often choose plants that “oppose” a person’s symptoms to create balance. For example, if a person feels cold with poor circulation, they may be prescribed a warming herb like ginger.

Herbalists also tend to use full-strength preparations, often multiple grams of different herbs in a single formulation.

Is herbal medicine or homeopathy safe and effective for kids?

Like conventional medicine, naturopathic doctors who prescribe natural remedies make those remedies more effective. When a pediatrician well-versed in homeopathy and herbal medicine has a wide range of treatments to choose from, they can better pair them with symptoms so they can “work better” for that child.

But not all kids are the same. Stubborn symptoms and chronic conditions can make natural medicine more or less effective, so here are three reminders to keep your little ones safe:

• Never assume that adult herbals and dosages are safe for kids
• Prolonged viruses and infections past two weeks require professional help
• Never give remedies to a child younger than one year old.

Following the manufacturer’s guidelines, ultimately only you can be the judge if they are effective for alleviating the coughs, sneezes, and fevers that make sickness so hard.

Natural remedies to support your child’s immune systems

Whether it’s a simple cold or a more severe flu virus, here are a few of my go-to remedies that support my kids’ natural healing process.

Herbal Remedies
Herbal echinacea is derived from a type of coneflower as a preventative measure against colds and flu. Available for kids as liquid, chewy drops, or tablets, preventative dosing can lead to shorter and less frequent viral infections.

Black elderberry syrup is derived from the berries of the European elder tree. It boosts immunity and fights certain illnesses. As a tea, lozenge, pill, syrup, or gummy, it’s rich in immune-boosting nutrients like vitamin C and the antioxidant proanthocyanidin.

Eucalyptus and peppermint chest rub uses the essential oils of eucalyptus, peppermint leaves, and scotch pine for natural aromatherapy. The blended balm can help soothe colds or coughs without petroleum and potentially toxic camphor.

Homeopathic Remedies
Oscillococcinum is one of the best homeopathic flu remedies. Studies have shown that Oscillococcinum at the beginning of flu symptoms can significantly reduce symptoms and illness duration.

Muco Coccinum is a homeopathic, natural version of a flu vaccine. It’s a small tablet that contains small strands of the past seasons’ flu. The goal of Muco Coccinum is to boost your immune system and enhance your body’s natural defenses to ward off viruses.

Belladonna is my go-to for fevers. When cold or flu symptoms manifest with a sudden onset of red, hot, flushing face, high fever, and throbbing headaches. It is especially effective for addressing symptoms that arise rapidly.

Pulsatilla is best used for mucusy conditions and congestion with yellow-green, thick discharge and swollen glands.

When children come down with flu or cold symptoms, you want to be ready with remedies to avoid a prescription for a non-essential antibiotic. Supporting your child’s immune system is really about prevention. Building immunity with herbal and homeopathic remedies is the most gentle way to support your child.