Natural Remedy for Infant Sinus Congestion

Infants can only breathe through the nose for the first few months of life. If there is sinus congestion, it will make feeding and sleep difficult. Congestion is usually because of swelling in the lining membranes of the nose. Reduce the swelling to allow the infant to breathe easier. The American College of Chest Physicians does not advise the use of over-the-counter decongestants and other cold medications for children 14 years and younger. The side effects, which can be extra strong in children, may depress the central nervous system and cause changes in blood pressure, deep sleep and drowsiness.

Steam and Heat

• To relieve sinus congestion in young children, you need to reduce the swelling and drain any mucous. Give the child plenty of liquids, preferable water but fruit juices are also good, to lubricate the mucous membranes. Keep the room warm and humid. A vaporizer is the best or a pan of boiling water near the child, but not close enough to touch. It will keep the room humid and allow the sinuses to open.

Natural Antibiotic

• Colloidal silver, a natural antibiotic that comes in sinus spray, is effective for sinus infections in infants and children. Herbal teas and herbal nasal sprays will reduce the swelling in the sinuses. Vitamins build the immune system to fight infection that causes sinus congestion. Vitamins C and B-complex and zinc will help the body fight a sinus infection. Give the correct dose for the age of the child.

Eliminate Allergens

• Make sure your child is not near cigarette smoke, pets or too much dust that can cause the sinuses to congest. If the congestion lasts for several days, check the food intake for allergens. If the child is old enough, reduce or dilute dairy intake to thin the nasal secretions. Breast milk is always good as long as the child is hydrated. If he becomes dehydrated, water or fruit juices are better at first.

Recipe

• For sinus congestion, steep 1 tbsp. of feverfew, 1/2 lemon cut up, 1 tsp. of fenugreek seeds and 1 tsp. of thyme leaves in 1 1/2 cups of water for 30 minutes. Strain the herbs from the liquid. Make sure you remove all the lemon seeds. Simmer the remaining liquid down to 1 cup of liquid, and then add 2 cups of honey and 2 tbsp. of vegetable glycerin. Let it cool and put it in a jar with a lid and store in the refrigerator. It will keep for two months in the refrigerator. For a child less than two years, leave out the honey because there is a microorganism in honey that can make infants ill. Use brown rice syrup, barley and organic fruit syrups as substitutions. Give 1 tsp. every 4 hours for a child of 50 pounds or under.