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Runny nose, slight cough and at times fever are the characteristics of common cold.

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A sore throat with pain on swallowing, along with fever are the general symptoms of tonsillitis.

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Headache, runny nose, fever and loss of appetite mark the entry of sinusitis in our lives.

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Although cold is widespread and can be caught any time of the year, it is easier to catch in winters due to decreased immunity levels.

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Mostly infections like throat and coughs are spread by airborne particles when an infected person sneezes or coughs.

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Some food allergies may also cause these problems. Sometimes eating cold food items or drinking refrigerated liquids may also trigger cold symptoms immediately.

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Change of weather, exposure to cool air of the AC etc. are some of the other usual suspects.

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Althea Officinalis (Marshmallow) has been used since ancient Greek and Roman times. It contains large sugar molecules called mucilage which exert a soothing effect on mucous membranes.

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Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice Root) is a highly respected remedy with a variety of uses. Apart from strengthening the action of other herbs, licorice has long been known for it’s ability to soothe and calm irritable respiratory tracts. In addition Licorice root has powerful immune-boosting properties, helping the body to fight against infection.

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Kali. Mur. (6C) is a biochemic tissue salt that is very useful in keeping chests and throats clear of mucous. Kali. Mur. is also well known for its cleansing properties.

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Ferrum Phos. (6C) is another biochemic tissue salt which has many uses in the body. The most important benefits are in the ability of Ferrum Phos. to keep the body clear of infection and maintain respiratory health. Ferrum Phos. also helps to keep the walls of the blood vessels strong and healthy. These tissue salts improve the body's ability to distribute oxygen-rich blood and iron to all cells, thereby facilitating healing. An excellent Tissue Salt for the maintenance of respiratory health, Ferrum Phos. is often seen as one of the most important tissue salts to keep in the family medicine chest.

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Belladonna 30C - This is a homeopathic remedy used for fast relief of acute fever, pain, headaches, sore throat, swollen tonsils, dry cough and inflammation and is especially effective for illnesses which have a sudden onset.

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Gallium aperine (also known as Cleavers) - This is an excellent cleansing tonic and has a particularly beneficial effect on all the lymph glands, including the tonsils. Gallium aperine is effective in relieving swollen tonsils and other lymph glands and is also recommended for glandular fever.

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Echinacea purpurea (also known as American coneflower) is a Native American herb that has become famous for its tonic effect on the immune system. The roots of this herb contain polysaccharides that give a tremendous boost to the immune system. This herb has a property if inducing phagocytosis, a process in which foreign bodies get engulfed by the immune cells. Echinacea not only is a perfect remedy for colds and upper respiratory infections but also restores the natural immune system of the body quickly.

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Astragalus membranaceous (also known by its Chinese name, 'Huang qi') is a potent yet child-safe Chinese remedy that has a variety of benefits as an immune-supportive and rejuvenating tonic. Studies have shown Astragalus to maintain immune responses effectively.

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Withania somnifera (also known as Winter cherry) has been an important herb in the Ayurvedic and indigenous medical systems for over 3000 years, and is also called 'Indian ginseng'. It is one of the most important Ayurvedic tonic herbs, recommended for supporting growth, energy, and stamina. Regular use can also help to support blood nourishment, and it has been shown to have a tonic effect on the immune system.

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Eucalyptus oil is extracted from the leaves of the Australian Eucalyptus tree. It has a clean and revitalizing fragrance that has been used for over 150 years for promoting clear chests and noses. Eucalyptus also has natural antibacterial action and has been used in Australian aboriginal medicine for centuries.

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Niaouli oil is wonderful for maintaining free and easy breathing and for keeping chests and noses clear. It also has known antiseptic properties. Niaouli oil will lift the spirits of a sick and grouchy child naturally.

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Aaron’s rod – The flowers of aaron’s rod contain saponins, flavonoids and mucilage rendering it with expectorant, anti-inflammatory and soothing qualities. Various herbal preparations made from this plant are used to treat throat infections, colds and respiratory tract infections.

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Breastfed babies suffer less respiratory problems and are less prone to allergies. The antibodies present in breast milk make the baby’s immune system very strong from the very beginning and this can be continued later on when the child takes good nutritive diet.

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Hence, a nursing mother should take extra care of herself so that she provides for enough nutrition, both for herself and the baby through her milk. Her diet should include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, oily fish, lean meat, dairy products, pulses and whole grains. Fluids in the form of milk and fruit juice are very important to complete the requirement of vitamins, minerals, proteins and energy.

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Weaning, i.e. introducing new food to the baby should ideally start from sixth month onwards. Foods that help in case of cold and cough include pureed fruits and vegetables, cooked pulses and pureed meat, fish and well cooked egg (remember eggs and bananas may cause sneezing colds).

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For small children, nutritional diet comprises fruits and vegetables (vegetables are extremely important and they are precisely avoided by children, so change the look and taste often to that which suits your child), meat, milk, pulses and cereals. Their food should be slightly warm so as to soothe the throat.

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Nursing mothers should avoid alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and most medications. All these tend to pass into the milk and make the baby sleepy or irritable and nervous.

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Cover the child slightly when it sleeps so as to protect from direct contact of air.

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To decongest the baby’s or your child’s nose, use home made saline water or the one available with your chemist.

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Room should be kept humid. An electric kettle with boiling water, with the lid removed slightly, does the job perfectly.

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Head of the cot must be raised a little bit. This helps the baby in respiration.