Medications without preservatives, colourings, flavourings?

Question

My son reacts very badly to food additives, particularly preservatives. All the syrup type medications I have found so far have preservatives in them, and most have flavours and colours as well.

He can take tablets, so I can give him a tablet of panadol for headaches/fever etc, and he likes to drink teas so sometimes I'll give him peppermint tea if he has a sore tummy, but is there anyone that knows of things that are less full of junk but would help with other symptoms such as blocked noses, sore throats, upset stomachs, etc? I've also tried vicks vapor rub, and that helps but he doesn't like it for some reason, so it would be good to have a different option, too!

Thanks!

Answer 1

Obviously if it's serious medication you need you'll be talking to your doctor, so this is the 'bathroom cabinet' type of medication for small ailments?

One or two suggestions:

Upset tummy: *plain* yogurt is very good, but not the flavoured varieties. Also for upset tummies: camomile tea is good if he tires of peppermint. You could also try tomato juice or V8 with Worcester sauce added - it may not suit a child's taste, but this mix (with a *lot* of Worcester sauce) is a good head- and tummy-clearer for adults.

Sore throat - try hot milk with honey. Good as a bedtime drink if he's feeling generally poorly also.

Hiccups - a large spoonful of sugar with enough vinegar to soak it completely, swallowed down quickly. (I've never heard of anyone else using this remedy, but it works a treat).

Also for headaches - brown paper in vinegar applies to the forehead. (It's in the nursery rhyme, but it does work).

Answer 2

You can try honey for blocked noses and sore throats. Or do an inhalent bath for the blocked nose. Honey with a dash of lemon in warm water also helps. Vicks rub also help for the blocked nose. As for upset stomachs, try to refrain from eating. Just let the tummy rest. If he feels better, you can give him chamomile tea.

Answer 3

It's great that he likes teas. Those will be your best help right there.

Steam, I've found, is good for blocked noses. In fact, I remember a few times having to work while I was sick- and the only time I wasn't miserable was when I was in the jacuzzi room.

Ginger is great for upset tummies too, and possibly for some pains. And I use honey-lemon tea and beef bouillon for sore throats from colds for instance.