10 Natural Sickness Remedies For Kids

There’s nothing that tugs at a mama’s heart quite like a sick child. The glassy eyes, the little body curled up on the couch, the way they just want to be held – it’s hard. And in those moments, your instinct is to do something. To fix it. To make them feel better as fast as possible.

But if you’re like me, you’ve also started asking a different question: what can I reach for before I reach for the medicine cabinet?

I’m not against conventional medicine – there’s absolutely a time and place for it as I definitely use a mixture of natural remedies + over the counter medicine. But I’ve learned over the years that God gave us so many natural tools to support our kids’ bodies, and a lot of the time, those gentle remedies are exactly what a little one needs to heal well. So today I’m sharing my go-to natural sickness remedies for kids — the ones I actually use in our home when sniffles, fevers, coughs, and upset tummies show up.

---

Why I Look for Natural Sickness Remedies First

Before I jump into the list, I just want to say that this comes from a place of empowerment, not fear. I’m not trying to avoid doctors or pretend that herbs can fix everything. I’m simply a mama who believes that supporting the body’s natural healing process is usually the gentlest, wisest first step.

Symptoms like fevers and runny noses are often the body doing its job — fighting off infection and building immunity. When we constantly suppress those symptoms right away, we sometimes interfere with that process. Natural sickness remedies for kids tend to work with the body rather than against it, and I love that.

Okay, let’s get into it! (and at the end of this blog, I’ll give you my visual board for the remedies I always use!)

---

Raw Honey

If I had to pick just one natural remedy to always have on hand, it would be raw honey. It’s antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and incredibly soothing — especially for sore throats and coughs.

Studies have actually shown that honey is just as effective (or more effective) than over-the-counter cough suppressants for kids. A spoonful on its own, stirred into warm water with lemon, or mixed into herbal tea works beautifully.

Important note: Never give honey to a baby under 12 months due to the risk of infant botulism.

For older toddlers and big kids, though? Raw honey is a gift. We keep a big jar of local, raw honey in our pantry at all times.

---

Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry has become pretty well-known in the natural health world, and for good reason. It’s rich in antioxidants and has been shown to support immune function and reduce the duration of colds and flu.

You can buy high quality elderberry syrup, or make your own at home – it’s honestly easier than it sounds and much more affordable.

Look for a syrup that also contains ginger, cinnamon, and cloves – those additions are doing a lot of good work too.

---

Warm Bone Broth

There’s a reason chicken soup has been a cold remedy for centuries. Real, homemade bone broth is packed with minerals, collagen, and amino acids that support gut health and immune function. And when kids are sick and not eating much, bone broth is one of the best ways to keep them nourished without taxing their digestive system.

I always keep frozen bone broth on hand so I can pull it out whenever someone in our house starts feeling under the weather. Sip it plain, use it as a base for simple soups, or simmer some pasta or rice in it.

---

A Warm Bath with Epsom Salt and Essential Oils

This one is as much about comfort as it is about healing – and honestly, comfort is part of healing. A warm bath with Epsom salt helps the body absorb magnesium, which supports relaxation and sleep. Add a few drops of properly diluted eucalyptus or lavender essential oil, and you’ve got a gentle, soothing experience that can help with congestion, body aches, and restless nights.

Just make sure to dilute essential oils properly for children – a little goes a long way, and some oils aren’t appropriate for very young kids. When in doubt, lavender is one of the gentlest options.

---

Garlic

Garlic is one of nature’s most powerful antimicrobials, and it’s something most of us already have in our kitchens. Raw garlic has the most potent properties, but it’s definitely not easy to get a child to eat raw garlic on its own!

A few ways we sneak it in: minced into warm honey (the honey disguises the bite), mixed into bone broth, or added generously into soups and foods. Some families make “fire cider” or garlic honey as a staple sick-season remedy — worth looking into if you want something more concentrated.

 

---

Steam and Humidity

This one costs nothing and works beautifully for congestion and croup-like coughs. Running a hot shower and sitting in the steamy bathroom for 10–15 minutes can do wonders for a stuffy little nose. A cool-mist humidifier in the bedroom at night also helps keep airways moist and makes breathing easier.

We run a humidifier in the kids’ rooms all winter long – it’s one of our simplest, most effective tools.

 

---

Ginger Tea with Honey and Lemon

Ginger is warming, anti-inflammatory, and great for nausea and upset tummies. A simple ginger tea – made by simmering fresh ginger slices in water for 10 minutes, then adding a squeeze of lemon and a spoonful of raw honey — is one of the most comforting natural sickness remedies for kids (and mamas, too).

For younger children, you can dilute it more and make it extra mild. Most kids actually like the sweetness from the honey and the warm, cozy feeling it gives them.

---

Rest (For Real)

I know this sounds obvious, but in our busy culture, we sometimes underestimate rest as a remedy. Sleep is when the body does its deepest healing. When your child is sick, the most important thing you can do is slow everything down.

Cancel the activities. Put on some quiet movies. Let them sleep as much as they need to. Cuddle them. Rest is not passive – it’s one of the most active things a body can do to heal.

And, if your little one is having a hard time falling asleep while sick, we will very occasionally give them Mary Ruth Organics Melatonin (for kids). 

---

Probiotics

Gut health and immune health are deeply connected – around 70% of the immune system lives in the gut. Supporting your child’s gut during sickness (and honestly, all the time) with a good probiotic can make a real difference.

If your child is on antibiotics, this becomes especially important. Antibiotics can wipe out good gut bacteria along with the bad, and replenishing with probiotics helps restore balance.

Look for a children’s probiotic with multiple strains, or offer probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, or naturally fermented foods.

---

Lots of Fluids

Hydration is one of the simplest and most powerful natural sickness remedies for kids. When little bodies are fighting an infection, they need plenty of fluids to support immune function, flush out toxins, and prevent dehydration – especially with fever or vomiting.

Offer water, diluted herbal teas, bone broth, and coconut water. If your child is refusing liquids, sometimes small sips from a fun cup or a popsicle made from coconut water or broth can help get fluids in.

---

When to Call the Doctor

Mama, I want to say this clearly: natural remedies are wonderful, but they are not a substitute for medical care when it’s needed. Please reach out to your child’s doctor if:

• Your baby is under 3 months with any fever
• Your child has a fever over 104°F
• Symptoms are getting significantly worse after a few days
• Your child seems dehydrated, lethargic, or is having difficulty breathing
• Your gut is telling you something is really wrong

Trust your instincts. You know your child better than anyone. These remedies are tools in your toolkit — not a reason to wait when your child genuinely needs care.

---

A Final Word

Building a natural home remedy toolkit is one of the most practical, empowering things you can do as a mama. It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Start with the basics — raw honey, bone broth, elderberry, rest — and build from there.

You’ve got this. And your little ones are in good hands, yours! Here is my visual board I created so you can see what other products I swear by in our family!

---

Do you have a favorite natural sickness remedy for kids that I didn’t mention? I’d love to hear it! Drop a comment below or come share in our community.

---

Related posts you might love:

• First 12 Weeks Postpartum: A Guide To Realistic Expectations
• Bible Quotes About Motherhood: What Scripture Says In Times of Weariness 

---

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or medical professional. This post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your child’s healthcare provider with any concerns.