Big Helps for Little Hurts: Old-fashioned Home Remedies for Kids

You’d be surprised what solutions your pantry can hold! See 5 old-fashioned home remedies! All illustrations below by Tim Robinson.

1. Problem: Stuffy nose due to allergies.
Solution: Drink peppermint tea. The menthol in peppermint helps to thin mucus.

2. Problem: Too much pool time causing swimmer’s ear.
Solution: Carefully place a few drops of white vinegar inside the aching ear. Vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties. See more uses for vinegar!

3. Problem: Pain from a bee sting.
Solution: Remove the stinger, then cover the area with lots of toothpaste. Its alkalinity helps to neutralize the acidic venom.

4. Problem: Indigestion from eating too much.
Solution: Have a slice of kiwi or papaya. Both of these fruits can help to ease stomach discomfort.

5. Problem: Poison ivy causing itchy rash.
Solution: Relieve the itch with a pantry paste: Mix together 3 teaspoons of baking soda with 1 teaspoon water. Apply to the rash and allow the paste to dry completely. Repeat as necessary. The baking soda will dry out the area and ease the itch. See more uses for baking soda!

For more solutions to small problems, read The Old Farmer’s Almanac for Kids Volume 7!