Article: Mandy Collins from True Love
Image: Getty Images

The home medicine cabinet has undergone some changes with the increase in popularity of natural medications. However, there are some problems with this as many people confuse "natural" with "safe" – as much caution needs to be exercised with alternative medications as you would with conventional medicine. You need to store them correctly, and ask your pharmacist or health shop expert for advice if in any doubt as to a natural remedy's use and safety precautions.

If your children have a more serious illness, it's best to consult a homeopath, who will then give you the correct remedies suitable for their illness and constitution. However, there are some remedies you can keep at home for minor ailments.

Here's a guide to some basic natural medicines that you can safely use at home on children aged two and older. If you have a very young baby, it's advisable to ask your homeopath, paediatrician, pharmacist or health shop expert for advice on dosage recommendations:

Olbas – this is a blend of aromatic oils that helps to unblock a congested nose. Put a few drops on a tissue, and pop the tissue under the child's pillow to help them breathe easily at night when they have a cold. Alternatively, your child can sniff it directly off the tissue to open up the nasal passages.

Lavender – a great essential oil used by aromatherapists to treat burns. It also helps to calm children – pop a few drops into their bath water or onto a tissue, leave it next to their beds and they should sleep calmly.

Rescue remedy – a flower remedy that's great for soothing anxious little ones and helping them to sleep. It comes in drops or tablets that dissolve under the tongue, so you can choose the form that suits your family best. It doesn't sedate children, but rather calms them down so they can have a good night's sleep before a test or any other stressful event.

Thuja lotion – this is an excellent treatment for warts, but it does require some patience as it takes a while to work. Paint it onto the wart morning and evening (it comes in a bottle with a little brush, like nail polish) and after six to eight weeks the wart will develop a sore underneath it. By the time the sore heals, the wart would have disappeared. You may want to apply a little anti-bacterial cream on the sore when it forms, as it can be a little tender.

Tea tree oil – an Australian remedy that's very good for cleaning out minor cuts and scrapes, but be aware that it's very astringent, so it may sting a little. It's also a good way to keep lice at bay if there's an outbreak at your child's school. Apply a few drops to the entire head and scalp and then rinse after you've washed your child's hair. (Moms, it's also a good oil to apply after you've waxed sensitive areas like your upper lip, as it soothes the irritation).

Propolis/Echinacea syrup – research has shown that as soon as a child attends a day care centre, playgroup or school where there are more than six children, the child will probably suffer from Crèche Syndrome where they battle with coughs and colds most of the time. To help boost their immunity, especially in the colder winter months, give them Propolis and Echinacea syrup daily. Both ingredients help the body fight off cold and flu viruses, and a daily prophylactic dose can do wonders for your child's overall health.

Arnica gel – is an effective remedy for bumps and bruises. It reduces swelling and pain, and while your child will still have the bruise, the pain stops almost immediately.

Note to moms: The natural treatments listed in this article are intended to inform you and should not be seen as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health professional.

Do you have any home remedies that you have found to do the job as well as any other conventional medicines? Share tips and advice in the comment box below.