Old wives’ tales are part of our upbringing and tradition and have been around for centuries. However, when it comes to treating your children, what works and where should you be cautious?
No parent wants their child to get sick, but it happens. This is usually when we hear our mom’s voice giving advice we’ve heard many times while growing up: ‘A bowl of hot chicken soup is all you need to stop that cold in its tracks.’ As one of the most known tales – as well as many others passed on from generation to generation – I’ve always wondered if there really was any truth in them, or if they’re just words of comfort to make us feel we’re doing the right thing for our children? We look at some of the common old wives’ tales:
Honey relieves colds
A young child with a stubborn cough – especially during these cold months – can be a worry for any parent. But, can a spoonful of honey help even more than common over-the-counter cough medicine? Yes, say researchers. Honey is a demulcent – it soothes the irritation in the throat – helping to alleviate coughs. One study compared the effects of honey to Dextromethorphan – the active ingredient found in most over-the-counter flu and cold remedies given to children. The result? Children taking honey fared better than the ones taking medicine. To add to that, honey also contains natural anti- bacterial agents, thereby helping with the healing process.
Preventing fever
There’s nothing good that will come out of not eating when suffering from a cold. All it does is weaken your body by depriving it of nutrition, at a time when it needs strength. The original old wives’ tale says: ‘Feed a cold, stave a fever’, which means eating will prevent a fever from breaking. This comes from the fact that most children (and adults) don’t feel like eating when they have a cold. But, getting something down during this time, be it just a few spoonfuls of chicken soup or orange juice, tends to ‘cure’ the cold before it turns into a fever. And, since a fever can also cause dehydration, make sure your child drinks plenty of water, fruit or vegetable juice to replace lost fluids.
Soothe baby’s gums with alcohol
Trying to comfort a baby who’s dribbling, drooling and in a lot of pain can be heartbreaking for any parent. But, will rubbing brandy or whisky on your baby’s gum work? Absolutely not! It may ease the pain for a short time, but even the smallest amount of alcohol can be toxic and dangerous to your baby. There are many teething rings, gels and other things that can help; but probably the best, easiest, simplest and cheapest is this: wash your hands thoroughly; and using one finger, gently press on your baby’s sore gums for instant relief. A clean finger is of great importance as the pain the baby is experiencing is caused by an inflammation of the gums where the tooth is pushing through. The last thing you want to do is introduce germs to it if your finger is not clean.
Chicken soup cures a cold
There is some truth in this tale – perhaps not cure a cold, but certainly relieve its symptoms. Scientists do believe that chicken soup slows down the activity of white blood cells that can cause inflammation in the lungs. It’s also soothing and comforting to swallow. In an American study published in Chest Journal, researchers found that chicken soup contains anti- inflammatory properties that help relieve symptoms of upper respiratory infection. Not only does the soup boost nutrition and improve hydration; it can also speed up mucosal clearance, making you feel better.
Warding off evil spirits
Haarlemensis has many uses for family ailments. It is believed to protect babies from evil spirits when taking them out of the house, or when they are upset or restless. Though there is no scientific proof to back this, the story goes that because babies are from a ‘different realm’, they are more prone to evil attacks. It is believed that a few drops of Haarlemensis applied to the baby’s fontanelle, from about 10 months until the skull bones have completely joined, is required. Apparently, the strong smell does the trick. Others believe that a few drops of Haarlemensis in the baby’s ears also work. However, caution needs to be taken as the ears are delicate and could be easily damaged. Rather, ask your clinic sister or doctor before putting anything in your baby’s ears.
