Why Is My Child Always Sick in Winter? What Can I Do About It Naturally?
Winter Wellness for Children: A Naturopath’s Approach with Herbal Medicine & Homeopathy
I still remember the first winter my youngest had a never-ending runny nose. It felt like we were constantly wiping, soothing, and fretting over every cough. That was the year I truly learned the rhythm of the seasons – how nature asks us to slow down, warm up, and support our little ones a little more gently.
In clinic, winter often brings a wave of children struggling with sniffles, earaches, chesty coughs, and lingering fatigue. Parents arrive exhausted, looking for a better way – something natural, nurturing, and safe.
That’s where herbal medicine and homeopathy shine.
What is Herbal Medicine?
Herbal medicine uses plants – in the form of teas, tinctures, syrups, or balms – to support the body’s natural healing processes. These aren’t just “old wives’ tales.” Many herbs have centuries of traditional use and growing bodies of scientific evidence supporting their role in immune support, respiratory health, and more.
For kids, I often reach for gentle yet effective herbs like:
Elderberry – a dark, sweet berry known to help prevent and shorten colds and flus
Thyme – a warming herb with antimicrobial properties, brilliant for chesty coughs
Chamomile – soothing for the nervous system, tummy upsets, and teething
Licorice root – moistening and supportive for dry, sore throats (in small doses)
These herbs can be blended into delicious teas, nourishing syrups, or added to bath rituals to support winter resilience.
What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a gentle healing system that works on the principle of “like cures like.” It uses highly diluted natural substances to stimulate the body’s innate healing response. It’s especially wonderful for children because it’s safe, non-toxic, and often fast-acting when matched well to the child’s picture.
In winter, I often use remedies such as:
Aconite – for the first sign of illness, especially after exposure to cold wind
Belladonna – for sudden fevers with flushed cheeks and glassy eyes
Pulsatilla – for clingy children with thick yellow mucus and changing symptoms
Hepar sulph – for painful, barking coughs or early ear infections
The art of homeopathy lies in truly seeing the child – how they behave when unwell, what makes them better or worse, what’s changed in their energy and mood.
Nurturing Winter Wellness at Home
Supporting your child’s health during the colder months isn’t about perfection – it’s about rhythm, warmth, and connection. Here are a few foundational winter wellness tips I share with families:
Keep bellies warm and digestion strong – soups, stews, broths, and gentle spices like ginger and cinnamon are your best friends
Get outside, even when it’s chilly – fresh air and movement help immune function and mood
Establish a calming evening rhythm – warm baths, foot rubs, herbal teas, and screen-free time all help deepen rest and recovery
Have your winter remedy kit on hand – this includes key homeopathics, a good herbal syrup, soothing chest rub, and immune support drops tailored to your child
What About Supplements?
While herbs and homeopathics offer targeted support, nutritional supplements can help lay the foundation for a strong immune system – especially when kids are fussy eaters or recovering from frequent infections.
Some of my favourite winter wellness supplements for children include:
Vitamin D3 – supports immune regulation and can help reduce the frequency of colds
Zinc – essential for immune health, wound healing, and appetite regulation
Vitamin C – supports the body during and after viral infections
Cod Liver Oil – rich in vitamins A and D, and naturally anti-inflammatory
Of course, it’s not one-size-fits-all. I always recommend choosing practitioner-quality products tailored to your child’s age, constitution, and current needs – ideally after a short consultation to avoid unnecessary or overlapping supplements.
A Gentle Word
Every child is different. Some bounce back quickly, while others seem to catch everything. If your little one is always sick, struggles with lingering coughs, eczema flare-ups, or you just have that gut feeling something is off – don’t wait until it’s “bad enough.” That’s what I’m here for.
Together, we can create a winter wellness plan that suits your child’s unique constitution, lifestyle, and needs – using natural, evidence-informed care that feels good in your heart and aligns with your values.
Ready to support your child’s health this winter?
Book a Kids’ Winter Wellness Check and let’s create a simple, personalised plan using herbal medicine, homeopathy, and nutrition.
See you soon,
Ayelet x
