Oil In Ears, Onion For Fever: Doctor Warns These 5 Home Remedies Can Harm Your Child

Home remedies have long been part of Indian households. From kadhas to oil drops, many families turn to traditional fixes believing they are “natural” and therefore safer than medicines. But Dr Narendra Jha, Senior Consultant, Paediatrics at Max Super Speciality Hospital in Ghaziabad’s Vaishali, warns that what works or seems harmless for adults can be dangerous for children.

“Children’s bodies are still developing. Their organs are more sensitive, and even small amounts of certain substances can cause serious harm,” Dr Jha says.

He adds that over the years, doctors have seen several cases where well-meaning home treatments have not only failed to help but actually worsened a child’s condition. Here are five commonly used home remedies that paediatricians

say can be risky—especially for babies and young children.

1. Giving Honey To Babies Under One Year

Honey is often considered a soothing remedy for coughs and throat irritation. However, giving honey to infants under 12 months can be extremely dangerous.

According to Dr Jha, honey can contain spores of Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that can cause infant botulism. This rare but serious condition affects a baby’s nervous system and can lead to muscle weakness, poor feeding, breathing difficulties, and, in severe cases, respiratory failure.

“An infant’s digestive system is not mature enough to handle these spores,” Dr Jha explains. “Even a small amount of honey can pose a risk.”

What parents should do instead: Avoid honey entirely for babies under one year. For cough or feeding discomfort, consult a paediatrician for age-appropriate options.

2. Putting Oil Or Ghee In Nose Or Ears

Using oil or ghee in the nose for congestion or in the ears for pain is another common household practice, but doctors strongly caution against it.

Putting oil in the ears can push earwax deeper, worsen infections, or delay proper diagnosis of conditions like ear infections. In the case of nasal congestion, oil or ghee can accidentally enter the lungs, leading to breathing problems or aspiration-related complications.

“Ear pain is often a sign of infection, not dryness. Applying oil can mask symptoms, which in turn can make the infection worse,” he adds.

What parents should do instead: If a child has ear pain or persistent nasal congestion, it’s important to seek medical advice rather than attempting home treatments.

3. Strong Herbal Kadhas For Cough Or Fever

Kadhas made with ingredients like ginger, pepper, clove, or turmeric are widely used during colds and fevers. Dr Jha explains that while these spices may have benefits for adults, their concentrated form can irritate a child’s stomach.

Strong kadhas can lead to vomiting, stomach pain, and dehydration—especially in young children.

“Children don’t tolerate strong herbal preparations well,” Dr Jha says. “Instead of relief, they may end up more dehydrated and uncomfortable.”

What parents should do instead: Ensure the child stays hydrated, rests well, and receives age-appropriate nutrition. For persistent cough or fever, medical evaluation is essential.

4. Rubbing Alcohol or Onions to Reduce Fever

Dr Jha highlights that seeveral household still use rubbing alcohol on a child’s skin or place onions near them to “draw out” fever. He warns that these methods are not just ineffective—they can be harmful.

Rubbing alcohol can be absorbed through a child’s skin and may negatively affect the liver or kidneys. It can also lead to accidental poisoning through inhalation.

“Fever is a symptom, not the disease itself,” Dr Jha explains. “These methods don’t treat the underlying cause and can delay proper care.”

What parents should do instead: Monitor the fever, keep the child comfortable, ensure fluid intake, and use only doctor-recommended medications at correct doses.

5. Using Adult or Unmeasured Traditional Medicines

As a paediatrician, one of the most dangerous mistakes Dr Jha has seen in home remedies is giving children crushed adult pills, leftover antibiotics, or unmeasured herbal medicines.

He explains that improper dosing can seriously harm a child’s liver, kidneys, or breathing. Inappropriate use of antibiotics can also make future infections harder to diagnose and treat due to antibiotic resistance.

Dr Jha says, “Children are not small adults. Even a slight overdose can have severe consequences.”

He urges parents never give adult medicines to children unless prescribed by a doctor. Always follow dosage instructions carefully.

Delay In Medical Care

Beyond the dangers of individual remedies, one major concern is the delay in seeking medical help. When a child has persistent fever, difficulty breathing, poor feeding, or unusual behaviour, treating them only at home can be unsafe.

Delayed treatment can allow illnesses to worsen, sometimes reaching a critical stage.

Dr Jha says, “Home remedies should never replace professional evaluation in young children. Timely medical care can prevent complications.”