Even beyond chicken soup, the kitchen can be a gold mine for parents looking to alleviate some of their children’s ailments.

Dr. Lillian Beard, a Maryland pediatrician and author of “Salt in Your Sock (and Other Tried-and-True Home Remedies)” (Three Rivers Press) offers the following lists as household items that are helpful to have on hand when it comes to treating acne, earaches, nausea and other common childhood complains.

She cautions, though, that the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate herbs, which leaves the potential for misuse.

Also, Beard says, parents need to be aware of appropriate dosages of any medicine or home remedy depending on a child’s age and size.

If there is ever any doubt or concern about a remedy, contact a doctor before using it, Beard recommends.

In the pantry:

• Ginger, fresh or powdered
• Fruit juice, only naturally sweetened
• Garlic
• Onions
• White potatoes
• Oatmeal
• Olive oil
• Cayenne pepper
• Yogurt with live cultures
• Black tea bags, such as orange pekoe or Earl Grey
• Horseradish or wasabi
• Baking soda
• Pineapple
• Limes
• Vinegar
• Honey
• Parsley

Natural medicinals

• Activated charcoal for food poisoning and gastrointestinal distress
• Aloe vera gel or juice for minor burns, cuts and scrapes
• Calendula cream for cuts, scrapes, skin irritations and bruises
• Chamomile tea, tincture and essential oil for stomachache, insomnia and relaxation
• Clove essential oil for teething and toothache
• Fennel tea or seeds for gas and stomachache
• Lavender essential oil for cuts, scrapes, insect bites, minor burns, insomnia and relaxation
• Marshmallow tea for sore throats and cough