Dealing with a persistent cough in children can be challenging for parents. Coughing is the body’s natural way of clearing the airways, but it can become quite bothersome and disruptive for both the child and those around them.
While medications are available to ease coughing, many parents prefer to explore natural remedies first. In this article, we will discuss some effective home remedies to provide relief from children’s cough.
1. Honey
Honey is a popular natural remedy for coughs due to its soothing properties. It can help calm the throat and reduce coughing, particularly at night.
For children over the age of one, you can give them a teaspoon of honey before bedtime or mix it with warm water or herbal tea. However, honey should not be given to infants under one year old due to the risk of botulism.
2. Steam Therapy
Steam therapy can help alleviate congestion and loosen mucus, making it easier for children to cough it up. Create a steamy environment by running a hot shower or filling a bowl with hot water. Let the child breathe in the moist air for a few minutes.
Ensure they are supervised and keep a safe distance to prevent any accidents with hot water. Adding a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or lavender can provide additional soothing benefits.
3. Ginger
Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can help relieve coughing. You can prepare ginger tea by steeping fresh ginger slices in boiling water for about 10 minutes. Strain the liquid and add a little honey or lemon for flavor.
Give your child this warm ginger tea a few times a day to alleviate their cough and soothe the throat.
4. Turmeric Milk
Turmeric is well-known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Prepare a glass of warm milk and add a pinch of turmeric powder. Drinking turmeric milk before bedtime can help reduce coughing and promote better sleep for your child.
5. Garlic
Garlic has antimicrobial and expectorant properties, making it beneficial for cough relief. You can roast a few garlic cloves in mustard oil until they turn brown and use this oil to massage the child’s chest and back.
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Additionally, adding garlic to your child’s meals can also provide some benefit for their cough.
6. Saline Nasal Drops
Nasal congestion often accompanies a cough, making it difficult for children to breathe properly. Saline nasal drops can help clear the nasal passages, reducing coughing caused by postnasal drip.
You can prepare saline drops at home by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Use a dropper to administer a few drops in each nostril, followed by gentle suction with a bulb syringe.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar Gargle
Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties and can help fight off infections that may be causing the cough. Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with warm water and have your child gargle with the solution several times a day.
Encourage them not to swallow the mixture and rinse their mouth afterward.
8. Warm Liquids
Drinking warm liquids can help soothe the throat and provide relief from coughing. Warm water, herbal teas, or homemade chicken soup can all be beneficial. Avoid cold or carbonated drinks as they may exacerbate the cough.
9. Humidifier
Using a humidifier or vaporizer in your child’s room can help add moisture to the air and reduce coughing caused by dry air. Ensure you clean and maintain the device regularly to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria.
10. Essential Oils
Some essential oils have properties that can help alleviate coughs in children. Eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, and lavender oil are common choices.
Dilute a few drops of the chosen oil in a carrier oil (such as coconut or olive oil) and gently massage the mixture onto your child’s chest and back. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser or humidifier to fill the room with their soothing aroma.
Although these home remedies can provide relief from coughing in children, it is essential to consult your child’s pediatrician if the cough persists or worsens, or if your child experiences other concerning symptoms.
