Coughs in children can often indicate colds or other respiratory infections, though they should usually go away on their own over time. There may be home remedies you can try to help make them feel better, too.
Staying hydrated, eating nutritiously and getting plenty of rest can help kids with coughs. But avoid over-the-counter cough or cold medicines if the cough lasts beyond three days, does not improve or produces other symptoms like fever or runny nose.
Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that may help strengthen immunity among children. However, use should only be undertaken under the advice of a pediatrician.
Coughing is a frequent problem among babies and toddlers, often as a result of allergies or respiratory tract infection.
Children suffering from cough can benefit from using crushed ginger mixed into warm water or honey as a natural treatment option, according to health authorities. This will soothe a sore throat while also alleviating coughing.
As with any food, ginger should only be given in small doses to infants and children; one pinch is enough for most, while too much could lead to heartburn or stomach upsets.
Honey
Honey is an irresistibly sweet substance produced by bees and contains sugars such as fructose, glucose and maltose along with some solid components.
Honey is an excellent source of antioxidants, helping protect the body from inflammation. However, infants under one should avoid being given honey due to botulism; an extremely rare but serious illness which causes children to become sick and lose the ability to feed themselves.
American Academy of Pediatrics recommends giving older children small doses of honey at home to treat coughs. A dose should range between 2.5-5 milliliters (or 0.5-1 teaspoon) per child – either straight or mixed into warm water, lukewarm tea, or juice for best results.
Garlic
Garlic can be an effective natural treatment for cough in children. With antifungal, antibiotic and antiviral properties that work to heal colds quickly.
Garlic can also aid in the prevention and treatment of ear infections in kids as well as alleviating their painful ear ache. Furthermore, it promotes effective digestion among them through proper functioning of both large and small intestines.
Garlic was one of the earliest “performance enhancing” substances used by ancient Greek physicians to treat various illnesses and health conditions, including respiratory ailments, parasite infestation, poor digestion and fatigue in athletes who participated in Greece’s Olympic games. Garlic was commonly prescribed to Olympic athletes at that time to enhance performance.
Ajwain
Ajwain (carom seeds, omam, thymol seeds and bishops weed) are an integral component of Indian cuisine and an effective natural remedy to relieve cough & cold symptoms in babies. Packed with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antifungal properties that work wonders against congestion caused by coughs & colds for infants, toddlers, kids and adults alike.
Prepare and give to your baby at least once daily a mixture consisting of equal parts of jaggery powder with roasted dry and ajwain seed for immediate relief from nasal blockage and chest congestion.
Create a potli out of roasted ajwain and garlic cloves and place it in your baby’s crib or cradle while they sleep to provide relief from congestion and soothe their nose. The warm smoke that it emits will provide soothing comfort while providing relief from congestion.
Tulsi
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), also known as holy basil (Tulsi), has long been recognized for its ability to help adaptogen functions like relieving stress. Furthermore, Tulsi can be used as an herbal remedy for many health concerns including cough.
Tulsi is an outstanding source of antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds to support immunity, with anti-inflammatory, antitussive, and antispasmodic benefits that promote overall wellness.
Honey mixed with Tulsi leaves can help soothe your child’s cough and cold symptoms while simultaneously increasing immunity, protecting them against future infections and providing energy boost.