Do you often feel anxious when your child coughs? Coughing is a common symptom in children and can be caused by various reasons, such as a cold, allergies, or asthma. Although there are many medications available to treat coughs, some parents prefer natural and safe herbal remedies for their children. The use of herbs has been around for centuries and has been proven to be effective in treating various ailments, including coughs.
Especially if your kid age is between 2-6 years, there are some herbal remedies that you can try to alleviate their coughing. These remedies not only provide relief from the symptoms but also boost your child's immune system.
Why Choose Herbal Remedies for Your Kids' Cough?
Many reasons why parents may choose to use herbal remedies for their children's cough. Here are some of the most common reasons that lead parents to choose natural remedies over conventional medications:
- Gentle on Children's Bodies: Herbal remedies are usually milder and gentler on children's bodies compared to conventional medicines.
- No Harsh Side Effects: Conventional medicines often come with harsh side effects such as drowsiness, upset stomach, and allergic reactions. On the other hand, herbal remedies are typically free of these side effects.
- Affordable: Most herbal remedies are inexpensive and can be easily made at home using common ingredients found in the kitchen or garden.
- Long-Term Health Benefits: Yes, herbal remedies may take longer to show results compared to conventional medicines. But they offer long-term health benefits and can help strengthen the immune system over time. This is because herbal remedies are a natural gift from nature and contain essential nutrients that our body needs for optimal health.
Now you know why our ancestors relied heavily on herbal remedies to treat various ailments. Here are 5 top and safe herbal remedies that you can use at home to treat your kids' cough.
Safe Herbal Remedies for Kids' Coughs
Honey and Warm Water
My first choice when it comes to treating my kids' cough is honey and warm water. I find this remedy to be not only effective but also safe for children of all ages. Honey has natural antimicrobial properties that help fight off bacteria and viruses, causing the cough.
Warm water, on the other hand, helps soothe a sore throat and makes it easier for your child to breathe. To make this remedy, mix one tablespoon of honey in a cup of warm water and give it to your child to drink.
Do this at least three times a day to see improvement in your child's cough. You'll find that your child will be able to sleep better at night, and the cough will gradually decrease in frequency.
Must Read: How to Reduce Noise for Better Sleep
Ginger Tea
Another natural remedy to help with your child's cough is ginger tea. Many cough syrups and medicines use ginger as an ingredient because of its anti-inflammatory properties. If your kid is over 12 months old, you can give them ginger tea to soothe their cough.
Follow these easy steps to prepare a soothing cup of ginger tea:
- Peel a small piece of ginger root and chop it into small pieces.
- Boil two cups of water and add the chopped ginger.
- Now wait a few minutes until the water turns yellow.
- Take it off the heat and pour the ginger tea into a cup.
Give your child a small cup of ginger tea to ease their cough and soothe their throat. If you want to add a little sweetness, you can mix in a teaspoon of honey. After a few sips of ginger tea, your child's cough will feel much better.
Steam with Eucalyptus Oil
Steam inhalation can also help relieve your child's cough. Yes, it may sound like a difficult activity to do with young children, but it's actually quite easy.
All you need is a pot of hot water, a towel, and a few drops of eucalyptus oil. First, pour the hot water into a bowl and add a few drops of eucalyptus oil. Then, instruct your child to lean over the bowl and cover their head with a towel.
Make sure at least 12 inches are between their face and the hot water to avoid burning. Let them inhale the steam for about 5-10 minutes. The eucalyptus oil will help clear their congestion and soothe their cough.
Eucalyptus oil is a natural decongestant and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective remedy for colds and coughs. It is important to use high-quality, pure eucalyptus oil for the best results.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint is another popular herbal remedy for coughs and colds in children. Its cooling menthol properties can help soothe sore throats, reduce nasal congestion, and ease coughing.
When my kids have a cough, I like to make a simple peppermint tea by boiling water and adding a few fresh or dried peppermint leaves. Not only does it help with their cough, but it also helps them stay hydrated. So, give peppermint tea a try if your child is experiencing a persistent cough or congestion. This tea can be given to children over the age of 2 in small amounts throughout the day.
Thyme
This is my favorite herbal remedy for relieving my children's coughs. Thyme has been used for centuries to treat respiratory infections and coughs. It contains compounds that help relax the muscles in the throat, making it easier to breathe and reducing coughing.
Thyme also has antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it effective in fighting off the illness causing the cough. It can be consumed in various forms, such as in tea or incorporated into food.
To make thyme tea for kids, steep one teaspoon of dried thyme leaves in a cup of hot water for about 10 minutes. After that, strain the leaves and add a tablespoon of honey to sweeten. This can be given to kids 2-3 times a day for relief from coughs and colds. It is important to note that thyme should not be given to infants under the age of one as it may cause stomach upset.
Read More: How to Improve Digestion at Home
If your child is not a fan of drinking tea, you can also add thyme to their meals. For example:
- Thyme-roasted chicken
- Thyme and garlic roasted vegetables
- Thyme-infused salad dressing
Turmeric Milk Natural
Turmeric is a spice commonly used in Indian cuisine and has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties which make it an effective herbal remedy for treating coughs and colds in children.
Turmeric milk is a popular drink made by mixing turmeric powder with warm milk. This concoction is known to boost the immune system and fight against infections.
If your child is suffering from a cough and cold, giving them a cup of warm turmeric milk before bedtime can help alleviate their symptoms. You can give this drink to your child every day until their symptoms improve.
Best Cough Syrup for Kids
There are also many natural cough syrups available in the market that are made from herbal remedies. These syrups are safe for children and do not have any side effects. Below are some popular herbal cough syrups designed specifically for kids:
- Zarbee's Naturals Children's Cough Syrup
- Hyland's 4 Kids Cough Syrup
- Maty's Organic Children's Mucus Cough Syrup
- Herbion Naturals Cough Syrup for Kids
How can I determine if my child needs to see a doctor?
In most cases, coughs and colds in children can be treated at home with natural remedies. However, there are certain situations where it is important to take your child to the doctor for proper medical treatment. These include:
- If your child has a high fever (over 102°F or 39°C)
- If your child is experiencing difficulty breathing or wheezing
- If your child’s cough hasn’t gone away after two weeks
- If your child is showing signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, decreased urination, or lethargy
If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, it is important to seek medical advice from a doctor. They will be able to assess your child's condition and provide the necessary treatment.
Conclusion
Coughing is a common symptom in children and can be caused by various factors such as allergies, viruses, or respiratory infections. While cough medicines can provide temporary relief, they often come with side effects and are not recommended for children under six years of age. For this reason, natural and safe herbal remedies can be a great alternative for managing your child's cough.
Adding these remedies to your child's routine is a safe and effective way to help ease their cough without worrying about any harmful side effects. These remedies can also be used alongside any prescribed medications from your child's doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some effective herbal remedies for a child's cough?
Honey (for children over one year old), ginger tea, and chamomile are commonly used remedies known for their soothing properties.
How long do herbal remedies typically take to show effects?
The effects can vary, but many remedies provide noticeable relief within a few days when used consistently as part of a care routine.
Can I grow ingredients for herbal remedies at home?
Yes! Many herbs like mint, thyme, and chamomile can be easily grown at home, providing fresh and cost-effective ingredients for herbal remedies
How do I know if a remedy is working for my child?
Improvement in symptoms, such as less frequent coughing and better sleep, can indicate that the remedy is effective. However, monitor your child’s condition and consult with a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen.
You may need: How to Grow Medicinal Herbs at Home
