Coughing in children is a common cold and flu symptom. According to a report from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, coughing protects a child’s body by removing mucus and other substances and preventing infection. Not every time they present this symptom, it means there is a problem. For those cases, home remedies can relieve coughing in children.
Although they are methods that are endorsed by scientists and can reduce symptoms, it is essential to consult a pediatrician beforehand. It should be noted that most episodes go away on their own after a few days. If the cough is persistent, bothers your little one, or is accompanied by other symptoms, consult a specialist before applying these home therapies.
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What are the causes of cough?
Although we mentioned that, in most cases, coughing is a symptom of colds and flu, it does not always address these causes. Coughing can also be due to allergies, stomach reflux, asthma, irritation from pollutants such as smoke, or infections such as bronchitis.
In any case, and as annoying as it is, it is not recommended to stop it entirely since it is a natural manifestation of the body to clear the airways and expel microbes, dust, chemicals, or other irritants. If the cough persists for more than ten days, accompanied by symptoms such as fever, lethargy, and shortness of breath, it is time to seek medical advice.
Remedies to relieve cough in children
Home remedies to relieve cough in children can be very helpful. In addition to providing well-being, they are also pleasant, so they will not reject them. Remember to consult with the pediatrician before giving them to your children. After all, your doctor may suggest other treatments to ease your cough.
1. Chicken soup
This delicious meal for the little ones in the house goes far beyond being a simple grandmother’s recipe. Chicken soup has earned fame as it is perfect for relieving cold symptoms, including coughing.
According to researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the level of iron and zinc in chicken broth helps speed recovery from symptomatic upper respiratory tract infections. This is because it hinders the movement of neutrophils, which cause inflammatory processes. You will need the following to make the chicken soup for our children.
Ingredients
- Two chicken legs (400 grams).
- One small onion (50 grams).
- 1 liter of water.
- Two teaspoons of salt (10 grams).
- Two stalks of celery (200 grams).
- One carrot (150 grams).
Preparation
- First, chop the onion, celery, and carrot into small squares, and place them in a large pot.
- Then add the liter of water and put it on medium heat. Let it boil.
- Next, once the water has boiled, add the two chicken legs.
- Let cook for at least 45 minutes.
- Add the two teaspoons of salt and serve to taste.
In a recent commentary published in Chest, the authors of the cited article noted that in addition to the reported effect and processes, chicken soup “may provide real psychosocial support. ” Although the mechanisms are not well understood, it is known that help in times of illness can contribute to a feeling of improvement.
2. Vicks VapoRub
The classic Vicks VapoRub ointment is one of the popular remedies for relieving children’s coughs and other cold symptoms. It is safe from two years of age, but the ideal is always to consult the pediatrician. One of its main active components is menthol, which reduces coughing and improves nasal airflow.
A study in the journal Pediatrics indicates that, compared to other treatments for children, this ointment improves symptoms of nighttime cough, congestion, and difficulty sleeping on the second night of use. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests applying these products to the Chest and neck with gentle massages to be effective.
3. Honey
Honey is an ideal ingredient to strengthen the immune system and combat expectoration. It is an excellent natural antibiotic with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Furthermore, according to a study in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, it is one of the most valuable remedies for relieving coughs in children; the cited research mentions that giving honey to children for three days in a row may be more effective than some specific treatments.
However, remember that children under one year should not consume it, as it can cause diseases such as botulism. To prepare a remedy with honey, we recommend the following.
Ingredients
- Two tablespoons of pure honey (20 milliliters).
- One glass of milk (200 milliliters).
Preparation
- First, pour the glass of milk into a pot and let it boil for 5 minutes.
- Then add the two tablespoons of pure honey.
- Finally, let it rest for at least 10 minutes.
4. Chocolate
Chocolate contains an essential component called theobromine. As a report in Respiratory Medicine indicates, theobromine, along with another class of methylxanthines, may help alleviate some symptoms of pediatric respiratory tract diseases by acting as an antitussive drug.
Although it cannot be said that cocoa intake can eliminate a cough, it is a safe method that can complement the effect of others on our list. You can prepare hot chocolate for them as follows.
Ingredients
- Chocolate for a cup (100 grams).
- Two glasses of milk (400 milliliters).
- Two tablespoons of sugar (20 grams).
- One teaspoon of cinnamon (5 grams).
Preparation
- First, pour the two glasses of milk into a pot with the chocolate, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Then, stir the ingredients until they are completely melted.
- Finally, let it boil for at least 10 minutes.
5. Ginger
Ginger is a root from the East that has been used medicinally since ancient times for its anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties. It helps relieve symptoms of the common cold, including cough.
A Phytotherapy Research publication on animals indicates that plant polysaccharides can decrease the number of coughing efforts. Similarly, and this time with results obtained in humans, a study published in the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology found that its compounds can attenuate hyperreactivity in the airways.
To do this, one of the best ways to take advantage of the properties of ginger is through an infusion. We tell you how to make it.
Ingredients
- Three ginger roots (300 grams).
- Two glasses of water (400 milliliters).
- One tablespoon of honey or sugar (10 grams).
Preparation
- First, cut the ginger into slices and place them in a pot.
- Add the water and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let it rest for at least 20 minutes.
- Then, strain the ginger and pour the liquid into a pitcher.
- Finally, add honey or sugar.
6. Thyme
The thyme plant has very similar effects to ginger on the common cold symptoms. A study by Forschende Komplementärmedizin indicates that the combination of thyme along with other herbs can decrease the severity of coughing.
On the other hand, a report from the European Medicines Agency noted that thyme preparations can be used for productive coughs associated with colds. Although the agency recommends its use only for people over 12, it warns that it can be used in minor children according to the specialist’s criteria.
Finally, a paper reported in MMW – Fortschritte der Medizin found that acute bronchitis with productive cough in children and young adolescents can be safely and effectively treated with thyme syrup. Therefore, using thyme syrups or infusions can be helpful in safely relieving cough in older children. To prepare tea with thyme, you need the following.
Ingredients
- Thyme branches (20 grams).
- Two glasses of water (400 milliliters).
- One tablespoon of honey (10 milliliters).
Procedure
- Wash the thyme sprigs and place them in a pot.
- Add the water and let it boil for 30 minutes over low heat.
- Please turn off the heat and let it rest for 20 minutes.
- Please place it in a pitcher or cup.
- Add honey and reheat if desired.
7. Marshmallow root
Despite not being the yummy sweet that kids like, marshmallow root tea can also help relieve coughs. This root has expectorant and antitussive effects. For this reason, we can find it as a component of some cough syrups.
A Complementary Medicine Research magazine study mentions that this plant is helpful for dry coughs, sore throats, and other respiratory conditions. Also, combined with other extracts, such as ginger, it can be beneficial for treating coughs with phlegm. To prepare tea for children, you need the following.
Ingredients
- One teaspoon of marshmallow root.
- One glass of water (200 milliliters).
- Honey or sugar to taste.
Preparation
- In a small saucepan, add the water and marshmallow roots.
- Let boil for 10 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Strain the marshmallow roots and transfer the liquid to a cup.
- Sweeten to taste before consuming.
8. Pineapple
Pineapple has a proteolytic enzyme called bromelin a . This compound has multiple valuable properties for the body. According to a study published in the journal Nutrients, it stands out for its anti-inflammatory quality, which allows it to alleviate specific symptoms such as coughing.
Fortunately, the toxicity of bromelain is very low, so adverse effects are rare. These can appear only when your consumption is excessive. Also, bromelain is available in capsules, although you should consult your pediatrician before choosing them. To prepare pineapple juice at home, you will need the following.
Ingredients
- Half natural pineapple (500 grams).
- 1 liter of water.
- Honey (50 grams).
Preparation
- Peel the pineapple and cut it into small pieces.
- Please place them in a blender. Add the water and honey.
- Blend until all the pineapple chunks are crushed.
- Store the juice in the refrigerator for 1 or 2 hours until consumed.
9. Onion
Onion is a food rich in vitamins and minerals with many beneficial properties for children’s bodies. Among them, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antispasmodic characteristics are attributed to it.
An Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine article comments that onion helps improve respiratory, allergic, and immune disorders. For this reason, it has traditionally been used to treat various pathologies, including allergies, colds, and coughs. You can prepare an onion soup for children as follows.
Ingredients
- Onion (400 grams).
- One tablespoon of butter (10 grams).
- One liter of meat broth.
- One tablespoon of wheat flour (10 grams).
- One teaspoon of salt (5 grams).
- Ten tablespoons of grated cheese (100 grams).
Procedure
- First, cut the onion into thin strips.
- Next, heat the butter, onions, and flour in a skillet until golden.
- Add the beef broth and salt, stirring every few minutes.
- Let it boil until it thickens.
- Add the cheese on top. You can gratin it in an oven or microwave if you prefer.
10. Eucalyptus
Among the many properties that eucalyptus possesses, its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and analgesic benefits stand out. This plant has long been used in cough syrup to address problems such as bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory ailments.
An Internal Medicine, Today study on children between the ages of 5 and 15 indicates the effectiveness of inhaling eucalyptus for treating respiratory conditions, such as the common cold, pharyngitis, and laryngotracheitis. To notice this improvement, they used two drops of eucalyptus oil in 750 milliliters of hot water, and ten children inhaled for 15 minutes every 3 hours for three days.
Eucalyptus should not be used in children under two years of age. Like other remedies to relieve cough in children, its use should be done under the supervision of a doctor. Modest efficacy has been reported in treating cough after its use, although more studies are required to confirm these findings.
11. A hot bath, one of the best remedies to relieve cough in children
Steam is one of the best methods for respiratory complications. CS Mott Children’s Hospital of Michigan Medicine recommends inhaling the smoke from a hot shower to address barking cough. The correct way is to close the bathroom door and let the room fill with smoke. Then have the little one breathe the humid air for 10 to 15 minutes.
You should never put the little one directly over the hot water or very close to the source where it emanates. For some years, there has been concern about the increasing number of scalds in children and adults due to performing this method incorrectly. It is safe as long as you keep in mind the advice given.
Other measures to relieve cough in children
In addition to the natural remedies already mentioned, there are other measures you can take to relieve coughing in children. The National Health Service of the United Kingdom said that the best therapy is to drink plenty of fluids, especially if the child has other cold symptoms. This will help make the mucus more fluid, making it easier to expel and reduce coughing.
Along these lines, you should remember that airway infections and colds are the leading causes of coughing. A report from the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation recommends other helpful tips to alleviate this symptom:
- Place a humidifier in the room.
- Control triggers like dust, mold, pollen, and pet dander.
- Make sure the child rests well.
- Do nasal rinses with saline solution.
- Use suction bulbs to suck up mucus from the nose.
- Ventilate the room.
- Do not smoke near the child.
It is always necessary to consult with the pediatrician
As you can see, there is a wide variety of natural remedies to treat coughs in children. However, we again emphasize the importance of consulting with the pediatrician before administering these remedies to avoid possible complications.
In addition, you should bear in mind that if the child’s cough persists for more than ten days or other accompanying symptoms appear, it is best to consult a specialist as soon as possible. These therapeutic options will not replace the indicated pharmacological treatment.