The top 5
Natural Cough Remedies
Children’s colds often end with a cough that can last up to three weeks, and at times sound pretty terrible.
Lately we’ve been reading news reports about the dangers of cough medicines for young kids, and the studies finding that they don’t work.
We’ve tried a natural approach, and are pleased to report that we’ve found some effective remedies for soothing coughs.
1. Diet. We offer lots of warm liquids and broths. Kids love to drink chicken broth or Chamomile tea from a mug. For children over one year old, we add honey to Just for Kids Organic Throat Coat Tea
We also avoid dairy, bananas and foods we find mucous producing. And take out sugar (especially refined sugar) which depresses immune systems.
2. Cool mist humidifiers. Our old standby in their rooms for naps and nighttime so they can get more rest. We tend not to use the humidifier in moist climates as it can make the room feel too damp.
Often our kids sleep through their coughing spells, sometimes they get more rest than we realize.
3. Essential oil rubs. We mix two drops Eucalyptus Radiate (a milder blend safer for children) and two drops Lavender essential oils into two teaspoons olive oil and rub on a child’s chest.
4. Baths. See our Soothing Bath Potions, or try 2-5 drops each of the Eucalyptus Radiate and the Lavender essential oils in a bath.
5. Herbal remedies for kids. We like the Herbs for Kids Horehound Blend and Cherry Bark Blend cough remedies. We use a clean dropper and wash it between doses (though it takes extra work).
One last thought, cold air triggers mucous production and can worsen a cough, so we try to limit outdoor activities in cold weather.
For more cold relief, see our Head Cold Protocol for Kids.
Over Thanksgiving, the kids all caught the same cold that ended with a medium/deep cough.
I found a new homeopathic cough syrup for children ages 2 and older–Boiron Chestal Cough Syrup For Children
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I gave them a spoonful before bed, and another if they woke in the night coughing. I think it helped soothe the cough, they seemed to go back to sleep easily.
I also started giving the kids a spoonful of honey to soothe their coughs. I think it makes a difference (plus they love it).
Turns out, honey does work!
Honey has antioxidant and antimicrobial effects–a recent study shows that a spoonful of honey can soothe a child’s cough for children over one years old.
Honey is not safe for children under one years old (and I avoid honey until they’re a few months past age one) as it can cause infant botulism.