Cough and cold are a part of your child’s life, even if you try to keep your kid, home, and lawn as clean as possible. Instead of running to a pharmacy to buy an over-the-counter syrup or visiting the hospital for a prescription, just turn towards your kitchen and make your own natural cough medicine for kids.
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Why choose natural cough medicine for kids over pharmacy products?
The common drug used in almost all cough medicine is dextromethorphan. This chemical can cause side effects like lightheadedness, dizziness, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. Moreover, most cough medicine brands do not perform an in-depth study about how it affects the children’s blood pressure, heart rhythm, and rate. In some cases, medicines can cause serious side effects too. Thus, it is always best to choose natural cough medicine for kids.
The natural cough medicine for kids from the hive
Honey is an age-old remedy for cough. If your kid is less than twelve months, it is better to choose any other natural cough medicine from this list other than honey. For older kids, mix honey with lemon in warm water and let the kid drink when it is slightly warm. A tablespoon of honey can also soothe the throat. It is best to avoid honey drops or any sugary over-the-counter chew pills in honey flavor.
Natural cough medicine for kids through gut bacteria
Probiotics help to develop a better gut flora, allowing to increase immunity. The deficiency of lactobacillus bacterium (found in yogurt and other probiotic foods) can lead to higher sensitivity to allergens, cold, flu, and others. The probiotic food is not an immediate natural cough medicine for kids, but it is a slow immunity booster. You need not depend on yogurt for probiotics. You can find it in sourdough bread, miso soup, fortified milk, and others.
Have you ever thought of pineapple as a cough medicine for kids?
The pineapple contains bromelain, which is an effective cough remedy. Bromelain is an enzyme present in the fruit and stem of pineapple. It helps to loosen mucus and helps the child cough out the mucus. It also suppresses the cough. Just give a slice of the fruit three times per day to your kid. Some prefer bromelain supplements over pineapple. However, such supplements are best to avoid while using blood thinner and antibiotics.
Drink peppermint tea or inhale vapors
Peppermint is effective for various ailments. The menthol found in peppermint is a natural decongestant and soothes the kid’s throat. The best way to use peppermint is as tea or by inhaling vapors. If your kid is too adamant about drinking the tea or inhaling vapors, you can try to give him a steam bath by adding three drops of peppermint oil in 150ml of water.
Thyme – as leaves or oil
Thyme is a common herb used in dishes and also effective for treating respiratory illnesses. If you consume the essence of the leaves with ivy, it will help to reduce coughing and bronchitis. The flavonoids in the leaves help to relax the throat and reduce coughing. Add two teaspoons of crushed dried leaves to a cup of boiling water and remove it from heat. Keep the cup closed for ten minutes before straining.
Salt water gargle
An immediate remedy for a sore throat or painful coughing is gargling with salt water. It is best to avoid this method for children who are too young to gargle. Add half a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm or mildly hot water. Ask the kid to gargle and spit out the water.
Turmeric and black pepper with orange juice
Turmeric has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin is the primary component of turmeric, and it helps to reduce dry cough. The human body absorbs curcumin best when consumed with black pepper. Mix one teaspoon turmeric and 1/8th teaspoon of pepper in warm water. If your kid is rigid to drink it, mix it in orange juice. You can find turmeric as supplements, but it is best to give the natural product for kids.
Try aromatherapy with eucalyptus oil
Aromatherapy is a good option to soothe the nasal cavity. Among the numerous oils, eucalyptus is a good option to reduce cough during nighttime. Some prefer sprinkling the oil on the pillows and sheets. Make sure to avoid direct contact of the oil with the child’s skin. Some children might experience an allergic reaction.
Can your child chew ginger root?
It is not a pleasant taste, and adding more sugar would not help this scenario. However, ginger root has numerous medicinal advantages, including reducing dry cough. The best alternative to chewing the root is ginger tea. Make tea and add crushed ginger root to it. If you want something stronger, boil the crushed ginger root in water and add honey to it. Similarly, using marshmallow root can help to reduce dry cough and irritation associated with dry cough.
When is it time to see your doctor?
It is not wise to blindly give natural cough medicine to kids without knowing when to get medical advice from your pediatrician. A normal cough could last for a week or ten days, and a dry cough can go on for months. If your kid experiences trouble breathing, signs of wheezing, chills, or fever, it is best to talk to your doctor. Please do not blindly pick a cough syrup from the pharmacy in the flavor that your child likes. It is important to know the right medicine, dose, and course length before starting the medicine for your kid.
Natural remedies are best than the chemical-ridden cough medicines you find in the store, especially for children. However, if you plan to replace the natural medicines with supplements of those natural products, it is best to avoid such options for your child. Any supplement, even if 100% natural product, contains preservatives and chemicals. Thus, it is best to avoid supplements for kids. But, if you wish to try supplements, discuss with your pediatrician before trying any brand.
