When a child is coughing constantly, it is a thing of concern for the parents. Usually, a child's cough is nothing to worry about as it can be caused by a common cold that happens by changes in seasons and weather. However, try to avoid a cough suppressant for your kids without consulting a doctor, as it is not safe for them. Instead, you can try some safe, natural home remedies for cough for children. These tips can help a sick child feel relaxed.
11 Ways to Treat Your Kid’s Cough Naturally
Honey
According to research honey is better than medicine for relieving coughs. Honey also helps a sick kid sleep better. However, honey is safe and better for children aged 1 and older. Kids also love to take honey as it tastes good. Dark honey like buckwheat works best because it's higher in antioxidants.
But if it becomes difficult to find buckwheat honey, you can take any natural honey. Natural honey is also great for its potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can go a long way in soothing a sore throat.
Remember, you need to give ½ teaspoon to children who are ages 1 to 5 years and 1 teaspoon to kids ages 6 to 11. If your child won't love to take honey directly, you can add it to warm water, herbal tea, or warm milk. But make sure you avoid this remedy for kids under 1.
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Chicken Noodle Soup
It is an old folk remedy: Studies have shown that chicken soup has anti-inflammatory elements and its warm temperature can soothe sore throats. Besides, it acts as a vaporizer and helps to release mucus in the nasal passages which ultimately can relieve a stuffy nose.
You will get the magic in the soup that comes from the perfect balance of electrolytes, which help keep your kids hydrated. Moreover, the protein and carbohydrates available in chicken soup are a perfect meal for anyone who feels icky. Your lovely kids can feel like a warm hug with a bowl of chicken soup.
Stay Hydrated
Make sure the kid drinks enough water to help prevent dehydration.
Warm liquids is an excellent cough remedy for toddler because they thin out mucus and makes it easier to cough up. Besides, liquids pacify a raw throat and keep your little one hydrated and happy.
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Researchers at the Common Cold Center at Cardiff University have shown that hot drinks are the most effective at soothing cold and flu symptoms.
Hot drinks may relieve symptoms including runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, chills, and fatigue. On the contrary, a warm or room temperature drink had fewer benefits they can relieve a runny nose, coughing, and a sore throat temporarily.
However, cold drinks are also helpful because they can numb a sore throat while helping to hydrate at the same time. But avoid drinking ice-cold juice as they are highly acidic the acidity increase discomfort in the throat.
Cool-mist humidifier
You can keep a cool-mist humidifier in your kid’s room to help unfasten chest and nasal congestion. It is a great remedy for nighttime coughing. USA’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says a cool air humidifier is used unitedly with other treatments like rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and consuming honey.
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When other properties won't cure the cause, a humidifier will surely help your little one feel a little better, especially at night when coughing may be worse.
Salt water gargle
One of the most natural and simplest kid’s cough remedies is salt water gargle. Just mix a half teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of water, then give your child to gargle the solution. It eases the throat irritation that often comes with coughing. But this should only be given to older kids.
Salt water helps the tissue in the upper respiratory tract tend to become inflamed from excess mucus and fluids, causing coughing and soreness.
