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Home Remedy for a Child's Cough

One of the toughest challenges a parent face is having a child who doesn't feel well. At times, it can feel like you're powerless to help soothe your child when his throat hurts and his cough won't stop. But you may not have to reach into the medicine cabinet to help your child's cough.

  1. Water

    • A child that is sick with a cough needs fluids. Water will keep his cells hydrated to fight the illness that is causing the cough, and it will help to thin out the mucus. You can also hydrate his body with hot herbal teas that provide additional health benefits. The most effective choice, however, is water. Cold water may also soothe your child's sore throat.

    Homemade Cough Medicine

    • You can make an effective cough medicine using ingredients you have at home. In "Herbally Yours," Penny C. Royal provides a recipe that could provide relief for your child. Unfortunately, he likely won't like the taste. Thankfully, it does soothe a sore throat and help to clear some of the mucus that is causing his cough.

      The recipe calls for 2 tbsp. of water, one tbsp. of apple cider vinegar, one tbsp. of honey, 1/4 tsp. of ground ginger and 1/4 tsp. of cayenne pepper. Mix the ingredients together and give a teaspoon to your child as often as necessary.

    Cold Foods

    • Cold foods like ice cream or frozen juice bars can soothe a sore throat and help to temporarily ease your child's cough. Giving your child some of his favorite cold treats can provide an emotional lift as well.

    Vitamin C

    • Giving your sick child a vitamin C supplement can help to speed up the healing process of a cold or persistent cough. You can also try fruit juices that are high in vitamin C. Be sure you're giving your child juice and not a juice-flavored drink. Some drinks contain very little juice and don't provide much vitamin C.

    Extra Pillow

    • Try raising your child's head with an extra pillow. Elevating the head may help your child to breathe easier and cough less.

    Hot Shower

    • The steam from a hot shower can help to clear your sick child's sinuses. The hot shower is relaxing and the steam will soothe his sinuses. The steam also helps to ease the congestion.

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