Home Cough Remedies for Children

In today's world doctor's appointments, prescriptions and even over-the-counter medicines can be costly, and may often more that what is needed. There are healthier, more natural ways to relieve the symptoms of a cold or flu, especially for children. The common cough is one of the easiest symptoms to relieve with simple household ingredients that most people keep in their pantries.

Buckwheat Honey

• Buckwheat honey is one the most common relievers of coughs in children. The sweet syrup coats the throat and eases irritation while increasing the ciliary action in the lungs. However, while honey is great for coughs in youngsters, never give honey to a child under 18 months old. Honey can be fatal to infants due to botulism spores.
  Mixing lemon juice with honey in a cup of warm water (almost a tea) will also help ease coughing and may be more taste-friendly for the child. Some children do not care for the taste of honey in itself. A teaspoon of honey can also be added to a glass of grape juice in order to persuade a finicky child.

Teas and Peppermint

• Teas often have a soothing effect on irritated throats. Chamomile tea is one of the more common teas on the market that will help ease the cough in a child. Since chamomile is such a light-flavored tea, most children do not mind the taste.
  Teas made with peppermint serve a dual purpose; they will ease a cough and they will help break up congestion. Peppermint drops or mints are an easy bribe for children who are resistant to medicine. To a child it is simply a piece of candy, they do not realize that it will help in medicinal ways.
  Teas and peppermint as well as herbs like rosemary, thyme and horehound can be great relievers of not only coughs but congestion, upset stomachs and clogged sinuses.

Basic Care

• Whether a cough is dry or congested, moisture in the air will help tremendously in easing the lungs. Vaporizers or even a pot of boiling water on the stove can help.
  Keeping a child hydrated will help dilute the mucus that builds up in the lungs for a congestive cough while providing easier circulation in a dry cough. A child should drink six to 10 glasses of water throughout the day in order to maintain a stable hydration.
  Avoiding foods that are salty or spicy is advisable. The salt and heavy spices can cause restriction in already aggravated airways, increasing a cough rather than decreasing it. Much to a child's disappointment, ice cream and other frozen treats should also be avoided, as a dramatic decrease in body temperature has a tendency to trigger coughing spasms.