Simple Home Remedies To Treat Cough And Cold in Children

Children and toddlers below six years of age stand at a greater risk of catching common cold, cough, and flus, as per medical experts. Their young immune systems are still in making at this point, resulting in greater discomfort. Cough and cold are a direct result of virus-induced swelling in nasal passage or throat, which manifests itself in the form of symptoms such as fever, nasal or chest congestion, difficulty in breathing, low-grade fever, watery eyes, fatigue, tickly throat, chills etc. While cough medicines are not advised in children below six years of age, home remedies come to the rescue. Most of these remedies aim to provide relief by alleviating the symptoms and have been passed on from generations. Find below many such home remedies to treat cough and cold in children, straight from the treasure trove of grannies' kitchen secrets!

Home Remedies To Treat Cough And Cold In Children

1. Turmeric Milk or Golden Milk

Turmeric, one of the most popular spices from the Asian palate, has long been used for treating cough and the common cold.

It is rich in bio-active compounds such as curcumin and is known for its anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties. It is known to increase mucus production, which helps in naturally flushing out the microbes that are clogging the respiratory tract.

However, refrain from consuming turmeric concoctions in excess, as it can result in gastral acidity, obstruction of bile passage, and thinning of blood, in severe cases.

Ingredients

• Milk
• Turmeric
• Honey

Process

Step 1: Pour a glass of milk in a pan
Step 2: Put the pan to heat and add 1tsp of organic turmeric powder
Step 3: Add a little honey (as per your taste)
Step 4: Bring the milk to boil and pour in a glass
Step 5: Drink this hot turmeric milk to get quick relief from cough, cold and congestion.

2. Ginger-Honey Concoction 

Ginger and honey is one of the most widely used combinations in Ayurveda and naturopathy for treating cough, cold, and sore throats. Both of them have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in anti-oxidants. Additionally, honey is believed to act as a demulcent—a substance that coats the throat and soothes mucus membranes.

Ingredients

• Ginger
• Honey

Process
Step 1: Take a two-inch slice of ginger, peel and wash it properly
Step 2: Finely grate the ginger
Step 3: Squeeze the grated ginger and collect the juice in a spoon add a little honey
Step 4: Give this mixture to your child twice or thrice a day

3. Onion, Garlic and Ginger Cough Syrup

Ingredients

• Two onions
• Three heads of garlic
• One large chunk of ginger
• Four cups of dehydrated cane juice
• 1ltr glass storage jar

Process

Step 1: Peel and thinly slice the onions, garlic, and ginger
Step 2: Take a glass jar and layer slices of onion, garlic, and ginger up to about an inch
Step 3: Add dehydrated cane juice until you are unable to see the 1st layer of onion, ginger and garlic
Step 4: Again put an inch thick layer of onion, ginger and garlic and add dehydrated cane juice
Step 5: Repeat the process untill the jar is full
Step 6: Leave the mixture for about 4-5 hours. The dehydrated cane juice will melt and you will see a thick liquid is formed in the jar.
Step 7: Do not remove the onions, garlic and ginger from the syrup. Just press the mixture back with the spoon when you administer the syrup to your child.

Offer this syrup 2-3 times a day or as needed to soothe a sore throat, wet or congested coughs. This syrup can be stored for about 6-7 months unrefrigerated.

4. Thyme Oil Steam

Ingredients

• Thyme oil
• Water
• Eucalyptus oil

Process

Step 1: Boil some water in a pan
Step 2: Pour water in a bowl and add 30 drops of thyme oil
Step 3: Add few drops of eucalyptus oil
Step 4: Cover the head of your child with a towel and hold the face over the bowl
Step 5: Ask the child to inhale the vapour through deep breathing.

If you think the scent of thyme and eucalyptus is not strong enough to make a difference add few more drops of oil as per your need.

5. Jaggery Solution

Ingredients

• Jaggery
• Basil leaves
• Black pepper corns
• Cumin seeds
• 2 Threads of saffron

Process

Step 1: Boil water in a pan
Step 2: Add jaggery, basil leaves, black pepper, cumin, and saffron, bring this to a boil
Step 3: Pour this solution in a bowl
Step 4: Let it cool for some time and then administer this to your child

Remember not to let your child drink water right after taking this solution. Do not cool the mixture for too long. Administer it when lukewarm.

6. Head Elevation While Sleeping

However surprising it may sound, sleeping with a slightly elevated head is known to help with cough and cold problems.

It helps in draining the sinuses more easily and thus prevents coughing induced by postnasal drip. This sleeping position is also effective against coughing induced by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 

However, sleeping with multiple pillows under the head might have counter-productive effects. Alternatively, you can roll up the head-side of the bed by rolling towels below the mattress. Note:

Babies under one and a half years of age should not sleep with any pillows.

7. Turn On Humidifier

Dry air conditions are known to harbour the growth and spread of many infectious germs and viruses. This is precisely why a greater number of cold and cough infections is reported in the dry season.

Similarly, under dry conditions, cilia (tiny hair lining nasal passages) are unable to move back and forth effectively to prevent bacteria, germs, dust, and other foreign particles from entering the nasal passage and triggering infections.

Reduce the likelihood of cold and cough by keeping a check on the humidity levels with the help of a humidifier. To put it in other words, a humidifier helps in moisturizing the nasal, throat, and lung passages. An ideal humidifier helps in maintaining a humidity level between 45% and 50% relative humidity and curbs the spread of germs.