Home Remedies For Cough and Cold
1)How to Soothe a Toddler's Cough
It's best to know what not to do. Do not use cough suppressants if your child is coughing. “Cough remedies can actually be harmful. Some children develop irritability, dizziness, and restlessness before going to bed. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) explains that cough suppressants may not be safe for children under 4 years of age.
But just because you can't give your baby cough medicine doesn't mean there's nothing you can do about it. When your child is coughing and unwell, try this safe, natural, homemade cough remedy for kids.
But just because you can't give your baby cough medicine doesn't mean there's nothing you can do about it. When your child is coughing and unwell, try this safe, natural, homemade cough remedy for kids.
2)Honey
Studies show that honey is better than pills for cough relief and better sleep for sick babies. Researcher Jan Paul, member of the AAP Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Committee, said, "Children are happy to consume honey because it is safe and tastes good for children 1 year and older."
Black honey, such as buckwheat, may be better because it has more antioxidants. But if you can't find buckwheat honey, rest assured, natural honey will trick you with its powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can greatly relieve sore throats.
Black honey, such as buckwheat, may be better because it has more antioxidants. But if you can't find buckwheat honey, rest assured, natural honey will trick you with its powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can greatly relieve sore throats.
For children 1-5 years old, give half a teaspoon, and for children 6-11 years old, give 1 teaspoon. You can also add honey to warm water, herbal tea, or warm milk if your child does not consume honey.
However, skip this treatment for babies under 1 year of age. Experts say honey should never be given to babies under 12 months of age because certain bacteria that can be found in honey increase the risk of serious diseases.
However, skip this treatment for babies under 1 year of age. Experts say honey should never be given to babies under 12 months of age because certain bacteria that can be found in honey increase the risk of serious diseases.
3)Chicken Noodle Soup
This is more than just old folk remedies. Studies have shown that chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties. Warm temperatures can soothe a sore throat and act as a vaporizer, releasing mucus in the nasal passages to relieve nasal congestion. And since coughs and sore throats are often caused by post nasal drip (mucus flows into the throat rather than through the nose), opening the nasal passages to remove them also helps stop the coughing.
The magic of the soup could be in the perfect balance of electrolytes. Electrolytes keep you hydrated and balance protein and carbs, making it the perfect meal for anyone who feels nauseous. A bowl of chicken soup can feel like a warm hug.
4)Hot or Cold Drinks
Warm or very cold liquids are great cough suppressants for babies because they thin the mucus and make coughing easier. The liquid also soothes a sore throat and protects the baby from dehydration.
This may seem like common sense, but scientists have only recently become interested in understanding how this phenomenon works. Researchers at Cardiff University Cold Center have found that hot drinks, in particular, are most effective in relieving cold and flu symptoms. In their study, they noted that hot drinks relieved symptoms of runny nose, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, chills and fatigue. However, warm drinks at room temperature were less effective and provided only temporary relief from a runny nose, cough, and sore throat.
This may seem like common sense, but scientists have only recently become interested in understanding how this phenomenon works. Researchers at Cardiff University Cold Center have found that hot drinks, in particular, are most effective in relieving cold and flu symptoms. In their study, they noted that hot drinks relieved symptoms of runny nose, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, chills and fatigue. However, warm drinks at room temperature were less effective and provided only temporary relief from a runny nose, cough, and sore throat.
Cold drinks are helpful because they help soothe sore throats and at the same time keep you hydrated. Do not drink iced juices that are highly acidic (eg organic juices). Acidity can increase the discomfort of a sore throat caused by coughing.
Have your child drink ice water, cold or warm juice, or warm decaffeinated herbal tea.
Have your child drink ice water, cold or warm juice, or warm decaffeinated herbal tea.
5)Soothing Treats
Children 4 years and older can suck on lozenges for sore throats or coughs, sugar-free lozenges, or frozen berries. Popsicles or crushed ice are great choices for young children who have a sore throat that causes coughing.
6-month-old infants who start eating solid foods can safely chew frozen food in infant mesh bags. Using a mesh bag for frozen berries, yogurt, or something like ice cubes in the mesh bag can help relieve sore throat and cough without the risk of choking.
6-month-old infants who start eating solid foods can safely chew frozen food in infant mesh bags. Using a mesh bag for frozen berries, yogurt, or something like ice cubes in the mesh bag can help relieve sore throat and cough without the risk of choking.
6)Cool-Mist Humidifier
Have a cool mist humidifier in your kid's room for good chest and nasal congestion relief when coughing at night. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a cool humidifier along with other treatments such as rest, drinking plenty of water and drinking honey may help relieve cough and other cold and flu symptoms. While this won't solve the cause, it will definitely help your baby feel a little better, especially at night when the cough can get worse.
Bacteria and mold multiply quickly, so change the water daily and thoroughly clean the device according to the manufacturer's instructions. Another great option is to have your child sit in the steam bath or take a warm shower. (Try Vick's Free Cool-Mist without filters.)
7)Salt Water Gargle
One of the easiest cough remedies for babies is salt and water. Mix half a teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of water and have your child gargle with this solution. This is to relieve the irritation of the throat, which is often caused by coughing. (Note: This should only be given to older infants who can spit out the solution without swallowing.)
Salt is an excellent remedy for coughs and sore throats as it draws water and causes the tissues of the upper respiratory tract to become inflamed with excess mucus and body fluids, causing coughing and pain. In a randomized trial, researchers found a significant reduction in upper respiratory tract infections after participants regularly gargled with salt water when they were sick.
8)Propped-Up Position
Elevate the head of a larger child with an extra pillow at night. This opens the airways for mucus to drain. (However, if your baby is under 4 months of age, see your doctor for coughing.)
Mucus does not go away at bedtime and can build up in the back of the throat, especially if the baby has a stuffy nose. Elevate your child's head to keep the mucus moving to relieve symptoms and reduce coughing. And use a humidifier near your child's bed as a dry throat can easily irritate it and cause more mucus to build up.
Mucus does not go away at bedtime and can build up in the back of the throat, especially if the baby has a stuffy nose. Elevate your child's head to keep the mucus moving to relieve symptoms and reduce coughing. And use a humidifier near your child's bed as a dry throat can easily irritate it and cause more mucus to build up.
9)Chest Rub
If your child is 2 years of age or older, a chest rub like Vicks BabyRub can help relieve stuffy nose. Products containing aloe, eucalyptus, lavender and rosemary can help your baby sleep better at night. (Try Vicks BabyRub Soothing Steam Ointment.)
The active ingredient is eucalyptus, a natural expectorant, which relieves phlegm, relieves cough, opens the nasal passages and soothes sore throats.
The active ingredient is eucalyptus, a natural expectorant, which relieves phlegm, relieves cough, opens the nasal passages and soothes sore throats.
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