6 Home Remedies To Relieve Coughs In Children
Did you know that chicken soup, in addition to being comforting, helps speed up the recovery process from colds? Its power lies in its iron and zinc contents
Coughing in children, as in adults, is a common cold and flu symptom, which in most cases does not progress seriously and can be easily controlled with home remedies.
We all know that colds and flu are typical of winter climates, because at this time our immune system weakens and we are more exposed to contracting viruses and bacteria that can attack our body.
In the case of children, it is very important to consult with the pediatrician and heed the recommendations that he gives us to combat both colds and the annoying cough.
However, we can also rely on home remedies to relieve cough, which are endorsed by scientists since it has been proven that they can significantly reduce your symptoms.
What are the causes of cough?
Although we mention that in most cases the cough is a symptom of flu and colds, not in all cases they attend to this cause. Coughing occurs when viruses inflame and irritate the upper respiratory tract, and in most cases produce mucus.
Coughing can be a clear sign of a cold, allergy, or a more serious condition such as bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, or lung cancer. In children it can appear suddenly and usually lasts up to four weeks.
In any case and as annoying as it may be, it is not recommended to stop the cough completely, since it is a natural manifestation of the body to clear the airways and expel microbes, dust, chemicals or other irritants.
To relieve coughs in children there are several home remedies that can be very helpful, since in addition to providing well-being, they also have a pleasant taste that they will surely not reject.
Cough Relief Remedies in Children: Chicken Soup
This very pleasant meal for the little ones in the house goes far beyond being a simple grandmother’s recipe. Chicken soup has earned its fame as it is very good for relieving cold symptoms, including coughs.
According to researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center , the level of iron and zinc in chicken broth help speed up the recovery process from severe coughs, especially those that manifest phlegm.
Vicks VapoRub
The classic Vicks VapoRub ointment is another popular remedy for relieving children’s coughs and other cold symptoms. Before the little one goes to sleep, apply Vicks VapoRub to the soles of their feet and put on socks.
You can also do a chest and back massage to enhance its effects. It has been said that this ointment is safe for children and babies, but in any case the ideal is always to consult a pediatrician.
Honey with lemon
These two ingredients are ideal for strengthening the immune system and fighting sputum. Lemon is rich in vitamin C and honey is an excellent natural antibiotic. To prepare this remedy you must mix a good amount of lemon juice with pure honey and consume several tablespoons a day.
Hot chocolate
A study conducted by the Imperial College of London in the United Kingdom found that chocolate contains an essential component called theobromine, which contains the power to relieve persistent coughs that appear in children after a viral infection.
Marshmallows
This is a delicious home remedy that can be of great help and that you will also love. Add a handful of marshmallows to a very hot glass of milk and wait for them to melt. It should be drunk before going to sleep.
Banana cream
This banana-based cream is tasty, healthy and nutritious. Its pleasant taste will make it the preferred remedy for children and you will not have a rejection problem, so typical of these ages with certain foods.
Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe bananas.
- 2 tablespoons of honey.
- 400 ml of boiling water.
How to prepare it?
- Mash the bananas with a fork or spoon, preferably plastic so that it does not darken.
- Pour the hot water over the bananas, cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Add the honey last when the mixture is cold.
- Optionally you can strain the mixture through a plastic sieve.
Every time you want to give this remedy to your children, gently heat the mixture and have them consume it 4 times a day.