People often ask me to share Ayurvedic Home Remedies for cough in children, so here is a blog for you!
Children are more prone to suffer from colds and coughs. This is because their immunities are not fully developed and their body lacks the natural antibodies to fight flu-causing viruses. Studies show that almost all children experience episodes of cough and colds 6 to 7 times a year.
While many antibiotics are available in the market, parents today are well aware of their side effects. Antibiotic resistance is also another major concern that’s compelling people to look for alternative solutions.
Ayurveda offers simple, effective, and time-tested remedies for treating colds and coughs naturally. In India, these remedies are in practice in many households for millennia. Check out these 10 simple and handy home Ayurvedic remedies for treating cough in children that work like magic.
Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Cough in Children
Yasthimadhu or Mulethi
Mulethi, also known as licorice, is one of the most popular Ayurvedic herbs. Mulethi has potent expectorant properties that make it an excellent cure for sore throat and nasal congestion. It further aids in relieving inflammation, loosens the mucus, and cures bacterial infections causing cough. This natural herb is completely safe for children.
How to use Mulethi for treating cough in children?
Mulethi Pani
- Take 1 tsp Mulethi powder and add it to a glass of warm water.
- Stir it well and give it twice a day.
Cinnamon and Mulethi Kadha
You can also make Mulethi kadha by adding a pinch of cinnamon powder, black pepper, and a few tulsi leaves to the boiling Mulethi water.
Give this to your child twice a day for immediate relief.
Tulsi tea
Tulsi or Basil leaves are well-known for their ability to treat cough. Basil has strong anti-microbial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help in easing cough and soreness of the throat.
How to use Tulsi for treating cough in children?
- Take a few fresh tulsi leaves and wash them well.
- Boil water in a pan, crush the leaves, and add it to the boiling water.
- Add grated ginger and boil it well for the juices to blend.
- Strain the water and let it cool for a minute.
- Squeeze a lemon and feed it warm.
Palm candy / Tal Mishri
Another very popular and simple home remedy for treating cough in children is tal mishri. Tal Mishri is known for its therapeutic benefits. It helps loosen the mucus and relieve the cough sensation. Most importantly, children love this palm candy.
How to use Tal Mishri for treating cough in children?
- Boil some water in a pan.
- Add tal mishri, grated ginger and crushed tulsi leaves to the water.
- Let it boil for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain the liquid and let it cool.
- Feed this to your toddlers and kids for soothing relief.
Warm Mustard Oil Massage
Mothers know that a warm mustard oil massage can do wonders in bringing relief to their ailing kids. Rubbing a teaspoon of warm mustard oil with garlic and ajwain helps in clearing the congestion in their chest. The smell of garlic, ajwain, and mustard oil further help to bring relief.
How to use Mustard oil for treating cough in children?
- Heat 2 tsp mustard oil in a pan.
- Add ¼ tsp ajwain and 3 to 4 garlic cloves to it.
- Once the garlic is roasted take it out and let it cool a bit.
- Massage the oil on the chest, feet, and back.
Garlic-Ajwain Inhaler
Garlic and ajwain both have therapeutic properties that can help in relieving cough and congestion. The heat and fumes of this garlic and ajwain inhaler will help relieve blocked passages and clear congestion.
How to make a Garlic – ajwain inhaler for treating cough?
- Take 2-3 fresh and juicy garlic cloves.
- Press the bulbs with your thumb to release the juice.
- Roast the garlic in a pan with one tsp ajwain.
- Take out the heated mix of garlic and ajwain and put it in a muslin cloth and tie it tightly to make a pouch.
- Check the hotness and let your child inhale the potali.
- You can place this pouch near your toddler while they are asleep.
Peppermint Steam
Peppermint contains menthol which can help relieve congestion. The oil helps relax the muscles of the windpipe, also known as the bronchial muscles. This can ease breathing in people with coughs and ensure sound sleep.
How to use Peppermint oil for treating cough in children?
- Dilute the peppermint oil by pouring a few drops into boiling water.
- You can also add the oil to a diffuser.
- Let the child inhale this for relief.
- However, it is not advisable for children younger than 5 years.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon-infused water is an excellent remedy for cough and sore throat in Ayurveda. Packed with antioxidants, cinnamon exhibits mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, cinnamon has been used for treating colds, coughs, flu, and sore throat. Cinnamon also has anti-viral properties which help fight the virus-causing cold.
How to use cinnamon for treating cough in children?
Cinnamon with honey
- Take 1 tsp honey and add ¼ tsp of cinnamon powder.
- Take it twice a day for 3 days.
Ayurvedic Home Remedies for cough in children – Takeaway
Cold and cough are very common among children and the cases are witnessing a huge spike after the pandemic. You can try these simple home remedies to treat your child rather than increasing their dependency on antibiotics. In case, the cough does not go away or it is affecting your child’s diet and sleep, you can consult a doctor.
