Natural remedies for infant coughs

Natural remedies for infant coughs

Discover 7 natural remedies for infant coughs

Although it is generally benign, coughing, a common symptom in infants and young children, especially in winter or during the respiratory virus season, tends to worry parents. Your baby is coughing and you are wondering if there are natural remedies to fight it? Before discovering the gentle solutions to relieve his discomfort, we offer you some basic notions on coughing.

Let's first look at the two types of coughs before looking at natural remedies.

What are the differences between a wet cough and a dry cough in infants?

Wet cough

During a wet cough, the body tries to get rid of pathogens by expectorating mucus . It gives the sensation of havingliquidthick stuck in the back of the throat, and is usually accompanied by other symptoms (runny nose, fatigue,fever...). A wet cough is often a symptom of an infection, most often viral (flu, cold , pneumonia , etc.). When it occurs in the morning upon waking, it can also signal abronchitischronic obstructive.

Dry cough

A dry cough (without phlegm production) is an irritation of the infant's respiratory tract that can last for several days. For children, it is more tiring and unpleasant than a productive cough. However, rest assured, because a cough is often a symptom of a cold.

What natural remedies can relieve babies’ coughs?

Here are some natural approaches:

Onion, a grandmother's remedy, has propertiesanti-inflammatorywhich help relieve infant coughs. It will also promote expectoration. Due to its strong odor, it is often difficult to administer. You can make your own onion-based syrup. You slice an onion very finely, then mix it withsugar. You can replace sugar with honey only from the age of 1 year because of the risk ofbotulism. You let it rest for about 12 hours. Theliquidobtained will form the cough syrup. It is also possible to use radishblack which is a powerful respiratory tonic. One can also use turnip. 

Nose wash atphysiological serum is generally beneficial. In fact, the secretions of thenosethat fall into the baby's throat can be one of the causes of coughing.

Honey or warm milk. Honey has a certain soothing power for the throat. But, remember, no honey before the age of 1 year and not too often. Indeed, honey is a sweet product that children should not abuse. Warm milk is a very good alternative since it has the same soothing power as honey.

Herbal teas are a good natural grandmother's remedy, especially thyme tea to relieve coughing fits and for respiratory problems in general. There are also otherinfusionsto relieve coughs in babies: anise,fennel, the plantain, the mallow flower or thewild thyme.

Homeopathy: to determine the appropriate remedy depending on the type of cough or its cause such as a cold, it is recommended to consult a homeopathic doctor or apharmacistspecialized in homeopathy.

Foot reflexology: manipulations on different areas of the child's feet will soothe and relieve them. It can be practiced as needed, but especially in the evening at bedtime.