6 Pediatrician Approved Natural Remedies For Cough & Cold in Kids

Every now and then on BabyChakra, we see questions from mothers asking for remedies for cough and cold. Experts suggest that you should avoid over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that suppress cough or cold. This does not mean you should allow your child to suffer. There are several ingredients in your kitchen, which can be put to great use.

Here are a few pediatrician-approved natural remedies that you can try for relief:

1. Garlic and Carom seeds (Ajwain) pouch

• Ajwain and garlic are known to have antiviral and antibacterial properties. They help in relieving nasal congestion.

• Roast 1-2 cloves of garlic with 1 tsp of carom seeds on a pan

• Tie them in a muslin cloth

• Keep this pouch where the baby sleeps

2. Oil massage

• Heat 1 tbsp of mustard oil along with 2-3 cloves of garlic and few carom seeds.

• Massage this oil on the palms, soles, chest and upper back of your baby.

• Massaging with the warm oil relieves congestion while garlic and carom seeds have antiviral and antibacterial effects.

3. Dry turmeric (over 6 months) – Turmeric is known to have anti-bacterial properties.

• Hold dried turmeric sticks over a flame, till they char.

• Make a paste and apply this paste near the nostrils.

4. Nilgiri (Eucalyptus) oil (over 6 months)

• Eucalyptus is an anti-bacterial agent. A massage with warm eucalyptus oil on the chest, upper back, and palms and soles is known to reduce congestion

5. Steam

• Inhaling or breathing moist warm air loosens the mucus

• Either place a humidifier in your child’s room or give him a warm steamy bath

6. Nasal saline drops

• Saline drops can be purchased or made at home by dissolving ¼ tsp of salt in 40 ml of warm water.

• Add 2-3 drops in each nostril.

• It clears up the nose and opens up the air passages for easy breathing.

You can watch this video to understand how this can be done: 

Along with the above mentioned remedies, remember to give your child plenty of fluids and adequate rest.

Wish you and your family good health!

_{Disclaimer: BabyChakra does not promote self-diagnosis or self-medication. The information in this article has been provided by a pediatrician.}

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