Children are particularly inclined to fall ill when the weather undergoes fluctuations. It's a common observation that with changing seasons, children often find themselves battling colds and coughs. Beyond mere inconvenience, these ailments can significantly disrupt their well-being, making simple tasks like breathing and swallowing challenging. The pollutants and allergens in the atmosphere may worsen the situation. However, colds and coughing are part of our immune system as they keep away foreign particles and allergens from the body.

 Opting for simple yet effective home remedies for your child's cough can prove to be more beneficial than relying solely on medications. These natural remedies not only offer relief but also nurture your child's health in a gentle and nurturing manner. Here are some best home remedies for dry cough and chest congestion:

1. Take Proper Rest

When your child is sick, the best thing you can do is ensure they get plenty of rest. A good night's sleep can give their immune system a much-needed boost, helping them fight off germs more effectively. When the body is fighting an infection, white blood cells kick into gear, battling against any invading germs or foreign particles. So, encourage your little one to take it easy and get the rest they need to feel better soon. Proper sleep will give them more energy to fight, restore, and heal.

Furthermore, keeping your child at home while they recover helps stop germs from spreading to other children. Once they've fully recuperated from their cough and cold, your child can join in activities both at home and at school without the risk of infecting others.

2. Increase the Intake of Fluid

 Always keep your baby hydrated when he or she is sick. You can give slightly warm water, or formula to help keep them hydrated. Additionally, chicken soup serves as an excellent option for comforting your sick child. It's warm and nourishing properties make it one of the best remedies for tackling the flu and cold symptoms.

Soup offers additional benefits beyond just comfort. it provides energy and essential protein that can aid in recovery. Its warmth can help alleviate sinus congestion by loosening mucus. Furthermore, soup is rich in proteins and minerals like potassium and sodium, contributing to your child's overall health and well-being during illness.

3. Steam

 One of the best home remedies for flu, cough and cold is steam. Steam is very effective in killing microbes because bacteria and viruses cannot survive in the high temperature of steam. Moreover, steam moisturizes the nasal cavity and loosens up the mucus trapped inside the chest. In this way, the blocked airways of the babies are opened up. This is one of the best and simplest remedies you can do at home. 

Use a humidifier, vaporizer, and bowl of hot water. If you do not have these gadgets at home, then a bath full of steam can be used.

4. Saltwater gargle

 Gargling with salt water is considered an effective approach for potentially preventing upper respiratory infections. Saltwater gargles offer a simple yet effective solution for individuals of all ages. Suitable for adults across all age groups, this remedy is also safe for children aged 6 and above. Additionally, it has shown promise in reducing the severity of cold symptoms, including relieving sore throat pain and alleviating nasal congestion. A saltwater gargle can help reduce and loosen mucus, which often contains bacteria and allergens. To utilize this remedy at home:

•  Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a full glass of water.
• Swish the solution around your mouth and throat.
• Spit it out afterward.

5. Warm baths

At times, you can alleviate a child's fever by administering a warm, but not excessively hot, sponge bath. Similarly, warm baths can also provide relief from cold and flu symptoms in adults. Incorporating Epsom salt and baking soda into the water may further alleviate body aches.

6. Honey

Honey is best for cough and cold in babies. It has been used to treat the seasonal cough and cold for so long. Honey shows anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial activities that can help with cough and sore throat. Honey is incredibly effective for treating many ailments, often outperforming other medications. However, it's important to remember not to give honey to babies under one year old, as it can potentially lead to infant botulism.

For optimal results, simply add two tablespoons of honey to warm water or herbal tea. Use this twice daily to speed up recovery and experience its beneficial effects.

7. Garlic

Garlic is one of the best anti-bacterial, anti-viral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory substances. Most people do not like garlic, but it is the best medicine ever for colds and coughs. It contains so many natural antibiotics and aids in treating infections and irritation of blocked airways. Garlic helps in lowering blood pressure and strengthening the immune system of the body. 

Roast a garlic clove on flame and eat it with a spoon of honey before going to bed. Besides that, you can also fry it and add it to your food. It will help in digestion and also in cough and cold relief. 

8. Ginger

Ginger is another best medicine that is always available in your kitchen as a remedy for cough and cold. Ginger is beneficial for several health problems such as colds, flu, coughs nausea, etc. The anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger help relax the airway membranes and reduce coughing. The most important chemical found in ginger is Gingerol which helps in the reduction of airway hyper responsiveness. 

The best method is to drink ginger tea or juice mixed with honey and black pepper. It will help reduce the cold and cough. However, avoid using ginger too much it can cause heartburn and upset the stomach. 

9. Turmeric

 Turmeric is present in every kitchen and has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Turmeric helps reduce the inflammation of the respiratory tract and cold infections. The main ingredient of turmeric is curcumin which is rich in antiviral and antibacterial activity. So, if your child is suffering from viral cough and cold, give them turmeric mixed with warm milk, it will heal the body infection. The best method is to put a quarter teaspoon of turmeric in warm milk and drink it before going to bed. 

10. Peppermint

 Peppermint is a good home remedy for dry cough and cold. Peppermint contains methanol which helps in the breakdown of mucus and can numb the nerve endings of throats that cause coughing. That’s why most of the cough syrups have mint in it. Moreover, Peppermint is a natural remedy known for its ability to reduce chest congestion and soothe a sore throat. For quick relief, give your child a cup of peppermint tea 2 to 3 times a day to experience its instant benefits.

11. Bromelain

Pineapple juice is very effective for sinus-related problems and colds. Pineapple contains Bromelain which has anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and fibrinolytic properties all best for curing colds and coughs in children. According to recent studies, this enzyme is used for the treatment of inflammation and swelling of the throat. Enjoying pineapple or drinking its juice twice a day can be beneficial. However, ensure that both the juice and fruit are not too cold, as this may irritate your throat and potentially worsen the situation.

In summary, numerous home remedies are available for treating colds and coughs effectively within the comfort of your home. You don't have to rush to the hospital for every minor inconvenience. Unlock a wealth of knowledge on baby health, parenting guides, and maternal care with our Bebambi app. Download now to simplify your journey through parenthood.