#asktheexpert kindly suggested some home remedy for cough.

Question

Accepted Answer

Here are some home remedies you can try to help relieve a baby's cough. Please make sure to check with your pediatrician before trying anything new, especially for younger babies:

1. Honey and Warm Water (For babies above 1 year):

How to Use: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of honey with warm water or warm milk and give it to your baby. Honey can soothe the throat and help with coughing.

Note: Do not give honey to babies under 1 year due to the risk of botulism.

2. Steam Inhalation:

How to Use: Sit in the bathroom with the hot shower running, creating steam in the room. Hold your baby in the steam for 10-15 minutes. The moisture can help loosen mucus and relieve coughing.

Tip: You can also use a humidifier in the baby's room to keep the air moist.

3. Saltwater Nasal Drops:

How to Use: Use saline drops to help clear any nasal congestion. Lay your baby on their back with a slight tilt, put 1-2 drops in each nostril, and then gently suction out the mucus using a bulb syringe.

Note: This can help reduce the cough caused by post-nasal drip.

4. Warm Water with Ginger and Turmeric (For babies over 1 year):

How to Use: Boil a small piece of ginger in water and add a pinch of turmeric. Let it cool and give it to your baby in small sips.

Benefit: Ginger and turmeric have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe the throat and relieve coughing.

5. Chest Rub with Mustard Oil and Garlic:

How to Use: Warm mustard oil with crushed garlic. Once cool enough, gently rub this on your baby’s chest and back before bedtime.

Benefit: Mustard oil is known for its warming effect, and garlic has natural antibacterial properties.

6. Drink Warm Fluids:

How to Use: Offer your baby warm fluids like water or herbal teas (chamomile or ginger tea) in small amounts throughout the day. This will help soothe the throat and keep your baby hydrated.

7. Carom Seeds (Ajwain) and Garlic (For babies over 1 year):

How to Use: Slightly crush ajwain and garlic in a cloth and warm it. Place this pouch on your baby’s chest to help with respiratory discomfort.

Benefit: Ajwain has antiseptic properties and can help relieve cough and congestion.

8. Elevate Baby's Head:

How to Use: When your baby is sleeping, try elevating their head a little using a pillow under the mattress (not directly under the baby's head, as that can be unsafe). This can help reduce coughing due to post-nasal drip.

9. Warm Saltwater Gargle (For children above 1 year):

How to Use: If your child can gargle, mix warm water with a pinch of salt and let them gargle. This can help soothe the throat.

10. Warm Milk with Ghee (For babies above 1 year):

How to Use: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ghee to warm milk and offer it to your baby. This can help soothe the throat and aid in healing.

11. Basil (Tulsi) Leaves:

How to Use: Boil a few fresh basil leaves with a little water. Let it cool and give your baby small sips.

Benefit: Basil leaves have medicinal properties that can help reduce cough and clear congestion.

---

Precautions:

Always ensure any remedy is appropriate for your child’s age.

For babies under 1 year, avoid honey, and be cautious about herbal remedies.

Consult a pediatrician if the cough persists for more than a few days, or if it is accompanied by symptoms like fever, trouble breathing, or unusual fatigue.

Let me know if you need more details or further help!