Dry cough can be a horrible experience for your child, but you don’t have to let it get in the way of family wellness. Your kitchen cupboard is full of simple solutions to combat dry cough, and you won’t put your child’s wellbeing at risk to any negative side effects that you might find with medicines. However, it’s always a wise idea to check with a GP before starting any remedy.
1. Honey and lemon: There are many natural properties in honey which are soothing to both your child’s throat and stomach, while the vitamin C and antioxidants found in lemon will help to cure coughs and colds.
2. Steam: OK, this one isn’t in your kitchen cupboard, but the water vapours present in steam helps to loosen the tightness in your child’s chest, and the moisture will also help to calm your child’s dry or tickling throat.
3. Eucalyptus oil: If you add eucalyptus oil to a warm compress, the fumes can help to break up congestion, and ease the tickling and scratchiness in your child’s throat which leads to coughing. You can also try adding a few drops to your child’s humidifier at night, as this might help him or her to sleep better.
4. Miracle paste: Combine ¼ teaspoon of fresh ginger paste, ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, a tablespoon of honey, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and two tablespoons of water. Giving this paste to your child every few hours reduces a dry cough.
5. Broth: This vegetable broth not only reduces dry cough, but will also flush unnecessary toxins out of your child’s body. Simple let three skinless potatoes, a carrot, a celery stalk, garlic, onion, salt and pepper simmer together in water for 30 minutes, let it cool a little, strain it and give it to your child.
6. Vitamins and phytochemicals: If your child’s cough was caused by allergies, quercetin and bromelain can help, so give your child colourful fruits and vegetables, as well as pineapple. To build immunity, your child needs zinc so try kidney beans, green peas, cheese, milk and yogurt.
7. Turmeric: This reduces the inflammation in your child’s throat and soothes the throat lining.