Many parents worry about giving their children medicine because of the number of recalls in recent years. But children with colds and coughs are often uncomfortable and need some relief from their symptoms, which can include sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose and achy muscles. Many natural remedies can alleviate a child's symptoms, decreasing the need to rely on medications. Parents should always discuss these home remedies with their child's doctor before administering them, advises the My Home Remedies website.
Lime/Lemon
The Natural Home Remedies website says that limes and lemons can help a dry cough and soothe the respiratory tract. Parents can mix lime or lemon juice with warm water and one teaspoon of honey and let the child drink it. The vitamin C in limes and lemons helps increase resistance and lowers the duration of a cold and the cough that often accompanies it, according to Natural Home Remedies. Because of the rare risk of botulism in raw honey, do not give this remedy to children who are 1 or younger.
Hot Bath
Lying in a hot bath (but not scalding) can help break up a child's chest and nasal congestion, says Natural Home Remedies. The steam that a hot bath produces soothes nasal tissues, breaking down the mucous and allowing it to come back out, which helps a child breathe better. In addition, a hot bath can help a child rest and relax, both of which can help him fight the cold and recover more quickly.
Garlic and Onion
The Natural Home Remedies Guide website says that both garlic and onion have healing properties that can reduce cough and cold. Putting garlic and onion in chicken soup is one way to offer it. Natural Home Remedies describes a cough syrup made from one to two teaspoons each of onion juice, lemon juice and honey combined with a little water and then boiled and set aside for five to six hours. A parent can give the child one teaspoon of the mixture twice a day. Again, do not give this remedy to a child who is younger than 1.
