Holistic Remedies For Nighttime Cough In Children

Nighttime coughing in children may be the result of any number of ailments, including colds, flu, asthma or acid reflux. A holistic approach to resolving coughs may involve using several remedies and different approaches to treating the cause of the coughing. Whenever a child has a cough that does not go away within a couple of days, a health practitioner should be consulted.

Herbs

Various herbal remedies may be helpful for quieting a cough. Gingko biloba may protect against swelling of the throat during asthmatic coughing resulting from an allergic reaction, according to Jethro Kloss in his book, "Back to Eden." It helps the lungs receive a greater blood supply by toning the blood vessels.

Parsley leaf acts as an expectorant, adds Kloss, loosening mucus and soothing a cough.

Mouse ear is helpful for treating bronchial spasms and reducing congestion in the airways, according to Holistic Online.

Because some herbs may cause side effects or interfere with other medicines, consult an herbal practitioner before using herbs to treat coughs.

Honey

The University of Maryland Medical Center states that honey is more soothing for persistent coughs than over-the-counter cough medicines, and it is free of chemicals and medications that may cause side effects. Honey can be consumed on its own or mixed with the juice of half a lemon. The honey/lemon mixture can be added to a cup of hot water to make a soothing tea.

Vaporizers

Vaporizers filled with warm water and a few drops of eucalyptus oil or menthol help moisturize mucus membranes in the nose, sinuses and throat, soothing ticking sensations that may cause coughing. The addition of eucalyptus oil aids in breaking up congestion in the chest and sinuses, relieving coughing and post-nasal drip, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It is antibacterial and may protect against certain respiratory infections.

Compresses

A hot pack or compress soaked in warm water and apple cider vinegar or eucalyptus oil makes a soothing cough remedy when placed on the chest, according to Health 911. The fumes from the vinegar or the eucalyptus oil moisten mucus membranes and aid in breaking up congestion. Vinegar can also relieve tickling and scratchiness in the throat that may contribute to coughing, according to Kloss.