Dry Cough Home Remedies For Children

Any number of factors such as flu, a cold or allergies can cause a dry, hacking cough in a child. Most home pantries and kitchens cupboards have several substances that may be helpful for the treatment of coughs. If using herbs, use caution, as some herbal remedies can cause side effects. Consult a health practitioner before using herbs for a cough, and for dosing directions.

Homeopathic Bryonia Alba

The remedy Bryonia may be helpful for the treatment of a dry, painful cough, according to the "Materia Medica and Repertory." The cough will sound deep and loud. The movement of the lungs and the rib cage will cause great pain in a person needing this particular remedy, and the child may be seen to hug himself around the ribs in an attempt to prevent movement in the chest cavity. There may be thirst for large quantities of cold water concomitant to the cough. The cough may be worse at nighttime, after eating or drinking, and when going into a warm room.

Mullein

The herb mullein may be helpful for relieving a child's dry cough and breaking up congestion in the airways and lungs, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Mullein is a common ingredient in many herbal cough preparations and is available from most health food stores. It comes in both liquid extract and dried herb. According to "Medicinal Plants of North America: A Field Guide," a tea can be made by steeping a teaspoonful of dried herb in a cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain the tea and drink for relief. Honey can be added to sweeten. Mullein may cause side effects in some people, so consult a health practitioner before using this herb.

Honey

The University of Maryland Medical Center writes that honey is as good as or better for relieving coughs than some over-the-counter cough medicines. Organic, raw honey is a better choice because it contains no impurities, yet all natural nutrients remain. Bees, so is easy on the stomach, can sooth away the itching, and tickling in the throat that triggers coughing predigest honey. It can be consumed in one of several ways. Offer the child a spoon with a dollop of honey straight up; or add a spoonful of honey to some warm, freshly made lemon juice to make warm lemonade. The lemon juice is full of vitamin C and antioxidants. Let the child sip on the lemonade as needed to soothe the coughing. Avoid giving honey to children younger than one year of age.