Home remedies for cold and cough in kids

Before my babies’ arrival, I was not at all interested in exploring home remedies to cure small health problems. When I became a mother, suddenly I realized that the allopathic medicine is not the overall solution and I remember my dadi’s and nani’s home remedies to cure small problems with kids like colic, cold n cough, loss of appetite, restlessness etc.

For babies below 3 months of age it’s better to consult the good pediatrician before trying any home remedy.

I am sharing few home remedies to treat common cold and cough in kids.

1. Breast feeding

Breastfeeding is the best method to treat cold and cough in infants. It boosts the immunity and cure the problem against various infection.

2. Carom seeds

Carom seeds or also called ajwain potli. 

They have antibacterial and antiviral properties. The ajwain roasted in a pan and put it in cotton cloth and make small potli . This potli gently rub it on the baby’s chest, back , under feets and palms.

You can also put potli near nostrils of baby so they can inhale the ajwain smell. Also remember that before rubbing the potli over the chest the baby is in the single layer clothing.

3. Garlic cloves in mustard oil

Garlic they have antibacterial properties and destroy bacteria that cause cough. First take 3-4 garlic cloves and put it into the mustard oil or (kadwa tail) and heat it. you can also put oil over the betel leaf (pan ka patta) and put it over the baby’s chest and cover with the cloths before going to sleep.

Then apply over the baby chest, feet, back and palm before sleep. Remember that the oil must be warm not very hot.

4. Rock salt infused with desi ghee

Rock salt also called sendha namak. 

Mix one teaspoon sendha namak in the warm desi ghee and then apply over the baby’s chest, back and feet. This gives your warmth to your little one.

5. Tulsi with coconut oil

As we know that the tulsi had a medicinal effects. It is the Indian herb and used in various households. They have antibacterial, antiviral and antibiotic properties that help to cure cold cough, congestion and throat infection.

Take 2-3 tulsi leaves crushed it into the warm coconut oil. Gently massage the oil all over the body.

6. Steam/ vaporizer

Steam is a good way to deal with the blocked nose. It loosens the mucus and clears the blockage.

You can give plain steam with help of steamer or you can also use humidifier and nebulizer so that the proper inhalation done. It keeps your room moist.

7. Elevate baby head

Due to congestion and blocked noses the baby didn’t get proper sleep so you can elevate your baby head by using pillow, so that they can rid from the congestion. It helps your child breathe easily.  

Disclaimer: all suggested home remedies are based on my personal experiences, expert advice and research.