Top 12 most effective natural remedies for treating coughs in young children without the use of antibiotics

Chives are highly effective in clearing mucus and, when steamed with rock sugar, can help reduce coughing and phlegm. Instructions and dosage:

• Take one handful of chives and about 5-6 pieces of rock sugar (the size of corn kernels), crush the mixture, and steam it for 30 minutes. Strain the liquid for the child to consume.
• Dosage: 1-2 teaspoons per serving, 2 times a day.

Lemon seeds have a mild bitterness and possess antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which, when combined with rock sugar, help in clearing mucus. Instructions and dosage:

• Take 5-6 lemon seeds and 2-3 pieces of rock sugar (size of corn kernels), crush them together, add 2-3 teaspoons of water, and steam for 15 minutes. Strain the liquid for the child to drink. Prepare fresh for each use, as the lemon seed mixture becomes too bitter to consume if stored for too long.
• Dosage: 2-3 times a day, 1 teaspoon per serving.

Steamed pear with rock sugar and Xuan Boi is effective in treating pneumonia, relieving phlegm, and coughing.
Ingredients: 1 large pear, 5 Xuan Boi seeds (available at traditional medicine shops), 3 pieces of rock sugar the size of corn kernels.
Preparation and dosage:

• Clean the pear, peel it, and remove the core. Place the rock sugar and Xuan Boi seeds inside the pear, then steam for 30 minutes. For older children, serve the pear as is; for younger children, extract the juice and give it to them to drink.
• Administer 2 servings per day for the child.

Wild Thai basil, also known as 'Tần Dày Lá', combined with rock sugar is suitable for children under one year old, while children above one year can use honey. Steaming this mixture helps alleviate coughing and phlegm.
Preparation and dosage:

• Take a small handful of wild Thai basil leaves, 5–6 pieces of rock sugar the size of corn kernels, or 3 teaspoons of honey if preferred. Mash the mixture, add 2 tablespoons of water, and steam for 30 minutes. Strain the liquid for the child to drink.
• Administer 2-3 teaspoons per day, with one teaspoon per dose.

Preparation and dosage:

• Use 5 to 10 fish mint leaves and 1 bowl of rice water. Mash the fish mint leaves, add the rice water, bring to a boil, and then simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid for the child to drink.
• Give the child 1-2 teaspoons, 3 times a day.

Steamed white roses with rock sugar not only help with coughing and phlegm but also aid in relieving constipation.
Preparation and dosage:

• Use 1-2 white rose flowers, remove the petals, and 3 pieces of rock sugar the size of corn kernels. Mash the mixture and steam for 30 minutes. Strain the liquid for the child to drink.
• Administer 1-2 teaspoons 3 times a day for the child.

Preparation and dosage:

• Slice the white radish and place it in 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the water and serve it warm for the child to drink.
• Dosage: For children over 1 year old, this can be consumed as a replacement for water throughout the day. For children under 1 year old, give 2-3 teaspoons 3-4 times daily.

Garlic contains a compound called Allicin, which has antioxidant properties and helps inhibit the activity of bacteria and viruses that cause throat infections and bronchitis. The sulfur compounds in garlic also have similar effects, making garlic a popular home remedy for treating coughs in children.

Preparation and dosage:

• Peel the garlic and slice it into thin pieces.
• Mix the garlic with rock sugar.
• Steam for 15 minutes.
• Allow it to cool, then strain the liquid for the child to drink for 5 consecutive days.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, chrysanthemum leaves have a mild sweet and slightly bitter taste, with a refreshing scent, and a cooling nature. They help treat cough, headaches, and relieve colds...

Preparation and Dosage:

• Wash a few chrysanthemum leaves and let them dry.
• Chop them finely, then steam them with a little honey for about 20 minutes.
• Give the mixture to children twice a day. It should be used for 3 to 5 days.

White radish has a mild sweetness, combined with rock sugar for its expectorant effect, while ginger, with its spicy warmth, helps with inflammation, clears phlegm, and warms the lungs.
Preparation and dosage:

• Grind 1/4 of a white radish, add 4 small pieces of rock sugar the size of corn kernels, and 4 crushed ginger slices, about the thickness of a coin. Steam them together, extract the liquid, and give it to the child to drink.
• The mixture can be stored in the fridge for use during the day, reheat before drinking. A small teaspoon per dose, 3 to 4 times a day. This can be used until the child’s cough completely subsides.

Green kumquat with honey is suitable for children over 1 year old, while rock sugar is recommended for children under 1 year old.
Green kumquat contains essential oils and vitamin C, helping to clear phlegm and soothe the throat, which makes it great for cough relief. When combined with rock sugar or honey, it works even better.
Preparation method and dosage:

• Green kumquats: 2-3 pieces, wash thoroughly, cut in half. Rock sugar: 3 pieces the size of corn kernels, or if using honey, add 2 teaspoons. Mash the kumquat to release juice, steam for 30 minutes, then strain and serve the warm liquid to the child.
• The mixture can be given to the child 3-4 times a day, 1 teaspoon each time. If the child has difficulty drinking it, dilute with warm water to make it easier for them to consume.

Licorice has a mild sweet taste and contains antibacterial properties that help clear phlegm, soothe the throat, and reduce inflammation, alleviating cough symptoms.
Steaming method and dosage:

• Take 4-5 thin slices of licorice, soak in warm water for about 10 minutes, then steam for 30 minutes. The liquid can be given to children to drink. Older children can suck on the steamed licorice slices.
• Give the child the remedy 3-4 times a day.

Note: Do not give licorice to infants, only use for children 9 months and older.