Top 16 Natural Remedies for Cough in Children Using Simple Herbal Treatments

Vietnamese Mint Leaves are also an effective remedy for treating coughs, though not everyone is familiar with this method. It’s a simple yet highly effective treatment that mothers can use regularly to help alleviate the condition in children. Not only is Vietnamese mint a common herb used in cooking, but it is also a well-known traditional medicine for treating various ailments, especially coughs caused by throat inflammation and colds. According to traditional medicine, Vietnamese mint leaves have a spicy, warm taste and a fragrant aroma. They help disperse wind-cold, clear phlegm, disinfect, and treat throat inflammation, colds, and fever when sweating doesn’t occur.

Ingredients:

• 1 small handful of Vietnamese mint leaves
• Rock sugar
• Honey

Method:

• Rinse the Vietnamese mint leaves thoroughly and chop them into small pieces.
• Add some rock sugar and honey, then steam the mixture in a double boiler or place it in the rice cooker. Have your child drink this remedy 3-4 times a day. The slightly sour and spicy taste of Vietnamese mint leaves will help fight bacteria, clear phlegm, and is completely safe. Additionally, this remedy also helps reduce fever effectively.

Ginger has warming properties and is effective against inflammation and fungal infections, making it a reliable remedy for coughs, colds, and flu in both adults and children. When a cough is caused by a cold or flu, ginger water can be used to treat the cough and alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms of the illness quickly.

Rock sugar is made by crystallizing sugar from sugarcane, primarily composed of sucrose. It is commonly used in cooking, desserts, and also in traditional remedies for coughs, sore throats, and general nourishment.

The combination of ginger and rock sugar serves as a natural drink that boosts the immune system. To treat a cough, patients should use this remedy consistently for 2-3 days to see improvement. Over time, dry coughs and those with phlegm will reduce, and the remedy also helps expel cold air, warm the throat and stomach, and alleviate long-lasting coughs.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of rock sugar.
• 1 small piece of ginger.

Method:

• Clean and slice the ginger thinly.
• Steam the ginger and rock sugar together for about 15 minutes, let it cool, and the mixture is ready to use.
• Suck on this mixture 2-3 times a day. After 2-3 days, the cough will gradually subside.

When the respiratory system is triggered by external factors, the body reacts defensively, causing the lungs to expel air forcefully. This process is known as coughing. There are many causes of coughing, such as allergies, viral infections, asthma, pneumonia, and stress. Persistent coughing can indicate more serious health issues. Therefore, it's essential to treat a new onset of cough properly. Several herbs are used for cough treatment, including Vietnamese mint leaves, perilla leaves, kumquats, and tangerines. Among them, Xương Sông herb and leek leaves are well-known natural remedies with no side effects, suitable for both adults and children.

Ingredients:

• 10 grams of Xương Sông herb leaves.
• 10 grams of leek leaves.
• Honey (or rock sugar).

Method:

• Rinse the ingredients thoroughly and let them dry.
• Place all the ingredients in a bowl, add honey, and steam for 15-20 minutes (you can also use a rice cooker for steaming).

Coughing is a common respiratory issue that knows no age limits. With unpredictable weather changes and prolonged winters, the body's immune system becomes weak, especially in children, making it easier for harmful agents like bacteria and viruses to invade the body through the respiratory system. Over time, the throat and its mucous membranes become inflamed, turning red and swollen, causing itching and irritation. This leads to persistent coughing. Therefore, it is crucial to treat a cough promptly, and herbal remedies, such as licorice root, are a safe solution.

Ingredients:

• A few slices of licorice root.
• Hot water.

Method:

• Place the licorice slices in boiling water, let it cool, and then give it to your child to drink.
• Licorice root has a sweet taste and contains antibacterial properties, which help soothe the throat. It is ideal for children when they have a cough.
• Do not use licorice root to treat coughs in newborns.

White Rose, also known in folk medicine as 'cough rose', is commonly used to treat coughs in children due to its soothing properties and mild sweetness. The variety of white rose used for cough treatment is an old-fashioned type known for its delicate petals, which are thin and curved at the edges, with many layers. This type of rose has drooping flowers on soft stems. After harvesting the petals, they are dried naturally in a shaded, breezy area. In traditional medicine, white rose petals are considered neutral in nature, and they have astringent and antiseptic effects. They help reduce coughing, expel mucus, ease constipation, and promote relaxation for better sleep.

Ingredients:

• 5 - 10 white rose petals.
• A small amount of rock sugar.
• A little water.

Method:

• Clean the rose petals and mix them with water and rock sugar.
• Be careful not to crush the petals, as doing so will lose their healing properties.
• Steam the mixture.
• Give your child 1 teaspoon per dose, 3 - 4 times a day.

Using Chive Leaves to Treat Coughs in Newborns is an age-old remedy passed down through generations. When applied correctly, this treatment can help alleviate coughing, soothe a scratchy throat, and relieve a runny nose. Chive leaves, a common herb in Vietnamese cuisine, are not only known for enhancing the flavor of dishes but also for their medicinal properties. With warming and mildly spicy qualities, they are considered a natural ‘remedy’ for various respiratory and digestive issues. Chive leaves contain powerful natural antibiotics such as Allicin, Sulfite, and Odorin, which help combat respiratory and intestinal bacteria. Additionally, the Saponin in chives works to expel phlegm and reduce coughing. Therefore, using chive leaves for treating coughs is highly effective and can be used regularly.

This herb is particularly beneficial for infants and young children, as it is natural, safe, and free from harmful side effects. It can help eliminate trapped mucus and ease the discomfort of a blocked throat.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of rock sugar.
• A small handful of chive leaves.

Directions:

• Wash the chive leaves thoroughly, chop them finely, and crush the rock sugar before mixing them together. Steam the mixture.
• Afterward, strain the liquid and give it to your child 2-3 teaspoons per dose.
• Administer twice a day.

Wild Celosia is commonly used to treat colds and fever. This herb is a perennial plant, typically growing to about 1 meter or taller. Its lance-shaped leaves have serrated edges, and the leaf stalks may have short lobes. The flowers of wild celosia are pale yellow, often grouped in clusters of 2 to 4 at the axils of the leaves, while the fruit is small, cylindrical, and five-angled. This plant typically flowers in January and February and bears fruit in April and May.

Wild celosia is known for its effectiveness in treating coughs, expelling phlegm, and soothing a sore throat. It can also help alleviate hoarseness and laryngitis. It is suitable for adults as well. The plant contains essential oils with key components such as p-cymene, methylthymol, and limonene, which contribute to its therapeutic properties. According to traditional Chinese medicine, wild celosia has a pungent flavor and neutral properties, making it effective in relieving bad odors, reducing swelling, and helping to dissolve phlegm. It is also used to treat conditions such as chills, asthma, nausea, itching, and difficulty swallowing. Thanks to these benefits, wild celosia is highly recommended for treating coughs.

Ingredients:

• 1 handful of wild celosia leaves.
• 2 tablespoons of sugar.

Directions:

• Wash the wild celosia leaves thoroughly and chop them finely.
• Add sugar and steam the mixture, then give it to your child throughout the day for quick relief from coughing.

Children’s respiratory systems are still developing, and their immune defenses are not as strong, making them more susceptible to respiratory issues like dry cough, phlegm cough, and even whooping cough. Parents are always on the lookout for effective treatments that are gentle on their child’s health while offering long-term benefits. One such remedy to consider is garlic.

Garlic is a staple in Vietnamese kitchens, known for its ability to enhance the flavor of dishes. Beyond its culinary uses, garlic is also an effective remedy for coughs. Its pungent flavor and warming properties help detoxify the body, boost immunity, and improve body temperature regulation, making it a go-to solution for colds, nasal congestion, coughing, and bronchitis. It’s not just for adults—many people also use roasted garlic as a natural treatment for children’s coughs.

Ingredients:

• A few garlic cloves
• Aluminum foil

Instructions:

• Prepare 2 to 3 cloves of garlic (keeping the skin on), wrap them in aluminum foil, and roast them in a microwave or over an open flame.
• After 2 minutes, once the garlic releases a fragrant aroma, remove it and let it cool.
• Peel off the outer skin and consume the roasted garlic directly.
• Eating 3 to 4 cloves a day will significantly alleviate symptoms of cough and sore throat.

Onion, garlic, ginger, and rock sugar are rich in active compounds that possess excellent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making them effective for treating coughs caused by infections. Additionally, according to traditional Chinese medicine, garlic, ginger, and onion are warming ingredients with a pungent taste, making them a highly effective remedy for both dry and productive coughs. These ingredients also contain nutrients like Allicin and Diallyl Sulfide that help boost the immune system of young children.

This home remedy combines ingredients known for their potent cough-relieving properties, and it’s a simple and effective treatment, especially for children suffering from persistent or long-lasting coughs.

Ingredients:

• 1 onion
• 1 fresh ginger root
• 1 fresh garlic bulb

Instructions:

• Wash the onion and cut it into small pieces.
• Clean the ginger root, then slice or grate it into thin pieces.
• Peel the garlic, crush it, and chop it finely.
• Combine all ingredients in a clean jar, add rock sugar, and mix well.
• Let the mixture steep for 4-5 hours before using.
• Administer 1-2 teaspoons of the mixture 2-3 times a day.

Fish mint leaves, also known as giấp cá or ngư tinh thảo, have heart-shaped leaves with prominent veins and a slightly fishy aroma. In traditional medicine, fish mint is widely used to treat digestive issues, coughs, fevers, colds, insect bites, and kidney problems. With its cooling properties, it helps detoxify the body, reduce fever, relieve coughs, and clear mucus. This herb is safe for people of all ages, including children, except in cases of diarrhea.

Modern studies have also explored the health benefits of fish mint, with scientists confirming its positive effects on the body.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of fish mint leaves
• 1 cup of rice wash water (second rinse)

Instructions:

• Pick and clean the fish mint leaves, then soak them in diluted saltwater and let them dry.
• Use a mortar and pestle or blender to mash the fish mint leaves into a paste.
• Mix the mashed fish mint with the rice wash water and steam the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Administer 2 to 3 servings a day to your child until the cough completely stops.

Starfruit leaves and flowers are not widely known for their ability to treat coughs and sore throats, but studies show that they contain anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties. These qualities make them effective in treating coughs caused by allergies or infections in the respiratory system. In traditional medicine, starfruit is sweet and sour, and has a neutral nature, with properties that help reduce inflammation, promote urination, expel phlegm, and relieve coughing. The stems and leaves are especially beneficial for treating inflammation and promoting urination. Additionally, other parts of the starfruit tree, such as the roots and flowers, are also used to treat various ailments.

Historically, people have utilized the healing benefits of starfruit to create remedies for skin issues, pain relief, and particularly for sore throats and colds.

Ingredients:

• 100g fresh starfruit leaves
• 12g starfruit flowers
• 1 piece of ginger
• 1 tablespoon of salt

Instructions:

• Crush the fresh starfruit leaves along with a few grains of salt.
• Extract the juice, and have your child sip it slowly three times a day—morning, afternoon, and evening.
• Continue the treatment for several days to alleviate dry cough, scratchy throat, or cough with phlegm caused by acute inflammation.
• Clean the starfruit flowers, marinate them in ginger water, and then simmer the mixture until fragrant.
• Strain the water and have your child drink it three times a day as a natural alternative to pharmaceutical treatments for mild dry or phlegmy coughs.

Chrysanthemum greens, also known as tần ô, is a herbaceous plant that grows upright, reaching an average height of 0.4 to 0.6 meters, with some growing up to 1 meter. The leaves are soft, green, and feather-like in shape, growing alternately along the stem. When the plant blooms, the flowers have a white border with a yellow center, emitting a pleasant fragrance.

This herb is rich in essential oils, amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and vitamins A, B, and C. In traditional medicine, it is known for its mildly sweet taste and slightly spicy nature, and it is considered cooling with the ability to expel wind, clear phlegm, and aid digestion. Chrysanthemum greens are an excellent natural remedy for coughs when combined with honey, especially for children, offering a simple yet effective treatment.

Ingredients:

• 200g chrysanthemum greens
• 5 tablespoons pure honey

Instructions:

• Clean the chrysanthemum greens and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces.
• Mix with honey and steam for 20-30 minutes.
• Give the mixture, including both the liquid and the greens, 2-3 times a day for best results.

White radish serves as a natural and safe remedy for treating coughs in children. This vegetable has a cooling effect, helping to break down phlegm and detoxify the body. It is particularly useful for improving conditions such as phlegm-filled coughs, sore throats, and bronchitis. White radish contains a substance called Raphinin, which inhibits certain bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and E. Coli—common culprits of throat infections, bronchitis, and coughs. Additionally, honey has long been recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to soothe the swollen mucous membranes in the throat caused by constant coughing. Combining honey and white radish offers a comprehensive solution to relieve coughing symptoms.

Ingredients:

• 1kg white radish
• 250g finely chopped ginger
• 300ml pure honey

Instructions:

• Wash the white radish thoroughly, extract the juice, and boil it with ginger for about 10 minutes.
• Add honey and stir well.
• Allow the mixture to cool, then store in a sealed jar for future use.
• Administer 5ml (about one tablespoon) to the child for each dose.
• Use consistently, once every two days, to help clear phlegm, reduce coughing, and speed up the healing of respiratory irritation.

The ever-changing weather increases the likelihood of respiratory illnesses, such as coughs. Many families opt for natural remedies, including steamed kumquat with honey.

Steamed kumquat with honey is a popular remedy for coughs, commonly used by mothers due to its natural properties and absence of harmful side effects. Instead of relying on antibiotics, you can use honey and steamed kumquat to treat your child's cough. This method is safe and quick to prepare. The combination of honey and kumquat creates a mild aroma, making it easier for children to consume. Alternatively, you can also prepare kumquat soaked in rock sugar to treat a cough effectively.

Ingredients:

• 4 kumquats
• 2 tablespoons of honey

Instructions:

• Cut the kumquats in half and remove the seeds (or leave them whole). Place them in a small bowl and pour honey over the kumquats. You can either steam them or place them in a rice cooker once the rice is nearly cooked.
• If the child is under 1 year old and cannot have honey, you can substitute it with rock sugar.

In traditional medicine, fish mint, also known as 'Ngư Tinh Thảo', is a commonly used herb in many remedies. The herb has a strong fishy odor, a cool nature, and a spicy taste. All parts of the fish mint plant have medicinal properties. It is typically used for treating skin conditions, hemorrhoids, constipation, and respiratory issues like cough, pneumonia, and bronchitis. This remedy is very gentle and can quickly cure a cough. If a child has difficulty drinking it due to the fishy taste and tends to vomit, you can try giving them yogurt or orange juice to help with digestion and avoid vomiting. This is a safe and highly effective remedy for treating a child's cough.

Ingredients:

• 1 small bowl of rice water
• A handful of fish mint leaves

Instructions:

• Wash the fish mint leaves thoroughly and crush them. Mix the crushed leaves with rice water and heat the mixture for about 20 minutes.
• Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then strain it. Give the child the strained liquid 3-4 times a day, after each meal.
• For best results, offer the drink around 1 hour after meals. Avoid feeding the child fishy foods such as chicken, crab, or shrimp while using this remedy.

Coughing is a natural reflex response to irritants in the throat or airways. Occasional coughing is generally a sign of good health, but persistent coughing requires treatment. One effective remedy for treating coughs, especially those caused by cold, is green kumquat. This method is highly recommended for use when your child has a cough from a cold.

Ingredients:

• Fresh kumquats, just ripe. Adjust the quantity based on your needs.
  
• Salt and fine salt grains
  
• Licorice root.

Instructions:

• Wash the kumquats thoroughly, remove the stems if present, and prick the surface with a needle to release the oils. Wash them again.
• Mix two teaspoons of salt with water in a bowl, then pour it over the kumquats to soak.
• After 1-2 hours, drain the saltwater from the kumquats and let them dry completely. Be sure to allow them to dry well to prevent mold growth.
• Place a layer of salt at the bottom of a jar, then arrange a layer of kumquats on top. Continue layering with salt and kumquats alternatively.
• Finish with a thick layer of salt on top, about 2 cm to fully cover the kumquats. For more flavor, add a little licorice root.
• Seal the jar tightly and place it in the sun for 3-4 weeks. If the mixture starts to release liquid, use a small bowl to press it down. The longer it is left to ferment, the more flavorful and beneficial it becomes.