7 Ayurvedic Remedies for Wet and Dry Cough in Children

Children play in close proximity to other children; in playgrounds, schools and neighborhoods. Owing to their rough and tumble play, exposure to various surfaces and objects in the environment, along with contact with other kids naturally carries a risk of catching a cough or cold. During such interactions, if your child is having low immunity then they will be more prone to it. Seasonal changes and allergic reactions can also cause your child to be ill.

This is typically characterized by the following symptoms- 

• Wet cough – where there is mucous present, typically white/greenish yellow in colour
• Dry cough – which occurs along with heaves, but does not produce a lot of mucous
• Runny nose – which is often seen with repeated sneezing and redness of the nose

Why adult cough syrups are unsafe for children?

Most adult cough syrups contain the main anti-cough drugs dissolved in alcohol. Alcohol acts as the delivery system or “solvent,” which is the medium that allows the active drugs to exert its effect on the body. However, alcohol itself causes drowsiness. This side effect would be very disruptive for the focus and energy levels of school going kids. The dangerous habit-forming and addictive nature of alcohol is also a reason why these adult cough syrups are not recommended for children.

Apart from the solvent alcohol, even the active drugs themselves have serious drawbacks. A combination of 2 drugs – CPM and Phenylephrine HCL – is very widely used to treat cough and cold. Dryness of the throat and mouth is a commonly observed side effect of this formulation. To remove congestion, the liquid buildup needs to be made thin and watery, so that it can be drained out naturally by the body. However, when made dry, the stuck up liquid cannot be cleared effectively, leading to repeated and frequent episodes of cough and cold. 

There are also safety concerns regarding this widely used medicine. In December of 2023, the Indian Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) had issued a notice advising against the use of this combination for children below the age of 4.

Are there safer alternatives?

Yes, as per Ayurveda, there are many natural remedies that treat cough in children swiftly yet safely.

• Honey - Honey has a soothing effect on the throat; it reduces irritation by forming a protective coating on the inner layer. Honey is also a natural antimicrobial agent, helping to fight the bacteria that may be causing cough due to infection. Adding a pinch of turmeric powder enhances these antimicrobial properties, while also making for a delicious paste that children will have no problems taking.

Caution: For infants younger than 18 months, honey should NOT be given, due to the risk of infant botulism – a rare condition which affects muscle movements and breathing, and would require medical attention and/or hospitalization.

• Amla - Amla is known to have mucokinetic properties, which means that it clears the clogged up airways of sputum, making it an effective remedy in respiratory disorders. It widens the air passages for ease in breathing. Amla is also rich in vitamin C, and is considered to aid in immunity. Thus, it helps prevent the onset of cough and cold in future by preventing viral or other respiratory infections.

Taking steam - Being warm and moist, steam, upon inhalation, moistens the airways and loosens the mucous that is stuck in the sinuses, chest and throat. It reduces the viscosity of the mucous, making it runny like water. This helps the body drain it out swiftly.Caution: please be present with your child throughout the steaming session to avoid burns or injuries.

• Warm fluids - Taking warm fluids like warm salt water, lemon juice containing ginger, or just plain warm water throughout the day helps to maintain adequate hydration. Hydration is required to drain the mucous and clear the build-up of congestion. This also ensures that the inner lining of the throat and airways isn’t dry, reducing the likelihood of irritants causing repeated coughing.

• Home-made herbal decoction - An easy-to-make herbal preparation can be made using household ingredients. Add some tulsi and mint leaves, along with a piece of raw ginger to a pan of 200 ml of water. Boil this mix until it is rolling, and put it in the blender/mixer. To this paste, add some honey and give to your child 3 to 4 times a day.

• Haldi Doodh (turmeric in warm milk) - The traditional drink of turmeric in warm milk, popularly known as “haldi wala doodh,” has become virtually synonymous with Ayurvedic treatment for cough and cold. The anti-bacterial and antiviral properties of turmeric effectively fight any disease causing pathogens that cause cough or cold. Moreover, it reduces inflammation of the throat lining, decreasing soreness and restoring comfortable breathing.

• Ayurvedic cough syrups - A number of Ayurvedic cough syrups for children are available online. An ayurvedic syrup for wet cough and dry cough has become a standard in the product catalogue of many Ayurvedic manufacturers. These are generally free from alcohol, and tend not to have side effects like drowsiness or dryness of mouth.

In Conclusion - Ayurveda offers a host of options for your children to fight their battles against coughs caused by various reasons. Not only are these household remedies convenient, their safety has also been established by millennia of traditional practice, and verified by modern research.