As every parent will likely know coughs are very common in childhood. Coughs can be caused by allergies, colds, irritants, or even changes in weather. While most coughs are mild and resolve on their own, they can still be uncomfortable, especially at night, and frustrating and/or difficult for loved ones to manage.

While supporting a child’s immune system, hydration, and rest is encouraged, and will help bring some much needed relief, homeopathy offers gentle remedies to help relieve symptoms quickly.

TOP HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES

ANTIMONIUM TART – Congested, rattling, wet cough

• Deep, rattling, congested cough with lots of mucus
• Can have wheezing or difficult breathing – chest is full of phlegm
• Weakness and drowsiness, child may seem too tired to cough up mucus
• Cough worsens when lying down, can disturb sleep
• Child may be irritable and want to be left alone

BRYONIA – Dry, Hard, Hacking Cough with Chest Soreness

• Dry, hard, hacking cough
• Will often hold their chest when coughing from soreness and/or pain
• Worse from deep breathing, movement and talking
• Better when lying down and applying pressure on the chest
• Can be thirsty for large amounts of water

DROSERA – Dry, Irritating, Spasmodic Cough

• Dry, irritating, persistent cough
• Can be uncontrollable, coming in fits and spasms
• Child may hold their throat when coughing
• Cough can lead to choking, gagging, or even vomiting
• Cough is triggered by lying down. Can be as soon as the head hits the pillow

PHOSPHORUS – Dry, Tickling Cough

• Dry, tickling cough, worse from talking or laughing
• Can have hoarseness or loss of voice
• Cough worsens in the evening/night, especially when lying down
• Craves and is better for cold drinks, worse for warm drinks
• Child may be anxious, needy, or fearful of being alone

PULSATILLA – Coughs from Cold or Sinus Infections

• Cough is loose and productive, with thick yellow or green mucus
• Worse indoors and at night, improves when outdoors / with fresh air (window open)
• Better when sitting up, lying down makes the cough worse
• Child wants comfort, cuddles and attention – may be tearful or whiny
• No thirst, even with fever or dryness, child will not ask for much water

SPONGIA TOSTA – Barking, Croupy Cough

• Barking, croupy cough, sounds like a “saw cutting through wood”
• Dry, harsh and hollow, no mucus or expectation at the start
• Early stages of croup or laryngitis
• Better with warm drinks, will help to ease the cough, cold drinks will worsen
• Worse from exertion – cough can be triggered by speaking or physical activity

WORKING WITH A HOMEOPATH

• Ensures you receive a individualised remedy that matches your child’s presenting symptoms. Guides you in choosing the right potency/dosage. Offers you on-going support.

• Monitors progress, adjusting remedies and or potency/dosage if needed. For complex or chronic conditions, a homeopath’s expertise helps uncover potentially more deep-rooted causes.

• Personally, where appropriate and/or needed I offer nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle recommendations to compliment the homeopathic approach.

SUPPORTING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM 

• Turmeric paste, a combination of honey, turmeric and black pepper, great at reducing inflammation, and supporting the overall immune system. Safe for children over 12 months.

• Vitamin C is crucial for immune health, helping reduce the severity of coughs. It also supports the production of white blood cells to fight infections. Choose citrus fruits, peppers, tomatoes etc.

• Hydration is vital for immune function. It helps to flush out harmful toxins from the body, and for loosening mucus to help clear congested airways.

HELPFUL THERAPIES

• Steam inhalation is my personal favourite tool to help clear my boys congestion. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the water. Do take care with younger children.

• A soothing homemade chest/back rub can help ease a cough, loosen mucus, and promote relaxation, especially at night. Mix coconut oil with just a drop of eucalyptus or lavender oil.

• When a child rests, their immune system can work more efficiently to fight off the underlying cause of the cough, allowing the body to focus its energy on healing and recovery.