7 Ways to Calm a Cough Your Pediatrician Won't Tell You About

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 Every cold and flu season many children come down with a head cold that results in a cough. Coughing can be uncomfortable and downright irritating if it’s strong and persistent or keeping everyone up at night.

Since I originally wrote this post in 2013, I've updated it adding even more tools to help you with your child's cough. So, now we have not just seven, but eight ways to calm your child's cough naturally. Many articles on treating kid's cough naturally focus on things you probably already know - like stay hydrated, use a humidifier, cough drops and lemon-honey tea, etc, etc.

However, what you'll find in this blog post are the BEST Chinese medicine and other natural remedies cough that are safe, effective and easily to administer to children. And you won't find them anywhere else!

But, first... Why not just use OTC cough medicine?

Stop child's cough naturally without OTC medicine

When it comes to the ordinary, annoying cough, Western medicine doesn't really have any great solutions that are both safe and effective. Yet, hearing your child cough night after night can be enough to tempt you to give them over-the-counter cough medicine.

Several large research studies confirm that there is NO evidence that OTC cough syrup works (1, 2). In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend the use of cough medicine at all in children under age 6 because they don’t work and are unsafe (4). Most cough and cold medicines contain dextromethorphan (DXM) which can be harmful and even fatal in about 5% - 10% of children who can’t properly metabolize it.(3) Don’t take my word for it, here is what the AAP has to say on over-the-counter cough & cold medicines for kids:

...research has shown these products [over-the-counter cough and cold medicine] offer little benefit to young children - and can have potentially serious side effects.  Many cough and cold products for children have more than one ingredient, increasing the chance of accidental overdose if combined with another product (4).

Even though children’s cough medicine doesn’t work it’s still on drugstore shelves today! But, you don't have to use it because there are much better options for treating your child's cough naturally!

8 Ways to Stop a Child's Cough Naturally & Safely

It's important to understand that treating your child's cough naturally is not a one-and-done. Instead, it's about combining the right remedies that will work for your child according to their age and the type of cough they have. For best results, it's important to combine remedies, use them consistently, and have patience with the process.

1. Pediatric Tuina Massage for Cough

In Chinese medicine, we use ancient massage and acupressure techniques to treat cough not matter what type it is: wet, dry, hacking or croupy. This special massage for kids is called tuina (pronounced too-ee-nah) and works by stimulating the body to heal itself.

There are 6 main massage and acupressure techniques that can stop cough while also boosting the immune system. It only takes minutes to do, yet it can make a HUGE difference to speed recovery. One powerful technique for  treating cough is a tuina massage called a "spinal roll." The spinal roll is great for treating cough and chest congestion when focused on the upper back. Click here to learn how to do a tuina spinal roll for cough in the free video.   This massage works well on its own and I would recommend you do it two or three times daily.  However, you can strengthen its effect when you can combine with the other five massage techniques. 

On it's own, the spinal roll is a very versatile massage.  It can be used as part of a massage routine to treat many different problems including cough, asthma, digestive issues, sleep problems, anxiety, and bedwetting.  You can strengthen the effects of the spinal roll by combining it with other massage techniques and ear acupressure for each specific condition. Parents can do the massage on their children at home and no special training is required to get excellent results. Its safe, effective and can be used at any age. The best part is, kids love it, it feels great and it makes them feel better. 2. Ear Acupressure

Similar to reflexology, ear acupressure, or auriculotherapy, is a microsystem of healing that is found on the ear. It has been used for thousands of years. According to Chinese medicine, applying pressure to specific points on the ear has a healing effect on the body. You can apply pressure with an ear probe or a clean rounded toothpick to have the desired effect. Alternately, an easier way to use ear acupressure is with ear seeds. The points for treating cough are shown in Figure 1 above. An even easier way to use ear acupressure is with ear seeds.

Get our FREE Ear Acupressure Ebook!

3. Honey & Lemons

honey to treat kids cough naturally


Ok, your pediatrician might tell you about honey because it is officially recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for a cough, but you don’t want any ordinary highly processed honey bear. What really works is raw, dark amber honey.

Buckwheat honey has received the most research for cough, but you can use any dark amber raw honey like avocado or blackberry. Local dark honey is great, too. I use local raw Uvas Gold Apiary Honey for coughs in the winter and allergies in the spring

WARNING: For children, 12 months or younger do not give them honey.

Lemon, honey and ginger tea is a great way to soothe a sore throat and calm a cough. Honey helps to break up mucus and the astringent nature of lemon juice does the same thing while also providing vitamin C. Kresha Farber of NourishingJoy.com also recommends an easy-to-make cough syrup using a ratio of  1 TBS honey & 1 tsp lemon juice. TIP: Don’t buy honey cough syrups from the drug store. They may contain honey and herbs but most also have preservatives and “natural flavor” which is food industry code for “a long list of chemicals we aren’t required by law to reveal on the label.” Honey is yummy and it shouldn’t require natural flavors to be palatable!

4. Eliminate Dairy

Why give up dairy? In Chinese medicine, excess mucus is considered a form of dampness.  Certain foods, like dairy and other rich, fatty, or fried foods, are also considered damp. So, eating damp foods like milk, cheese or yogurt while your child has a wet cough can contribute to excess mucus production.

Even if your child can normally tolerate dairy, take it out of their diet while they’re sick, especially if they have a wet phlegmy cough. It will lessen the phlegm and the burden of getting rid of it through coughing. NOTE: if your baby is breastfeeding or drinking cow’s milk formula as the main source of their calories, do not eliminate dairy.

5. Herbal Tea

Herbal tea to calm a child's cough Herbs like licorice root, mullein, sage leaves, wild cherry bark and slippery elm can be made into a tea with a little honey to calm a cough. If you’re in a rush or you don’t have these herbs on hand you should be able to pick up a tea called Just for Kids Throat Coat by Traditional Medicinals.

Throat Coat has many of the herbs recommended above and it’s formulated with kid's safety and tastes in mind. It’s usually available in grocery stores and it has a very pleasant taste for a medicinal tea. It’s not only good for cough but works for sore throats too. Alternately, you can make an herbal tea by adding 1 teaspoon of honey plus 1 teaspoon of Cough Crusader herbal formula by Herb Pharm into 1 cup of warm water.

6. Essential Oil Chest Rub

Essential Oils to Stop a child's cough

Essential oils can help break up chest and nasal congestion when used in a chest rub for children ages 6 and up. But if you’re like me you don’t want to use petrochemicals, like those contained in Vick’s Vapor Rub. Instead, you can 1 drop each of your chosen essential oils in about 1 TBS. organic olive oil and make your own herbal oil. If you prefer a salve, then I recommend Maty's All Natural Vapor Chest Rub.  Essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin.  In children younger than 6, please check the essential oils for safety.

7. Essential Oil Steam Bath

A warm steamy bath can also help a nighttime cough. Start a hot bath using the shower, close the bathroom door and let the room get steamy. Add a few drops of essential oils such as wild mountain sage or fir needle into the tub to soothe a cough and open up the chest.

8. Organic Poached Pears with Cinnamon for Dry Cough

poached pears to stop child's dry cough This is a personal favorite for dry, tickly coughs. Eat 1/2 to 1 pear before bed. It is so delicious and it feels great on a dry, scratchy throat.

Try the Spinal Roll Massage for Cough Today

Don't wait it out and hope that your child's cough will get better. Combine the right natural remedies Chinese pediatric massage to ensure that your child's cough resolves in a timely manner. For babies and young children, massage is the safest and most effective way to treat cough because it stimulates the body to heal itself.  These techniques have been around for thousands of years and are truly time-tested. [button link="https://robinraygreen.clickfunnels.com/squeeze-page" type="big" color="red" newwindow="yes"] Yes! Watch the FREE Spinal Roll Massage Video[/button]

Common Sense Caution

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s cough you should contact a medical doctor or qualified health care provider like an acupuncturist or naturopathist specializing in pediatrics.

RED FLAG: Coughing may be due to another more serious illness. If a cough comes on suddenly with high fever, restlessness, difficulty breathing, wheezing, lethargy, chest tightness and/or difficulty swallowing your child may need immediate medical attention. If a lingering cough is associated with wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing it may be a sign of asthma. Rarely, but sometimes, a chronic cough may be caused by tuberculosis.

 

References (1) Smith SM, Schroeder K, Fahey T. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications for acute cough in children and adults in community settings. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014, Issue 11. Art. No.: CD001831. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001831.pub5 (2) Paul, IM, KE Yoder, KR Crowel, ML Schaffer, HS McMillan, LC Carlson, DA Dilworth and CM Berlin Jr.. "Effect of dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, and placebo on nocturnal cough and sleep quality for coughing children and their parents.." NCBI Pub Med. Pediatrics, Jul 2004. Web. 18 Jan 2013. . (3) Magarey, Jim. "Dextromethorphan (PIM 179)." IPCS INCHEM. In Chem, 1996. Web. 19 Jan 2013. . (4) "Cough and Cold Medicine Not for Children." Www.aap.org. American Academy of Pediatrics, 2004. Web. 19 Jan 2013. <http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/aap-press-room-media-center/Pages/Cough-and-Cold-Medicine-Not-for-Children.aspx>. (5) Paul, IM, J Beiler, A McMonagle, ML Schaffer and CM Berlin Jr.. "Effect of honey, dextromethorphan, and no treatment on nocturnal cough and sleep quality for coughing children and their parents.." Http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed. Archives of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine, Dec 2007. Web. 19 Jan 2013. Disclaimer

88 comments

Fernando Villamar
 

Thanks. Some great advice. Another thing you may want to highlight is Propolis spray for sore throats. My mom would also make a "salad" that had red onions, lemon, salt, and garlic. You can eat the salad or drink a shot glass of the juice from the salad with honey for flus, colds and coughs.
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Robin Green
 

Wonderful recommendations! Propolis spray is a great addition thanks for reminding me. I love your mom's kitchen remedy for colds and flus.
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Love links
 

[...] media about the flu epidemic there have been a lot of great posts about handling the symptoms with natural remedies without the need for flu shots. The internet has been buzzing with all kinds of tips and remedies [...]
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Joanna @ plus other good stuff
 

Thank you for all these great tips! I'm pinning it for later. :)
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Robin Green
 

Awesome! I'm glad you found this post useful! :-)
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Melissa
 

My 4 kids all have asthma, sometimes the honey helps and sometimes it doesn't. I have tried all these methods and there are still some coughs I can't get them to kick without albuterol... Do you have any suggestions specifically for asthmatic kids? I hate giving my kids steroids
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A Few of My Favorite Things: January 2013 » Healy Real Food Vegetarian
 

[...] out 7 Ways to Calm a Cough Your Pediatrician Won’t Tell You About, so you can avoid taking cough syrups with all those [...]
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[...] 1. 7 ways to calm a cough your pediatrician won’t tell you about by Kids Love Acupuncture. [...]
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Robin Green
 

Melissa, I totally understand not wanting to use steroids for you kids cough. The only general advice I can give for a persistent asthma cough is to avoid processed foods, artificial colors and flavors as they can contribute to inflammation (an underlying process in asthma). I have had a lot of success treating persistent lingering coughs in asthmatic kids with acupuncture (both needle and non-needle techniques) and herbs. There are some fantastic herbal formulas that can help safely and effectively open the air ways, but you would need an acupuncturist to prescribe them. Acupuncture can helps stimulate the body to heal itself. For more info on how acupuncture can help asthma, check out my guest blog post on boogordoctor.com http://www.boogordoctor.com/2011/04/ask-the-expert-acupuncture-for-childhood-asthma/
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Beth Aiken
 

Last year my 16yo daughter caught a bug that turned into seven months of coughing! She is fit, strong and eats incredibly well, from bone broths, home grown eggs, wild caught salmon by the bucket load, pastured butter and coconut oil to minimal sugar, gluten and so on... At first she was just given a Rx for cough syrup, which did nothing, then the strong stuff cough syrup which did barely more than nothing. By this time six weeks or so had gone by and my husband was getting irritated and wanted antibiotics so I asked for them, for all four kids, they all had it. We got our Zpacs, which did nothing. So I went back to my favorite health care provider (DNP) who is an hour away. She muscle tested my daughter and came up with a positive for mycoplasma. Prescribed a longer course of azythromycin, to no avail. Second attempt was Cipro, for another long round. Nada. Then she said o.k., no more antibiotics (this is why she's my favorite, and BTW, she has never prescribed antibiotics for myself or my children before, this was a special case.) Then she said sports induced asthma and put my daughter on a couple inhalers, one of which was steroid but only for one month, to see if we could at least achieve a little healing in the lungs. Still not much results. Meanwhile I had been trying everything in my mama arsenal: loads of broth, vitamin C, nettles, garlic on the soles of her feet, colloidal silver, NAC... you name it, we probably tried it. Still, not so much for healing. Finally our DNP recommended accupuncture and referred us to a friend who lived in our neck of the woods. After one treatment my daughter slept through the night for the first time in months. Three more and we stopped, because she seemed to be doing much better, no symptoms and money, among other things was running low!
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Robin Green
 

Oh my goodness, Beth! What an amazing story. It's a real testament to how acupuncture can stimulate the body to heal itself. In my practice I've had a couple cases similar to your daughter's and it's amazing how just a few teeny tiny needles can make such a big difference. Thanks so much for sharing!
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Beth Aiken
 

Robin, I had more to the story which I tried to post as a reply but for some reason it just disappears into cyberspace. Bottom line is I came across some information, in my never ending search for complete healing for my daughter, which said that the herb mullein is THE herb for lungs and milk is THE food for lungs. I am using it now: a strong mullein infusion mixed in equal parts with milk (in our case it is raw milk), heated to the point of steam around edges of pot and sweetened with honey. I am interested in the origin of the milk causes mucus theory and if, in fact, you have experience that would prove it to be true.
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Robin Green
 

Beth, That's very interesting about the mullein and milk. In TCM herbology, certain herbs will have specific actions on the organ systems. Mullein certainly connects and affects the lungs. With regard to milk, the whole mucus issues relates to 1) drinking pasteurized milk which is devoid of the enzymes that help the body digest it and 2) in TCM, rich foods tend to create dampness, i.e. phlegm, in a person who is vulnerable to dampness (like someone with a wet cough). I have seen many children in my practice where eliminating dairy allows the body to heal from coughs and chronic low immunity. In some cases, reintroduction of raw dairy later doesn't cause the child to be symptomatic.
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Beth Aiken
 

We have been drinking raw milk since before she was born. I was surprised that she gave it up but figured maybe it was her body saying, no thanks, don't need that right now. Just as surprised to see her slugging it down happily now. Kids. Ya just never know what they're going to do. But I AM happy to see her back on this raw milk, especially if it helps her lungs to repair themselves. So far she definitely has a more vibrant glow about her... nice to have some hope. It was dreary there for a stretch. Thanks for getting back to me and explaining TCM. I had a hunch about your first point, that it was pasteurized milk rather than live milk.
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January Link Love | Whole Green Love
 

[...] There is so much out there about how cough medicine just doesn’t work, or is harmful to your child’s health. This post from kids+love+acupuncture talks about tried and true cough relieving home remedies. [...]
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[...] 7 Ways to Calm a Cough Your Pediatrician Won’t Tell You About An interesting suggestion of a pediatric Tuina massage is one of the many suggestions on this site. [...]
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Lori @ Our Heritage of Health
 

I love all of these natural remedies for coughs! Herbal teas and honey are my two favorites to use myself whenever I get a cold or cough (although I've found that since I've started eating a real-food diet I get far fewer colds and that they hardly ever come with the nasy lingering cough like I used to get when I was a kid!) Those poached pears with cinnamon sound absolutely delicious too :) Thanks for sharing with Old-Fashioned Friday!
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Robin Green
 

Thanks Lori! I appreciate you hosting Old Fashioned Friday at your blog! It's so great to exchange information like that!
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Claudia Heyd
 

hello Robin thank You for this great blog, I loved it. Especially the poached pear recipe, I will try it next time. I am a homeopathic doctor in Germany and I recommend my patients often black radisch arranged with honey for some hours.
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natural medicine center
 

Thank you so much for these useful tips !! it can save a lot of money and time !!
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Claudia Heyd (@ClaudiaHeyd)
 

Hello Beth, hello Robin, I can say the same from my homeopathic practice in Gemany about elimination and reintroduction of dairy.
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Deepika
 

While going through your website, it was such a relief to know that there are so many parents who believe in home remedies. Honey Lemon syrup remedy is quite handy, I am going to try this out today itself for my son. My son has started going to creche since past 4 months and since then i have observed that he is getting cold and severe cough ( which develops into phlegm ) every month. Doc told me he is prone to bronchilitus thats the reason he is getting infected so frequently, but i cant see him taking those buckets full of medicines and nebulizer any more. If you have any other suggestions please let me know it will be great help ! By the time am trying all possible solutions available in my kitchen which might soothe his coughing.
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Lauren
 

Great post! Everything I was looking for right here. Thank you so much.
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Robin Green
 

You are very welcome, Lauren!
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Robin Green
 

Hi Deepika, Home remedies are a great start. If you think your son needs more support I would recommend working with a pediatric acupuncturist that can give me advice that will be customized for his specific situation. Let me know how the honey-lemon-ginger syrup works! My kids LOVE it! ~ Robin
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mystee
 

Melissa, I'm a little late but my son had pneumonia really young and still gets very wheezy from it when he gets sick. I read that saline solution in a nebulizer worked wonders for asthma so I gave it a try for my son with some homemade saline and it works very well. I don't know if you've tried that but I thought I would suggest :)
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Robin Green
 

Hi Melissa, Thanks so much for that tip! That's a great suggestion! ~ Robin
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Shaun Hoobler
 

Thanks for the tips! Now time to ditch the useless over the counter syrup and replace with these homemade remedies
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Chrissie H
 

Thank you so much for posting this! My 2 1/2 year old son rarely gets sick (maybe twice a year he gets a cold and cough spell mostly because of the time of the year where everybody gets it). I'm no big fan of medicines so I rarely give it to him and just let the cough runs its course. But there are time that I give in to the OTC medicines and it never really works. I am so definitely going to try all these great suggestions on your website on how to treat dry cough, especially the tuina massage. He is going to love it coz he likes it when we give him a back and hand rub. :)
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mrs. ichipi j.
 

my son has a recurrent cough, after I read thru your article I decided to try the honey and lemon to see if there will be any improvement.
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fozia
 

Hi Just came across your website while searching for cough relief home remedies. All tips are looking great, but I am not sure which one should I use for my 3 years old son, who is suffering from dry cough for more than one month. I gave him cough syrup but they never work.. And usually give him honey too But nothing seems to work.
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Robin Green
 

Hi! I would suggest contacting a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist to prescribe an herbal formula to address your child's cough. Also, a few acupuncture treatments might do wonders. Let us know how it goes! ~ Robin
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Robin Green
 

Chrissie! Awesome! Glad I could help with a few natural remedies. :) ~ Robin
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Robin Green
 

Keep us posted!
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Yami
 

My son has asthma and always ended up in pneumonia or bronchitis. The saline in the nebulizer worked great for him. I also add a drop (or less depends on the age) of eucalyptus oil with the saline. The eucalyptus has save him of getting infections because of the mucus and of ending with pneumonia. My pediatrician approved it. It's really good for the bad cough at night. I 100% recommend it!
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Reason
 

Try using black seed oil for asthma. This is called habbatus sauda in arabic and is a very good natural remedy for allergy related illnesses like asthma. You can mix with honey and give 0.5, 1 or 2 teaspoon depending on age.
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Robin Green
 

I am glad to hear this working for your son. -Robin
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Melissa D
 

My 6 year old daughter is just getting over influenza a (along with 3 others in the family). She was feeling better but has developed an atrocious cough. :( She has been taking Delsym every 12 hours...prob 4 doses total. Tonight...her cough is out if control. We had her take a cough drop and have given her 2 nebulizer treatments. Nothing touching it...until I came across your website and the massaging. Her dad is massaging her finger and she had coughed maybe 3x since. I'm shocked...and their dad just might be a believer! ;)
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Robin Green
 

Thanks so much for sharing your story. Massage is a truly powerful tool for healing.
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Robin Green
 

I would definitely try the massage for cough. Do it several times a day and I think you'll see the condition shift. :)
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Mary
 

Thanks for the great information. My son is coughing up a storm right now and we all can't get any sleep. I'll try all the recipes and see if my sons cough will go away. Thanks again!
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Rahul
 

Hi, I have used samurai virus buster as a preventative measure for two years now. Whenever I feel early cold symptoms I use it. Considering this, I have experienced not even shortest colds in the last two years.
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Rahul
 

I just bought Samurai Virus Buster because I was starting to feel a cold coming on like a freight train. Well, I started using it and I am feeling great. I can't believe it.
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Gene
 

Milk does not cause mucus. That's an old wives-tale with NO scientific backing. If you have an infant continue giving your child breast milk. Breast milk is important for infants to help fight colds. Please add that to your blog :-)
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Humera Ahsanullah
 

Hi Robin I bumped into your site while searching relief for my dry tickling and hacking cough. I am simply thankful to you for putting up search a resource for everyone. I have two little ones and I am definitely trying the Tuina massage and the homemade cough syrup. I may not make the cough drop recipe. Having a nutrition background academically, I studied that Honey is a wonder drug in its natural state. It belongs to the complex carbohydrate group and has a separate pathway of absorption in the body due to which it can be given to even diabetics. However, once you warm the honey, cook it or boil it, honey looses it natural state and turns into simple sugars like glucose (simple carbohydrate). Based on that, I think we may loose the healing potential of honey should we heat it. Correct me if i am wrong. Thanks again for your website.
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Robin Green
 

Hi Gene, You are 100% correct that breast milk is the very best food for infants. When we speak of removing dairy from your child's diet during a time when the child has a phlegmy cough, we are just talking about pasteurized dairy products that come from cows. Pasteurized dairy products that come from cows have a different composition and chemical make up than breast milk and can be harder for a baby to digest and can more frequently cause extra phlegm to form. Sorry for the confusion, I hope that makes it more clear for you and others reading the blog :)
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Robin Green
 

Hi Humera, Thank you for checking out the KidsLoveAcupuncture blog. You are right that raw honey is a very powerful healing food. But please be careful, under the advice of the National Honey Board, not to give it to children under one year old as it can contain Clostridium botulinum spores that can cause infant botulism. Though it is rare, this is a serious disease that affects the nervous system of young babies (under one year of age). These spores are not a problem for adults or for pregnant women, but babies under one year old do not have a fully developed gastrointestinal tract. When the honey is heated, the spores are inactivated and do not pose any threat. You can read more about this on the National Honey Board website: http://www.honey.com/honey-at-home/learn-about-honey/ Have fun with the tuina and I hope you throat feels better :)
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ruthy
 

Is oil of oregano recommended for children/toddlers? Also, fit older children and adults, watercress does wonders I clearing up chest infections and congestion
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Robin Green
 

Hi Ruthy, Thank you for the tip about watercress. Herbs are very potent for healing so please be sure to use them wisely. I do use oil of oregano with children in specific situations where it is needed. It is very strong and powerful and can cause adverse side affects of not used correctly. For that reason, I suggest working with a practitioner so they can monitor the use for your particular situation.
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josh
 

Whenever I get dry cough attack, I use home remedies such as, honey which acts lubricant and sooth my uneasiness. Besides, I take herbal tea to suppress a cough and heal a scratchy throat a natural herbal home remedies.
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Audrey
 

My daughter has cold induced asthma and has been wheezing and coughing, found your website at 2 am when she wouldn't stop coughing was unable to sleep inspite of Ventolin in a nebulizer double dose and Predo. I don't know it is the repetitive movements but she did fall asleep and her cough stopped, wheezing seems to have got better. Again she woke up at 7 am coughing and wheezing badly. This time I can truly say this worked because I tried the massage before giving her nebs and her wheezing gone down to minimal and she fell asleep again. :)
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Robin Green
 

Audry that is so awesome to hear! I'm so glad you shared your story to help inspire other parents to give massage a try!
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li
 

Hi, thanks for the nice info about this remedies. I have 10 months old, he got cold and cough, runny nose but no fever. Its the 2nd time he got sick. the 1st time he was 8 months old. I try turmeric and chlorella also hyland natural cough syrup but didn't have good results. He was sick for 1month. It was messy because when he throwing up, its all yellow from the turmeric. I'm wondering that those remedies is safe for baby? I know that we can not give baby under 12months honey. Also lemon because it cause diaper rash. .. I give him formula mostly, since my breastmilk just come out little bit. now I gave him barley tea and chamomile tea for calming. but its not help. Please help for advice. My baby got skinny because when coughing he throwing up.
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elle
 

My son is two and whenever he gets a cold his cough lingers for at least a week or two. I've never used cough medicine, I usually do the steaming shower and vicks vapor rub routine. I've been looking on the Internet for a long time to find good recommendations for natural home remedies and your page is THE BEST one I've found for all natural products. I'll be trying the massage and vapor rub tonight. Thank you!
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Robin Green
 

Hello, I'm sorry to hear that your baby is sick again for the second time in two months and that he has lost weight from throwing up while coughing. That sounds like a bad cough. Without seeing him in my office for a full consultation and history, I am unable to give you specific advice. And I would suggest that you see an acupuncturist who specializes in pediatrics. You can find someone by checking out our directory here; http://www.kidsloveacupuncture.com/find-an-acupuncturist/ . In general, both turmeric and chlorella can be hard for a 10 month old to digest. Have you tried some of the other suggestions on the post? Tuina for cough would also be great for your son- you can learn how to do that here: http://www.kidsloveacupuncture.com/2013/01/21/pediatric-tuina-massage-for-c… . I hope your son gets better soon.
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Robin Green
 

Hi Elle, Thanks for the feedback! Keep in touch and let us know how it goes for you guys. You might also be interested to know that in general, as a long term strategy, you can help strengthen a child's immune system and lungs by doing some basic, systemic tuina with them everyday for 10 days and then take a few days off, then do it again- even if they are not sick. This way they are less likely to catch whatever is going around, and if they do, it doesn't last as long and symptoms are milder.
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Crystal
 

As a mother of 4 girls and one with vacterl syndrome I was completely blind to what was going on with our diets and medicine. After turning to a lactose free diet and saving my daughter of another surgery I snapped. Suddenly I understood our bodies are machines. And everything we put in them makes a huge difference. Now we are all on a diet of all organic and natural foods with no red meat and I feel the best I have ever felt my entire life. My 9 yr old gas had 5 open heart surgeries and I can read her so perfectly now. I love all of you for going against what society is pushing for. I can't wait to find someone in my area for acupuncture. After we stopped eating red meat all of us felt healthier and lighter and cleaner. After 2 weeks you don't even want to eat it anymore it feels like poision. I've always wanted to live this way and now I am able to read stories like these and it makes me more eager to try new things. Thank you!!! Btw I looked this up becaus my daughter was keeping me up with a cough but after the honey an lemon she is snoring in our bed. Lol. Goodnight!!!
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MamaFlor
 

Thanks for posting these great materials. I'm so glad I can across your site!!! Much of what you gathered really helped me on my quest to stay true to nurturing my child with the best possible all natural remedies. Coming from a country (the Philippines) where medicine was scares during my time, this is going back 37 years ago, my parents had to resort to natural resources to treat my siblings and I. They used a lot of ginger, garlic, lime juice and vinegar to name a few. I know it sounds like ingredients for a salsa of some sort but that's really what they used which today my dear mother still uses to treat herself. I've learned some of her methods but I'm also eager for some more as I'm a true believer in keeping it all natural. One of the more recent findings that I confirm really works is putting natural vapor rub on the kneel and covering them with socks. I have to admit it was rather strange to do but after several research online this was a MUST for moms trying to help stop their child from coughing naturally. I also want to mention that aside from the natural vapor rub on the kneels, I would also recommend rubbing vapor rub on the chest, back and by the jaw line. By doing so, the natural essential oil scents will help with clearing up any stuffyness. And last but not least as Melissa mentions in her post, honey is a really great remedy to include to soothing an itchy or sore throat. Thanks and good luck to you all!
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MamaFlor
 

Hi again, Correction on my last post, I meant to say, Robin and NOT Melissa in reference to the honey remedy. Thanks!
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Robin Green
 

Mama Flor, Thanks for your interest and input. Its true that many of our best natural remedies have been used for years and are truly time tested. I hope you stay connected with our community here and continue to learn and share. That is truely how we can keep our kids happy and healthy. Take care, Robin
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Mary
 

To be fair to that mom in the med aisle, that could have been me. I often shop with my 18m, 3, and 4 yr old while the 7, 9, and 12 yr olds are at school. I wouldn't give cough medicine to the under 6 kids.
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Robin Green
 

Hi Mary, That's true! I didn't think of it that way and I hope that was the case. I still think its a great learning point because a lot of people are not properly informed on this issue. Also, the alternatives that we offer here are great for older kids too :) Take care, Robin
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When over the counter medicines aren't working
 

[…] 7 Ways to Calm a Cough Your Pediatrician Won’t Tell You About […]
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Mike McKeen
 

Another simple cough calming method is the original peppermint Altoids mints. The real peppermint oil helps to open and soothe enflamed airways and can help with post nasal drip that really seems to get some kids when they are sick. Give them a couple to suck on and watch it work almost immediately. They are almost entirely made of sugar though, so don't give too many.
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Jerry
 

always use pears poached with cinnamon, when I have dry cough, is very good cuts in a few hours ... very good, wonderful article, I saved in my favorites
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Mimmie
 

Hi I am a desperate parent who's having a problem with my toddler she's coughing non stop especially in cold days and it worsed at night I can't sleep properly plz give me advise so that I can deal with this situation thank you.
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Control Childhood Asthma Better with Acupressure, Acupuncture
 

[…] out our post 7 Ways to Calm a Cough Your Pediatric Won’t Tell You About. We provide tips to help you address you child’s cough […]
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Candace Holmes
 

Hi Mimmie, have you seen this other post that Robin has on cough? It's really helped me with my 3 year old's cough! http://smpl.ro/d/dq4aFtYenUf2nQtQ/c/621117/0
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Alyssa
 

Hi there, I have had a persistent dry cough for over a year now. It has really done my head in at times, particularly being in a cinema, air conditioning, know what I mean. I do the honey and lemon and ginger thing, it sort of helps, I do the hot shower thing, sort of helps. Thanks for all the tips above everyone. Cheers. x
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Reema
 

Hello my daughter is 3yrs old..tired of chemical medicine for cough.doctor said its allergic of dust cause zis cough..but the problem is she too much suffering though the night..plz give me a nice remedies for hs cough its been 3month bt still the same..thank you
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Rachel VanDusen
 

Hi Reema! Thanks for reaching out to us! You can find some great tips on managing a persistent cough here: http://www.kidsloveacupuncture.com/2013/01/21/7-ways-to-calm-a-cough-your-pediatrician-wont-tell-you-about/. I would suggest if the cough becomes concerning, please have your daughter seen by a local healer.
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Ntebo
 

I have been struggling with my baby's persistent coughing since he was a month old .I have been in and out of the doctor and his cough is depriving him of getting anoplasty operation.I believe these remedies and herbs will help him greatly not to mention the massage as well.I cant wait.Thank you.
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Elizabeth Thacker
 

How much Saline do you put in the nebulizer?
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Rachel VanDusen
 

Each nebulizer is different. You will have to refer to the individual packaging. I wish I could be of more help!
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Mama.
 

This helped kinda
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Steve
 

Keep children away from such dust sources as vacuum cleaners when in use... they blast a certain amount of unseen dust into a room, and of course children like such machines and enjoy hanging around when they are in use... Get them in another room, or outside to play.. I had a very bad time of coughs, asthma, whooping cough and bronchitis as a child, which the doctors were stumped on... Looking back at this, I loved as a child, to ride on mothers Hamilton Beach vacuum cleaner. It was rocket shaped, had wheels, and as she pulled it from room to room, I would ride, or put my face to the exhaust. I still remember the hot air coming out...I was sicker than a dog, from breathing in all that fine dust, until I started kindergarten, and then of course, I was no longer around when mother vacuumed, and gradually got my health back. eight
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2015 in Review: The Top Posts of the Year! - Kids+Love+Acupuncture
 

[…] 7 Ways to Calm a Cough Your Pediatrician Won’t Tell You About […]
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Old-Fashoned Friday #6 - Our Heritage of Health
 

[…] 7 Ways to Calm a Cough Naturally Your Pediatricion Won’t Tell You About by Kids + Love + Accupuncture: […]
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Enozia Vakil
 

Totally agree with you on the ginger-honey-lemon tea part! Always works for me!
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Amanda Nour
 

I sorry for showing up so late. I know this is a old post but the information is so useful. It still amazes me the truly natural medicines the ancient peoples knew about, that we now are "rediscovering". My husband is from North Africa where natural remedies are still common (lack of Western tourism and "influence" is a good thing in some cases). Our house just started getting a small cold with our two year developing a rather gross cough. Where I was raised to reach for the DayQuil, my husband right away made honey/lemon/ginger "tea" and we all started a course of black seed oil (black cumin seed oil). We also stopped Dairy for a short while. I am about to try that spinal tuina roll thing from the video. I hope it helps. Do you have any suggestions for calming razor blade sractchy thoart I got going on? I'm all about the salt water gargles, honey, "tea", and all that. Just wanted to know if the TCM herbology had some other "secret" ingredient? Thank you! Love the blog btw!
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Robin's Team
 

Thanks for your comment Amanda! While we can't comment specifically on your child's condition because he has not been seen by Robin, in general there is a Chinese herbal supplement called Luo Han Kuo beverage that can help dry throats. Alternately Loquat syrup can also be really helpful. If the condition worsens or becomes prolonged, please seek immediate medical help. Best, Robin's Team
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Doctorsahaab
 

Very nice blog and great content Going to subcribe
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Anne
 

We recently had a nanny who is strong at 63. I asked her for her "secrets" for staying so perky. She told me that she would rarely use OTC meds to cure herself and that she uses bitter gourd leaves (she extracts the juice and takes them raw), serpentina extract for asthma (bitter than bitter gourd), as well as malunggay (moringa) broth. I have yet to try those herbs, but right now, coughing baby at 10mos is being given oregano/calamansi, as these are plenty in the Philippines. I swear by Oregano, and baby loves it chilled. I also recently started to massage my baby to loosen up mucus. I am happy that what I did upon instinct is very similar to the technique you recommend. Thank you very much for the affirmation!
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