Coughing is a common issue, especially in children, and when my 3-year-old daughter developed a strong, persistent cough during a cold, I found an incredibly effective and simple home remedy that I want to share. This natural syrup, made from everyday ingredients, helped her recover quickly and gently. But before diving into the recipe, let’s understand what a cough really is and what causes it.
What is a Cough?
Coughing is a vital reflex that helps clear the airways of mucus, irritants, and pathogens. It’s the body’s natural defense mechanism to keep the respiratory system clean. Most coughs are symptoms of the common cold or other respiratory tract infections.
A persistent or hacking cough is often defined as a cough that continues for five minutes or longer without stopping. There are two main types of coughs:
- Dry Cough: No mucus or phlegm is produced.
- Wet Cough: Comes with mucus, which may be white, yellow, or green in color.
Common Causes of Cough
- Colds (Viral Bronchitis): In healthy children, colds caused by viruses are the most common reason for coughing. Bacteria are rarely the cause.
- Lung Infections: In more serious cases, bacterial infections like pneumonia can be responsible.
- Sinus Infections: Mucus drainage from the sinuses can irritate the throat, triggering a cough reflex.
- Allergic Reactions: Inhaling allergens or having a sensitivity to certain substances can cause an allergic cough.
- Asthma: A frequent cause of chronic cough. Interestingly, about 25% of children with asthma only experience coughing without the typical wheezing.
- Air Pollution: Tobacco smoke or other pollutants can irritate the respiratory tract, leading to a chronic cough.
- Exercise-Induced Coughing: Physical activity, especially in cold air, can trigger coughing fits.
- Serious Causes: Conditions such as bronchiolitis, whooping cough, or the presence of a foreign object in the airways require immediate medical attention.
About Phlegm
It’s completely normal for children to cough up yellow or green mucus during the recovery phase of a viral bronchitis. This does not necessarily mean there is a bacterial infection. Coughing up mucus helps protect the lungs from developing further inflammation, and antibiotics are not always required.
Important Things to Know About Coughing
- Coughing is usually a sign of a cold.
- Expelling phlegm is beneficial—it helps clear the lungs.
- Suppressing a cough completely is not recommended, especially if mucus is present.
The Homemade Cough Syrup That Helped My Daughter
Now, let’s get to the natural remedy that was recommended to me when my daughter fell ill. I’ve tried it myself, and I can confidently say that it works wonders. It’s simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and made entirely with natural ingredients you probably already have at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 liter of water
- 16 bay leaves (I used fresh ones)
- 16 teaspoons of honey
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
Instructions:
- In a medium-sized pot, mix all the ingredients together.
- Make sure the honey dissolves well in the water.
- Place the pot on the stove and bring it to a boil.
- Let the mixture simmer until the volume reduces to about one cup.
- Once ready, transfer the syrup into a glass jar and store it in the refrigerator.
This amount should last for about one week.
Dosage:
- For adults: Take 1 tablespoon, 3 times per day.
- For children: Give 1 teaspoon, also 3 times per day.
This remedy brought fast relief to my daughter and gave me peace of mind. If you or your child are struggling with a lingering cough from a cold, I highly recommend trying this syrup. You’ll likely be just as grateful for the results as I was.
