I very well understand that dealing with cold and cough in kids is difficult and heartbreaking to witness. As parents, we often rush to the chemist or doctor, just so our little ones can breathe and sleep peacefully.
But here’s something important every parent must know — over-the-counter (OTC) medications for cold and cough in kids can have serious side effects. I remember my pediatrician once told us, “Never give antibiotics to younger kids unless it’s absolutely necessary.”
Thankfully, there are natural, safe, and affordable ways to treat cold and cough in kids at home — using remedies that are often already available in our kitchen. In this post, I’ll share what has worked for us personally. We’ve tried almost every remedy with Hitarth whenever he suffered from a cold or cough.
💛 This blog you’re reading — I’m updating it after almost 3 years. And the reason? I have something very important and valuable to share upfront — based on my real experience of using Septilin consistently for over 3 years with my son Hitarth.
Why This Blog is Different
This isn’t a list copied from Google — these are remedies I’ve personally used with my son over the last 3 years, along with the one syrup that truly worked for us: Septilin.
Plus, I’ve shared my real healing mindset and manifestation routine — something most blogs don’t talk about.
Septilin by Himalaya – My 3+ Years of Experience
Let me begin this time by talking about one syrup that truly made a difference in our lives — Septilin by Himalaya.
Three years ago, Hitarth started getting frequent colds after joining school. We tried several remedies, but the recurrence was worrying. That’s when I came across Septilin, recommended by many moms in my circle.
Being cautious, I consulted our pediatrician before starting it, and after getting their approval, we began using it regularly.
What happened next? Over time — and consistent usage for about 2 months initially — I noticed a visible improvement in Hitarth’s immunity. He wasn’t falling sick as often, and even when he did, his recovery was faster and smoother.
Now, after 3+ years, I can confidently say that Septilin has truly been a game-changer for us. It’s Ayurvedic, has no side effects, and is gentle yet very effective.
Whenever he catches a cold without fever, we still prefer giving him just Septilin — and most of the time, that’s all he needs. Also, whenever we sense that seasonal changes are around the corner, we start giving him Septilin as a preventive for 15 days. We usually repeat this 2 to 3 times a year to maintain his immunity levels.
Note: This is not a paid promotion — just a heartfelt recommendation from one mom to another. Every child is different, so please consult your pediatrician before starting anything new.
For detailed Ayurvedic insights and general information about Septilin, you can also read this article on DesRemedies.
Now let’s check out these home remedies, which are extremely effective and worked for us apart from Septilin. We tried almost every remedy with Hitarth whenever he suffered from a cold & cough.
Effective Home Remedies for Cold and Cough in Kids
It’s tough to see our kids sick and uncomfortable. Try these gentle yet effective home remedies to ease symptoms naturally.
Hydration – First Step in Healing
This may sound basic, but it’s the most underrated remedy. I’ve noticed that whenever Hitarth is well-hydrated — with water, soups, or herbal decoctions — his recovery is always faster.
One of our favourites? Tomato soup! Rich in Vitamin C and comforting to the throat, a warm bowl of tomato soup instantly lifts his mood and helps with congestion.
What I do: I give him this soup twice a day when he’s unwell — it’s soothing and works better than most syrups.
Mustard Oil + Garlic Massage – My Grandma’s Nuskha That Still Works
This is one remedy I grew up with, and now I use it for Hitarth too. I take mustard oil, add a few garlic cloves, heat it until the cloves turn golden, then strain and store.
During cough or cold — especially without fever — I massage this warm oil on his chest, back, and soles of the feet. The warmth calms him down instantly.
What I noticed: His nose feels less blocked, and it even helps him sleep peacefully without constant coughing.
Carrom Seeds/Ajwain Potli – My All-Time Favourite
This one has become a ritual in our house. Every time Hitarth starts sniffling or coughing, I immediately dry roast some ajwain on a tawa until the aroma fills the kitchen. Then I wrap it in a clean muslin cloth to make a potli.
I gently place it on his chest and back — it works like magic to relieve congestion. He loves the warmth too and finds it comforting, especially before bedtime.
Mom Tip: I always test the potli on my wrist to make sure it’s not too hot. We do this twice a day — morning and night — and it truly helps open up the chest.
Gargling With Salt Water
If your child is old enough to gargle, this could be one of the excellent remedies to soothe a sore throat. Mix a glass of hot water with a teaspoon of salt & ask your child to gargle with it twice daily. The pain also will be relieved by the saline water.
Steam – My Quick Night Routine
I’ve tried this so many times with Hitarth, especially during winter nights. Instead of running hot water in the bathroom (which I feel wastes a lot of water), I simply keep a big vessel on the induction plate filled with water in his room before bedtime.
The room gets naturally steamy, and it really helps him breathe easier and sleep better. You can also try using an electric steamer, which works well and is convenient to use for nasal relief.
Use Saline Nose Sprays
A saline solution, such as a nasal spray or mist, can help thin nasal mucus. If your child is young, use a suction bulb or have them blow their nose frequently to stop drainage. After using saline nasal sprays or drops to soften the dried mucus, blow your nose or suction it. Warm water will do the trick if these things are not readily available.
Also read, Is Your Kid Vulnerable To Temper Tantrums? Could It Be Childhood Insomnia?
Turmeric Milk
Due to its antiseptic qualities, turmeric is well known for treating viral infections like the common cold and cough. Make your child drink warm milk with turmeric powder every night before bed. It instantly soothes a sore throat and a runny nose. Milk gives your child energy because it is a good source of calcium. You can also add 3 to 4 drops of pure ghee in the milk to keep the throat moistened.
Honey For Cold and Cough In Kids
When it comes to treating coughs and promoting better sleep in sick children, honey is superior to medication. Honey is safe for kids 1 and older, and because it tastes good, kids enjoy taking it. (However, there are exceptions, like my son, who never takes it.)
Owing to honey’s strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can be very effective in reducing sore throat discomfort, it is the best remedy. Give a half teaspoon to the children between the ages of 1 and 5 and one teaspoons between the ages of 6 and 11. If your child won’t consume honey on its own, try mixing it with warm milk, herbal tea, or warm water.
Ginger Tea
One of the most efficient and affordable remedies for the common cold and cough in kids is ginger & the tea made from it. Ginger, a natural antiviral, lowers body temperature and encourages sweating. Additionally, ginger tea works as a decongestant to help with cold symptoms. You can give the grated ginger juice added with honey to the kids for faster relief.
Also, read My Real Journey – How I Saved My Toddler From This Virus.
Night Cold and Cough In Kids – Elevate Child’s Head
When your child goes to bed, mucus doesn’t stop and can continue to build up in the back of the throat, especially if they have a stuffy nose. Your child’s head should be raised with an additional pillow at night to encourage mucus movement in order to lessen symptoms and to cough & allow mucus to drain.
We always do this with Hitarth as the night cough makes it very hard for him to sleep. It helps soothe him and lets him sleep peacefully. (However, avoid it if you have younger kids & for older kids also, talk to the pediatrician before following this.)
Rest Is the Key
Most coughs and colds are best treated by letting your child rest at home so their immune system can combat the virus. Spending time in bed, especially if your child has a fever, helps the body fight infection. A sick child doesn’t need to be kept inside for days; being awake and moving around the house is fine. However, try to maintain calm and forbid running or other strenuous activities.
Power of Positivity & Manifestation in Healing
This may sound unusual to some, but I truly believe in the power of manifestation and positive energy when it comes to parenting and healing.
Whenever Hitarth falls ill, I not only give him the remedies and immune boosters — but I also work on my thoughts and intentions. I visualize him healthy, speak positive affirmations, and believe that he is healing every single day.
I say to myself:
“My child is healthy. His immune system is strong. His body is healing itself.”
This mindset shift has helped me stay calm and allowed Hitarth to recover faster. I genuinely feel that our thoughts, energy, and intentions — when pure — can contribute to our child’s well-being too.
Help Your Baby Sleep Through The Night – Few Tips & Tricks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does a cold last in kids?
Most colds heal in 5 to 7 days, but in young children, it can take up to two weeks. The aforementioned remedies can help cure it faster.
When should you worry about a kids cough?
Coughs caused by viral colds can last weeks, especially if a child contracts multiple colds consecutively. Asthma, allergies, or a chronic sinus or airway infection may also cause persistent coughs. Call your doctor if your child still has a cough after 3 weeks.
What is the best medicine for child cold?
If the cough and cold in kids are due to the viruses or flu, you should give medicine only consulting with pediatrician. If it is due to weak immunity, one can try immunity building syrups after consulting the doctor. I have also shared one ayurvedic syrup above which helped us a lot in building the immunity of our 3 year old.
How to Get Rid of a Child’s Cold Quickly?
Plenty of fluids, rest, turmeric milk, and ginger or honey work fast. Keeping them warm and hydrated is key.
Important TIP
Keep the nose and mouth region moisturized using petrolium jelly or boroline or simple ghee to avoid rawness and rashes around which is very common in colds.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes, the most effective treatments for cold and cough in kids aren’t found in pharmacies but in our kitchens and hearts. With a little care, attention, and natural remedies, we can help our kids heal faster — and with fewer side effects.
Whether it’s through home remedies, the support of safe Ayurvedic products like Septilin, or the silent strength of manifestation and positive parenting, healing is possible.
This blog is not just a guide — it’s a part of my journey as a mother, sharing what’s worked for me and my son. I sincerely hope it helps you too.
I truly hope this post helps every mom reading it — whether you’re new to parenting or have dealt with these common colds many times before. And remember, always consult your doctor before trying anything new.
Stay strong, stay warm, and give your little one that extra cuddle today 💛
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