See a doctor if: Fast/laboured breathing, chest indrawing, wheeze, bluish lips, high or persistent fever, poor feeding/dehydration, ear pain, or a cough lasting more than 2-3 weeks - see a doctor
Kitchen remedies
Extra fluids and rest; warm soups; steamy bathroom air or saline nose drops to clear a blocked nose; a spoon of honey for a night cough (ONLY for children over 1 year); raise the head of the bed a little; breast milk continues for babies
Featured herbs
How to prepare
Cautions
NEVER give honey to a baby under 1 year (botulism risk). Do not give over-the-counter cough/cold medicines to young children unless a doctor advises. Keep herbs mild and age-appropriate; avoid strong essential oils near babies' faces.
Related remedies
Colic & Gas in Infants (traditional, cautious)Teething Discomfort in Babies (traditional, cautious)Bedwetting in Children (supportive)Diaper Rash (babies, gentle)Cradle Cap (infant scalp, gentle)Whooping Cough (children, supportive)Mumps (children, supportive)Fever in Children (supportive care, referral)
When to see a doctor. Home remedies are for minor, self-limiting complaints in adults. They are not a substitute for medical care, and herbs can interact with medicines. Not for children under the ages stated, in pregnancy, or with chronic conditions without a doctor's advice.
