Chest Congestion in Kids: 8 Natural Ayurvedic Home Remedies to Ease Cold And Cough

Minor cases of cold and related respiratory problems can be managed effectively at home, but if the symptoms are severe, it is always advisable to see a doctor.

Winters in India are not the same across the country. While the northern parts have colder winters, the south is usually more tropical and does not experience extreme temperature variations. Today, this situation is changing; the extreme climate change that has gripped the world has not left the country untouched. On the one hand, winter has become colder, foggier and more polluted in the northern parts, while the south is experiencing drastic temperature variations with colder nights and comparatively warmer days. This unbalanced outdoor climate has caused many health problems in the population.

Some of these problems are frequent cold, cough, and chest congestion that affect the respiratory system.

These are more common in young babies and school-age children, as they have weaker immunity. Symptoms can include nasal congestion, runny nose, cough with or without sputum, sore throat, hoarseness, wheezing, hoarse breathing, chest congestion, and sometimes sinus headaches. The general relief mantra is to keep warm and take hot potency medication. Minor cases of cold and related respiratory problems can be managed effectively at home, but if the symptoms are severe, it is always advisable to see a doctor.

Home remedies:

1. Repeatedly gargling with hot water added with salt, turmeric or Triphala Choorna is very beneficial in case of sore throat and hoarseness.
2. In babies under six months, medication is not really recommended, but the drugs can be given through breast milk by medicating the mother who, in most cases, may also suffer from the same symptoms.
3. A really effective herb that can help improve immunity, digestion and intelligence in babies and can be given even to newborns is Vacha (Vach)/Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus). Very small amount of this dried herb is rubbed on a rough surface and the paste can be given with a small amount of ghee.
4. Dried ginger is also a very effective herb in cases of cold and congestion. It can be used as an ingredient in masala tea, boiled with drinking water, or chewed in small amounts by both children and adults.
5. Another very important plant for cold, fever and chest congestion in both children and adults is Parnayavani (Sanskrit)/ Panikoorka (Malayalam)/ Karpooravalli (Tamil)/ Doddapatre (Kannada)/ Pathar Choor (Hindi)/ Indian Borage /Mexican mint . The leaves of this plant are slightly heated and crushed to extract its juice. This juice can be given along with honey. The leaves can also be used in drinking water.
6. Tulasi is also a very useful solution for this set of symptoms. Tulasi boiled water reduces fever, cold and congestion and improves immunity. Tulasi leaves can also be eaten directly after washing.
7. Trikatu is a combination of three dry spices that is usually given in diseases that occur during the winter. It consists of dried ginger, dried black pepper and dried long pepper powder together. This polyherbal is used in many formulations in Ayurveda and is the main component of Dashamoolakatutraya Kashaya which is specifically administered in conditions of cough, cold and chest congestion.
8. The most effective method of unblocking the nose and relieving a congested chest is exposure to steam. This process of vaporizing and inducing sweat is called sweating. Steaming can be done by exposing the chest and face to the vapors coming from the hot water. For better liquefaction of sputum, herbs like Tulasi and Parnayavani can be added to the water.

Precautions

Although there are many effective treatments for respiratory problems during the winter, it is always best to prevent these symptoms. Here are some precautionary measures that can keep you healthy during cold spells.

• Always try to stay warm with a proper winter wardrobe.
• Especially cover the ears during trips and at night.
• Do not drink cold water or eat anything refrigerated.
• Drink hot water preferably boiled with beneficial herbs.
• In places with a lot of pollution and fog, the use of a mask is essential for your protection.
• Do not shower with cold water and do not sleep with wet hair.
• Children should be taught personal hygiene ethics so that they do not become infected by contact with sick children at school.

(With input from IANS)