Getting Rid Of The Persistent Cough

 Each week in Moms Talk, our local Moms Council of experts and been-there-done-that moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions to common parenting problems.  So grab a cup of coffee and settle in as we start the conversation today with a question commonly asked to:

My son or daughter has finally gotten over a terrible cold that seemed to last forever, but he still has this horrible cough! Nothing seems to help.

This happens to my kids and I’ve tried a lot of approaches. It could be that he or she has a lingering upper respiratory virus that needs a prescription inhaler, but I don’t usually go that route until I’ve exhausted other homeopathic, old-time remedies. First, you should definitely put a humidifier in his room to combat the dry inside/outside air that is likely aggravating his cough. Second, try a mix of 1 tablespoon honey (darker the better, buckwheat honey is best) mixed with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and warmed in the microwave for about five seconds (let it cool). He can eat this with a small spoon as often as he likes. Honey is the most effective cough suppressant in the universe plus it has natural antibiotic and antiviral properties. Third, smear a good glob of Mentholatum on his feet before bed and cover with a pair of cotton socks. Don’t ask me why, but this works, usually after one or two nights. I’d also recommend Chestal as cough syrup because it’s a homeopathic mix (starts with honey), and upping his Vitamin C intake to boost his immune system. You can also give him Astragalus, another natural antibiotic, antiviral that does a great job of knocking out lingering infections and viruses.

What do you do to get rid of a cough? Tell us in the comments.