When children are sick, many parents are reluctant to give them cough syrup – and rightly so. In fact, the best research to date shows that cough and cold medicines aren't effective for children. Researchers aren't exactly sure why, but they think it might be related to children's more narrow airways.
Also, according to the Mayo Clinic, aside from being ineffective, these medications can potentially be harmful to children, causing rapid heart rate and convulsions, though it's not clear who this might happen to. Also, some children receive medications from both a caregiver and parents at home – the lack of communication could cause serious problems, especially in very little ones.
Most experts recommend an over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to ease sore throats or headache pain and to reduce fevers. Otherwise a warm bath can help loosen mucus in small children.
Check with your doctor, but one good, natural and alcohol-free option to ease your child's cough is Naturade Children's Expectorant Alcohol-Free. It comes in cherry flavor and may help increase cough productivity and clear bronchial passages. The medication is meant for children who are 4 years of age or older. It has a cherry flavor and includes all-natural ingredients like peppermint leaf extract, rose hips and cocillana bark extract. This product is a good natural alternative to regular cough medications. Still, it should not be given to children under 4 years old and, as with any medication, you should check with your doctor to make sure it is safe for your child.
There are also versions for adults, including Naturade Alcohol-Free Expectorant and Naturade Herbal Expectorant with Guafenesin, both of which are all-natural and can reduce cough intensity and enhance productivity of coughing.
