You are here: Q&A->
Page 13->Chesty coughs in children
Chesty coughs in children
Both my children suffer from chesty coughs that I cannot seem to shift, no matter what I do. They are 5 and 9, both boys, so obviously I need something safe to give to children of that age.
Since you need a natural remedy that is safe to give to younger children, I am going to recommend a South African herb I have not written about before. Perlargonium, an extract made from the root of a plant called Perlagonium sidoides, is an excellent alternative to antibiotics, especially for chronic respiratory infections including sinusitis and bronchitis.
While scientists have yet to established which of several major chemicals present in the root is the most effective antibacterial agent, it has been shown to be effective against a number of the more common infection-causing organisms, including Streptococci, Staphylococci, and Bacillus cereus.
You can safely give this herb, which is available in syrup form, to both your boys although the younger child will need a lower dose. Give your five-year-old between 5 and 10 drops, three times a day and increase this dosage to 10-20 drops, three times a day for your older son.
The best way to give it is to disguise it in a fruit juice they like and make sure you give it with meals. Continue with the same dosage for several days after the cough disappears to help prevent re-infection.
Perlagonium costs £14.99 for 100ml syrup; mail order from Revital on 0800 252 875.