Croup Cough Remedies

Croup as we know is a cough caused by a virus, commonly recognizable by a hoarse barking sound accompanied by breathlessness and gasps. Since it is a viral infection, people often resort to natural remedies for croup.

Nature cures for croup have been documented as early as two centuries ago. A popular cure then was to rub on the neck and chest a paste of sheep fat mixed with chamomile leaves and flowers. This does seem to be a possible cure because chamomile is a relaxant and can be absorbed through the skin. And so, it could probably relax the lungs and the diaphragm, which could ease the cough. This would give rest to the child and allow anti-bodies to build up, which would further help in fighting the infection. Another popular native remedy used to be to apply a mix of mud and ash, although how it used to help isn't very clear. Once again it could've been the absorption of minerals in the mix through the skin. The skin is the largest organ and can absorb a lot of stuff.

Speaking of more recent times, by the 1990's there were more than 35 natural remedies for croup listed in various medical reference texts. These included petroleum, sodium bicarbonate, spraying lime water, spraying lactic acid and so on. This was at a time when homeopathic medicines were more popular than pharmaceuticals. Homeo remedies commonly used included Aconite, Belladona and Hepar Sulph.

These days also there are a variety of home remedies that people use to cure themselves and their little ones of croup, the latest of which is Coke! The acid supposedly dissolves the excess mucus. Garlic is one that is particularly effective against viral infections. Another herb that boosts immunity is Echanicea, which is used quite often along with vitamin C supplements.

Cold or moist air is said to help in case of croup and based on that, the steamy bathroom treatment is also pretty popular. Just put on a hot shower for about fifteen to twenty minutes and be in the steam for a while. Vaporizers are not recommended because there is a high risk of the infection spreading if someone else uses the same vaporizer. Instead, doctors also recommend a cool mist humidifier. The steamy bathroom by no means cure the cough entirely, but it will provide respite when you wake up after a night of coughing.