10 best Home Remedies for Runny Nose in Children

A runny nose is a common issue among children, especially during cold and flu seasons. It can be caused by viral infections, allergies, or irritants in the environment. While over-the-counter medications are available, Indian home remedies offer natural and gentle solutions to alleviate a runny nose in children. This article explores some home remedies for runny nose in children, providing effective methods to provide relief and promote respiratory health.

 

1. Steam Inhalation: The Nasal Decongestant: 

Steam inhalation helps in loosening mucus and clearing nasal passages, providing quick relief from a runny nose. 

Plain Steam:

Boil water and pour it into a bowl. Let your child inhale the steam while covering their head with a towel. Ensure they don't get too close to avoid burns. Repeat this 2-3 times a day. 

Eucalyptus Oil Steam:

Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to hot water and follow the same process. The menthol in eucalyptus oil helps clear nasal congestion.

 

2. Saline Nasal Drops: The Natural Cleanser: 

Saline nasal drops help in moisturizing nasal passages and flushing out mucus, providing relief from a runny nose. 

Saline Nasal Drops:

Use a bulb syringe or nasal dropper to instill saline drops into your child's nostrils. Tilt their head back slightly and allow the drops to flow into the nasal passages. Gently wipe away excess mucus with a soft tissue.

 

3. Ginger Tea: The Immune Booster: 

Ginger has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. 

Ginger Tea:

Boil a few slices of fresh ginger in a cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain and add a teaspoon of honey (for children over 1 year old). Allow the tea to cool slightly and let your child sip it slowly. Ginger tea can help alleviate cold symptoms, including a runny nose.

 

4. Turmeric Milk: The Healing Drink: 

Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help relieve nasal congestion and reduce mucus production. 

Turmeric Milk:

Add a pinch of turmeric powder to a glass of warm milk. Stir well and let your child drink it before bedtime. Turmeric milk can help soothe a runny nose and promote better sleep.

 

5. Tulsi (Holy Basil) Leaves: The Respiratory Tonic: 

Tulsi leaves are known for their antimicrobial and expectorant properties, making them beneficial for respiratory health. 

Tulsi Tea:

Boil a handful of fresh tulsi leaves in a cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain and add a teaspoon of honey (for children over 1 year old). Let your child drink this tea 2-3 times a day to alleviate a runny nose and boost immunity.

 

6. Honey and Lemon: The Soothing Syrup: 

Honey has natural antibacterial properties, while lemon provides vitamin C and helps clear mucus. 

Honey and Lemon Syrup:

Mix a teaspoon of honey with a few drops of fresh lemon juice. Give this syrup to your child (for children over 1 year old) 2-3 times a day to ease a runny nose and soothe the throat.

 

7. Ajwain (Carom Seeds) Steam: The Respiratory Reliever: 

Ajwain seeds have antimicrobial properties and can help relieve respiratory congestion. 

Ajwain Steam:

Boil a handful of ajwain seeds in water. Let your child inhale the steam while covering their head with a towel. Ajwain steam can help clear nasal passages and reduce a runny nose.

 

8. Warm Compress: The Comforting Relief: 

A warm compress can help soothe nasal congestion and provide relief from a runny nose. 

Warm Compress:

Dip a clean cloth in warm water, wring out excess water, and place it over your child's nose and forehead. Leave it on for a few minutes. Repeat as needed for comfort.

 

9. Cumin Water: The Nasal Cleanser: 

Cumin seeds have antimicrobial properties and can help cleanse the nasal passages. 

Cumin Water:

Boil a teaspoon of cumin seeds in a cup of water. Let it cool and strain. Use this cumin water as a nasal rinse for your child (for children over 1 year old) to clear nasal congestion and reduce a runny nose.

 

10. Almond Oil Massage: The Moisturizing Remedy: 

Almond oil is gentle and moisturizing, making it suitable for relieving dryness and irritation in the nasal passages. 

Almond Oil Massage:

Apply a few drops of almond oil around your child's nostrils and gently massage. This helps moisturize the nasal passages and reduce discomfort from a runny nose.

 

Bottom line: 

These home remedies for runny nose in children provide natural and effective ways to alleviate symptoms and promote respiratory health. However, if your child's runny nose persists or worsens, or if they have other concerning symptoms, consult a pediatrician for proper diagnosis and treatment.