A Mom’s Guide to Coughs: What They Mean & How to Help Naturally
Hey mama, I see you. You’re up late with a little one coughing, wondering if it’s just a cold or something more. You’re debating whether to grab another cup of tea or Google “when to worry about a cough” for the hundredth time. Coughs can be tricky—some are nothing more than a minor irritation, while others can leave you feeling helpless as a parent.
But don’t worry. Let’s go over the different types of coughs, what they mean, and how you can help your child (or yourself!) with simple, natural remedies.
1. The Dry Cough (The Annoying One That Won’t Quit)
A dry cough is just what it sounds like—no mucus, just constant irritation. It can be caused by a virus, allergies, asthma, dry air, or even reflux. It’s that cough that keeps your child up all night, making both of you miserable.
How to Help:
• Honey & Lemon Tea – Warm, soothing, and a natural cough suppressant. (Only for kids over 1 year!)
• Marshmallow Root Tea – Forms a protective coating on the throat to ease irritation.
• Humidifier – If dry air is the culprit, adding moisture can make a world of difference.
• Slippery Elm Lozenges – If they’re old enough for lozenges, these can help coat the throat.
Caring For Apothecary Favorites:
• Tummy Soothe Glycerite – If reflux is making things worse, this blend can help settle little tummies.
• Magnesium Lotion - Lavender Chamomile – Perfect before bed to relax the body and help everyone sleep.
• Elderberry Tincture – If it’s viral, elderberry gives the immune system a boost to fight it off faster.
• Little Gums Relief Teething Glycerite – Cloves contain eugenol which has powerful numbing and anti-inflammatory properties. Which makes Little Gums Relief not only great for teething pain, but also sore throats and is soothing for coughs.
2. The Wet Cough (The One with All the Mucus)
This is the kind of cough where you can hear (or see) the mucus trying to make its way out. It’s common with colds, the flu, or even bronchitis. It’s actually a good sign—your body is working to clear out gunk—but it can be uncomfortable and make breathing sound awful. **Avoid suppressing a wet cough -- it helps clear mucus from the lungs, preventing congestion and infection buildup. Instead, support it with natural remedies to ease discomfort and aid healing.
How to Help:
• Ginger & Honey Syrup – Helps loosen phlegm and soothe the throat.
• Steam Inhalation with Eucalyptus( Eucalyptus for children 10 years or older) – Works wonders to break up mucus.
Caring For Apothecary Favorites:
• Mullein & Thyme Tincture – Hands down one of the best herb combinations for clearing mucus from the lungs.
• Garlic & Mullein Oil – Fights infections and supports lung health.
• Ginger Chest Rub - Helps to loosen mucus while relieving sore muscles from coughing.
3. Croup Cough (The One That Sounds Like a Seal Barking)
If your child suddenly wakes up in the middle of the night with a harsh, barking cough, it might be croup. It happens when the upper airway swells (usually due to a virus), making it hard to breathe. It sounds scary, and sometimes it is, but most cases can be managed at home.
How to Help:
• Cold Air Trick – Bundle them up and take them outside for a few minutes or open the freezer door—cold air helps reduce swelling in the airway.
• Steam Therapy – If cold air doesn’t work, try sitting in a steamy bathroom with them.
Caring For Apothecary Favorites:
• Ginger Chest Rub – Gently massage their chest and back to help them breather easier.
• Elderberry Tincture – Immune support to help them recover faster.
• Magnesium Lotion - Lavender Chamomile – Helps relax tight chest muscles and makes breathing easier.
• Mullein & Thyme Tincture – Reduces inflammation in the throat and opens up airways.
4. Whooping Cough (The One That Comes in Fits and Won’t Stop)
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a serious bacterial infection that causes long coughing fits followed by a “whooping” sound when they try to breathe in. It’s highly contagious and can be dangerous for babies, so if you suspect it, call your doctor. Also check our blog post on Whooping Cough here.
How to Help:
• Honey & Thyme Tea – Can help calm the spasms and soothe the throat.
• Rest & Hydration – Keep fluids going and let them rest as much as possible.
Caring For Apothecary Favorites:
• Garlic & Mullein Oil – A must-have for bacterial respiratory issues.
• Oregano Oil – A powerful natural antibacterial.
• Black Drawing Salve – Can be applied to the chest to help pull out toxins.
• Mullein & Thyme Tincture – Helps with lingering coughing fits.
5. Allergy or Asthma Cough (The One That Won’t Go Away but Isn’t a Cold)
If the cough is worse around pets, dust, pollen, or after being outside, it could be allergy-related. Wheezing or tightness in the chest? Could be asthma. Either way, you want to calm the irritation and reduce inflammation.
How to Help:
• Himalayan Salt Inhalation – Clears allergens and opens airways.
• Quercetin-Rich Foods – Apples, onions, and green tea help fight histamine reactions.
Caring For Apothecary Favorites:
• Nettle Tincture – One of the best natural antihistamines to reduce allergy symptoms.
• Fulvic Acid Mineral Powder – Supports lung function and reduces inflammation.
• Magnesium Spray - Lavender Chamomile – Helps relax airways and reduce coughing fits.
• Mullein & Thyme Tincture – Great for allergy-related coughs that won’t quit.
6. Post-Viral or Lingering Cough (The One That Just Hangs Around)
Ever had a cough last for weeks after a cold or flu? That’s a post-viral cough. It’s usually caused by residual inflammation and can be super frustrating.
How to Help:
• Marshmallow Root & Licorice Tea – Helps coat and soothe an irritated throat.
• Hydration & Warm Herbal Teas – Keeps the throat moist and supports healing.
Caring For Apothecary Favorites:
• Fire Cider Capsules - A powerful blend of herbs, support post-viral recovery by clearing mucus, reducing inflammation and boosting immunity. (Can be opened and mixed with honey for young children).
• Turmeric & Black Pepper Capsules – Helps fight post-viral inflammation. (Can be opened and mixed with honey for young children).
• Mullein & Thyme Tincture – A must for lingering coughs and lung support.
• Black Drawing Salve (Applied to Chest) – Can help pull out any remaining mucus.
Black Seed Oil for Cough Relief
A powerful natural remedy for soothing all types of coughs!
Black Seed Oil has been used for centuries to support respiratory health, ease inflammation, and calm persistent coughs. Its natural antimicrobial, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties make it a go-to remedy for:
✔ Dry Coughs – Coats and soothes the throat, reducing irritation
✔ Wet/Mucus Coughs – Helps loosen and expel mucus from the lungs
✔ Allergy & Asthma Coughs – Acts as a natural antihistamine, relaxing airways
✔ Post-Viral Coughs – Reduces lingering inflammation and irritation
Best Used: Take a few drops sublingually (under the tongue) for fast absorption or mix with warm tea and honey for extra soothing effects.
Final Thoughts from One Mama to Another
Coughs can be stressful, especially when your little one is struggling. But you’ve got this, mama. Most coughs will pass with a little time, rest, and natural support. Keep a few go-to remedies on hand, listen to your intuition, and always reach out to your doctor if something feels off.
I hope this guide helps you feel more confident the next time a cough shows up in your home. Have a favorite natural cough remedy? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!