Natural Remedies for Croup

Most of the time a case of croup starts as just a regular cold or a mild flu. A few days into their sickness your child may lie down and start a loud, raspy, barking cough, possibly with some gasping or wheezing in between. This unusual sounding cough is caused by a swelling of the windpipe and is what’s often describes as the “seal bark cough.”
Croup: The Overview
- Who gets croup? It’s most common is babies, toddlers, and kids under six. Older kids can get croup, but it’s rare.
- What is croup caused by? Usually a virus like the flu virus or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
- Is it contagious? Sort-of. The viruses that cause croup can easily be spread from kid to kid. Not all kids who get these viruses will end up with croup, but it's always possible.
- How long does croup last? Croup will usually be over in 2-3 days, but it can last as long as a week.
- Is there a vaccine for croup? Nope, because croup isn’t from a specific bug. However, the flu shot could reduce your child’s odds of getting croup from the flu.
Signs and Symptoms of Croup
- Constant gasping, with an anxious or stressed expression
- Weak, listless, uninterested in play
- Unwilling to lie down because of coughing or difficulty breathing
- Leaning forward and drooling because it hurts too much to swallow (this can be signs of an infection in the epiglottis and warrants a trip to the ER)
In other words, a serious case of croup will look really serious, and the odds are you’ll already be at the ER or considering heading over there if it gets this bad.
Preventing Croup
Natural Remedies for Croup
Elderberry syrup (sambucus nigrans)

Olive leaf extract (olea europaea)

Olive leaf is also available in liquid forms for children that haven't learned how to swallow pills.
Raw honey lemon tea

Note: honey should never be given to children under 12 months of age.
Humidifiers or cool mist
Homeopathic treatment for croup

While overly-generalized or incorrectly chosen homeopathic remedies are unlikely to harm your child in any way, an incorrect remedy also won't do anything to help alleviate their symptoms.
A Note on Croup and Antibiotics
