Paramedic shares the unlikely foods that will reduce the severity and duration of a child’s cough
Paramedic shares the unlikely food all parents should know about now if they have a sick child: ‘It’s a game changer’
- Paramedic Nikki Jurcutz said you should give honey to kids who are coughing
- It helps reduce the severity and duration of colds; but can’t be for children under 1
A paramedic shared why honey is the secret to reducing the ‘severity and duration’ of a child’s cough – and when it should be given for it to be most effective.
Nikki Jurcutz is a paramedic, mom, and the CEO of the parenting organization Tiny Hearts Education.
She has built a huge following on social media for sharing her helpful tips and tricks.
Scroll down for video
A paramedic told us why honey is the secret to reducing the ‘severity and duration’ of a child’s cough – and when to give it for it to be most effective (pictured)
‘Honey hack’, Nikki posted on Tiny Hearts’ Instagram page.
Honey can help reduce the severity and duration of a cough.
“Give one to two teaspoons 30 minutes before bed. Mix it with warm water if you’re concerned about the consistency.”
Nikki added that honey is “better and safer than any cough medicine available,” especially considering that cough medicine is not recommended for children under six.
“But it’s important to remember that honey shouldn’t be given to children under one because of the risk of infant botulism, a rare but serious disease that causes paralysis.”
The reason why honey is such an effective cough medicine is because it coats the throat and soothes irritated mucous membranes, calming a cough and relieving related symptoms.
Hundreds of parents were quick to thank the paramedic for sharing her wisdom.
“I’m doing this tonight, so glad I saw it,” one wrote.
“Love this hack!” added another.
Others said they used it all the time, and even their parents did it when they were growing up.
‘Yeah great! It’s so effective. Coats your throat and it’s natural. I still do it to myself when I cough,” one wrote.
“My grandmother used to make my sisters and I have honey and raw garlic. I hated it as a kid, but it worked! (and now I love it and still take it!)’ added another.
Previously, Nikki shared how honey can help save a child’s life if they swallow a button cell battery, and why it’s the first thing she turns to on her way to the hospital.
Nikki said using honey as a first aid treatment is not yet part of the guideline treatment in Australia, but it has been implemented in other countries, including America, and she would always follow it.
How and why to use honey in case of a button cell battery emergency
You will need to give 10 ml (about two teaspoons) by mouth every 10 minutes for up to six doses (Nikki Jurcutz pictured)
* Poison Control recommend 10 ml (about two teaspoons) by mouth every 10 minutes for up to six doses. You don’t have to be exact with times and doses.
* Remember that you should not give honey to a child under 12 months old.
* Commercial honey rather than specialized or artisanal honey is the best option, and you should remember that honey is not a substitute for immediately removing a battery lodged in the esophagus.
* Honey slows the development of battery damage, but cannot prevent it. Don’t wait any longer to go to an emergency department.