Herbal remedies for croup

Croup is usually a viral illness that causes swelling around the voice box and windpipe. A barking cough, hoarse voice, and noisy breathing can occur, often becoming more noticeable at night. A [Cough](/symptoms/cough/) or [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) may accompany it, but the sound and effort of breathing matter most. Honey is not suitable for babies under twelve months, and essential oils, strong herbal preparations, or steam can irritate airways or cause burns. A [Common Cold](/conditions/common-cold/) can have similar early symptoms, so assessment helps when the pattern is unclear.

Keep the child calm and upright, offer small sips of fluid, and check them regularly, including during sleep. Crying can make noisy breathing worse. Avoid cigarette smoke, incense, essential-oil vapour, and hot steam. Do not give an herbal cough mixture unless a pharmacist or clinician has checked its suitability for the child’s age and medicines. A clinician may recommend treatment that reduces airway swelling; some children need observation or [Nebuliser Treatment](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/nebuliser-treatment/). Arrange a [Child Health Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/child-health-consultation/) if symptoms are new, persistent, or worsening.

Call emergency services if the child struggles to breathe, the skin between the ribs pulls in, lips look blue or grey, the child is unusually sleepy, drooling, unable to swallow, or cannot speak or cry normally. Seek urgent advice if noisy breathing occurs while the child is resting, rather than only when upset. Keep the child upright while help is arranged and do not spend time trying another remedy.

Ask how to recognise worsening breathing, which medicines are suitable for your child, whether a supplement is safe with them, and when you should return for review.