To treat rhinopharyngitis we recommend steeping slices of ginger, a lemon, and a small spoonful of black seed (Nigella sativa) or black seed oil. This infusion should be drunk three times a day.
In addition, to soothe the throat, propolis syrup will be effective, as will licorice syrup. For a child, choose an ivy leaf syrup suited to their age.
What the science says: cough
What published research says about the remedies mentioned above, for context — the studies address material causes, but healing belongs to Allah.
Cough
Honey is the best-proven remedy for cough: the Cochrane review finds it more effective than no treatment and comparable to common syrups in children (Cochrane, 2018) (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, 2007), and a meta-analysis evaluates traditional herbs against cough (Forsch Komplementmed, 2015). Thyme, marshmallow root, plantain, inhalations and humid air round things out. Precaution: no honey before one year of age; a cough lasting more than three weeks, or with fever, blood or shortness of breath, should be seen by a doctor.
