Revealed: Seven home remedies to keep your child healthy as hacking cough sweeps the country (and they even include CHOCOLATE) 

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Thousands of Britons are flocking to GP offices as a hacking cough continues to sweep across the country.

The condition cannot be treated with antibiotics and those afflicted have been advised to rest and drink plenty of fluids.  

But with little sign of things improving - forecast figures from Benylin show the number affected could increase by 60 per cent this week and potentially double again next week - parents are looking for ways to keep their children healthy. 

While concerned parents should still check with their GP, local pharmacist or NHS 111, these seven natural remedies can also help little ones breathe a little easier.  

Under the weather: Thousands of patients are falling ill as a hacking cough plagues the nation

1. Honey 

A well-loved - and tasty - natural remedy, honey is a sure fire way to ease a ticklish throat. 

According to Dr Kemper, director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at Wake Forest University Medical Center, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, honey 'soothes irritated membranes by coating the throat, making swallowing less painful,' Parents.com reported. 

A study by a team at Pennsylvania State University showed that a spoonful of honey half an hour before bedtime calmed coughs better than over-the-counter cough syrup in a group of children over two years old.

Honey should not be given to children under the age of one.  

2.  Lots of lazy days

It might sound obvious but tiredness and stress can lower a child's resistance to infection. A rested child is better equipped to be able to fight off an illness.

Similarly, it also takes energy to fight an infection and so sick children will also need more time to rest and allow their body to heal, as babycenter.com reported. 

It might also be worth considering giving any after-school activities a miss while your child is recovering as he or she will need to rest up.  

Time for some shut eye: It might sound obvious but tiredness and stress can lower a child's resistance to infection. A rested child is better equipped to be able to fight off an illness

3. Chocolate (yes, really!)

Some research suggests that chocolate can help tackle tickly coughs due to an ingredient which is found in the cocoa. 

The good news for children with a sweet tooth is this does have some truth in it – but that is no excuse to overindulge. 

Deepa Songara, Boots UK Flu Service Pharmacist said: 'Some research shows that an active ingredient called theobromine in cocoa can act as cough suppressant. 

'However, do remember that chocolate is not intrinsically healthy and most contain high levels of sugar. If you've had a cough for more than three weeks after a viral infection speak to your GP. If you are experiencing breathing difficulties or chest pain you should seek urgent medical advice.'

Advice: Children under six shouldn't have over-the-counter cough and cold remedies

4. Avoid cough and cold medicines

Children under six shouldn't have over-the-counter cough and cold remedies, including decongestants, unless advised by a GP or pharmacist, according to NHS Choices. 

The website states: 'Children often cough when they have a cold because of mucus trickling down the back of the throat. 

'If your child is feeding, drinking, eating and breathing normally and there's no wheezing, a cough isn't usually anything to worry about.

'If your child has a bad cough that won't go away, see your GP. If your child also has a high temperature and is breathless, they may have a chest infection. If this is caused by bacteria rather than a virus your GP will prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection. Antibiotics won't soothe or stop the cough straight away.'

5. Plenty of fluids 

Unwell children are often sweaty and runny noses often come hand-in-hand with coughs and colds. This means it is especially important for ill children to stay hydrated, according to Boots WebMD. 

The best kind of fluid depends on the age of the child. 

The website states: 'For babies, stick to breast milk or formula milk. An oral electrolyte solution designed for infants can also be given if advised by your doctor. Don't give plain water to babies younger than six months without medical advice; their kidneys can't process it correctly and an electrolyte imbalance may occur.

'For children older than 12 months, try water, diluted juice and milk.

'Sometimes parents hear that they shouldn't give milk because it promotes mucus building. That's an old wives' tale with no scientific evidence to back it up. It's especially important for babies to continue drinking breast milk or formula milk.'

Stay healthy: Unwell children are often sweaty and runny noses often come hand-in-hand with coughs and colds. This means it is especially important for ill children to stay hydrated

6. Echinacea (children 12 and over) 

One of the best thing to do to fight the common cold is to support the immune system with a supplement containing Echinacea purpurea root extract, according to Holland & Barrett nutritionist Elizabeth Wall.

The herb is used in traditional medicinal products to relieve the symptoms of the common cold and influenza type infections.

She said: 'Holland & Barrett Echiflu Echinacea Capsules (RRP £9.99 for 30 capsules) won't relieve your symptoms instantly but it will ultimately help the body to fight infection faster and, in some cases, prompt action can even stop a cold from fully developing.' It can be taken by children 12 years and up.  

7. Chicken soup

It's an age-old remedy that mothers and grandmothers have sworn by for years. In fact, there are mentions of chicken broth being used by Ancient Greek physicians.

They would make a broth using the bones of the meat or poultry, add any leftover vegetables and cook slowly for a nourishing meal. 

Bone stock is packed full of nutrients, including gelatin, collagen and a host of vitamins and minerals to help heal you and recover quickly.

Additionally, the salt in the broth and its warmth can soothe a sore throat. Breathing in the steam can also help loosen up congestion. 

Vicky Pennington, Boots UK Nutritionist says: 'Although chicken soup can help to momentarily soothe a sore throat and relieve congestion, so can many hot foods and drinks. 

'The amount of protein and nutrients in the chicken in the soup will not have a direct effect on your health but eating healthily and keeping hydrated will better support your body's recovery so stay away from junk food. 

'Instead, try snacking on foods that are packed with vitamin C such as citrus fruits, red peppers and watercress.'