Natural Respiratory Support For Kids†: How To Choose Between Bronchial Calm™, D-Congest™, and Lung Clear & Cleanse™

Knowing which herbal remedy to reach for and when can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your child comfortable. This article walks you through three of our most trusted respiratory formulas and helps you decide which one fits your child’s needs best.

Children’s airways are smaller and their immune systems are still maturing, which means they can be more prone to congestion, coughs, and respiratory discomfort (1,2). Research confirms that the smaller dimensions of a child’s airways, combined with an immature immune response, create greater susceptibility to respiratory challenges, especially in infancy and the early toddler years (1).  

Herbal formulas have a long history of use for supporting respiratory wellness in children (3,4). In my practice, I reach for different formulas depending on what’s happening. Is the child dealing with an occasional cough? Are they congested and sniffly? Or are they in recovery mode after immune challenges? Each scenario calls for a different approach… And that’s exactly why these three formulas exist!

Children’s airways are smaller and their immune systems are still maturing, which means they can be more prone to congestion, coughs, and respiratory discomfort (1,2). Research confirms that the smaller dimensions of a child’s airways, combined with an immature immune response, create greater susceptibility to respiratory challenges, especially in infancy and the early toddler years (1).  

Herbal formulas have a long history of use for supporting respiratory wellness in children (3,4). In my practice, I reach for different formulas depending on what’s happening. Is the child dealing with an occasional cough? Are they congested and sniffly? Or are they in recovery mode after immune challenges? Each scenario calls for a different approach… And that’s exactly why these three formulas exist!

Each of the following formulas has been carefully formulated to support different aspects of respiratory wellness. Here's how they compare at a glance:

The classic bronchial support formula with almost 1,000 five-star reviews from parents across the nation: Our well-loved formula Bronchial Calm™ Kids combines several traditionally used herbs known for their expectorant and soothing properties in the respiratory tract.† This remedy was formulated to support comfort in the bronchial passages during times of occasional respiratory discomfort.†

• Organic Licorice Root: Traditionally used for its soothing properties in the respiratory tract; one pilot study found that licorice extract supported healthy immune cell activity in human subjects (5).†
• Ethically Wild Harvested Mullein Leaf: One of the most well-studied lung herbs, traditionally used for bronchial comfort; its mucilaginous and saponin constituents are thought to contribute to healthy mucus clearance and soothing of the respiratory tract (3).†

Lovage Root, Fresh Yerba Santa Leaf, Wild Cherry Bark, Pleurisy Root, Organic Fresh Lobelia Herb

• Supporting comfort during occasional coughs†
• Soothing the bronchial passages†
• Acute immune support during minor respiratory challenges†
• Times when an herbal blend that supports mucus clearing is desired†

Bronchial Calm™ Kids is Non-GMO Verified, doctor-formulated, and third-party tested.

D-Congest™ Kids is a fully USDA Organic formula designed to support healthy sinus and nasal passages.† It is a great option when your child is dealing with occasional minor congestion, particularly around seasonal transitions or times of elevated environmental exposure (6).†

• Organic Mullein Leaf: Supports comfortable breathing and healthy mucus clearance; traditional use is well-documented across multiple cultures (3,4).†
• Organic Marshmallow Root: A demulcent herb that coats and calms mucous membranes; research supports its use for symptomatic relief of occasional, minor throat and respiratory irritation (7,8).†

Organic Thyme Herb, Organic Plantain Leaf, Organic Elderflower, Organic Lemon Balm Aerial Parts, Organic Chamomile Flower, Organic Licorice Root

• Sinus and nasal congestion support†
• Pollen season and environmental challenges†
• Immune support during common respiratory seasons†
• Children who need extra sinus-specific care†

D-Congest™ Kids is USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Verified, doctor-formulated, and third-party tested.

Lung Clear & Cleanse™ Kids takes a longer-view approach to respiratory wellness.† Rather than focusing solely on acute comfort, this formula is designed to support the respiratory tract over time, helping maintain clear airways, provide antioxidant support, and nourish lung tissue.†

• Organic Astragalus Root: An adaptogenic herb traditionally used to support immune defense and vitality; one notable pilot human study found that astragalus tincture stimulated immune cell activation (5).†
• Organic Mullein Leaf: A foundational lung herb supporting comfortable, clear breathing; used for centuries for pulmonary complaints across diverse herbal traditions (3,4).†
• Organic Echinacea Angustifolia Root: A well-studied herb for immune support. Clinical research, including randomized controlled trials, has evaluated echinacea extracts in the context of respiratory health (9).†

Organic Codonopsis Root, Organic Plantain Leaf, Organic Rosehips Fruit, Organic Marshmallow Root, Organic Spearmint Leaf

• Ongoing respiratory wellness and lung tonic support†
• Recovery support after periods of respiratory challenge†
• Antioxidant and immune support†
• Children who benefit from a restorative, long-term formula†

Lung Clear & Cleanse™ Kids is USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Verified, doctor-formulated, and third-party tested.

Every child is different, and only your healthcare provider can guide you on what's right for your child. That said, understanding what each formula was designed to support can help you have a more informed conversation with your provider.

Bronchial Calm™ Kids was formulated with bronchial comfort and occasional coughs in mind.† 

D-Congest™ Kids was formulated to support the sinuses and nasal passages, particularly during times of seasonal environmental challenge.† 

Lung Clear & Cleanse™ Kids was formulated for ongoing respiratory wellness and long-term immune support.†

In many cases, yes. These formulas can be used together when a child has overlapping respiratory symptoms and needs support in more than one area at the same time. However, it is important to be mindful of dosing guidelines.

Our herbal remedies are designed to work well together and can typically be used at their labeled suggested use for short periods (up to one week). 

If your child needs ongoing support beyond that, it’s best to stay within the total daily amount across products. A simple way to think about this: 

• 2 remedies → about half of each 
• 3 remedies → about one-third of each

To learn more about supplement dosage for kids, read this article: How To Calculate Supplement Dosages For Kids 

Always consult your healthcare provider before combining supplements, especially for younger children. And always follow age-appropriate dosing guidelines as listed on each product label.

These formulas are designed to support everyday respiratory wellness and comfort.† They are not substitutes for medical care. If your child has a high fever, difficulty breathing, persistent or worsening symptoms, or any signs of a serious respiratory condition, please seek evaluation from your healthcare provider promptly.

All three of these formulas — Bronchial Calm™ Kids, D-Congest™ Kids, and Lung Clear & Cleanse™ Kids — are doctor-formulated and third-party tested. Each was carefully formulated to support children’s respiratory health naturally†. The right choice depends on your child’s specific needs. As always, if you’re unsure which formula is best for your child, reach out to your healthcare provider.

1. Pickles RJ. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and its propensity for causing bronchiolitis. J Pathol. 2015 Jan;235(2):266-76. PMID: 25361572. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5638117/ 
2. Roth M, Zhao F. Chronic inflammation of upper airways in children: basic principles. Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis. 2013 Apr;130(2):87-92. PMID: 23431610. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23431610/ 
3. Turker AU, Camper ND. Biological activity of common mullein, a medicinal plant. J Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Oct;82(2-3):117-25. PMID: 12241984. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16222647/ 
4. Blazics B, Alberti A, Fittler A, et al. Searching for Scientific Explanations for the Uses of Spanish Folk Medicine: A Review on the Case of Mullein (Verbascum, Scrophulariaceae). Plants (Basel). 2021 Jul;10(7):1447. PMID: 34371649. PMC8301161. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8301161/ 
5. Brush J, Mendenhall E, Guggenheim A, et al. The effect of Echinacea purpurea, Astragalus membranaceus and Glycyrrhiza glabra on CD69 expression and immune cell activation in humans. Phytother Res. 2006 Aug;20(8):687-95. PMID: 16807880. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16807880/ 
6. Fokkens WJ, Lund VJ, Hopkins C, et al. Herbal Medicine in Acute and Chronic Sinusitis; Still a Cinderella? Front Allergy. 2025 Mar;6:1487988. PMC11893696. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11893696/ 
7. Fink C, Schiller P, Koch A, et al. Marshmallow root extract for the treatment of irritative cough: Two surveys on users’ view on effectiveness and tolerability. Complement Med Res. 2018;25(5):299-305. PMID: 30064132. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30064132/ 
8. Deters A, Zippel J, Hellenbrand N, et al. Aqueous extracts and polysaccharides from Marshmallow roots (Althea officinalis L.): cellular internalisation and stimulation of cell physiology of human epithelial cells in vitro. J Ethnopharmacol. 2010 Jan 8;127(1):62-9. PMID: 19799989. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19799989/ 
9. Schapowal A, Klein P, Johnston SL. Echinacea reduces the risk of recurrent respiratory tract infections and complications: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Adv Ther. 2015 Mar;32(3):187-200. PMID: 25784510. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25784510/