The Use of Non-pharmacological Herbs in Treating Cough and Respiratory Symptoms in Saudi Arabia: a Multi-center Study

Background: Herbal medicinal products, a subgroup of complementary and alternative therapy (CAM), are widely used for pediatric respiratory symptoms in Saudi Arabia. How-ever, regional variations and safety concerns remain understudied. Objective: This study examines the prevalence and patterns of herbal remedy use for cough and respiratory illness among Saudi children. Methods: A multi-center cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted across five Saudi regions (N=475). Data were collected via a validated questionnaire (Cronbach’s α = 0.85) and analyzed using SPSS v25. Results: The mean age was 3.97 ± 3.60 years. Herbal remedy use was highest in the Western province (37.8%, p <0.001). Sesame oil (19.8%) and olive oil (18.2%) were most com-mon. Family/friends provided 82.8% of advice. Self-rated improvement was "excellent/good" in 59.9%, with 96.6% reporting no adverse ef-fects. Fathers with postgraduate degrees used fewer herbal remedies (p=0.003). Conclusion: Herbal remedy use is prevalent, emphasizing the need for healthcare providers to document usage and educate families. Further research is required to evaluate efficacy and safety.